November 2024

15 August 2024

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, George O’Callaghan, said: “I would like to congratulate Jacintha on her appointment as Principal of Croí na Coille Community National School in Fedamore. The ETB is very excited about this new school option for parents and guardians living in the Fedamore area as it emphasises inclusivity and caters to the diverse needs of the community. We are very confident that Jacintha’s experience and enthusiasm will create a vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive.”

Jacintha’s academic credentials include a first-class honours postgraduate diploma in school leadership from University of Limerick, a degree in fine art, a Master of Arts in interactive media, and postgraduate diplomas in both primary and special education. She has worked as an Associate with the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT) and the Creative Schools Initiative and served as an education outreach officer with ‘Leave No Trace Ireland’. Additionally. She tutors both the Teacher Artist Partnership and the Explorers Marine Education CPD summer courses and delivers workshops in outdoor learning pedagogies to students at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Jacintha is also a published children’s author, a qualified forest school leader, and a scuba diving instructor. Currently, Jacintha is researching the benefits and opportunities of outdoor learning in primary education.

Speaking about her new role, Jacintha said she is thrilled to be appointed as the first Principal of Croí na Coille Community National School: “Leading this unique 21st century school is a dream come true for me! I am passionate about nurturing a child’s love of learning, their innate curiosity about the world in which they live, their imagination and sense of adventure. I believe outdoor learning and nature-based education has a pivotal role to play in the holistic development of children and I cannot wait to develop this at Croí na Coille. I’m looking forward to establishing our new home in Fedamore, developing links with our local community, and creating a great learning environment for all.”

For more information about Croí na Coille Community National School, please visit www.croinacoillecns.ie.

20 May 2024

Community National Schools offer a co-educational, multi-denominational learning environment that prioritises excellence in education, care, respect, equality, and community. Today’s announcement of the transfer of patronage follows a consultative process between the Catholic Diocese of Limerick, the school community, the Department of Education, and the Education and Training Board. This new development reflects Fedamore National School's continuing commitment to providing a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds. 

The new Community National School will be child-centred, inspired by the principles of Steiner and forest school education, while also delivering the entire national primary curriculum in accordance with the Department of Education. It will aim to concentrate on developing the whole child and emphasise the importance of physical, emotional, social and spiritual development as much as intellectual development. It is also expected that children currently enrolled at the Croí na Coille independent primary school located at Buttercup Farm in Croom will transfer to the new Croí na Coille Community National School in Fedamore. 

Also welcoming the announcement, Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, commented: “I am pleased that Fedamore will continue to have a school serving the community, as it has done for many long years. I wish the ETB well as it becomes the patron body and I know the Catholic community will look forward to exploring ways of co-operation and collaboration in the years to come.”
 

The school will aspire to preserve and nurture children’s unbridled instincts to play and to learn, to be curious and to explore, to discover the world around them and to revel in its awesomeness. The new school will teach the Department of Education National Primary School curriculum combining academic learning with outdoor play activities by kindling children's enthusiasm, energy and love of learning about their world, the people around them and life itself. The ethos of the school will be to inspire children to reach their fullest potential by providing a well-resourced, quality teaching and learning experience and enhance every child's uniqueness.
 

Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fedamore National School to the Community National School network. The ETB is committed to supporting Fedamore in this exciting new phase. We look forward to collaborating with the school community to develop its unique ethos and to contribute to a flourishing network of inclusive schools across Ireland."

The school will be hosting an information session for parents and guardians in the coming weeks to provide information about the school and the transition. Details regarding the session will be communicated through the school's existing channels. 

Plans are currently underway in Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board to open Croí  na Coille Community National School for the academic year 2024/2025. 

Parents/Guardians of prospective students can forward any query they have regarding enrolment to the Director of Schools , Donncha Ó Treasaigh donncha.otreasaigh@lcetb.ie or by calling the Director of Schools on 086 98 77 600.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board  is the largest comprehensive educational provider in the Limerick and Clare region with a range of educational services from primary to post primary and further education and training. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is committed to excellence and innovation in the education of young people and adults through the provision of dynamic services delivered by professional staff. 

Further information on Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board  can be accessed at www.lcetb.ie