Dear Parents and Guardians,
It has been quite a start to the school year at Mount Temple. From welcoming our First Years to welcoming back four rather familiar past pupils, we have packed a lot into these opening weeks. Midterm gives us a chance to catch our breath and look back on a term that has already given us plenty to remember.
Our First Years have taken a lot in their stride since August. The camps helped them get to know one another, and it has been great to see them settling in and finding their feet. At the other end of the school, well done to our Sixth Years on completing their recent exams. I hope they make time for a proper rest this week.
We were delighted to celebrate our students’ Junior Cycle results this term, recognising the work they had put in over the previous three years. Our LCA coffee morning was another lovely occasion. It was great to welcome parents into the school, and the students did themselves proud in hosting and looking after everyone so well.
Then, of course, there was U2. Even now, it is hard to believe that Bono, The Edge, Adam and Larry spent their anniversary week with us before playing for staff and students on the same stage where they had performed 50 years earlier. Four schoolmates who went on to achieve so much together came back to give us an experience we will never forget. Our students were a credit to the school, and the band clearly enjoyed it too. I imagine quite a few students were the envy of their parents that afternoon!
It was great to hear how much Mount Temple still means to them. Bono spoke about the sense that “maybe all we needed was around us”, in their schoolmates and community, and about the many teachers who had shaped their lives. We are very proud of them, and honoured and grateful that they chose to share this occasion with us.
Their visit was also a reminder of something we value at Mount Temple: giving students room to further develop friendships, discover their passions, interests and talents beyond their academic subjects. Activities across the arts and sport are now well underway, offering opportunities to try something new, build friendships and find something they love. Both the Sports Council and Arts Council have recently asked for voluntary contributions to support this work. These activities simply could not happen without the support of parents and guardians. Thank you to those who have contributed, and please support these appeals if you are in a position to do so.
We are looking forward to having the Gym Hall back in use following the electrical and heating upgrades. It will be particularly welcome as we head into winter. The wider rebuild is progressing too, with April 2027 remaining the current target for completion of Phase 1. We know the works bring disruption, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the new facilities take shape.
As we finish for the break, I want to thank all our staff for their work and care throughout these weeks. Thank you also to parents and guardians for your continued support, particularly your understanding during the current industrial action. We recognise the difficulties that changes to arrangements and communication can cause for families, and we greatly appreciate your patience and flexibility.
I hope you and your families enjoy the break, get some time to relax together and have a happy and safe Halloween. We look forward to seeing everyone back after midterm.
David Bane
App Applications for 1st year 2026 have now closed.
