ST JOSEPH’S College, Enniskillen has appointed its first ever female principal in the form of Helena Palmer. Mrs Palmer took on the role on December 1 and replaces Jimmy Jackson-Ware, now principal at Erne Integrated College.
Mrs Palmer, who is a native of Omagh, has been living here for the past 40 years. She has been a teacher of music and drama at the school since 1997 and head of pastoral care for the past 14 years.
She and her husband, Andy have three children – Darragh (14), who is a student at St Joseph’s, Katie (130, who is a pupil at Mount Lourdes GS and Joe (10), a pupil at Holy Trinity PS.
Speaking this week, the new principal said she is looking forward to leading a school that has been such an important part of her teaching career.
“The staff and students of St Joseph’s College are without doubt among the best of people to work with. I am eager to build on the past successes of the school and to continue to ensure that every student is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential”, Mrs Palmer said.
The new head at the school is very aware that the leadership of St Joseph’s College presents a huge challenge at this time of proposed change to provision of post-primary education in the Catholic sector.
However, she is confident that, with full consultations with interested parties, students and staff of all schools we will be part of a new high quality, high achieving education system that will prepare all the young people of the area for their future in the best possible way.
St. Joseph’s College Open Day for P7 boys and their parents/carers takes place on Saturday 9th January from 10.30am until 1.30pm. Mrs Palmer is looking forward to another opportunity to showcase the talents and achievements of the students and to welcoming all prospective students on the day.
Mrs Palmer is a daughter of Peter McConnell, Seskinore and the late Anna (Franey) from Beragh.
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