‘A new chapter’: East Cork primary school moves from Catholic to ETB patronage

Mon, 02 Sep, 2024 - 15:17

Amy Power

An East Cork primary school today reopened under its new status as a community national school in what was described as a “new chapter”.

Back in May, The Echo reported that Kyle National School, now Kyle Community National School, was to move from Catholic to Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) patronage.

Speaking at the time, school principal Joanna Kelly said the planned transfer of patronage marked a significant milestone in the school’s history.

Pictured on her first day is Izzy Fleming, Junior Infants, with her mum, Anita Godinho and dad, Faolan Fleming, during the first day at school, under the new patronage of Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), at Kyle Community National School, Kyle, Youghal, Co. Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

“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.”

The school, situated between Killeagh and Youghal, officially reopened today under its new status as a community national school.

This transition, which has been in the making for some time, brings 48 students, including 12 Junior Infants, into a new period of the school's long history, which dates back to its founding in 1870.

Pictured in class on his first day at school is, Arthur Martin, Junior Infants, during the first day at school, under the new patronage of Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), at Kyle Community National School, Kyle, Youghal, Co. Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Cork ETB said the shift in patronage is part of the Department of Education's broader initiative to divest Catholic primary schools, aligning with the Programme for Government's commitment to fostering community national schools.

The board said the process leading to this change involved “thorough consultations” between the Department of Education, the Diocese of Cloyne, Cork ETB, and the local school community.

Chief executive of Cork ETB, Denis Leamy, expressed his delight at being present for the historic occasion today.

Principal Joanna Kelly also addressed the community, acknowledging the emotional significance of the day.

She expressed her optimism for the future, highlighting how the school's values align with the ETB model.

Pictured on her first day is Reidìn O'Tuama, Junior Infants, with her mum, Lorraine O'Tuama, during the first day at school, under the new patronage of Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), at Kyle Community National School, Kyle, Youghal, Co. Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

In its new multidenominational role, Kyle Community National School will introduce the ‘Goodness Me Goodness You’ programme, which explores various beliefs in place of traditional faith formation.

Sacraments such as communion and confirmation will continue to be celebrated, but these will now be organised outside school hours with the support of the parish and parental volunteers.

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