New dawn as Croí na Coille Community National School opens its doors in Fedamore

Croí na Coille student Karen Parsa pictured with outgoing Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, George O’Callaghan, student Dan Reidy, Director of Schools at Limerick and Clare ETB and incoming acting CE, Donncha O’Treasaigh, student Nathan Cashman and newly appointed Principal of Croí na Coille Community National School, Jacintha Mullins pictured in the beautiful mini woodland on the school grounds. Pic. Brian Arthur

The sun was shining in Fedamore as Croí na Coille Community National School welcomed its first students and their families

It was an exciting day at Croí na Coille Community National School as the children were introduced to their new surroundings in the village of Fedamore in East County Limerick, which includes a beautiful mini woodland that both staff and students will get to explore and cherish.

Last May it was announced that the new Croí na Coille school would be established as a Community National School in the former Fedamore National School under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

The school is co-educational and multi-denominational and is underpinned by the ETB’s core values of Academic Excellence, Care, Respect, Equality, and Community.

Speaking about the school’s first day in its new home, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said, “This is a very exciting time for the Fedamore Community, offering families living in the surrounding areas a new school choice that will cater to the diverse needs of the community whilst also embracing inclusivity and providing a dynamic learning environment where all students can flourish

Exciting times for Croí na Coille, Community National School in Fedamore, County Limerick, part of our growing #communitynationalschool family as they opened their doors for the first time!
Read more here: https://t.co/czuwWcz4s8#ETBSchools #FindTheBestInYou #Community pic.twitter.com/ENYpn6pJ6Q— Limerick & Clare ETB (@LimClareETB) September 3, 2024

According to the school’s newly appointed principal Jacintha Mullins, Croí na Coille will strive to promote a child-centred approach by embracing the principles of developing the whole child.

“We emphasise the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual development as much as intellectual development. We deliver the National Primary School curriculum balancing academic learning with outdoor learning, nature-based play and Forest School activities” she explained.

Jacintha also spoke about the future of the school in Fedamore and the shared vision between parents and educators to create an environment that will inspire children to embrace the outdoors, cultivate a love for learning, foster creativity, encourage hard work, and build resilience.

“We are at a very exciting time in education, with the growth of the community national school model, the development our new national curriculum and the emphasis and importance that is being placed on our responsibilities towards our environment. I am very excited to be leading this new and developing school in Fedamore” she said.