Ms. Nicola Barrett
Principal
Nicola Barrett began her teaching career at St. Joseph’s College, Presentation Convent, Lucan, Co. Dublin, as a German and Italian teacher. In 2003 she moved to Blackwater Community School, Lismore While there, Nicola introduced German to the curriculum for students from 1st to 6th year and Italian to Transition Year and Leaving-Cert Applied students. She was also School Development Planning Secretary and Year Head. While teaching in Blackwater Community School, Lismore, Nicola completed a Masters in Management of Education achieving a First Class Honours.
In 2015 Nicola was appointed Deputy Principal of Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown. In 2016 Nicola left Mitchelstown to become Principal of Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane, Cork. While there Nicola introduced many new initiatives, policies and procedures including a Positive Code of Behaviour which recognises and acknowledges the attitude and endeavour of each student and places a focus on what the student can achieve. She introduced a mentoring programme for exam students which gave them individual attention and care throughout their exam year. She oversaw a building works project, introduced an ASD class and sourced funding which saw an overhaul in the IT systems in the school. Nicola remained Principal of Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane for 5 years before taking up the position as the founding Principal of Le Chéile Secondary School, Ballincollig in 2021.
Ms. Jennifer Hickey
Deputy Principal
Jennifer completed her undergraduate studies in UCC in History & Sociology. She completed a Masters in 2001 in Marketing and Business in Dublin Institute of Technology. She qualified from UCC as a teacher of History & CSPE in 2003. Jennifer began her teaching career in Colaiste Bride, Enniscorthy where she taught History, CSPE, SPHE & Business. She then pursued a qualification in Guidance & Counselling in 2006 and took up a Guidance Counsellor position in St. Mary's Secondary School, Mallow in 2007. Throughout her time in St. Marys Jennifer was appointed Year Head, Wellbeing Co-orindator and in 2020 as Deputy Principal.
As an experienced Deputy Principal she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Senior Leadership team at Le Chéile Secondary School, Ballincollig.