'A new chapter': Cork primary school to move from Church patronage to ETB 

AN east Cork primary school is set to move from Catholic to Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) patronage, marking a new chapter in the school’s long history.

Kyle National School, situated between Killeagh and Youghal, will become known as Kyle Community National School when the change comes into effect in the coming academic year.

A statement from Cork ETB confirmed agreement has been reached between the Department of Education, the Diocese of Cloyne and Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) for the transfer of patronage of Kyle National School from the bishop of Cloyne to Cork ETB with effect from September 1.

The board said the decision to transfer the patronage is part of the Department of Education pilot project for the divestment of patronage of Catholic primary schools and follows extensive consultation involving the department, the Diocese of Cloyne, Cork ETB, and the school community.

“Cork ETB is aware of the outstanding tradition that Kyle National School has in serving its local community and it is our intention and commitment to support the school into the future in building on this tradition and continuing to provide an education based on excellence in education, care and respect for all,” said Cork ETB chief executive Denis Leamy.

Cork ETB’s statement paid tribute to all stakeholders involved for what it described as very positive engagement that characterised the process.

'A new chapter'

Kyle NS has been serving the educational needs of the local community since 1870.

School principal Joanna Kelly said the upcoming transfer of patronage marks a significant milestone in the school’s history.

“We’re very excited. It’s a time of great nostalgia as well. The school has been here for so long and it definitely feels like a new chapter in our story,” she told The Echo.

“It’s just lovely for a small school to be progressive and looking to diversify and offer a choice of education to the community that we serve.”

Shift in curriculum

The school is set to shift to the multi-belief and values curriculum, ‘Goodness Me, Goodness You’ which is taught in community national schools.

“I suppose the biggest change for our students and staff on the ground is that the Catholic religious programme ‘Grow in Love’ is going to be replaced with ‘Goodness Me, Goodness You’,” said Ms Kelly.

“There’s a very strong Catholic contingent of families attending the school — all those children will still be offered the sacraments, but sacramental preparation will be done outside of school time.” Ms Kelly also paid tribute to all involved.

This is understood to be the first instance in the diocese where a school has divested from Catholic patronage. “We are grateful to all who have participated in this new arrangement and we pray that this time of transition will be positive and fruitful,” said bishop of Cloyne William Crean.