Ethos Statement

Introductory Section:

St. John the Baptist National School is a Church of Ireland National School under the patronage of the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.  The school serves mainly the Church of Ireland parishes of Cloyne, Corkbeg, East Ferry and Midleton.  It is a co-educational school and was founded in 1880.

The school is a school which, in accordance with the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018 serves those of a minority religion. The school operates in a spirit of inclusion, ecumenism and tolerance, encouraging respect and openness towards everyone and aiming to play a full part in the life of the community.

Section 2:

  • The school aims to foster a love of learning in a respectful, fair and tolerant environment where high social, moral and civic values are upheld.
  • The school nurtures the Christian faith and a living relationship with God and other people, primarily through its connection with the local Church of Ireland parish.
  • In keeping with the values expressed in the Bible, all members of the school community are valued and respected and are expected to demonstrate a high level of respect for all others.
  • The school partakes in regular assemblies led by the Church of Ireland rector. In addition, the school attends the parish church on a number of occasions every year to celebrate Christian festivals such as Harvest Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Section 3:

  • The school’s admission policy sets out the rules of eligibility for attendance at the school and the procedure for enrolment. This policy has been devised in accordance with the law including the Education Act 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the Equality Act 2000 as amended by the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018. The full policy is available at www.stjohnthebaptistns.ie or by request from the school office.
  • Open communication and co-operation with parents are an essential part of the school ethos. This is manifested through annual parent / teacher meetings and ongoing contact with parents.  There is an active Parent/ Teacher Association and parent volunteers are welcome to assist in selected activities.
  • The school values its teachers and seeks to resource them and to support them in the provision of the highest standards in the exercise of their profession.
  • The Follow Me religious education programme is used throughout the school. More information on this programme is available from the school office on request.
  • Religious differences are respected among those within the school community.
  • The school Code of Behaviour seeks to promote high social, moral and civic values.
  • Minority groups are included and encouraged to participate in all school activities.

Section 4:

  • The school motto is “Together, to learn and achieve”. The school endeavours to ensure that all children reach their full potential in an inclusive and respectful environment.
  • The school crest comprises the school name and address.

In conclusion, St. John the Baptist National School strives at all times to be in the forefront of the highest standards of primary education and believes that it has achieved that aim over the course of many years.  The school extends an invitation to become a part of the school community to those who are prepared to share and to participate in its values and ethos.

Ratified by the Patron November 2018