Giving the pupils a platform to develop their own unique talents

“In St. John’s National School we promote mutual respect and co- operation where each pupil can develop his or her own unique talents” - that’s the motto of Bernard Mulhern, Principal of St. John’s National School on Temple Street.

The school, in Sligo’s town centre, is a bustling hub of activity with something happening all the time.

With around 270 pupils, it is one of Sligo’s biggest schools.

The school itself has seen huge changes over the last decade or so.

The school’s numbers have grown significantly in recent years, and that’s down to the fact that it is now a co- ed school, and also down to the hard work of principal Bernard Mulhern. “The school was once all boys, in 2003 junior classes were introduced. In 2005, it became co- ed and now 42% of our pupils are girls - it’s a massive change.” Mr. Mulhern told The Sligo Champion.

“I joined the school in 2001 and we have 90 pupils. It’s really trebled since then. With the introduction of co- ed and junior classes the number of pupils has really grown.

“It’s constantly changing, you have to keep with it,” he added.

St. John’s is the only primary school in Sligo/ Leitrim to have a specialised speech and language unit.

The school has one teacher, Ms. Doddy, who teaches those for whom English is an additional language ( EAL).

“We have a class for children who are psychologically assessed in the mild category.

“Around 25% of pupils here now are EAL - all of our different nationalities have integrated really well, academically and sporting wise too.

“We are fortunate enough to have an EAL teacher here for a few years. It means those children get individual tuition.

“We have three Special Needs Assistants, a speech and language therapist who is here three days a week,” said Mr. Mulhern.

Mr. Mulhern credits a lot of the school’s good work to the support he has around him. One of the school’s biggest assets is the teachers who not only teach pupils their academic subjects, but other lessons such as Irish dancing.

Whether it’s sport, art, science or even dancing, catering to the interests of all children is key to life at St. John’s.

“I have an excellent secretary in Siobhán who is a huge help. My Deputy Principal Ger Hartnett has also been brilliant. Our teachers here do the teaching and they all have their own talents which they then bring into everyday life at the school too,” he added.

The school boasts football pitches, a large yard that is split into three sections ( infants, junior and senior) and a large sports hall which is of huge benefit to the school. The art and science room, too, is a huge asset.

“The sports hall is really thanks to the Past Pupils Unit. They did the fundraising for the building of the hall. It’s a massive asset to us - every school should have one.

“Sport is an intrinsic part of school, we try to give as much as we can to sport.

“The school really is a community here. We had a room converted into an art and science room and that’s been brilliant for the children.”

There are interactive whiteboards across the school, and now android boards are replacing those as technology continues to move at a fast pace.

Practical lessons, Mr. Mulhern says, will be of greater use to children later in life than textbooks.

“We promote mutual respect here. We can bring these children anywhere they are so well behaved.

“I suppose they’re a credit to the teachers here but also to their parents.

“I think in schools still there is almost too much emphasis on the textbook. Practical examples are more important and they give children the examples and lessons they need for life.

“We like to think our school is warm and friendly and our kids are happy - we’re very proud of them in that regard. We’re very open in terms of meeting parents and speaking to them.”

For more information on St. John’s National School contact 071- 9162537 or check out the website www. stjohnssligo. com.