At OAK Ireland, education is built on relationships, shared experiences, and a strong sense of community. On June 5, students, staff, and families came together to celebrate the leadership and dedication of Cecilia Azcúnaga, Executive Director of OAK Ireland, as she concluded an important chapter after more than a decade of service.

For eleven years, Cecilia has been a guiding presence within the OAK Ireland community, helping shape the formation of students and contributing to the growth and development of both Woodlands and Dublin Oak.

A Community United in Gratitude

The celebration began with a special Mass attended by students from both Woodlands and Dublin Oak, offering a meaningful opportunity to give thanks for Cecilia’s leadership and the impact she has had on countless students and families throughout the years.

Following Mass, students lined the hallways to create a farewell corridor from the chapel to the front entrance of Woodlands. As Cecilia walked through, she was greeted with smiles, applause, messages of gratitude, and heartfelt good wishes from students and staff.

Outside, the entire community gathered to continue the celebration with signs, speeches, and expressions of appreciation that reflected the affection and gratitude felt across both schools.

A Day to Remember

The celebration concluded with a shared picnic where students and staff from Woodlands and Dublin Oak came together to enjoy the beautiful weather, meaningful conversations, and a sense of community that has always been at the heart of OAK Ireland.

More than a farewell, the day was a celebration of a legacy built through leadership, service, and commitment to student formation. It was an opportunity to recognize the lasting impact Cecilia has had on the lives of so many students, families, and colleagues.

Cecilia Azcúnaga’s leadership has helped shape OAK Ireland into the strong and united community it is today. Her dedication, vision, and commitment to the formation of young people will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators.

While one chapter comes to a close, the impact of Cecilia’s leadership will remain an important part of OAK Ireland’s story.

Experience growth. Experience OAK.

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.