"It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith, not only with our words, but with our actions."

~ Pope Francis ~

The Catholic ethos of our school is not confined to religious education lessons, but permeates the whole school day. To promote and uphold the Catholic ethos of our school....

• Our school's logo, which is a silhouette of Our Lady, is prominently featured at the front of our building. Our logo is also included on our School Prayer banners, school stamp and school stationery.

• We display the Catholic School Schedule and the school's Mission Statement which are clearly visible to those working in, and to those who visit, our school.

• We have a Sacred Space area that reflects the Liturgical Seasons and Monthly Dedications in our school foyer which is clearly visible when entering our school. In addition, each classroom has its own sacred space.

• We display our School Prayer in our reception area, school foyer, Principal's office and classrooms.

• We display and utilise religious symbols in the school as visible signs of our Catholic faith.

• We follow and implement the Religious Education programme 'Grow In Love' from Junior Infants to Sixth Class with children learning traditional prayers and Mass responses as laid out in this programme.

• We attend Mass twice each term (children from 3rd to 6th Class) and prayer services to mark Church Feasts. 

As part of their sacramental preparation, children in 2nd Class and 6th Class attend Mass on a monthly basis. 

Children in 6th Class attend Mass at the Manor Nursing Home and meet with residents after Mass.

• We are supported by Fr Tom Healy (our Parish Priest, School Chaplain and Board of Management Chairperson) who regularly visits our school and classes.

• We begin our staff meetings and Board of Management meetings with a prayer. 

• We include a section on School Ethos at each monthly staff meeting. This is also included in the Principal's report at each Board of Management meeting.

• We welcome, value and respect our Diocesan Advisors whom we recognise as having an integral role overseeing the provision of Religious Education in our school.

• We have uploaded 'Understanding and Living the Ethos in a Catholic Primary School' booklet to our school's administrative platform, Aladdin, so that it is available to all staff.

• We provide a copy of the 'Catholic Pre-School and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland 2015' to each teacher.

• We support charitable causes, foreign missions and raise awareness of social justice through engagement with:

      Longford Hospice Homecare

      Ken Smollen Food Appeal

      Mullingar Gardaí Christmas Card Appeal   

      The Christmas Shoebox Appeal

      Distribution of Lenten Trócaire boxes

      6th Class Fundraiser

• We facilitate training and rehearsals for children who would like to be Altar Servers for St Mary's Church.

• We have a School Choir that participates in School Masses, First Communion and Confirmation celebrations.

• We celebrate Catholic Schools Week each year.

• We attend in-service training, when provided, and organise opportunities for staff discussion and professional development for Religious Education.

• We respect other faiths represented in our school community and recognise that everyone, regardless of their ethnic origin, colour or faith, is created in God’s image and is precious in God’s eyes.

• We are a school where Christian values are modelled, firmly established and embedded in our daily interactions.