The school Board of Management wishes to set out clearly its understanding of the ethos of the school for whose management it is responsible. Under the Education Act of 1998, the Board of Management is responsible to and accountable to the Patron for “upholding the characteristic spirit of the school as determined by the cultural, educational, moral, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions which inform and are characteristic of the objectives and conduct of the school”.
It is important therefore to set down for the benefit of parents of pupils and parents of prospective pupils what the Board of Management sees as the position of the school in the community in which it is placed. Our school is under Church of Ireland patronage, and thus our statement of ethos will be governed by Church of Ireland teaching and values. This is in accord with The Deed of Variation appended to the School Lease, which ensures the continuation of the denominational ethos and governance of our school.
- As a provider of education within our community, the School models and transmits a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, the policies, practices and attitudes of the School are inspired by the values of The Gospel.
- As a Church of Ireland School, the traditions and teaching of the Church of Ireland inform the position of the school in regard to religious and moral issues arising in the teaching of both religious and secular subjects which is informed by the classical Anglican balance of scripture, tradition and reason.
- The school is part of the local church community and identifies strongly with the Parish. The Rector visits the school on a regular basis in his/her role as Chaplain.
- The school is a community where all pupils are equally valued and respected – regardless of sex, social background, family circumstances, educational achievements, physical characteristics, religion or intellectual functioning. Pupils experience a sense of caring and belonging. They are treated fairly, and their spiritual, moral and religious development is encouraged, as is their intellectual, social and academic development.
- The school is a community where moral values such as honesty, truthfulness, justice, fairness, sensitivity and responsibility are nurtured and protected. The justification of these is to be found in Biblical teaching as interpreted by The Church of Ireland. They are also reflected in the School’s Code of Behaviour with its emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation and the opportunity for new beginnings.
- The work of the school is carried out in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for religious differences, as set out in the Enrolment Policy. The value and dignity of each person as an individual created by God is recognised.
- Religious Education occupies a central position in the School curriculum and is regarded as a core subject. All pupils participate in Religious Education Lessons. Following application to the Board of Management, provision may be made for parents to exercise their right to withdraw their children from Religious Education lessons.
- The school nurtures freedom of thought and a personal relationship with God. This most evident in the teaching of Religious Education and in the prayer life of the school community.
- We wish to make it clear that our school is a Church of Ireland School. Yet we believe that children of every faith and none are entitled to a sympathetic education, and that they can and will receive this within the Christian environment offered by our school.
- While we are anxious at all times to strengthen our School’s links with the community at large and with other schools, we must give priority to strengthening the links between the School and the various congregations from which its children derive, as set out in our Enrolment Policy.
- The school aims at fostering a spirit of harmony and co-operation between management, parents, staff, and pupils and the wider community, and recognises the complementary roles of parents and teachers in educating the young.
- The teaching staff aim to make the school a centre of excellence in which the highest professional standards are maintained and where pupils can learn in a safe and happy atmosphere. Teachers are encouraged to develop their personal and professional talents so that they may better serve the pupils in whose education they play such a significant part.