Staff Administration

Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork

Our Prospectus

History

When Scoil Mhuire opened in 1951, the youngest of the 70 pupils were of primary school age; but the junior school as a separate entity began in 1954. That year saw the closure of nearby Scoil Ite, a historic school founded in 1916 by Misses Mary and Annie McSwiney, sisters of Terence. By the wishes of Miss Annie, the surviving sister, on her retirement the teachers and most of the pupils transferred to Scoil Mhuire. This then became an all-age school from Kindergarten upwards, but the primary section has never been recognised or funded by the Department, and is completely dependent on fees.

Ethos

In the Junior School as in the Senior School, the aim is to help each pupil reach her own best standard of achievement, to find satisfaction in her present work, to develop well in every way and to relate well to others. This is a Catholic school, though all denominations are welcomed and respected. We pay consistent attention to religious education, and in particular to the preparation of children for the sacraments.

Enrollment

The enrollment is just over one hundred, small enough to create a happy community where many activities can be enjoyed in a friendly learning atmosphere. Class sizes are limited as this allows work to be well monitored and individual strengths and weaknesses are noted and acted on.

Curriculum

The National Curriculum is followed. The smaller class size and the emphasis on the individual allows each child to develop at her own rate. Each year-group has its own class teacher who closely monitors the students' pastoral and academic needs. Their development is further enhanced by the very special emphasis on:

  • Art
  • Physical Education
  • Music
  • Speech and Drama
  • Irish Dancing
  • From 1st class up, French or Italian
  • 5th and 6th classes are also coached in Basketball
The curriculum is enhanced by project work on various diverse topics at individual, group and class levels, and each class has access to its own computer. The school avails of the services of a Learning Support teacher when necessary, and many of the teaching staff also hold a teaching qualification from the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. The dedication of the highly qualified teachers enables pupils from all classes to work to an excellent standard. Pupils from 6th class have automatic entry to the Senior School. The transfer to secondary school is eased as a result of their long-standing involvement in events when the two schools come together, such as the annual Christmas Carol Service. Entrance Scholarships are gained regularly, and all of our Junior School girls, regardless of ability, thrive, gain in confidence and do well in second level.The Junior School teachers retain a great interest in their progress and meet them at many stages of their secondary school life. Many return on their last day at school to say how they hope to progress.

Parents

As partners in education, parents and teachers meet in personal interviews throughout the year and at the Annual Parent-Teacher Day. The Homework Notebook, kept and signed, is a daily reminder that progress in learning is the shared responsibility of parents and teachers, particularly when children are young. Twice yearly reports are sent home. Teachers always facilitate meetings with parents when necessary, but an appointment should be made so that it does not interfere with the learning of the classes The Parents' Council, elected each autumn, represents all classes. Meeting once monthly with the Principal and Manager, they discuss day-to-day activities, help at important occasions such as the Christmas Carol Concert and Annual Sports Day, organise social activities and talks for the integration of the parents into the school community, and address school needs by enthusiastic fund-raising. A popular occasion is the annual Open-Night when parents, present and in-coming, meet with the teachers and pupils to view the result of pupils' work throughout the year in many diverse areas.

Activities

Extra-Curricular Activities include:

  • Drama
  • Piano
  • Suzuki Violin
  • Spanish
Class teachers actively organise events to enhance their teaching. Every opportunity is taken to augment the curriculum by visits outside the classroom. Recently these have included:
  • Visit to the Cork Pops Orchestra
  • Opera House
  • Science Week Events
  • Exhibitions at the Crawford Art Gallery
  • History Lectures and Walking Tours of Cork City
The girls have participated in:
  • The Association of Independent Junior Schools Poetry and Art Competitions
  • Eurochild publication of Poetry and Art
  • Cork City Council History Project
  • St. Mary's Library Story Writing Competition
  • 96FM Design a Christmas Card Competition
Outings have also taken place to Farms, Wild Life Parks and Outdoor Pursuit centers The girls are encouraged to fund-raise for charity and over the last few years have raised money for many diverse organisations. They have also heard talks from these organisations.

A Final Word

While much smaller than its elder sister, Scoil Mhuire Junior School has proved itself for five decades and is proud of its special character. It offers children a good learning environment and helps them in their formative years to experience school life as happy, interesting and challenging: a place where there is care and concern for everyone. This prospectus gives only a brief outline of the work and warm atmosphere of Scoil Mhuire.