St Etchens National School
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Etchen Naofa is a Catholic primary school serving the Kinnegad community in County Westmeath. Set on a spacious site, the school benefits from two dedicated buildings – the Scoil Etchen Building and the Cardinal Glennon Building – providing ample classroom space and specialised areas for learning. Recent developments have added a modern entrance road, extensive parking, two basketball courts, a football pitch and a well‑equipped playground, creating a vibrant environment for physical activity and outdoor play. The school’s ethos is rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, aiming to nurture the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual development of each pupil. Its vision promotes a Christian, caring, safe and healthy learning atmosphere where children are encouraged to reach their full potential and become responsible members of society. Teaching is evidence‑based and inclusive, with a focus on playful, engaging experiences that support smooth transitions from preschool to post‑primary education. Scoil Etchen Naofa is recognised as a Digital School of Distinction and a Health‑Promoting School, reflecting its commitment to contemporary learning and wellbeing.
History
The school is named after St Etchen (c. 490‑577 AD), a patron saint of ploughmen and farmers, whose legacy is celebrated locally. Cardinal John Glennon (1862‑1946), a native of Kinnegad who rose to prominence in the Catholic Church in the United States, is also honoured on the campus. Scoil Etchen Naofa officially opened on 11 September 1985 with 242 pupils and eight teachers. A new building project began in March 2008, delivering additional facilities and was opened and blessed in April 2009, named in honour of Cardinal Glennon. In November 2013 an extension added eight classrooms, new administrative offices and a staffroom, further expanding the school’s capacity.