Fedamore Community National School pupils Jim O Sullivan Laucirica, Dan Reidy, Callum Gore with Principal Jacintha Mullins and pupils Kyle Mullane and Cara Moloney pictured receiving their Creativity Award at the inaugural Make A Switch competition, a Limerick and Clare ETB climate action initiative.
Dedicated Staff
Principal Jacintha Mullins is a passionate educator with over 20 years’ experience. Her extensive academic credentials, including a first-class honours postgraduate diploma in school leadership from UL, put her in perfect position to lead the school with vision and energy through its first year. Jacintha is supported by an excellent team in the school, including Laura Quirke who is a distinguished teacher with many years of teaching experience across a wide range of education settings. Laura has designed and led many innovative learning programmes and is passionate about technology and its potential to enhance Maths and SESE curricula. She is also a STEM ambassador and certified Google Educator who teaches coding across all classes.
Martina Naughton is the school’s Special Needs Assistant with a background in nursing, bringing years of experience in exemplary care and support to her role in Fedamore CNS. Formerly a registered nurse, she now focuses on creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments for children with additional needs. Louise Rennie is the school secretary with a strong administrative background, having worked in finance, insurance, and local government. Speaking about the anniversary, Jacintha said: “Our first year has been nothing short of inspiring, we’ve seen our pupils grow in confidence, creativity, and curiosity, and that’s been at the heart of everything we do. Being part of the ETB school community has given us the support and flexibility to focus on what really matters: creating a supportive, welcoming environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
A Year of Outstanding Achievements
Despite being in its infancy, Fedamore Community National School has already accumulated an impressive list of awards and recognitions, including winning a Curious Minds Silver Award from Science Foundation Ireland for excellence in STEM teaching and learning. This programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students, teachers, and members of the public. The school also won a Branar Digital Arts Award, which is a whole-school initiative designed to promote and reward arts engagement in schools.
Other awards Fedamore Community National School achieved in its first year include:
Selection to the European Blue Schools Network, promoting ocean literacy and environmental awareness.
National representation in the European Young Heritage Makers Competition with The Irish Elk video project.
Biodiversity Action Plan funding and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) funding for a new community garden on the grounds of the school.
An Amber Flag award for promoting wellbeing.
A Creativity award at the inaugural Make A Switch student-led Limerick and Clare ETB climate action competition.
Fedamore Community National School is not only growing in achievements; it’s also a model for modern, inclusive education. While the school brings a fresh and creative approach, it is a mainstream primary school following the Department of Education’s national curriculum, just like all other state-funded Irish primary schools.
Speaking about its first year, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “Fedamore Community National School exemplifies the values and strengths of an ETB school, inclusive, learner-centred, and deeply connected to its community. From day one, the school has embraced the supports and opportunities available through the ETB model, allowing staff to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality teaching and care for every child. It’s a fantastic example of how ETB schools can lead the way in delivering innovative, child-centred education that meets the needs of today’s learners.”
As a Community National School under the governance of the Limerick and Clare ETB, Fedamore CNS benefits from a broad range of supports not typically available to other schools, including educational, administrative, financial, HR, and IT services, allowing the staff to focus fully on teaching and learning in a well-managed, well-resourced environment.
Since opening, Fedamore CNS has also built strong partnerships with local organisations, artists, and environmental groups, and has been warmly welcomed by the community. Looking to September, the school is excited to grow further and welcome new students and families. Describing their child’s first year at the school, one parent said: “The dedication of the teachers at Fedamore Community National School is commendable, our child feels safe and supported at this school and his confidence has flourished since joining. Thank you for creating such a positive and welcoming school.”
It may be young, but this local school has already shown what’s possible with strong leadership, community support, and a clear vision. The future is bright for Fedamore, this is only the beginning.
To learn more about Fedamore Community National School, visit their Facebook page here: https://bit.ly/4dZPD9V
