About Our School

Virtual School Tour

Castlehackett National School is a 3 teacher school situated on the foothills of ‘Knockma’. Working alongside our 3 teachers are 2 Special Education teachers and a special needs assistant.

We are a co-educational school catering for children from 4 – 12 years of age. Here at Scoil Naomh Iosef, we adopt a holistic approach to education, focusing on the social, emotional and spiritual education of each child. Our school has a warm and homely environment where our pupils can learn
through hands-on activities and use of technology.

Being a modern school, we have every up-to-date facility available and as well as implementing programmes like Reading Buddies and Green Flag. We are also a GAA 5 star centre, this recognises Primary Schools that provide pupils with 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous Gaelic Games activity per week in a manner that ensures the children will experience fun, friendship, fairness and ultimately improve their fitness. 

We have piloted many new initiatives including Food dudes a healthy eating programme, Creative schools, cycle safe and many others. Pupils also
participate in debating and other competitions. We are very proud of our students and their achievements, both academic and sporting.

History

The school was originally established in 1905 by a local landlord and was relocated to its current site in 1958 after being granted the site by the land commission. In 2004-2006 the school was redeveloped. The new school is at the cutting edge of architectural design. Each of the three  mainstream classrooms in the building has an adjoining toilet and store room. The school also has an  office, a staff room, a library, two learning support rooms and a large general purpose hall with a  canteen. We also have a running track and are finishing our new astro playing surface. We are very
fortunate to have such modern fantastic facilities. 

Organic Garden

The garden was established by teachers and students and every classroom has a plot to grow their vegetables in. The soil has been enriched with organic waste from our compost bin. Potatoes, onions and leeks are among the vegetables planted. We have even made soup from our own organically  grown vegetables.

Willow Dome

In December 2013, Kay Synott, a heritage specialist, helped the pupils construct a living willow dome.  The children will be able to observe the effect of different seasons on the willow plants. It will also make a nice play area for students and a place where they can engage in reading and storytelling with their teachers.

Green Flag Status

We currently hold 2 Green Flags (Waste & Energy) and are confident of a 3rd (water conservation).

School Transport

If Castlehackett school is the closest school to your house, you may be entitled to school bus transport  upon satisfactorily meeting all the criteria as set out by Bus Éireann School Transport section (091  537530‬). This is still true even if other children in your vicinity take a bus to another school. The
current bus route can be adjusted to accommodate any new pupils so please don’t assume that we  don’t pass near your house. We can hopefully facilitate your requirements in this regard – just ask!

Motto

Our school motto is ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ which loosely translates to: ‘There is strength in unity’; something which is very apparent when you enter our school.

Castlehackett National School is the perfect start to your child’s education! If you don’t believe us, come and take a look for yourself in our virtual open day video, you won’t be disappointed!