Fiona Collins
Principal of St Francis Street CBS, Dublin, an Ashoka Changemaker School
Fiona Collins is the principal of inner-city primary school Francis Street C.B.S., a position she has held for ten years. Located in the Liberties area of Dublin, the school’s ethos is based on emotional resilience and emphasizes the importance of social and emotional learning, problem solving, and teamwork.
By focusing on embracing the radical diversity of her staff and student body as a basis for empowerment, she has tackled many of the challenging realities facing both teachers and students in Ireland today.
Under her leadership, the teachers and pupils of Francis St. C.B.S. have developed an empathy-based methodology programme. This collaboration has greatly enhanced the school experience for pupils, as well as encouraging greater leadership and autonomy for teachers.
Fiona has featured in the national press and television, and regularly lectures on Social Inclusion and Poverty in St. Patrick's College at Dublin City University – the largest teacher training college in Ireland. She holds a Masters in Education with a focus on Educational Disadvantage.
In 2014, Francis Street C.B.S. was selected to join the global network of Ashoka Changemaker Schools. This programme recognises schools with a proven record of, and innovative approach to, developing students as changemakers.