The dawn of a new era in education was celebrated today as Lyreacrompane Community National School (Lyreacrompane CNS) welcomed pupils for the first time under the patronage of Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB). This is the fourth community national school to open its doors in the county under the patronage of Kerry ETB.
This first day marks the culmination of months of preparation following the school’s transition from its previous Catholic ethos to a multidenominational framework, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the local community. As Principal Eilish Lyons explained, “Today is a significant milestone for our school. We are proud to have grown from 18 to 28 pupils this new school year, a testament to the community’s trust in our new direction. This growth is more than just numbers, it’s about offering choice in education and children and parents.”
A particularly exciting development is the introduction of a school bus service, which now connects students from surrounding areas to Lyreacrompane. “For the first time, we have a bus that brings our students to school,” Eilish noted. “This not only eases the burden on parents but also creates a sense of unity among the children who travel together each day.”
The transition to a community national school, which makes Lyreacrompane CNS the only school offering this choice in North Kerry, has been met with widespread enthusiasm. Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Schools, Youth, and Music at Kerry ETB, expressed her satisfaction with the progress: “The opening day of Lyreacrompane Community National School under our patronage is a momentous occasion. We are thrilled to see the positive impact this change is already having. The increase in student numbers shows that families are eager to embrace this new model of education, which emphasises inclusivity, critical thinking, and community engagement.”
The school’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified by the introduction of the Goodness Me, Goodness You! programme, a unique feature of community national schools designed to support the holistic development of each child. “We’re excited about offering this new programme that will encourage our students to think more deeply and critically,” said Eilish Lyons. “This approach will not only enhance their academic skills but also prepare them to be thoughtful and engaged members of society.”
As the first day drew to a close, there was a shared sense of optimism about the future. “This is just the beginning,” Eilish Lyons reflected. “We’re looking forward to building on this foundation, with the support of Kerry ETB, to continue offering a first-class education in a welcoming, inclusive environment.”
Lyreacrompane Community National School is poised to become a at the forefront of educational excellence in North Kerry, where every child is given the opportunity to thrive in a setting that values both their individuality and their place within the community.
