A Whole School Evaluation was undertaken by the Department’s inspectors in September. The community of Gaelscoil Cholmcille welcomed this opportunity to receive feedback on our approach and to ensure the best interests of the children in our care. The inspectors spent time observing all aspects of the school.
We are delighted that the inspectors have provided a very positive report.
The inspectors described our school as a small Gaeltacht, where there was a real sense of family. They referred to the children’s happiness and that they were competent Irish speakers. The school received the highest grade in almost all aspects of teaching and teaching. They referred to an inclusive, enjoyable, child-centered environment where children are challenged at all levels and in all subjects and that children are provided with a variety of learning opportunities.
The inspectors noted that teachers made very good use of equipment and resources to support learning. As a team, we are grateful for the generosity of the school community in terms of time and money in particular to Cairde na dTuistí. It is with this money that we are able to provide additional resources. Parents and children also had positive views about our school in the feedback from their surveys.
There were two reference points for the school to review. The first is the number of children in the classes. In response to this recommendation, the Board of Management decided to review our admissions policy and reduced the maximum number of Junior Infants to 28 children from next year onwards. In addition, the school will arrange a post of responsibility as special needs co-ordinator. Cairde na dtuistí will also have a more formal role in the process of policy review.
We are very proud of our achievement and will continue to enhance and foster a supportive, Irish-language environment in which we can continue to provide the highest standards. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, the Board of Management and you as parents for your support during this evaluation and at all times.
The full report is available here.
Le buíochas,
Neasa