Ethos

Scoil Naomh Mhuire is a Catholic School under the Patronage of Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin.

It is the duty of our school to prepare the children for the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation in accordance with the regulations of the Diocese.

Prayer is an important feature of our school day. Each day starts with Morning Prayer. Prayers before and after Meals are said at Break Times, the Angelus is saidin the Senior Room and Evening/Night Prayer is said before the children go home every day.

The Alive-O programme is taught in all the classes and the new Grow in Love Programme has been introduced in the Junior Room and will be extended to the Senior Room in 2017.

The Liturgical Seasons are part of the rhythm of our school year. The school actively engages in preparation for the various Feast Days of the year, namely St. Brigid’s, St. Patrick’s Day, Lent, Easter and Christmas.

The school aims at promoting the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the pupil, including his/her relationship with God, with other people and with the environment.

Children are encouraged to participate in parish activities appropriate to their age.

The school aims at fostering a sense of community between management, teachers, parents and pupils and a sense of insertion into the wider community of the parish. Gradually, the pupils acquire a sense of the Universal Church whose concern extends to all people.

A spirit of mutual respect is promoted within the school community. Pupils are drawn by example and teaching to appreciate and respect people of different religious affiliations and of different nationalities.

The School’s Code of Discipline reflects the Christian values promoted within the school and emphasis is on forgiveness, reconciliation, new beginnings and hope. Teachers are sensitive to the needs and particular circumstances of the school and of each child in the school. This is particularly so in the case of a small school.

The school recognises that the parents are the primary educators of their children and supports them in that role. Close contact is maintained between the school and the home. Parents and teachers support one another and collaborate with one another as partners in leading young pupils to the fullness of their potential at different stages.

Ancillary staff are highly esteemed and respected. It is recognised that their work makes a valued contribution to the process of education.

Teachers constantly inculcate the practice of charity, justice, truth, patience, obedience to lawful authority.

It is the responsibility of the school to provide a religious education that is consistent with its ethos and at the same time to be flexible in making alternative organisational arrangements for those who do not wish to avail of the particular religious education it offers. It is equally important that the beliefs and sensibilities of every child are respected.