Principal’s Message
Marie Flannery, Principal,
Salerno Secondary School
It is a privilege to serve as Principal of Salerno, a school with a proud tradition inspired by the vision of our Foundress, St Claudine Thévenet.
Our mission is to provide an outstanding education that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning while ensuring that every student is known, valued, and encouraged to realise her full potential.
As Principal, I have the privilege of leading a committed and talented team of professionals who share a common purpose: providing the highest quality educational experience for every student. Working in partnership with Jonathan McDonnell, Deputy Principal, middle management, Board of Management, and dedicated staff, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement that places teaching, learning, and student success at the centre of everything we do.
Strong leadership is built on shared responsibility. By empowering staff, developing leadership capacity across the school, and encouraging reflective practice, we strive to create an environment where excellence flourishes, new ideas are embraced, and every member of our community is supported to achieve their best.
We recognise that education is most successful when schools and families work together. The partnership we enjoy with our parents and guardians is fundamental to the success of our students, and we value the trust they place in us as we work together to prepare young people to meet the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing world with confidence, resilience, and integrity.
Salerno is a school that is ambitious for its students while remaining deeply rooted in the values of faith, compassion, respect, and service that have shaped our community for generations. We are committed not only to achieving the highest standards in teaching and learning but also to developing young women who will make a positive contribution to their communities and the wider world.
Deputy Principal’s Message
Jonathan McDonnell, Deputy Principal,
Salerno Secondary School
As Deputy Principal, my priority is to ensure that every student is supported to engage fully in school life, achieve her potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging within our community.
Every day brings opportunities to work alongside students, families, and colleagues to help young people overcome challenges, celebrate success, and make the most of the many opportunities available to them.
I work closely with our Special Education Team, Guidance Counsellors, Year Heads, Class Tutors, and Student Support Team to ensure that students receive the academic, pastoral, and wellbeing supports they need at every stage of their journey. By working collaboratively with parents and external agencies where appropriate, we seek to provide timely, responsive, and individualised support.
Student leadership and student voice are central to the life of our school. Through our Student Council, Prefects and other leadership initiatives, students are encouraged to take responsibility, contribute positively to school life, and develop the confidence and skills to lead by example. Their ideas and perspectives play an important role in shaping a school environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful.
Salerno is a school where relationships matter. We want every student to know that there is always someone to listen, encourage, and support them. By nurturing positive relationships and promoting wellbeing, we aim to create an environment where students feel safe to learn, challenge themselves, and grow into confident, compassionate young adults.