School Information
St. Mary’s N.S. Ethos Statement
St. Mary’s N.S. is a Church of Ireland National School under the patronage of the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. It serves the Church of Ireland Carrigaline Union of Parishes, all those who are resident and accustomed parishioners. Our school was founded in 1842 and has been on the present site in Waterpark, Carrigaline since 1987. It is a co-educational school, comprising of eight mainstream classes and two classes for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The Church of Ireland is an ecumenical church and fulfils its ministry in a spirit of inclusiveness and openness to the needs and concerns of all in society. Traditionally, the school has welcomed pupils from the wider community along with those from the Carrigaline Union of Parishes. St. Mary’s N.S. is a school which, in accordance with the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018, serves mainly those of a ‘minority religion’.
The School motto, Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí – Praise the youth and they will flourish, is a core philosophy for the school. St. Mary’s N.S. is a community where pupils experience a sense of caring and belonging in a positive nurturing atmosphere where respect for each other is of paramount importance. We strive to foster the true potential of each child through the nurture of their spiritual, religious, emotional, intellectual and physical development. The school endeavours to complement the work of parents / guardians in the home and build on this relationship to enable the child to grow and develop to achieve their full potential in society.
The curriculum for Religious Education in St. Mary’s N.S. is Follow Me. This programme forms the framework for the Religious Education classes. Parish school links are encouraged and the Follow Me programme provides many opportunities for these links to be strengthened through use of prayer, music, church visits, and visits of the parish clergy to the classroom, visits by the Patron to the school and celebrations of principal festivals during the liturgical year. A weekly assembly is held in the school hall where all pupils and staff are present. This assembly, led by the local Rector and Principal, provides an opportunity to show the relevance of the Gospel and prayer in everyday life and to encourage all in their individual faith journey. Achievements by the pupils and special events are celebrated.
Members of the congregation of the Carrigaline Union of Parishes are invited to special school assemblies and services led by pupils and staff during the year. We believe that charitable giving is putting our faith into action and the pupils in the school are encouraged to take part in many charitable and social initiatives, often in tandem with the Parish. These include the Christian Aid Lenten programme, Cork Penny Dinners food collections, Care for Creation programme, World Day of Prayer, Compassion in World Farming initiatives and dress-up days for local charities eg. Simon, Mercy Hospital Heroes, Cork Downs Syndrome Centre. A separate information leaflet regarding the Follow Me curriculum is available for parents, guardians and applicants giving more detailed information.
The School Admissions Policy has been developed with the Patron and is devised in accordance with the law including, the Education Act 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, and the Equal Status Act 2000 as amended by the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018.
The School encourages and develops co-operation with parents through regular newsletters, text messages, parent teacher meetings, end of year reports and personal communication. Attendance at School functions such as end of term concerts, special assemblies, celebration days and sixth class graduation is encouraged. Parents, through the Parents Association, are encouraged to help with various activities and clubs within the school which take place during the year to develop and build the relationship between staff, pupils, parents and management at the school.
Staff development is encouraged and enabled through the meetings and workshops arranged by the Diocese where there is opportunity to meet with staff from other schools under Church of Ireland patronage.
St. Mary’s N.S. is an inclusive welcoming environment where we aim to develop an understanding of each other’s similarities and differences, strengths and needs where all in our school community are equally valued and respected. Each child is encouraged to take part in a variety of activities during school and outside class time where team spirit and participation by all, regardless of ability, is encouraged.
We look forward to hearing from those who are attracted to, or who share our values and ethos and may wish to become part of the school community in St. Mary’s NS.
