Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has confirmed Fedamore National School in County Limerick is set to embark on a new chapter as a Community National School (CNS) under the ETB’s patronage. The development, anticipated for the upcoming school year, is a significant step in the expansion of educational choice in the area for parents seeking to avail of a multidenominational education for their children.
Community National Schools offer a co-educational, multi-denominational learning environment that prioritises excellence in education, care, respect, equality, and community. The announcement of the transfer of patronage followed a consultative process between the Catholic Diocese of Limerick, the school community, the Department of Education, and the Education and Training Board. This new development reflects Fedamore National School’s continuing commitment to providing a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds.
Welcoming the announcement, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “This decision marks a new chapter for Fedamore National School, one that emphasises inclusivity and caters to the diverse needs of our community. We believe this transition will create a vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive.”
The new Community National School will be child-centred, inspired by the principles of Steiner and forest school education, while also delivering the entire national primary curriculum in accordance with the Department of Education. It will aim to concentrate on developing the whole child and emphasise the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual development as much as intellectual development. It is also expected that children currently enrolled at the Croí na Coille independent primary school located at Buttercup Farm in Croom will transfer to the new Community National School in Fedamore.
Also welcoming the announcement, Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, commented: “I am pleased that Fedamore will continue to have a school serving the community, as it has done for many long years. I wish the ETB well as it becomes the patron body and I know the Catholic community will look forward to exploring ways of co-operation and collaboration in the years to come.”
The school will aspire to preserve and nurture children’s unbridled instincts to play and to learn, to be curious and to explore, to discover the world around them and to revel in its awesomeness. The new school will teach the Department of Education National Primary School curriculum combining academic learning with outdoor play activities by kindling children’s enthusiasm, energy and love of learning about their world, the people around them and life itself. The ethos of the school will be to inspire children to reach their fullest potential by providing a well-resourced, quality teaching and learning experience and enhance every child’s uniqueness.
Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fedamore National School to the Community National School network. The ETB is committed to supporting Fedamore in this exciting new phase. We look forward to collaborating with the school community to develop its unique ethos and to contribute to a flourishing network of inclusive schools across Ireland.”
The school will be hosting an information session for parents and guardians in the coming weeks to provide information about the school and the transition. Details regarding the session will be communicated through the school’s existing channels.
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