St Malachy’s Primary School are preparing to host their annual school Open Day and are welcoming all prospective pupils and parents to visit the school and meet with staff.
The open day will be held on Tuesday January 9, 2024 from 2pm until 4pm at the school’s current premises on Chapel Lane, Armagh.
Speaking to Armagh I, Mr Paul Duggan – who has been Principal of the school since 2005 – described a sense of pride in the development of a ‘family atmosphere’ which the school are now renowned for.
Mr Duggan said: “Education is our core business. We aim to provide a safe and happy family environment for each child under our care whilst sustaining high standards. Our Catholic ethos is reflected in our work ethic, in how we treat each child and in how we contribute to the life of our parish.
“We pride ourselves in being a family and we foster this family environment where each child is valued. We have begun an exciting era in the long life of St Malachy’s Primary School. As one of only a few Digital Schools of Distinction in Ireland, we continue to provide an excellent education for our children.
“In our recent history we were awarded first place in a UK wide Minecraft competition and achieved third place overall in a similar Northern Ireland competition. Our Assessment Data continually demonstrates that our results in both literacy and numeracy far exceed the Northern Ireland average, a credit to our staff. You can be confident that your child will receive the highest standard of teaching from our team of very committed teachers and classroom assistants in a happy, friendly atmosphere.
“Be assured also that your child’s happiness and well-being will be our first concern at all times during his or her years at our school. If you find you require more information about any particular aspect, please come to see myself or a member of the staff. It is through easy communication between home and school that we can build the close relationship which will both support and be an encouragement to your children while they are at St Malachy’s.”
The school’s mission statement concisely sets out their overall ethos and hopes for young learners: “We at St Malachy’s Primary School endeavour to promote a welcoming community based on trust and mutual respect, where all individuals feel that they are valued and belong. We develop our spirituality through prayer, reflection and celebration, whilst living out our faith.
“As a community of learners, we strive for excellence, unlocking the full potential of each individual, developing confident and independent learners.
“As we journey together with Christ, we seek to engender the joy and wonder of learning through celebrating God’s love in our lives. We invoke the intercession of Saint Malachy as we journey together in faith and we hope that all may say ‘Truly God is in this place.'”
Additional to building upon this internal sense of community, St Malachy’s extends its community impact beyond the school gates by supporting a range of local charities, contributing to annual appeals and fundraising for charities that are important to pupils and the wider school community.
One parent said of the school: “St Malachy’s is very unique in its own way. It’s a very friendly place, very warm when you come into it.”
Another commented: “It’s not just a fabulous school academically but for the development of the whole child.”
Related: Armagh primary school to be demolished with state-of-the-art new-build imminent
Whilst parents and children are invited to explore the current surroundings at St. Malachy’s during the Open Day, Mr. Duggan is expected to make an official announcement regarding the move to the prospective, temporary premises in their near future. It is the intention to decant to the former St Brigid’s High School during demolition and the building process.
The new school prospectus is now available and can be viewed here – St. Malachy’s PS Prospectus 2023(a).
