April 2011.

Dear Friends

I never thought that I would be in the position of writing a Farewell Letter to members of Monaghan Collegiate School, past and present. My association with the School began in 2002 when I became Bishop of Clogher and I have enjoyed every minute of it. The School is unique in that it serves the people of County Monaghan in a way that respects the ethos and also pushes out the boundaries. Pupils and teachers alike show a tremendous pride in the School and in my experience have been willing to give of their best in all ways. For a numerically small school, the Collegiate plays its part vigorously in the life of similar schools across Ireland at every level.

The development of school plant for the future over the past number of years has been a great delight and my hope and prayer are that the School will continue to flourish as individuals and community alike forge ahead into pathways yet unknown. It has been my privilege to work with a tremendously knowledgeable and committed Board of Governors who are ever willing to offer to the School their own experience and professional knowledge. I have likewise greatly enjoyed working with two Principals, Mr Hall and Mr Reid. Mrs Siobhan O’Connor, School Administrator, remains outstanding.

My hope for you all is that the flag of Monaghan Collegiate School will continue to fly high over the country and that successive generations of pupils, staff and teachers will derive the same pleasure from their association with the School as have I.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Jackson,
Bishop of Clogher