Greaghrahan National School is situated in a quiet rural location midway between Belturbet and Ballyconnell in the parish of Drumlane. The current staff includes Principal, Pat Duggan, Deputy Principal, Anna Marie Maguire and class teacher, Áine Prior, Learning Support teacher, Caroline Burns, Resource teacher Sharon O’Neill-Chambers, Secretary, Eileen Doyle and Caretaker, Eddie Fitzpatrick.
Records show that the first school, a one room building was erected at Greaghrahan Cross in 1871. Subsequently, a new two-room school was built on the present site in 1960. With the assistance of the parent body, local community and Department of Education and Skills, the school was completely refurbished in 2005 to include spacious classrooms, resource rooms and general purpose room.
Greaghrahan N.S. aims to provide a happy and secure learning environment, where each child achieves optimum personal fulfilment. While the school has a Catholic ethos, a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness exists. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in many extra-curricular activities, both creative and competitive, from sports and quizzes, to art, drama and music. They have achieved many successes in sport, in local Credit Union quizzes and Community Games art competitions. On occasion guest speakers visit the school and share their expertise with the pupils. Field trips to explore the local flora and fauna accompanied by experts from the ‘National Parks and Wildlife Service’ enhance their appreciation of the natural world around them. Pupils are also brought on trips to participate in science workshops and to explore local sites of interest. The school also participates in the ‘Green Schools’ programme.
Pupils are active participants in their own education and benefit from methodologies chosen by teachers to complement their learning styles. The availability of modern resources motivates them and the bright, colourful surroundings create an environment conducive to learning.
An appreciation for the arts is fostered and pupils are encouraged to express their ideas creatively. Pupils are taught the tin whistle and accompany the school choir at Christmas and First Holy Communion ceremonies. A well established favourite among parents is the pupils’ annual Christmas production. In recent years, a performance by pupils who sang with the Cross Border Orchestra, proved a memorable experience for all involved. In 2012 the Senior pupils experienced the technicalities of film making while working in conjunction with a local film crew in the production of a short film which they helped write and produce. The school welcomes theatre groups into the school and where possible outings are organised to local theatrical productions.
Sport plays an important role in the physical and social development of pupils. They enjoy playing a variety of sports in the schoolyard including Gaelic, basketball, rounders and soccer. Gaelic and hurling skills are delivered by visiting GAA coaches. There has been a long tradition in the school of participation in sporting competitions. This provides the opportunity to meet and compete with pupils from other schools. In 2013, Greaghrahan again emerged victorious in the Cumann na mBunscol county football final. The school is proud of the strong links that have been forged with Drumlane GAA club over the years.
In recent years, considerable investment has been made in ICT. The broadband service to the school was upgraded and wireless connections were made available throughout the school. All classrooms including the Learning Support room are equipped with interactive whiteboards and projectors. Children can now experience a wide range of resources available on the internet, enriching their learning experience. Pupils leave the school, computer literate and fully equipped to deal with the modern technological age.
Greaghrahan prides itself on its positive teacher-pupil relationship, and the happy, caring atmosphere that pervades the school. An active Parents’ Association, has invested considerable time and energy over the years to raise funds to enhance facilities for pupils. Parents play an important role in their children’s education and their opinions are sought and valued. They are involved in many aspects of school life such as assisting teachers at sporting events and supporting the delivery of literacy programmes in the classroom. Parents are also involved in the management of the school through serving on the Board of Management. Presently our school Board of Management, under Chairperson Mrs. Majella Lunney, includes two parent nominees among its eight members.
Greaghrahan NS appreciates and values the traditional links to Church, GAA and other community organisations in the parish. These links have mutual benefit for the entire community and the school looks forward to maintaining and strengthening them in the years ahead.
Link to the school website www.greaghrahanschool.ie
