Our Lady Of The Wayside
School Details
Location
About
Our Lady of the Wayside National School is a mixed‑gender Catholic primary school situated in Kilternan, Dublin 18, catering for approximately 300 pupils with a dedicated team of over 20 staff members. The school’s ethos centres on creating a Christian atmosphere that respects the dignity and individuality of each child, encouraging them to reach their full potential in a happy, supportive learning environment. A broad and varied curriculum underpins this approach, with particular emphasis on safe cycling and community involvement, reflecting the school’s historic ties to local traditions. The campus has developed considerably since its modest beginnings, now offering a range of facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities. These include multiple classrooms, a well‑equipped kitchen, a long room that can be converted into additional teaching spaces, an office, and modern heating systems. The school also provides a range of after‑school programmes, a vibrant Parents’ Association, and an active Board of Management, all contributing to a well‑rounded educational experience for pupils.
History
Our Lady of the Wayside National School opened on 1 July 1965 with three classrooms, cloakrooms, bathrooms and a water tower, enrolling 52 children under the guidance of Mr Frank Kelliher and Mrs Maura Kelliher. Within three years the roll had doubled to 104 pupils, prompting an extension that added an office, kitchen, a long room (two convertible classrooms) and a boiler room for central heating. Continued growth has seen the school expand to accommodate over 320 pupils and 22 staff members today. The school takes its name from the local blue church, a landmark in Kilternan, and celebrates the feast of Our Lady of the Wayside on 24 May. A former tradition of blessing bicycles and cyclists in South Dublin, which continued until about 1980, underlines the school’s ongoing commitment to safe cycling education.