St Francis Of Assisi Primary School
School Details
Location
About
St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Belmayne, is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving the parishes of Donaghmede, Clongriffin and Balgriffin. It provides a full primary curriculum for children from Junior Infants through to 6th class, fostering a supportive community rooted in Christian values. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering a broad range of activities that include drama, music, sport and academic enrichment, reflected in the symbols on its crest. Modern digital learning is encouraged, with recent initiatives such as a digital learning questionnaire for parents, and a well‑structured after‑school programme that runs throughout the term. The school operates from a purpose‑built permanent building that was occupied in April 2019, offering contemporary classrooms, specialist spaces and outdoor areas suitable for a variety of sporting and creative pursuits. Regular whole‑school events, such as the Student Council‑organised walk, and a vibrant parent‑teacher partnership, underline the school’s commitment to community involvement and the well‑being of every pupil.
History
St Francis of Assisi Primary School was established to serve the growing parish of Donaghmede, including the new developments of Clongriffin and Balgriffin. Under the guidance of Fr Eoin McCrystal and with the support of parents and the Dublin Diocese, the school was opened under the patronage of Archbishop Dermot Farrell. It opened in September 2008 in temporary accommodation to 17 pupils (Junior Infants to 4th class) with Assumpta Kerins as principal. The school was blessed in June 2009. In June 2018 the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, turned the sod for the new permanent building in Belmayne; construction began in September 2018 and the school moved into the new premises in April 2019. Johanne Dunne became the second principal in September 2022. The school crest, divided by a cross, incorporates symbols of the Holy Spirit, the Tao Cross, and representations of drama, music, sport and knowledge.