ABOUT ST. MARY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL CASTLEFINN
St. Mary’s N.S. Castlefinn is an seven – teacher school located on a large campus in the village of Castlefinn. The school has a current enrolment of 128 pupils. The staff consists of a teaching principal, five mainstream teachers, two special education teachers and two supply panel teachers. The school also benefits from the services of one part – time caretaker, one part – time secretary and two full-time Special Needs Assistants. Their contribution to the running of the school is invaluable and much appreciated.
Our school is dedicated to the provision of a rich and broad education which helps the children to develop academically, physically, socially and emotionally. Great emphasis is placed upon creating an atmosphere in which pupils are happy and contented as we believe that happy pupils achieve their true potential.
SCHOOL INITIATIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
READING RECOVERY
Reading Recovery is an evidence based, early literacy intervention designed for children aged between 5 years 9 months and 6 years 6 months, who are experiencing challenges with reading and writing, after one year at school. Children receive daily 30-minute individualised instruction for between 12 and 20 weeks with a specially trained teacher.
The goal is for children to become effective and efficient language and literacy learners able to work within an average, or higher, range of classroom performance, reducing the need for long-term special educational support.
ORCHARDS IN THE COMMUNITY
This is your activity description. Describe the options available, along with important deadlines, requirements or time commitments necessary, so students understand what’s involved. Don’t forget a fun image or video!
SHIELD PROGRAMME
The Shield programme aims to support organisations in their efforts to proactively manage bullying and protect children and young people from bullying through prevention and intervention strategies.
Bullying is a complex social issue and can occur in many different settings including schools, sporting and youth club activities, the home, social groups, in communities and online.
From listening to and supporting children and young people we know that bullying continues to occur, and this can have significant impacts on a child and young persons’ life sometimes well into adulthood. There is much work to be done to minimise all forms of bullying and, thereby, negate the potential impact of bullying.
ERASMUS
At St. Mary’s National School, we are very fortunate to be part of the Erasmus+ program and have had several wonderfully successful partnerships in the past. Our current partner is a primary school in Aruba, situated in the Dutch Caribbean - over 7000km away! Earlier this morning, we collected six of their teachers from Dublin airport. For the next week, they will ‘job shadow’ us in areas of ICT & Special Education and hopefully, they will also soak up plenty of Irish culture and hospitality during their stay.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Introducing our Student Council 2022/2023. Many congratulations to our newly elected representatives in Rang 2
VEX IQ ROBOTICS
Two teams from Rang 3 agus 4 travelled to ATU in Letterkenny to compete in a Vex Robotics competition. Both teams put on excellent performances in the qualifying rounds and seeded 2nd and 4th going into the finals. Both teams put on a fantastic display in the final and were placed FIRST overall!!! Massive congratulations to the boys and girls on their win in their first outing and a huge thank you to Mr. Quinn for preparing the pupils so well in advance of today's competition. He introduced Robotics to and oversees STEM Education in St. Mary's and we are so grateful to have this skillset in our school.
POLY TUNNEL
A celebration of partnerships!
Locally, with the Castlefin Menshed and internationally, with St. Franciscus College Aruba for the official opening of our Poly Tunnel. We can't wait to grow and learn about all of the wonderful fruit and vegetables.
SNOWBALL
The students have deliberated and voted and we are delighted to announce the name of our little hamster. Snowball!
AMBER FLAG
A huge thank you to Mrs. Brenda Gallagher and her committee on successfully renewing our Amber Flag Award promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for all in our school community.
BLUE STAR PROGRAMME
The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects which complement our primary curriculum.There are four core learning pillars of the Programme:
Historical
Geographical
Cultural & Creative
Institutional
On Wednesday, we received a 5 Year Achievement Award in the post
Massive congrats to the project co-ordinator, Mrs. Elaine French, and acting co-ordinator this year, Ms. Clodagh Catterson for all their hard work and commitment to the project