Media Library

Speeches

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO STUDENTS AT CBS JAMES’ STREET, DUBLIN

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO STUDENTS AT CBS JAMES' STREET, DUBLIN 8 MONDAY 8TH MARCH 1999

A Lucht éisteachta, a mhuínteoirí, a thuismitheoirí agus a mhic leinn. Dia dhaoibh go léir ar maidin. Tá an-áthas orm a bheith anseo inniú agus a bheith í lathair ag ceiliúradh bronnadh na nduaiseanna.

I have great pleasure in being back in CBS James St., following my visit last year to the primary school which I greatly enjoyed. Indeed, I had already met some of the primary pupils on their visit to the Aras. I am delighted to be able to make a return visit, this time to the secondary school and I would like to thank your Principal, Mr Joe Kennedy, for inviting me to present these Awards to you.

It is always a great pleasure to participate in ceremonies such as this which acknowledge and reward the achievements of young people. This ceremony in particular is special because it not only reflects your achievements in the eyes of your teachers, but also of your peers. I am delighted to see so many students, teachers and parents represented here today. It is all of these parties working in partnership which is so essential in ensuring that the needs of our students are met in all their different aspects - academic, social, psychological and religious - that they are equipped with the skills for life and lifelong learning.

We are in a school with a strong tradition and ethos. This is recognised in naming these awards after the founder of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice. I know that the Awards represent not just the students' academic achievements but also those qualities which make them individuals that this school and this society can be proud of - people whose talents and skills are blossoming, who have set goals and achieved them, who have shown how much they have to contribute to their school and community, who deserve our recognition and congratulations.

Awards such as these, which reinforce the positive aspects of students' achievements, are tremendously important. We all need encouragement and support. I know from my own school days how important that encouragement is, how vital it is to have good role models, to be given recognition for doing well. That recognition provides a sense of self-confidence and self-belief that will enable you to make the most of your future opportunities.

The involvement of the school in last year's Leargás documentary not only provided Ireland with some potential new film stars, but on a more serious note was an indicator of how well the school has done and how it strives to develop students' potential in spite of the difficulties they may face.

As you know, despite living north of the Liffey, I share the same Dublin 8 address as St. James' CBS!. This is an area with many social and economic problems, many of which touch the lives of students. We are all aware of the problems brought about by the abuse of alcohol and drugs, the scourge of unemployment, which destroy lives and destroy potential. The threat that these issues pose for our young people cannot be underestimated. In this school, parents, teachers and students work together to meet these challenges and to ensure that, whatever difficulties arise, are faced together, in a supportive and caring environment.

You have a wonderful good school here. This is a tribute to the teachers, staff and parents and it does not happen without a good deal of hard work and commitment. I hope that everyoneenjoys the day and I once again offer my congratulations to those who are receiving their Certificates. I wish you all the best in the future.

Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.