Enrolment growth at first local multi-denominational school

Athlone's first multi-denominational national school continues to see a growth in pupil numbers following its transfer from Catholic patronage in January 2023.

Over two years since the patronage transfer of Cornamaddy Community National School to the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) principal Yvonne Naughton reflected on what she describes as a "positive experience" for staff and pupils alike.

A multi-denominational education is an approach that welcomes and respects all children and their families, regardless of any aspect of their identity or background, including those from religious and non-religious beliefs.

"The school represents the society we live in today and we can now offer parents an alternative schooling option in the community," Ms Naughton said.

Appointed principal in September 2024, the Taughmaconnell native, who oversees a co-ed community national school with 308 pupils and a staff of 25 teachers (inclusive of special needs assistants), commended the ongoing support received from the LWETB since the transition.

"The support given to us by the LWETB has been really great. They have supported us from the transition right through to the day-to-day running of the school," Ms Naughton said.

While there has been a change of patronage, the principal said that pupils still follow a similar primary school curriculum, the sole difference to their day-to-day education being the inclusion of an alternative patrons programme.

"We abide by the same primary school curriculum but would teach our pupils a different patrons programme called 'Goodness Me Goodness You'. This is a multi-beliefs and values programme and it has been very beneficial for our pupils since its introduction," Ms Naughton said.

An important aspect of the 'Goodness Me Goodness You' programme is that the pupils gain exposure to numerous religions, Ms Naughton noting that it is a positive to hear the children talking about the subject.

"Rather than learning about one religion, the pupils are exposed to a number of different religions being taught and how they are celebrated. The pupils really enjoy discussing the similarities and differences within the various religions so that has been a positive," Ms Naughton explained.

Whilst there has been a transfer of patronage, Ms Naughton confirmed that a number of pupils continue to participate in the sacraments of communion and confirmation.

"We would definitely support the pupils' participation in the holy sacraments,"she added, stating that the responsibility of preparing children for the sacraments transfers to parish teams once the school day is over.

While LWETB support remains constant in the day-to-day running of the school, the principal also commended the assistance received from the "entire school community" since the transition.

"We had a clear plan at the time of the patronage transfer which allowed the process to be well supported by parents and teachers and we look forward to the future with optimism," Ms Naughton said.

With an "all inclusive ethos" Ms Naughton believes that there is a future for additional multi-denominational schools in Athlone.

"There is a place for multi-denominational schools. They can become a vital part of our community. We definitely would have noticed in this year's enrolment that people are making the choice to come to our school now because it's the only multi-denominational school within their area. Parents need a choice in terms of education and the creation of a community national school model offers that opportunity," Ms Naughton said.