St Mark’s junior and senior national schools celebrate 50 years

ST MARK’S junior and senior national schools in Springfield marked 50 years since they were founded with a celebration in St Mark’s Church on Wednesday, June 19.

Both schools have gone on to be important parts of the Springfield community since their doors first opened in 1973.

Thousands of pupils have gone through their doors over the years, while the wider Tallaght area continued to grow and develop.

Michael Daly, principal of St Mark’s Senior National School, said that one thing that has remained unchanged is a sense of community spirit in the school and the area overall.

“Both of the schools are a central part of the community and the Parish of St Mark’s,” said Mr Daly, who became principal three years ago, and taught in the school for more than a decade.

Karina O’Connor, Martin Durkin, Niamh Fowler and Laura Tyrrell, St Mark’s, SNS staff

“There is a lovely community in St Mark’s, with fantastic people and that’s what makes the two schools what they are.”

Preparations for the celebration were in full swing in the senior school in recent months, with the development of a pupil-led mural depicting ‘The A to Z of St Mark’s Senior National School’.

The school also held a showcase in the school hall with the children, and current and past staff of the school.

“It is with immense pride that I bring St Mark’s into its 50th year,” said Mr Daly.

Deirdre Ni Bhroin, Rita Leap, Mark Farrelly, Paula Noone, St Mark’s JNS staff

“We are delighted to celebrate this anniversary thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of the parents and school community.

“Our pupils are first and foremost in our approaches, with many having gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, carrying forward the values and lessons they learned here.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our Boards of Management, previous principals, Diarmuid McMathuna and Richie Walsh, including our dedicated past staff members, whose hard work laid the foundation for the excellence we continue to uphold today.

“Their contributions have been invaluable in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for learning.

Deirdre Ni Bhroin, Mairead McGowan, Michael Daly, Ann Ryan, St Mark’s Present and Past Principals

“Our current staff continues this legacy with passion and commitment.

“We will continue to nurture the Catholic and inclusive ethos of the school in developing caring, courageous and creative pupils.”

The principal of St Mark’s Junior National School, Deirdre Ní Bhroin, shared her delight at the schools reaching their 50-year milestone.

“I feel incredibly proud and honoured to be part of a school that has reached such a significant milestone,” said Ms Ní Bhroin.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the whole community – from our students and their parents to our dedicated staff, board members and the community of Springfield.

Bernie Jones, Terrie Russell and Maeve Cashin

“I have been in this school for over 20 years and have seen firsthand the commitment of everyone in ensuring that love, laughter and learning permeates everything that we do.

“Positive connections are a key part of what has made St Mark’s so unique.

“We receive regular feedback from visitors to our schools about the kind and caring atmosphere and this is testament to the school’s longevity.

“You can feel the warmth and love as soon as you walk in the door.

“The school opened in 1973 with 23 pupils and has now grown to two schools of nearly 1,000 pupils.

“We are honoured and blessed that the school has such a huge place in the community and the support received is second to none.”