Exciting new departure for St Patrick’s BNS

Students and staff at St. Patrick’s Boys’ BNS, Castlebar, are preparing for an exciting new departure when they amalgamate with St Angela’s NS from September which, a move which will see the two longest- established schools in the town provide co-education for all pupils.

Principal Joe Carty (right) and Animator Seamus Devaney (left) pictured with Director of Mission Joe Gilson

The new school, Castlebar Primary School, will comprise a junior campus (Junior Infants to 2nd Class) located at the Lawn and a senior campus (3rd to 6th Class) located at Chapel Street. Both schools have contributed to the educational and social fabric of the town for well over 100 years with the Sisters of Mercy having founded St. Angela’s in 1854 and soon afterwards the De La Salle brothers founding St. Patrick’s in 1888. This new chapter presents wonderful opportunities for pupils, their parents and staff alike and enables  the bringing together in one school the best traditions, cultures, facilities and expertise of the two existing schools.

A Steering Committee, chaired by Mr. Malachy Molloy and composed of nominees from key stakeholder groups (staffs, parents and Boards of Management) is overseeing the planning for the amalgamation. Various subcommittees have been addressing specific matters to ensure a cohesive approach.

Key decisions have already been taken including the name of the new school which is to be Castlebar Primary School. The motto for the new school will be “Together We Achieve.” In a change from the existing colour schemes in both schools, red and navy will be the predominant colours for the new uniform. Children have been actively contributing to these decisions including the design of the new crest which will be unveiled later. 

Very positive discussions have already taken place on the connectivity between the two campuses. In conversation with the two principals, Nessa Maloney (St. Angela’s NS) and Joe Carty (St. Patrick’s BNS), they acknowledged and complimented the support received from colleagues on staff, children and their families. While both schools continue to thrive in terms of facilities, resources and expertise they keenly agreed that the educational opportunities and experiences offered to the children will be even further enhanced together.

The combined school will further develop existing facilities such as: pre & after schools, playing fields, running tracks, extensive play areas, sensory rooms, assembly halls and state-of-the-art ICT resources. A highly-skilled and professional staff will ensure the progression of many great initiatives including Creative Schools, Digital Schools of Excellence, Active Schools, National Children's Choir and many other extra-curricular opportunities which have long been synonymous with St Angela’s and St Patrick’s.

The promotion of activities such as Music, Art, Drama, Dance, Sport, public speaking and Chess will continue to be central to the new school.  High educational standards with a focus on the care and wellbeing of all pupils and staff will be the hallmarks of Castlebar Primary School.   

The success of our school and, ultimately, the best educational experience and outcome for pupils, families and staff will be the driving force, inspired by knowing that ‘Together We Achieve.’