St. Joseph’s NS, Rathdonnell is a two-teacher school on the outskirts of the town of Letterkenny, in a rural and mixed agricultural setting within the Parish of Kilmacrennan. The River Lennon flows nearby.
The school was built in 1958, a one-classroomed schoolhouse. In 1955, the first pupils attended classes in a neighbouring house across the road from the site of the present school. Previous to this, local children attended Trentagh NS or Edenacarnan NS. A second classroom was built circa 1995 and in 2005, a renovation upstairs provided an extra classroom for support teaching. The new extension (September 2016), comprises a new classroom, new school entrance and foyer, office accommodation, assisted user bathroom and wet-room and new footpath providing pedestrian and vehicular access.
Education is at the heart of everything we do in St. Joseph’s NS, and the school aims to be a vibrant community where pupils are engaged in purposeful and meaningful learning. The school is aware of its role in the continuum of learning- with high expectations placed on all to attain good learning habits which will continue on to second and hopefully, third-level education and on through life.
Teaching staff include the: Teaching Principal Ms. Grainne Duggan, Junior Classroom Teacher Ms. Linda Sweeney, Special Education Teacher (and Assistant Principal) Mrs. Cathy Russell and SNA Ms. Grace Buchannan.
The immediate local environment is utilised and the importance of the Outdoor Classroom is acknowledged in a real way. Children learn about their local river, the farming and agricultural practices surrounding them and the local places of historical importance for example the ‘Rath’ or ring-fort which is close by. The rural context of the school is reflected in the teaching and learning opportunities provided to the pupils, for instance Safety on the Farm, Farming and farming practices, river work, field study work.
The school participates in the Discover Primary Science Awards, the Green School Programme, Scríobh Leabhair, Realt Uladh, Texaco Art and Cumann na mBunscol Games, including rounders and Gaelic Football, Credit Union Quizzes and Historical Society competitions. Most recently pupils took part in Éigse Shéain Bháin i mBaile na Finne sa chomórtas 'Deis a Labhartha'.
Science, Maths and Environmental learning are strongly promoted and there is an emphasis on active learning. We continue the strong musical and drama tradition in the school and pupils are proficient in reading music and playing instruments including tin whistle, fiddle and accordion. The pupils are provided with a wide range learning experience in sport and all children are encouraged to be part of the active school. Fostering an enjoyment of reading is a priority and the library books available to the children are of high interest, age appropriate and colourful. The children enjoy choosing and reading their books.
Our latest activities include some lovely lessons from the Heritage in Schools scheme and meeting up virtually with our Trentagh friends (Peace IV).