Local principal says multi-denominational change “no great surprise”
The Principal of one of Athlone's biggest primary schools has said it was "no great surprise" that the school had opted to change to a multi-denominational ethos once it had been selected to take part in the Pilot Scheme for Reconfiguration.
Carmel Garvey, Principal of Cornamaddy NS, which is due to become a community national school from September of this year, made her remarks at the first in-person conference of Community National School (CNS) Principals in Ireland, which was held in Athlone last week.
The conference heard that new research carried out with a representative sample of 1,011 adults across the country by Opinions shows that most Irish adults (61%) show a preference for multi-denominational education, with only 9% showing a preference for a religious body to provide education.
The research also shows that the CNS model, provided by Ireland’s Education & Training Boards (ETBs), is associated with key aspects that influence parents of primary school-going children when deciding where to send them to school. These include being co-educational, multi-denominational, having an inclusive ethos in admissions and providing for children with special needs.
Carmel Garvey told conference delegates that Cornamaddy NS has "a long tradition of providing quality primary school education" to families in the Athlone area. "Over the last number of years, we have found ourselves catering for children from increasingly diverse backgrounds and culture. As a school it is our wish that all our families and children, of all nationalities and beliefs, would feel equally welcome and respected" she said.
Ms Garvey said that, under the patronage and guidance of Longford and Westmeath ETB, we will begin a new chapter in September 2023. We will continue to provide a high standard of primary school education and our pupils will be well prepared for the more diverse world we are living in.”
ETBI Director of Schools Dr Seamus Conboy added: “The research by Opinions clearly shows the attractiveness of the Community National School offering to both a general sample of Irish adults and to those specifically with children of primary school going age.
“Indeed, my own research suggests that the CNS ethos enables teachers and school leaders to respond appropriately to diversity within the school community,” he concluded.