Stratford College is a fee-paying, voluntary secondary school recognised by the Irish Department of Education under the Patronage of the Dublin Hebrew Community. Its Patron Body is called Dublin Talmud Torah . It is the duty of the Board of Management (BOM) to manage the school on behalf of the Patron in compliance with DE Rules and Programmes,  the Articles of Management and all legislation. 

A recognised school is defined under Section 10 of the Education Act 1998, and must provide a curriculum as prescribed by the Minister for Education, it is in receipt of funds provided by the Oireachtas in respect of the education activities for students and the remuneration of teachers in that school.

Board of Management

School boards have regard to the principles of a democratic society, have to respect and promote respect for values, beliefs, traditions , languages and ways of life in society. 

Aoife Cassidy

Ms Aoife Cassidy (April 2025)

Aoife Cassidy has been appointed by the Trustees as Chairperson of the Board of Management

Aoife is a parent of four children and a qualified solicitor with many years of experience in commercial litigation and leadership. Aoife is a member of the Law Society of Ireland and serves on the Parents’ Association of Stratford College and Stratford NS.

Aoife studied Law and German at Trinity College Dublin, before embarking on a career as a solicitor with global law firm Allen & Overy LLP (now A&O Shearman), with whom she worked in Frankfurt and London. Upon her return to Dublin, Aoife worked with A&L Goodbody in its Litigation Department, before moving to the Central Bank of Ireland.

Currently on a career break, Aoife is married to James and is a full-time parent to their four children, two of whom are happy members of the Stratford school community, and two of whom will join Stratford in the coming years.

Ms Naomi Taylor - Trustee Nominee (October 2024)

Naomi is from Dublin and a member of the Dublin Jewish Community.  Her daughter attends Stratford College and she has worked in Stratford National School for the last four years. She was previously the chairperson of the Board of Management of Portlaoise Educate Together National School.

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Mrs Shengli Zhao- Parent Nominee (October 2024)

ShengLi was born in China and studying Biology teaching in China West Normal University for a Bachelor’s degree and then worked in Chengdu experimental school which is one of the best schools in Sichuan, China.

Shengli has been living in Ireland since 2006. She volunteered as a Chinese teacher in Aihua Chinese Community for five years. She also worked in the Chinese Embassy consular section for a couple of years and is currently working as a qualified accountant in a global IT company.

Mr Darren McQuillan - Parent Nominee (October 2024)

Ms Catherine Conlon - Teacher Nominee (October 2024)

Ms Delia Donohoe - Teacher Nominee (October 2024)

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Mr Shai Meyer - Trustee Nominee (October 2024)

Shai was born in Israel and moved to Ireland in 1998. His daughter has been at Stratford since Junior Infants and is now in 6th Year. Shai manages global projects for a large tech company and is excited to bring his skills and experience to the Board of Management, hoping to make a positive impact on the Stratford community in the years to come.

Mr Yonithan Joseph - Trustee Nominee (October 2024)

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Mr Nathan Barrett - Secretary to the Board (September 2024)

Mr Nathan Barrett was born in Dublin and attended the University of Ulster studying Music, followed by teacher training at Trinity College Dublin. Following qualification as a teacher of Music and RE, he went on to teach Music at Alexandra College. Nathan was subsequently appointed Head of Music, and Assistant Principal I. His postgraduate studies include Law and Education (King’s Inns), a Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (UL), a Diploma in Life and Leadership Coaching (CSL) and a Master of Education in School Leadership (UL)

Nathan is author of Maestro Junior Cycle Music textbook and Encore, Leaving Certificate Music textbook both published by educate.ie. He is a member of the Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools (AMCSS), the Irish School Heads Association (ISA), the Post Primary Music Teacher's Association (PPMTA) and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). Nathan is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the Association of Coaching.

Nathan is a Lecturer and Thesis Supervisor on the Professional Master of Education programme at UCD for which he was awarded a College Award for Exceptional Contribution to Teaching and Learning in the School of Education in 2024. He is also a School Placement Tutor on the BRelEd programme in DCU for which he was nominated for the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2021.


Board of Management Reports

Trustees

Dublin Talmud Torah is the Patron Body of Stratford Schools (Stratford National School and Stratford College Secondary School).

Middle Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

Along with the Principal and Deputy Principal, there are six additional Assistant Principals with the following roles and responsibilities.

To promote, support and collaborate with students on their roles and responsibilities to their environment as part of our school community.

Overall responsibility for a year group while maintaining an orderly, secure and healthy learning environment in a manner that demonstrates equality, fairness and justice

Lead the school’s engagement in a continuous process of self-evaluation; develop and promote a system of professional responsibility and accountability; foster professional development that enriches teachers’ and students’ learning

Promote and facilitate the development of student voice, student participation, and student leadership.

Overall responsibility for the implementation of the relevant programmes ie Transition Year and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme; manage the planning and implementation of the curriculum

Manage the school’s ICT resources to create and maintain a learning organisation

Responsible for co-ordinating activities and events (including themed cross curricular, extra curricular sporting etc) throughout the year which promote a healthy and sustainable environment and culture of wellbeing for staff and students.

Promote and facilitate student participation, student leadership, inclusion, equality of opportunity and the holistic development of each student