St Louise De Marillac Primary School
School Details
Location
About
St. Louise de Marillac Primary School is a Catholic‑ethos primary school situated on Drumfinn Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin. It provides a holistic, values‑based education for girls from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and for infant boys up to First Class, complemented by an Early‑Start preschool that welcomes 30 children each day. The school places a strong emphasis on religious education in line with Roman Catholic teachings while actively respecting the cultural and religious diversity of its community, ensuring that inclusivity permeates all aspects of school life. The learning environment is designed to foster partnership between home, school and the wider community, encouraging pupils to take pride in both their school and the neighbourhood. A range of policies supports student wellbeing, safety and health, and the curriculum is delivered with a focus on developing confidence, conflict‑resolution skills and a love of learning. Modern facilities accommodate both academic and extracurricular activities, creating a supportive centre for the children of Ballyfermot.
History
The Daughters of Charity opened their first presence in Ballyfermot on 8 October 1957, establishing a dual‑day school for 100 boys in a play‑centre hall on Kylemore Road. On 1 July 1960 a purpose‑built six‑room building opened on Drumfinn Road, continuing the dual‑day system with 12 classes of 50 pupils each. Girls were admitted to the senior school on 1 July 1961, and the Sisters moved into a convent beside the school the following month. In 2002 the junior school appointed its first lay principal, and in 2011 the junior and senior schools amalgamated under lay leadership. Alma Quinn is the current principal, continuing the tradition established by the Daughters of Charity over six decades ago.