St John’s Parochial School To Hold Open Day This Saturday

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Teacher Maura O’Doherty in class with pupils of St John’s Parochial School. Photo by Dermot Crean

IT’S a wonderful school right in the heart of Tralee and the good people of St John’s Parochial School on Ashe Street want to make the parents more aware of it with an open day this Saturday at 1pm.

“The open day is a chance for parents to come in and get a feel for the supportive and positive atmosphere in the school,” explained Acting Principal, Patricia Fitzell. “Families will get an idea of what school life is like in that short period of time and we have activities organised for children on the day.”

It’s a two teacher school with two classrooms teaching 43 pupils, with juniors to second class taught by Mrs Fitzell, while third to sixth class pupils are taught by Maura O’Doherty. There’s also a special education teacher and two classroom assistants.

“We’re a tightly knit community here and pupils can easily form friendships with fellow children   in the other classes. These friendships are fostered with the various activities we organise throughout the year such as the Trick Or Treat for Temple Street or the Down Syndrome Ice Cream Day and movie nights,” said Patricia.

Physical education and positive mental health are also important at St John’s as they have a football coach, a coach for essential movement skills and a coach for mindfulness. The school has two support rooms and a multi-sensory room for pupils with special needs.

Acting Principal, Patricia Fitzell with junior infants to second class pupils.

The school is right in the middle of town which allows easy access to the the attractions and amenities like Tralee Library, Siamsa Tíre, Kerry County Museum and more.

“The transition to primary school is a big step in the life of the child — and the parents — and we’re committed to helping all our potential junior infants to settle in to their new environment and answer any queries from parents on the day,” said Patricia.

They also have a Green Schools Committee consisting of pupils who monitor the schools waste management on a daily basis, while the Student Council organises fundraising events.

Pupils in the multi-sensory room.

“We have an active parents association which is very supportive of the school and organise various fundraising activities. This is a great opportunity for incoming parents to get to know existing parents in the school,” said Patricia.

Though the school has Church Of Ireland patronage, St John’s welcomes pupils from all religious backgrounds and none. Preparation for the sacraments is done outside the school and if children want to receive First Holy Communion that can be arranged.

So if you have a child going to school this September, why not call down at 1pm on Saturday and see for yourself the great facilities they have at St John’s Parochial School on Ashe Street.