05/06/2026
Appointment of New Principal to St. Columba’s College
The Board of Management of St. Columba's College is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Jennifer Kelly as the new Principal of the College, effective from 1st September 2026. Ms. Kelly brings a wealth of educational experience, leadership, and commitment to student achievement and wellbeing. The Board is confident that she will build upon the strong traditions of excellence, care, and community that have long been associated with St. Columba's College.
Originally from Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Jennifer has had experience of working in both the Voluntary and ETB sectors since 2004. She initially worked in Colaiste Choilm, Swords, Co. Dublin for eleven years as a teacher of English and AEN. She then moved to coordinate the first special class for children with autism in Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer, Co. Louth and spent a further three years as a teacher of English and AEN in St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny.
Jennifer joined the Senior Leadership Team in St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda, Co. Louth as Deputy Principal in 2019. During her time in St. Joseph’s Jennifer has led many SSE teaching and learning initiatives and has fostered a culture of student-centred care through her work leading student support teams. She also worked as an associate with the JCT in the area of Whole School Development from 2019 - 2022. Jennifer has a keen interest in supporting collaborative practice to enhance teaching and learning and is very much looking forward to connecting with the students, staff and parents of St. Columba’s College.
Speaking about her new appointment, Jennifer said “I am leaving one amazing school community in Drogheda to join another equally brilliant school in Stranorlar. I am thrilled to have been afforded the privilege of leading St. Columba’s College through the next very exciting phase of a state-of-the-art new build with educational and extra-curricular facilities that will be second to none for our students and staff. The dedication of the outgoing Principal Mr. Tom Rowan, the Deputy Principals and their wonderful staff in providing quality teaching and learning rooted in an ethos of care, togetherness, responsibility and respect is one that I will nurture and support in the coming years.”
The Board of Management warmly welcomes Jennifer to this important role and look forward to working together as we continue to support and inspire our students to reach their full potential.
