Sacred Heart National School was built in 1943. Initially the school building contained two schools, one for the girls and another for the boys. The entrances to the two schools were marked by stone plaques, which can still be seen at the doors of the original building. Eventually the two amalgamated, along with other local schools including Farm N.S., Leitra N.S. and Polredmond N.S. The original building was extended in 1989 to include a junior wing consisting of three classrooms, a staff room, toilets and a storage area. Extensive work was carried out in 2001–2005 to renovate the school playground, remove old shelter buildings, enhance the school grounds and completely repaint the school inside and out. A new bicycle shed was erected in 2011.
Our school is co-educational and caters for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. There are currently 111 pupils on roll.
Our Staff & Management
Junior / Senior Infants
Ms. Aisling Kenny
Senior Infants / First Class
Mrs. Claire Flaherty
Second / Third Class
Ms. Eilis Hynes
Third / Fourth Class
Mr. Michael Smyth
Fifth / Sixth Class
Ms. Miriam Daly
SEN Teacher
Mrs. Mary Russell
Special Needs Assistants
Mrs. Nell McHugh, Mrs. Patricia Mullins
School Secretary
Mrs. Teresa Darcy
Board of Management
Chairperson
Mr. Paul Kennedy
Patron's Nominee
Ms. Sile Smyth
Principal
Mr. Michael Smyth
Teachers' Rep
Mrs. Claire Flaherty
Parents' Nominee
TBD
Parents' Nominee
TBD
Community Nominee
Mr. Paul Hevican
Community Nominee
Mr. Declan Geraghty
Mission Statement
- Our school is a Catholic school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, and as such must reflect a strongly Christian ethos, transmitting a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God. Our prime purpose is to direct the many energies of the school into a holistic vision of what it means to be a human person, created by God in his own image and likeness.
- Our school is a centre of formation – enabling each child to become aware of the dignity and value of each person. These values are based on love, justice and caring.
- Our school strives to provide its students with education for life and living. Every effort is made to provide a curriculum suitable to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of the children.
- It inspires to excellence in all things by nurturing high standards of discipline, punctuality and academic and sporting performance.
- In co-operation with the child’s home, it strives to assist in the development of the whole person, based on personal responsibility, respect for others, respect for property, and respect for individual differences, views and opinions.
- It seeks to dismantle prejudices and assists children in dealing with conflict and differences.
- We see our school not as an institution but as a close-knit community, where pupils, parents, teachers, management board and ancillary staff work together in an atmosphere of harmony, friendship and mutual respect. We recognise the parent as the child’s primary and principal educator and the teacher’s role as equal and complementary.
As we are under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, this school identifies itself as a Catholic School and, as such, the ethos of the school is a Catholic ethos. As a facet of this ethos we welcome children of all religious beliefs to our school in a shared sense of community and will not discriminate against any child due to colour, race or creed.
The ethos of the school is nurtured as follows:
- As a formal agent of education within the Catholic community, the school models and transmits a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- The policies, practices and attitudes of the school are inspired by Gospel values.
- Christ, as the source of those values, is a familiar and attractive reality for the teachers and pupils.
- Mary, the strong woman of the Gospels is admired as the exemplar of the values.
- The school aims at promoting the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person of the pupil, including his/her relationship with God, with other people and with the environment.
- Religious education is provided for the pupils in accordance with the doctrine and tradition of the Catholic Church.
- Prayer is a feature of the school day.
- The pupils are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation in accordance with arrangements in the diocese.
- The liturgical seasons are part of the rhythm of the school year.
- The children are given opportunities to participate in liturgical celebrations arranged by the school.
- The school identified itself with its parish, working closely with the local priest (or priests) who visits the school frequently.
- The pupils 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, pupils acquire a sense of the Universal Church whose concern extends to all people.
- The principal teacher and teachers aim at making the school a centre of excellence in which high professional standards are maintained and where pupils learn in a safe and happy environment.
- 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, with an emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, new beginnings and hope. Teachers are sensitive to the needs and particular circumstances of the pupils.
- The school recognises the dignity and value of each person made in the image and likeness of God. This is reflected in the organisation of the school.
- 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 the young pupils to the fullness of their potential at the different stages.
- Teachers are encouraged to develop their personal and professional talents through which they glorify God and serve those young people in whose education they play such a significant role.
- Ancillary staff in a school are highly esteemed and respected. It is recognised that their work makes a valued contribution to the process of education.