Mission Statement
St. Thomas’ JNS is a co-educational Catholic junior primary school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. The school welcomes all children equally, respecting the diversity of values, beliefs, languages and lifestyles in modern Irish society. An appreciation and acceptance of diversity is acknowledged as important by the whole school community. With the support of the wider school community we aim to cultivate a caring and stimulating environment where every child is enabled to reach his / her full potential, morally, socially, emotionally and academically while also respecting him/herself, their peers and their environment.
The Holistic Development of Every Child:
With the curriculum as a guide, the school aims to provide an education which helps children to:
- appreciate the richness of their own and each other’s culture
- to understand the importance of a balanced healthy lifestyle and
- to become competent and confident individuals.
Through a holistic approach to education the child should develop healthy self-concepts and self-esteem that equip him/her with the skills to engage with the challenges of everyday life. A holistic approach to education should also support a growing sense of responsibility and citizenship within the child.
Ethos
St. Thomas’ JNS is a Roman Catholic school and is governed by the ethos of such schools.
- The Roman Catholic school is a community where all pupils are equally valued and respected; irrespective of sex, social background, family circumstances, educational ability or performance, physical characteristics or intellectual functioning. The Roman Catholic school encourages the holistic approach to education with the intellectual, social and academic development of every child valued.
- It is a community where moral values such as honesty, justice, tolerance, fairness and civic responsibility are nurtured and protected.
- The Roman Catholic school is a part of the local church community and has strong links with the parish. This link is strengthened by school participation in religious services and ceremonies as well as regular visits by the local clergy to the school.
- The whole school community is expected to demonstrate tolerance and respect for religious differences. This aspiration is reflected in both school policy and practice.
- The teaching of religious education is valued by the school community and implemented by the teaching staff with the support of parents, clergy and wider school community.
- The teaching of other subjects and topics may be informed by and reflect the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- The school values freedom of thought and a personal expression of faith. The spiritual aspect of every individual child is nurtured through the teaching of religious education, and in the prayer life of the school community.