At OAK International, we continue to move forward with a clear vision for the future. Today, we share an important milestone for our community in Ireland: a leadership transition that marks the beginning of a new chapter for OAK Ireland, integrating Woodlands and Dublin Oak as one unified boarding school with two formative environments. 

A New Stage for OAK Ireland 

As part of this transition, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Valerie McGovern as Executive Director of OAK Ireland, effective July 1, 2026. 

With more than 40 years of experience in international education, and originally from Ireland, Valerie brings a strong background in leadership, institutional development, and the formation of multicultural educational communities. 

“I am honored to join OAK Ireland at this important moment and look forward to serving its students, families, and faculty with dedication and enthusiasm.” – Valerie McGovern 

Her career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, strategic growth, and integral student formation, having led institutions across Ireland, the United States, Spain, and Mexico. She also brings extensive experience in boarding school environments, making her uniquely positioned to lead this next phase for OAK Ireland.  

This new stage represents a key moment in the consolidation of OAK Ireland as one boarding school with two distinct formative environments, designed to respond to the needs and developmental processes of both girls and boys, while maintaining a unified identity and shared educational vision. 

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership 

At the same time, we express our deepest gratitude to Cecilia Azcúnaga for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past eleven years. 

Cecilia has played a fundamental role in guiding the growth of Woodlands and, more recently, in leading the integration of both boarding schools as Executive Director of OAK Ireland. Her leadership has been marked by commitment, resilience, and genuine care for each student and family, helping build a strong and aligned educational community.  

Her work has been especially meaningful during key moments of transformation, including the reopening of Dublin Oak and the consolidation of a shared vision for OAK Ireland.  

We are also grateful that Ceci will continue her mission in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has been assigned to serve with the same dedication and spirit that have characterized her work here. 

Looking Ahead 

This transition comes at a key moment, as OAK International continues advancing its Strategic Plan 2026–2031, strengthening its global network and ensuring alignment across all its boarding schools. 

With Valerie’s leadership, OAK Ireland enters a new chapter focused on unity, consistency, and excellence, where both Woodlands and Dublin Oak will continue to grow under one shared identity, offering students a formative experience that integrates academic rigor, personal development, and international perspective. 

This transition reflects OAK International’s long-term commitment to strong leadership, continuity, and the sustained growth of its educational communities. 

Experience growth. Experience OAK. 

At Le Châtelard, education goes beyond academics. Parents’ Week is a special opportunity to strengthen the connection between students, families, and the school community through shared experiences across Switzerland.

Throughout the week, parents and daughters enjoyed meaningful moments on campus and in some of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, including Bern, Gruyères, and Geneva. These activities created opportunities for learning, reflection, and unforgettable family memories.

A Meaningful Start: Fathers and Daughters

Parents’ Week began with a special day dedicated to fathers and daughters. The day opened with a conference by Principal Federica Páez on the emotional development of students.

Fathers and daughters then shared activities such as a painting class and a Cordon Bleu session with Chef Thomas Revelle, where they prepared a lava cake together. A particularly meaningful moment was the “Questions” exercise, which created space for honest conversation between each father and daughter.

The day concluded with Adoration, a peaceful moment shared between God, father, and daughter.

While fathers spent the day on campus, mothers traveled to Bern for a guided tour of the historic Old Town. They explored the UNESCO-listed city center, walked through its medieval streets, and visited the famous Zytglogge,, enjoying a cultural experience in the heart of Switzerland.

Mothers and Daughters: Learning and Growing Together

Another highlight of Parents’ Week was the day dedicated to mothers and daughters. The day began with a conference by Margarita Martínez about understanding and supporting teenagers during adolescence.

Together, mothers and daughters participated in a Savoir Vivre etiquette class and a Cordon Bleu session with Chef Thomas Revelle, where they prepared a pistachio and raspberry pound cake while sharing laughter and teamwork.

The day also concluded with Adoration, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude.

Meanwhile, fathers visited Geneva for a cultural excursion. During a guided tour, they explored the Old Town, visited St. Pierre Cathedral, admired the Jet d’Eau, and toured the United Nations Office at Geneva, learning about its international mission and global impact.

Family Day in Gruyères and Broc

One of the most memorable moments of the week was Family Day in Gruyères.

Families began with Mass at the historic Église Saint-Théodule, followed by a traditional Swiss lunch with fondue and a classic meringue with raspberries and Gruyère cream.

The day ended with a visit to Maison Cailler in Broc, where families discovered the history of chocolate and enjoyed a tasting together.

Parents’ Week at Le Châtelard highlights the importance of collaboration between families and schools. Sharing moments of learning, faith, culture, and conversation strengthens the bonds that support each student’s growth.

Experiences like these create meaningful connections and memories that last a lifetime.

Growing together as a family!

Dublin Oak proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new building, marking an important milestone in the school’s continued growth and commitment to integral formation in international education.

The new facilities were officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Before the doors opened, Executive Director Cecilia Azcúnaga delivered an inspiring speech, followed by a special blessing from Father Kevin O´Byrne L.C., highlighting the school’s mission to form students academically, personally, and spiritually.

Once the ribbon was cut, the boys were invited to explore the new spaces for the first time. Their excitement was undeniable, especially when discovering the new games room and golf simulator.

Spaces That Inspire Learning and Discovery

The new science lab provides students with a modern environment for hands-on experimentation and discovery. It strengthens critical thinking, curiosity, and practical learning, key pillars of the OAK educational model.

The art room offers a dedicated space for creativity and expression, allowing students to develop artistic skills while fostering imagination and innovative thinking.

Enhancing Student Life and Wellbeing

Beyond academics, the new building also enriches daily student life. The games room, TV room and golf simulator create spaces for relaxation and community, strengthening friendships and shared experiences.

The golf simulator adds a unique dimension to extracurricular development, encouraging focus, discipline, and skill-building in a dynamic and engaging way.

The addition of a school shop provides convenience within campus life, while the new office for the school’s psychologist reinforces Dublin Oak’s commitment to student wellbeing and formation.

At OAK, we believe that truly transformative experiences do not end when an international program comes to a close. On the contrary, they stay with you, shape you, and become part of who you are for life.

For more than 50 years, OAK has been shaping hearts and minds through international education. Today, that legacy lives on through a global network of more than 30,000 Alumni who carry the OAK experience with them wherever life takes them.

That is why OAK Alumni exists: a community that brings together everyone who has lived the OAK experience. Because at OAK, you simply need to have lived the experience.

What does it mean to be an OAK Alumni?

Being an OAK Alumni means belonging to an international network of people who chose to step out of their comfort zone, open themselves to the world, and live a formative experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

An OAK Alumni is someone who:

• Lived an intercultural experience.
• Developed independence, leadership, and responsibility.
• Grew academically, personally, and as a human being.
• Learned to see the world from a broader perspective.

The OAK experience does not live only in memories; it becomes part of your story, your identity, and your way of seeing life.

A community that goes beyond borders

By becoming part of OAK Alumni, you join a community that crosses countries, generations, and professional paths. It is a network of people who share something powerful in common: the courage to live an experience that changed them forever.

OAK Alumni is not just a title. It is a bond. It is belonging. It is the opportunity to stay connected to an institution-and to people-who were part of a defining stage of your personal growth.

Being an OAK Alumni means recognizing that this experience is still alive:

• In the decisions you make.
• In the way you face new challenges.
• In the way you relate to the world.

A bond that stays with you forever

At OAK, we deeply believe in continuity, in stories that do not end, but evolve. Being part of our Alumni program means carrying with you a mark of international education, personal growth, and global vision that continues to guide you long after your program ends. Because once you are part of OAK, OAK stays with you forever.

We invite you to reconnect, share your story, and remain an active part of our global community. Stay connected to the friendships, values, and experiences that shaped your journey. Download the app now and discover all the benefits of being an OAK Alumni.

Once a student, forever Alumni!