FAQs

 

I am worried about sending my child to school in a multi class setting. ?

At St.John’s we are blessed with a pupil teacher ratio lower than any other school in Shannon, and neighbouring townlands. This means your child gets the maximum amount of ‘’teacher time’’. Having a smaller group of pupils means your child will receive more direct instruction and assistance, and being in a classroom environment with both older and younger classes means the child the requires revision over previously learned topics will be exposed to them again, and children who require more robust challenge in the classroom are exposed to the older classes teaching also. It is a much more fluid learning environment allowing for much more freedom in the learning experience. 

Also the benefits are huge in terms of personal development also. Things such as bullying, singling others out, cliques developing, are all but non existent when you have such a small group. There is very much a family like atmosphere in the classroom and throughout the school. 

The working relationships with staff, and the friendships developed in St.Johns are truly unique and this is solely down to our small numbers and multi class setting.

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My child wants to make their sacraments such as First Holy Communion, and Confirmation?

We accommodate families of all faiths and none in our school. Children who wish to celebrate sacraments are always accommodated. Traditionally we link in with one or a number of the other schools in the area. Your child will be integrated into the preparation and learning associated with the sacrament and with the assistance of their class teacher be able to celebrate said sacrament.

I am worried my child will be seen as different. ?

In St.John’s difference is celebrated. We have children from a diverse range of ethnicities, faiths, cultures, and all types of families. We welcome, and celebrate difference and we learn from one another in a friendly, respectful and open environment. We may all be different, but we are one school family.

I do not want my child to take part in the follow me curriculum. ?

That is no problem. Any parent has the right to withdraw their child from religious instruction. A variety of alternative options are given for how your child can be accommodated which religious education takes place. 

However the Follow me program, focuses on parables, stories, and lessons of personal growth which are core to all Christian traditions. Specific instruction takes place outside school for Church of Ireland pupils.