Scoil Mhuire Junior School
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire Junior School is a Catholic‑faith‑based primary institution situated in Ballymany, Newbridge, County Kildare. It provides a nurturing environment for children of all abilities, creeds and backgrounds, aiming to develop each pupil’s intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social needs. The school’s vision stresses teamwork among the board of management, staff and parents to create a happy, safe and empowering setting where children feel secure and encouraged to explore their potential. The campus has expanded considerably since its inception, now offering a range of modern facilities. Recent building projects have added permanent classrooms and four dedicated learning‑support rooms that cater for additional learning support, international pupils and resource‑based work. A €2 million refurbishment in 2005 upgraded the school’s interior and outdoor environment, and further extensions provide larger offices, a staff room, prefabricated spaces for specialist teachers and a parents’ room for the Home‑School Liaison role. These facilities support a comprehensive curriculum delivered within a caring, inclusive community.
History
Scoil Mhuire Junior School was founded in 1976 under Principal Nan Carey, initially operating three classes in the senior school hall. In 1977 the school moved into its own building, expanding to eight classrooms within two years. The growth of Newbridge in 1983/84 saw four additional classrooms added, doubling the capacity to sixteen classes. In September 1997, after Carey’s retirement, Bryan O’Reilly became principal and oversaw further extensions, including larger offices, a staff room, prefabricated learning‑support spaces and a parents’ room for a Home‑School Liaison Teacher. The school welcomed President Mary McAleese in 1999. A €2 million refurbishment was completed in 2005, and in September 2009 a new building project added permanent space and four learning‑support rooms for learning support, international children and resource work.