School Ethos
St. Finnachta’s N.S., Sixmilebridge is a vertical, co-educational primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe. The school models and promotes a philosophy of life inspired by the Gospel teachings. The faith of Catholic pupils is nurtured in a manner that is welcoming and respectful to, and inclusive of, pupils committed to other religious traditions and none. We promote the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person: intellectual, academic, physical, social, character, imaginative, aesthetic, cultural, emotional, moral and spiritual. The school community is made up of pupils, parents, staff, board members, patron and others associated with the school. The school recognises parents as the first, and most important educators, of their children. The school expresses a set of core values that can be described as human, religious, Christian and Catholic. The educational vision which flows from these values is one which promotes care, respect and community. We place an emphasis on pastoral care & support and social justice to help create a just society amidst the challenges of the modern world.
Purpose
Our purpose is to nurture the holistic development of each child and to enable each child to: acquire the fundamental knowledge, skills, attitudes, and attributes needed to live a fulfilled life as a child; be prepared for a continuum of learning; and contribute to the good of society.
Vision
Our vision is for a future in which our pupils are fulfilled and well-rounded individuals who reliably demonstrate the school’s core values and make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
Mission
Our mission is to create a child-centered environment in which we promote the school’s core values and respond to the varying circumstances and needs of our pupils within a safe, orderly and supportive atmosphere. We pursue consistently high standards of professional practice to ensure sustainable advances in the quality of our work and each child’s learning and development.
Core Values
- Fairness is the quality of giving to others on the basis of their individual needs rather than giving everybody the same thing.
- Forgiveness is the quality of choosing not to blame, punish or be angry with someone because of something that person has done.
- Honesty is the quality of being truthful in what you say and do.
- Humility is the quality of knowing that you have weaknesses as well as strengths, and not believing that you are better than other people.
- Perseverance is the quality of continuing to do something despite difficulties, opposition or failure.
- Kindness is the quality of being caring towards others and doing things to make their lives better.
- Respectfulness is the quality of valuing, and having due regard for, the feelings, wishes and rights of others.
- Trustworthiness is the quality of showing that you are reliable, keep your promises and do what you say you will do.
Broad Goals
- To promote the school’s Identity
- To maintain a Safe, Orderly, and Supportive School Environment
- To promote Health, Well-Being & Holistic Development
- To deliver very high standards of learner outcomes in English Reading
- To deliver very high standards of learner outcomes in English Writing
- To deliver very high standards of learner outcomes in Numeracy
Focus Areas for Development
- Safety
- Well-Being Promotion
- Pastoral Care
- Reading (English)
- Teanga Ó Bhéal/ Cumarsáid na Teanga (Gaeilge)
- Preparation for Introduction of New Maths Curriculum
- Digital Learning
- Assessment