De La Salle College Dundalk facts for kids

De La Salle College, Dundalk is a secondary school for boys in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. It also has a special year for students repeating their Leaving Certificate exams, which is open to both boys and girls. The school has recently built new parts to its campus.

School History

The De La Salle school first opened in Dundalk in 1899. It began in a place called Castletown. In 1979, the secondary school moved to its current location on the Castleblayney Road. New building work started in 1997. Today, about 750 students attend the school.

School Symbols and Sayings

What the Crest Means

The school crest has a star on a shield. Green ferns are on each side of the shield. Below the shield, there are Latin words: "Signum Fidei." This means "The Sign of Faith," and it refers to the star. It reminds people of the story of the Three Wise Men who followed the Star of Bethlehem. They trusted it would lead them to God.

The School Motto

The Latin phrase "Recta Sapere" is the motto for De La Salle College, Dundalk. It means "Right Judgement" or "Knowing what is Right." This motto encourages students to always make good choices.

How the School is Run

Board of Management

The De La Salle Brothers are in charge of the college. A group called the Board of Management helps run the school. This Board makes decisions about school rules, money, buildings, and hiring teachers. They make sure the school offers a great education. The school Principal is also part of this Board.

Parents Association

The Parents Association has parents chosen from different areas. New members are picked each year. This group supports the Principal, school leaders, teachers, and students. They help create good relationships between parents, teachers, and students. They also help raise money for extra school resources.

Student Council

The Student Council is a group that shares the ideas and opinions of students. They get involved in many activities around the school. Students on the council receive special training at the start of the school year. They learn important skills like teamwork and leadership.

School Uniform

Like many schools in Ireland and the UK, students at De La Salle College wear a special uniform. This uniform helps everyone know they are students of the college. The uniform includes:

• Grey trousers
• Grey shirt
• Polar blue jumper with the school crest
• Black blazer or fleece with the school crest
• A school tie (the design is different for younger students and those doing their Leaving Cert)
• Grey socks

Famous Former Students

• Steve Staunton: A famous former Ireland football player and manager.
• Martin Naughton: An Irish businessman who started the company Glen Dimplex.
• Brendan O'Dowda: A well-known Irish singer (tenor).
• Paddy Keenan: A Gaelic footballer who played for Louth.
• Michael O'Connor: A professional footballer who played for the Republic of Ireland U21 team.