Characteristic Spirit of a Community School

The Education Act emphasises the promotion of the moral, spiritual, social and personal development of students and the provision of health education for them, in consultation with their parents, having regard to the characteristic spirit of the school. Likewise, in describing how a Board of Management shall perform the functions conferred on it, the Act states that in carrying out its functions the Board shall:

“uphold, and be accountable to the patron for so 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, and at all times act in accordance with any Act of the Oireachtas or instrument made there under deed, charter, articles of management or other such instrument relating to the establishment or operation of the school”.

[Education Act 1998, Part IV, Section 15(2) (b)].

The patrons/trustees of any particular Community School must agree the characteristic spirit of the school. In so agreeing, patrons/trustees need to take cognisance of the school’s inherited tradition and values, the founding intention of the school and the needs of the community the school will serve.

Ennistymon Community School Characteristic Spirit

Note this template of Characteristic Spirit was agreed by ETBI, IEC and Catholic Patrons for inclusion in the Admissions Policies for all community schools.

This Characteristic Spirit is adapted from the agreed template Characteristic Spirit of a Community School under the joint patronage of Catholic and ETB Patrons

Ennistymon Community School is a co-educational multi-denominational post-primary school under the joint patronage of CEIST, ERST and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

Community Schools provide a comprehensive system of post-primary education open to all the children of the local community. An innovative approach to delivery of a wide-ranging curriculum contributes to the spiritual, moral, mental, physical and social well-being of students within their community. Community Schools may also provide for life-long learning within their local community through the provision of adult education programmes.

Ennistymon Community School was established under a Deed of Trust and opened on September 1st 2023 following the amalgamation of three schools in Ennistymon i.e. Scoil Mhuire, CBS Secondary School and Ennistymon Vocational School. The values of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board as a multi-denominational State Body and the inherited traditions, Christian values and founding intentions of CEIST (Sisters of Mercy) and ERST (Christian Brothers) are enshrined in the characteristic spirit and in the life of our school and are respected and cherished.

The core values of Ennistymon Community School are care, respect, community, inclusion, equality, justice and fairness. These values combine to provide and support an atmosphere which is conducive to excellence in teaching and learning. We endeavour to assist each student to reach his/ her full potential in a calm, caring and creative environment.

Our values are reflected in how we live as a school community. The unique and intrinsic value of each member of the school community is recognised and respected. All are treated equally, regardless of race, gender, religion/belief, age, family status, marital status, civil status, membership of the Traveller community, sexual orientation, ability, disability or socio-economic status. All students are given equal opportunity for enrolment, in line with the Education (Admissions to School) Act (2018) construed in accordance with section 3 of the Equal Status Act 2000. Once enrolled, Ennistymon Community School provides all students with equal opportunities to engage with the curriculum, school life and the local community.

Ennistymon Community School provides a safe physical and social environment that reinforces a sense of belonging to the school community and wider society. We strive to enable every student to realise their full potential regardless of any aspect of their identity, culture or background. Our school promotes a fully inclusive education which recognises the plurality of identities, beliefs and values held by students, parents and staff. We prepare open-minded and responsible citizens with a strong sense of shared values with a view to contributing to a just and fairer society.

Ennistymon Community School is multi-denominational where we welcome, respect and support students of all religions and beliefs. The provision of religious education, religious worship and the work of the Chaplain all combine to reflect the founding intention of the school, the school’s mission statement and the needs of the students within the school. The characteristic spirit of the school finds practical expression through the provision of pastoral, liturgical and social outreach activities, as appropriate, for each student.

In Ennistymon Community School, we celebrate the partnership, collaboration and empathy which nurtures and develops our young people in a community where the essence of our ethos is care and respect for self, others and our environment.