Our School

In Cahergal N.S. we pride ourselves in providing a warm and caring learning environment for our pupils, a place where they can grow as learners and as people.

Ethos

We are a Catholic School under the Patronage of the Archdiocese of Tuam. The Christian values of love, forgiveness, kindness, and respect, permeate all areas of school life in Cahergal N.S.

We welcome pupils and families of all faiths and none. We promote an atmosphere of inclusion and endeavor to nurture and cater for the different needs and capabilities of all our pupils.

We believe in an attitude of supportive partnership with our parental body and the greater community.

Board of Management (B.O.M.)

Board members for the 2019 – 2023 term

Staff

Principal: Alastair Beegan

Deputy Principal: Elaine Duddy

Assistant Principal: Fileas Keady

Teachers: Liz Kelly, Aoife Moran, Daniel Mahoney

Special Needs Assistants: Sandra Lane, Helen O’Grady, Anna O’Rourke, Annemarie Callanan

Secretary: Karen Berry       Ancillary Staff: Martina Delaney/Rafal Kurowski

School Crest

Background

Our school crest represents what our pupils feel is the essential spirit and ethos of Cahergal National School. The striking design was created by Mrs. Aoife Moran, one of our teachers.

Explanation the Symbolism Used

At the top of the crest is the official name of the school, S.N. An Chathair Gheal. The name itself means ‘Bright Stone Fort’ and refers to a stone fort located meters from the school.

There are five symbols on the body of the crest. These are set against a yellow background which compliments the school uniform colours. The colour yellow is associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.

The Stone Fort

The symbol at the top of the crest depicts the local stone fort after which the school is named. It is a significant historical landmark in our local area. It was most likely built in the Early Christian Period (400AD-800AD) although some ring forts are dated before and after this period. It would have been a local centre for agriculture, industry and defense in its time. It is included in our school crest as it symbolises pride in our local culture and heritage. It also symbolises that we know who we are and where we come from, which is the best starting point on life’s journey.

The Open Book

Directly under the fort is a picture of a book which symbolises the curricular work that we excel at in our school. In Cahergal the pupils benefit from a broad, stimulating and inspiring education that will stand the boys and girls in good stead throughout their lives.

The Tin Whistle

Continuing in a clockwise direction, the tin whistle represents the school’s love of music and dedication to music and dance as an enriching part of the children’s education.

The Gaelic Football

The picture of a football occupies the bottom part of the crest and represents the central place of all sports, and Gaelic football in particular, to the culture of the school.

The Paintbrush

On the left had side of the crest, the paintbrush represents the schools interest in and dedication to the arts. It reflects the schools dedication to nurturing artistic talent and creativity across the curriculum.