Schools

St Colmcille’s Primary School

St. Colmcille’s PS/Bunscoil Naomh Colmcille caters for the children in Carrickmore and the surrounding rural community. The school prides itself on the warm, friendly and nurturing atmosphere that exists within the whole school community. It is served by a well-informed Board of Governors, a committed staff, who strive to ensure that the highest standards of educational provision are available to its pupils and to ensure that every pupil feels valued. As a Catholic School, St. Colmcille’s PS/Bunscoil Naomh Colmcille strives to promote the academic, spiritual, physical and social development of each of its pupils. A strong Catholic ethos is reflected in the emphasis placed on prayer, worship and preparation for the sacraments as exemplified through our “Do this in Memory” programme.

The school’s current enrolment is 355 pupils. There are 26 full-time Nursery places, 260 children in the mainstream classes and also has an Irish Medium unit with 70 children enrolled at present. In addition, the Naíscoil (pre-school) can cater for up to 24 children on the school site.

We have a very effective Home /School Association “Friends of St Colmcille’s” and “Camowen Smart Kids” After-School Care provision which operates from 2.30pm- 6.00pm each evening and during school holidays.

While the school is in need of major development, we have endeavoured to ensure that it is well equipped with up to date technology: all classrooms having interactive whiteboards, Internet connectivity and access to iPads. There are three playgrounds, an imaginative play area, a football pitch, 15 well-resourced classrooms, three small resource areas and a computer room.

The school has a growing reputation within the community and beyond for its involvement in many interesting and challenging projects. It is well-known for its sporting, cultural and musical achievements. The school has strong links with Dean Maguirc College, other post-primary schools and works in partnership with 12 local primary schools through a variety of projects.

St Teresa’s PS, Loughmacrory

Saint Teresa’s Primary School is set in its own grounds in the centre of Loughmacrory. It is bordered by Saint Mary’s Church and Loughmacrory Community Centre. Close to the school is the local Gaelic football ground, Paire Na Locha, which is available for use by the school. The Lough is used as an outdoor learning area.

Built in 1967 the school has five classrooms in the main building, each with its own toilets and cloakroom area. There is a computer cluster suite and we have six interactive white boards. There are two mobile classrooms in the yard. A hall in the main building is used for physical education, assemblies, music, drama, concerts and other school activities. The local community hall is available for bigger productions. Children are prepared for the sacraments. The school choir sings at First Friday Mass and other liturgical events.

We are committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle, and have attained the Gold Award from Health Promoting Schools. Healthy breakfasts and dinners are served in school. Children experience a wide variety of sports activities and are involved in many tournaments.
The school grounds are designed to stimulate creativity.

There are colourful murals and picnic benches. St. Teresa’s is an Eco school with its own environmental area. The governors and staff, with the support of parents, are always working to improve the school’s environment and resources and the quality of children’s education.

Dean Maguirc College

Dean Maguirc College is the local post primary school and with its highest enrolment ever of 537 pupils, this all-ability school has been at the heart of the community for over fifty years. It achieves much academic success and in 2017 it was the top performing post primary school in Co. Tyrone at A-Level, being placed 18th over-all out of the 159 post primary schools in Northern Ireland.

Pupils continue to excel in extra-curricular activities ranging from success in sporting events to winning public speaking and various other competitions. Ulster titles have been won in football, handball and track and field, numerous top awards have been obtained in the local feiseanna and victories in the ‘Tráth na gCeist’ and ‘Credit Union’ quizzes continue to yield participation at regional and All-Ireland level.

The ‘Dean’ has undergone a programme of refurbishment and further plans for enhancement of facilities await approval from the Department of Education. The school has strong links with many local groups within the community and presently the use of the new facilities belonging to the Eire Óg Hurling Club has added a new dimension to sport within the college, a college which has a catchment area stretching from Gortin to Roscavey and Killeenan to Killyclogher.

Pupils continue to excel in extra-curricular activities ranging from success in sporting events to winning public speaking and various other competitions. Ulster titles have been won in football, handball and track and field, numerous top awards have been obtained in the local feiseanna and victories in the ‘Tráth na gCeist’ and ‘Credit Union’ quizzes continue to yield participation at regional and All-Ireland level.

The ‘Dean’ is presently undergoing a programme of refurbishment and further plans for enhancement of facilities await approval from the Department of Education. The school has strong links with many local groups within the community and presently the use of the new facilities belonging to the Eire Óg Hurling Club has added a new dimension to sport within the college, a college which has a catchment area stretching from Gortin to Roscavey and Killeenan to Killyclogher.