About Us

Introduction

Hello there! Welcome to the website of Scoil Mochua Primary School. We are located in the townland of Aghards, in the historical town of Celbridge, Co Kildare.

Scoil Mochua, or Aghards as it is known locally, is a co-educational, catholic primary school. In 2012, we have just over 650 children, and a staff consisting of 32 teachers, 2 SNAs, a secretary and a caretaker.
We aim to provide an equal educational experience for all of our pupils regardless of gender, race, religious affiliation, intellectual ability or family circumstances. The school recognises the uniqueness of each child and aims to nurture all dimensions of his or her life.
Scoil Mochua welcomes and encourages the co-operation and involvement of parents and guardians in the education of their children and acknowledges the significant benefits of effective partnership between school, home and Board of Management.

We hope you enjoy your on-line tour of our school.

The School in Brief

Scoil Mochua opened in September 1985 in two prefabs with 49 pupils and two teachers.

                                          Mr Doohan           Ms Farrell

During the year the 16 classroom school was built and occupied in September 1986. The school was officially opened by the then Minister for Education Mary O' Rourke in 1987.

The school population grew rapidly in the following years and a new extension comprising 6 classrooms and a gymnasium was added in 2004. The children's play area and the grounds around the school were also significantly enhanced during the build. The official opening ceremony was performed by the Tanaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney.

In 2009, we bid farewell to Mr Doohan as he retired.  Mr Ryan took over as principal, with Ms Farrell continuing as Deputy Principal.

      Ms Farrell and Mr Ryan

In 2011, three more classrooms have been added to the senior corridor. These new rooms are in use from September 2011.

Current accommodation comprises 24 classrooms, 3 small prefabs, a computer room, a general purpose hall and a gymnasium. 

School Philosophy

Scoil Mochua is a co-educational, Catholic, Primary school which strives to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure environment where children can enjoy their schooling.
While Scoil Mochua has a Catholic ethos, a spirit of mutual respect for those of different religious affiliations is promoted in the school.
Scoil Mochua aims to provide an equal educational experience for all its pupils regardless of gender, race, religious affiliation, social status, intellectual ability, special educational needs, disability or family circumstances.
The school recognises the uniqueness of each child and aims to nurture all dimensions of his/her life. The curriculum being delivered seeks to identify and address the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social and cultural needs of each child.
Presentation of the curriculum is marked by a variety of approaches to teaching and learning that cater for the differing needs of individual children, their varied personalities and interests and the many ways in which they learn.
The Principal and teaching staff are collectively committed to a process of continuous change and development and aim to maintain high professional standards in the quality of teaching and learning.
Ancillary staff in the school are highly esteemed and respected and their valued contribution to the process of education is recognised.
Scoil Mochua welcomes and encourages the co-operation and involvement of parents / guardians in the education of their children and acknowledges the significant benefits of effective partnership between school, home and Board of Management.

School Crest

The principal elements of the Crest are as follows:

• The River Liffey represents a source of life and growth through the ages.

• The Obelisk, which was commissioned by the Conollys of Castletown in 1739 to provide employment during famine times, reminds us of our ancestors and our heritage.

• The Window is from the ancient church of St. Mochua
in Tea Lane and it together with thetorch are symbols of light, wisdom and knowledge.

• The steps are from the wall of St. Mochua's church and each of the eight steps represent the years of learning and development in Scoil Mochua.
 

This was designed by the teachers in the early years of the school.

List of Teachers 2011 - 2012