St. Attracta's National School is an urban school, situated on the outskirts of the town. It is a two-storey building dating back to 1874. The Sister's of Charity, led by Mother Agnes Morragh Bernard (of Cheltenham) arrived in that year and shortly afterwards set up the 'National Primary School' for male and female infants. It was named 'St. Francis Xavier' School. In the late 1880's, the then M.P. for East Mayo - a Mr. Sexton, successfully petitioned the Common in London to locate an industrial school at their convent. The industrial school lasted until the 1960's. In 1971, due to declining vocations, the Charity order left to be replaced by the Mercy Order of Nuns. St. Francis Xavier School remained under the auspices of the Mercy Order until 1992. In September 1992, an amalgamation of St. John's Boys School, run by the De La Salle Brothers and St. Francis Xavier took place.

The school, now 'St. Attracta's' was renamed in honour of the patron saint of the area. The building was refurbished in 1998 with the addition of an extra classroom. Further refurbishment has been ongoing since September 2000 with the installation of toilets in the junior infant room, separate offices for the Principal and secretary, a more centrally located attractive entrance and the provision of a more appropriate sized learning support room. In 2002 the old bicycle shed was converted into a beautiful computer room and library. In October 2003 permission was granted to build a G.P. room in the field next to the orchard. With a growing pupil population and lack of space an issue, this will be a welcome asset to our school. At present there are 16 teachers on staff in St. Attracta', 9 mainstream class teachers, 1 Learning Support Teacher, 1 Resource Teacher for Special Needs, 2 R.T.T., 2 Language Support Teachers and an Administrative Principal. We have 2 S.N.A.'s and a part-time secretary. Our Mission Statement is to ensure through the processes of collaborative enquiry, reflective practice and open communication, the provision of a high quality broad-based education for all our pupils, whatever their needs.


St. Attracta's National School through the eyes of a pupil.

When my eldest sister Sarah started school, she wore a very different uniform to pupils of St. Attracta's now. She wore a brown pinafore, a cream shirt and a mustard cardigan. When she was in Junior Infants, the school was called 'St. Francis Xavier'. Everything changed when my sister entered Senior Infants. She had a new uniform, the same uniform we wear today, which is a grey pinafore, a royal blue cardigan and blue shirt. Also the name of the school changed to St. Attracta's N.S.

Lots of other changes took place after that. In the past, after pupils made their Holy Communion, boys when to what was known as 'the Brothers', the school at the top of New Street and they stayed there until they finished primary school. This meant that the classes from second class up only contained girls. However, this all changed when my eldest sister Sarah entered 1st class. All girls and boys got the opportunity to attend 'the Brothers' from fourth class upwards. My sister looked forward to going to the Brothers, where my Dad used to go to school as a boy, but she never go the chance! When she entered 4th class, 'The Brothers school' and St. Attracta's school joined together, and from that day to this, both boys and girls to the same school - St. Attracta's. During the time, my other sister Fiona was in national school, numerous things changed.

The girl's Secondary school beside the national school was demolished. When she was in 1st class an extension was built onto the school. This was used for the sixth class pupils. In the year 2000, Mrs. Gallagher, the former Principal retired and Mrs. Mangan became the new Principal. The old bicycle shed was converted into a computer room and library. The school was redecorated and a new staffroom and office were built. There are children from foreign countries attending the school as well as people from various parts of Ireland. Once a week each class from second class up, learn to play music with our music teacher. We go to Sligo for swimming lessons frequently and we have great fun, The computer room gets great used from all classes. Every March, on St. Patrick's Day, 4th, 5th and 6th class play in the school band which marches in the Ballaghaderreen parade. This is a very enjoyable event for all who take part in it.

Kate Mulligan 5th Class, 2003


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