New Ballymahon Vocational School principal is keen to build on strong community links

Longford-Westmeath ETB has announced the appointment of Mr Michael O’Rourke as Principal of Ballymahon Vocational School in a permanent capacity. 

Mr O'Rourke has been working with and leading the school in an Acting capacity since March 2021. He will become the 9th Principal to Ballymahon Vocational School since its establishment in the 1940’s.

Originally from Carrick on Shannon in Co Leitrim, Mr O'Rourke began teaching in 2001 following graduation from the University of Limerick. 

As a teacher of Design & Communication Graphics, Construction Studies and Woodwork, Mr O'Rourke also worked with the State Examinations Commission on both practical and theory examinations at Junior and Senior Cycle over many years. 

Mr O'Rourke was appointed to the position of Deputy Principal of Templemichael College, Longford Town in 2013.

Ballymahon Vocational School is one of eight secondary schools managed by Longford-Westmeath ETB. It has a school population of 420 students. There are over 50 staff members including teachers, SNAs, secretary and ancillary staff.

Speaking following his appointment, Mr O'Rourke stated, “It is truly an honour to receive news of this appointment to the school in a permanent capacity. I look forward to continuing to work with and lead the management, staff and students here in Ballymahon Vocational School. 

“In my time here I have found the town and community to be very welcoming and proud of their Vocational School. The goodwill expressed and received at every opportunity for the school coupled with the support for our many activities is very strong. I look forward to building on these strong links and building more partnerships locally to enhance our presence in the community.”

Mr O’Rourke continued, “It is of paramount importance to me in the role of Principal that we continue to support all our students in achieving to the best of their ability in Ballymahon Vocational School, and that we prepare our students effectively for their life after post-primary education. This school is the very rock that our students start building their futures on or as Seamus Heaney puts it, “Believe, that a further shore is reachable from here”. We aim to give each individual in our care the best of opportunities and prepare them for life outside of BVS.”

While traditionally a Vocational school of the highest calibre, Mr O’Rourke says BVS now offers the widest subject choice and educational provision locally. “The school is committed to inclusion with the addition of a new Autism class in September 2022. We offer Junior Cycle including Level 2 Learning Programmes, a very successful Transition Year Programme, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate established. Within these programmes we are proud to stand over the recent addition of Leaving Certificate Physical Education and look forward to the addition of Leaving Certificate Computer Science.”

Mr O’Rourke concluded, “We are a school with excellent teachers and a strong focus on the development of the whole person. At Ballymahon Vocational School we live out our motto 'Where the Individual Matters' in all aspects of school life daily. All interactions and activities are opportunities for learning. This environment allows students to drive, strive and achieve excellence in all aspects of their school lives.”

In congratulating Mr O’Rourke, on his appointment, the management team in place at BVS said, “Ballymahon Vocational School has grown and developed into an excellent school with a quality teaching and learning curriculum being delivered everyday. We join with the entire school community in wishing him well in his role and we are confident that the ongoing development of the school will continue. We very much look forward to supporting him in his new role.”

“As a school of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board we are a State, Coeducational and Multi Denominational school. Ballymahon Vocational School welcomes students of all faiths and none. We foster inclusiveness and equality in a caring, respectful community.

“The entire school community of students, staff, parents, and Board members, welcome Mr O’Rourke’s full appointment, offering stability and consistency to Ballymahon Vocational School. The school community wishes him success in his new role and we are confident that he will not only steer Ballymahon Vocational School with great skill and enthusiasm but his achievement in taking on the leadership role at one of the established secondary schools in Co Longford, should motivate all of the pupils under his care to strive to reach the top in whatever career path they undertake.

“Mr O’Rourke takes up the role of Principal of Ballymahon Vocational School with immediate effect and we wish him many happy and productive years in his leadership role at Ballymahon Vocational School as it continues its mission of service to our young people.”