St Malachys National School
School Details
Location
About
St Malachy’s National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Finglas South, Dublin, catering for over 140 pupils across seven mainstream classes and a dedicated special‑education provision. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusive learning, offering an autism‑specific class and three specialist teachers who support pupils with additional needs. A shared Home‑School Liaison Officer further strengthens the partnership between families and the school community. The curriculum is enriched with a robust STEAM programme, encouraging hands‑on investigation in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Pupils regularly engage in practical experiments such as exploring heat conductors and creating static electricity, while creative projects like 3‑D playground designs foster imaginative problem‑solving. Extracurricular activities include athletics, rowing and participation in the Amber Flag initiative, reflecting a commitment to health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Recent achievements, such as a second‑place finish in the Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards, highlight the school’s active role in community stewardship and green practice. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, specialised spaces for special‑education and autism support, and access to outdoor areas for sports and environmental projects. The school’s organisational structure comprises a principal, a team of class teachers, special‑education staff and a liaison officer, all working together to provide a nurturing, forward‑looking learning environment.
History
St Malachy’s opened on 3 July 1978 with 201 children and six teachers, becoming the third primary school in Finglas South after St Finian’s (January 1975) and St Oliver Plunkett’s Junior School (June 1976). Enrollment peaked at nearly 600 pupils and 19 teachers from 1981 onward, before gradually declining from 1986 to the present day. Today the school serves over 140 children, staffed by a principal, seven class teachers, three special‑education teachers and a shared Home‑School Liaison Officer. Historically, St Oliver Plunkett’s Junior School supplied the majority (approximately 95 %) of St Malachy’s pupils beginning in 1979.