Cian and Aisling chosen as head students at Edenderry school

Sixth year students Cian Tallon and Aisling Pender have been chosen for the roles of Head Boy and Head Girl during the 2020-2021 academic year at Oaklands Community College in Edenderry.

Principal Brian Kehoe made the announcement that Cian and Aisling (pictured above) had been chosen for the inaugural roles at the school.

The role involves representing the school and fellow students, as well as helping and encouraging members of the school community in all aspects of school life.

Speaking about his position, Cian Tallon said that he felt it was important to “encourage all aspects of diversity, of positive mental and physical health, and I hope that Aisling and I can be there for whatever reason to help anyone who may need it.”

He stated that he was looking forward to holding the position in the school, adding that it was “a great honour and a privilege” to be chosen for it.

“I feel in these uncertain times that it is important for us to work together and to maintain the norm as best we can. I hope that my experiences both inside and outside of school can be used to help anybody either starting in first year up as far students preparing for their next step, whatever it may be.”

In sending advice to the students of the school, Cian was mindful of the need for a careful and socially distanced safe school environment.

He explained: “I think my advice for all students is to try to be as comfortable and as safe as possible while following the recommended guidelines. I also advise any student to try and do something they enjoy or are interested in, as this makes learning less of a task and more enjoyable.

“I found that hard work is the main ingredient but also it is important to have something that you enjoy outside of school no matter how big or small to find a balance between school life and home life.”

Aisling also explained the importance of leadership in the role.

“It is important for Cian and I to be there for the students and to provide leadership to them, especially with the new routines and procedures in our daily school life,” she said.

Like Cian, she felt it was “important to have a balance between work and leisure activities and to mind ourselves as best we can as we go about our school day.”

Aisling was keen to congratulate the class of 2020 on their Leaving Certificate Calculated Graded which came out on September 7.

“I would like to welcome Mr Kehoe to the school this year and on behalf of myself and students here we look forward to working with him this year and into the future.

“I would also at this time like to give a special mention to remember Gerry Connolly, RIP, who had such a positive influence on my experiences here at Oaklands from first year.”

Staff and management at the school wished both Cian and Aisling every success in their new roles.