Our History

St. Mary’s School was founded in 1882 as a result of indominatable community spirit as shown in the report below from the Leinster Leader:

Leinster Leader 8th July 1882

Blessington Catholic Schools
On Friday a demonstration came off in Blessington. It having become known that the new school wanted materials for the building, one hundred and sixty farmers of the parish of Blackditches turned out their horses almost at a moments notice and each brought a load of  stones from the magnificent granite quarries at Ballyknockan. The imposing cortege far extended beyond the whole length of the town and was accompanied from Ballyknockan by Rev. E. Rowan P.P. and Rev. Mr. Hickey C.C. who were enthusiastically cheered. The School Committee received the reverend gentlemen at the school.

Rev. Thomas Heffernan C.C. Mr. Patrick Driver P.L.G. Mr. Peter Melee and several other gentlemen were present and joined in the demonstration of applause and  acclamation which greeted this noble band of farmers, showing in this practical way their appreciation of Catholic teaching.

A new school was built in 1936 on the site of the original Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks consisting of four classrooms, two cloakrooms and indoor toilet facilities for both boys and girls. There were two seperate entrances-one for the boys and one for the girls even though the classes were mixed. Heating was provided by open fires and later stoves which were fuelled by coal, timber and turf brought in by the pupils. The old school became a community hall and was subsequently converted for use as a church. It was consecrated and opened on Ascension Thursday 30th May 1946, by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid of Dublin.

When Blessington Parish opened the doors to a new church in 1982 the Old School/Church reverted back to school use. A new building with ten mainstream classes, a GP room and kitchenette was opened on 1984 for Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire and became an extension of the 1936 school. The original school is a protected building and was refurbished in 1997 to accommodate 3 rooms which are now used for a computer lab, our school library and one of our first classes.

As Blessington grew in population so too did our school and the site was unable to accommodate the large number of pupils attending. In September 2007 Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire split into St. Mary’s Senior and Junior Schools. St. Mary’s Senior School is located across the road from the Junior School in a brand new state of the art building. Pupils who attend the Junior School automatically qualify for a place in the SeniorSchool when they go on to third class.

St. Mary’s Junior school is very proud of the history associated with the building and the school’s place within the community. The school is maintained to the highest standards and continues to enjoy valued support from our parent body and our parish. If you would like to come and visit our school please make an apppointment to do so or look out for our open days which are advertised in local puplications and on this website.

Our Curriculum

• As a staff, we are constantly reviewing and developing our teaching approaches, resources and practices to ensure that every child is supported to learn, develop and flourish. As the new Primary School Curriculum is introduced, we continue to build on the strengths of our existing practice while providing children with engaging, active and enjoyable learning experiences. We recognise the importance of play and playfulness in learning and give our teachers the flexibility to respond to the needs, interests and abilities of the children in their classes.

  Language and literacy are central to learning throughout our school. In the infant classes, children develop strong foundations in phonics, oral language, reading and writing through carefully structured and engaging programmes. Station Teaching and small-group learning allow children to work at an appropriate level while receiving focused support from teachers. As children progress through the school, they have regular opportunities to read and work in groups using a wide range of stimulating and age-appropriate books and resources.

  Cé nach scoil lán-Ghaeilge sinn, tá meas mór ag ár ndaltaí ar an nGaeilge mar theanga labhartha agus bainimid taitneamh as í a úsáid mar chuid de shaol laethúil na scoile. We encourage children to enjoy Irish as a living language and to build their confidence in speaking and using Gaeilge naturally throughout the school day.

  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics form the STEM Education area of the new curriculum. We believe children learn best when they are actively involved in their learning. Practical materials, games, investigation, problem-solving and discussion are used to help children develop their mathematical and scientific understanding. Children are encouraged to explore, question, experiment, create and explain their thinking, making learning meaningful and enjoyable.

  Our local environment provides a rich setting for learning. As a Green School, located in a beautiful area with a strong sense of local history and community, we encourage children to understand and care for the world around them. Through Social and Environmental Education, children explore History and Geography while developing curiosity, environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards their school and wider community.

  We believe strongly in a broad and balanced education. Arts Education encompasses Music, Drama and Visual Arts and provides children with opportunities to express themselves, develop creativity and build confidence. Children are encouraged to create, perform and exhibit their work and to experience the arts through visiting performers, musicians and other opportunities both within and beyond the school.

  Wellbeing is an important part of the new curriculum and includes both Physical Education and Social, Personal and Health Education. Physical activity is an important part of school life, and children experience a varied programme designed to develop movement skills, teamwork, confidence and enjoyment of being active. Activities include GAA, athletics, dance and acro with Katie Charles, gymnastics in school with Sports in Schools, and swimming lessons at K Leisure in Naas. Outdoor play and opportunities to be active throughout the school day are also encouraged as part of our commitment to supporting the overall wellbeing of every child.