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ABOUT US

Scoil Naomh Iosef, Bouleenshere, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry, Ireland is a co-educational Primary School under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kerry. The school opened in 1963 for boys only and was extended in 1969 when it became a mixed school. The school sees itself as an integral part of the parish and in partnership with the parents and the church seeks to nurture the Catholic faith through religious education, preparation for the sacraments, and through the ethos of the school.

We acknowledge and welcome the vital role of parents, the Board of Management, and the broader community in developing and contributing to this process. We hope to create and sustain an atmosphere where all who work and visit the school will feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated. Scoil Naomh Iosef has two mainstream class teachers and a full-time Special Education Teacher plus a shared Special Education Teacher. Visiting coaches of football and hurling augment a very broad P.E. curriculum which includes annual swimming lessons at our local pool.

Our Vision

Einstein said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer “. In Scoil Naomh Iosef we believe that education and learning come in many guises. We encourage every child to develop their own creativity in a safe and happy environment where learning by doing, experimenting, and sharing is the norm. “Foghlaim Agus Fás” are the words underlying our school crest – Learn and Grow. This is our aspiration for every child in our school.

Our Mission

We hope to create and sustain an atmosphere where all who work and visit the school will feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated. As we know intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct to every child. Here in Scoil Naomh Iosef we realise and believe in this. We know that every child has talents and working as a team we encourage each child to nurture and grow their talents. We do this by valuing Creativity in every aspect of the school day.

Drama and The Arts

In Scoil Naomh Iosef we have a great love of the arts. For the past number of years, the school has staged very successful musicals which have become a highlight of the school year. The Producers of these shows are Amanda and John Breen from the Kilmoyley School of Music. To date we have staged “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Grease” and “The Sound of Music” & “The Light of the World”, telling the story of Jesus in original and memorable songs.

school around the corner

Film Making

Scoil Naomh Iosef actively promotes filmmaking with our students for over a decade. We have won national and international awards for our films which have all been created by our students. Our films have been aired on RTÉ’s After School Hub as an example of quality filmmaking. To date we have won at FÍS, TrendMicro ‘What’s Your Story “, Donal Walsh Livelife film competition, FreshFilmFrestival, Gala Film Competition, Charlie Chaplin Film Festival plus many others in Europe and America.  Your child will find a creative outlet through filmmaking as it incorporates many skillsets from scriptwriting, storyboarding, acting, filming, and editing.

Admission

Scoil Naomh Iosef welcomes all students to our school. At present we are able to offer your child an excellent pupil teacher ratio where each student can reach their potential. In Scoil Naomh Iosef we appreciate difference ; difference in learning styles , difference in personalities and difference in approaches to learning.
By enrolling in Scoil Naomh Iosef your child will experience learning in a happy, encouraging and personable environment.

Terence Dineen St Josephs National School bouleenshere ballyheigue
Principal, Terence Dineen

As we know intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct to every child. Here in Scoil Naomh Iosef we realise and believe in this. We know that every child has talents and working as a team we encourage each child to nurture and grow their talents. We do this by valuing Creativity in every aspect of the school day.

Puplil Teacher Ratio

At present, due to our advantageous pupil/teacher ratio ( < 18:1 ), Scoil Naomh Iosef can offer your child a more personable and comprehensive learning experience. Many studies have shown that small class size suits both student and teacher allowing more time to be spent on individual learning and ensuring that any difficulties that may arise are addressed. This pupil/teacher ratio also allows time for all to be more creative in all aspects of school life.

st josephs school bouleenshere ballyheigue
Vision

Einstein said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer “. In Scoil Naomh Iosef we believe that education and learning come in many guises. We encourage every child to develop their own creativity in a safe and happy environment where learning by doing, experimenting, and sharing is the norm. “Foghlaim Agus Fás” are the words underlying our school crest – Learn and Grow. This is our aspiration for every child in our school.  

VISIT US
We welcome families for a personal tour. Contact the Admission Office on 066-7133080 to schedule an appointment.
BEGIN THE APPLICATION
Download and complete our Application Form pdf and post or drop it into us.
READ MORE
Read about the rich history of our school here.
By enrolling in Scoil Naomh Iosef your child will experience learning in a happy, encouraging and personable environment.
DOWNLOAD OUR APPLICATION FORM

Frequently asked Questions

Scoil Naomh Iosef welcomes all students to our school. At present we are able to offer your child an excellent pupil teacher ratio where each student can reach their potential. In Scoil Naomh Iosef we appreciate difference ; difference in learning styles , difference in personalities and difference in approaches to learning.
By enrolling in Scoil Naomh Iosef your child will experience learning in a happy, encouraging and personable environment.

Read what our parents have to say

We’ve spoken to our parents to find out what makes St Joseph’s National School special for them and their children.

What made you choose Bouleenshere?

  • Smaller school with great teacher/pupil ratio
  • Local
  • Parent past pupil
  • Diverse teaching and friendly atmosphere

What concerns, if any, did you have about enrolling your child?

  • Transitioning from preschool
  • Friends attending other school
  • Small number of classmates to play with

 

What is the most positive thing about your child’s experience in Bouleenshere?

  • Tight knit and good support
  • I love the creative learning aspect of the way the curriculum is taught. I’d rather that approach. The inclusion.
  • My children absolutely love Bouleenshere and all their class mates. It is a well-kept school with excellent parent teacher communication. They love doing the film clips; they were thrilled to see themselves on National TV last week with their St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
  • Children of different classes and age groups are able to mix and play together great for their social skills.
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  • Our son loves that he can cycle to school as its close enough to our house. The best thing about the school I think is that everyone is quite casual and approachable. Definitely not too strict and a very manageable amount of homework. A nice transition from Montessori to big school. They are still only babies after all! I also appreciate that there is an emphasis on more creative activities outside of the academic sphere. This and physical activity are all as important as academia in my opinion.
  • All the friends made, even with the older children.
  • There are many positives. If my son is struggling with any part of the curriculum, his teacher notices it straight away and has the time to give extra help due to the excellent teacher/pupil ratio. My son always looks forward to going to school. All the children know each other and look out for each other, like an extended family. I have always found the school very welcoming, the teachers and principal very approachable and all the staff know all the children, so there is that family atmosphere that is hard to replicate in a larger school.
  • The teaching methods and the diverse curriculum. But most importantly is the teachers allow the kids to be kids. To learning from nature walks to being involved in film production.
  • My daughter loves going to school. She gets all the help she needs and has made great friends. All children seem to play and get along with each other. She has never had any issues.
  • For my child, one of the most positive things about school is that it is a small school. My child needs extra support with school work and has always received that at Bouleenshere. The teachers have always been a great support to my child.

What is unique about Bouleenshere?

  • Small, so good community spirit.
  • All children are involved in all aspects of each other’s learning. It is a relaxed creative environment for learning and they are very happy there. That is also important. My boys feel part of a family in Bouleenshere and I hope they never lose that connection.
  • For us, it’s the small student numbers that make the school more unique. Each child gets the attention they require and more. There is always an upbeat positive vibe each day I drop off and collect my kids. Myself and my husband both work long shifts in busy jobs and it’s a relief and blessing to know our kids are in such good hands when at Bouleenshere. The school is a credit to all the teaching staff and parents association, keep up the fantastic work ye do!
  • Children are encouraged to participate in other activities such as film making, draughts and nature walks etc. in a fun and enjoyable way.
  • There is more emphasis on the children as individuals rather than as a group.
  • The variety of things that happen, it’s not all book and classroom based. All the classes get on so well together.
  • Bouleenshere is unique because of outside of the normal curriculum, the school also focuses on creativity and the emotional wellbeing of the pupils. Individualism and uniqueness is encouraged rather than dampened, which I believe is a very important part of a child’s development.
  • The atmosphere here I find is so welcoming and warming. There isn’t a strict regime most notably, all of my kids love going to school. The school encourages independent thinking and conversation.
  • The small class numbers is a huge bonus. She gets as much help as she needs and with COVID the teacher has the time in class to catch up on what was missed when they were off.
  • Bouleenshere is a fantastic school with nice intimate numbers. The school is very family focussed. Family is included in every aspect of the school. The attention and support the teacher gives to the students is unbelievable. I really think this is possible because the number of children attending the school is not too big.

What would you say to a prospective parent thinking of enrolling their child in Bouleenshere?

If you want your child to be happy and love going to school

If you want your child to be happy and love going to school, send them to Bouleenshere.

It’s a fabulous school all the children are so happy there

Go for it. You will not regret it, both my child and myself are so happy we chose Bouleenshere. It’s a fabulous school all the children are so happy there.

My daughter is always happy when she comes home from school

Definitely consider sending your children here. The small class size is very unique, no overcrowded classes. They also do a lot of extra activities such as draughts, film making and a lot of outdoor play/teaching. My daughter is always happy when she comes home from school.

The kids are learning in an environment that is innocent and free of rigidity

Attend the school and watch how open and honest students are. The kids are learning in an environment that is innocent and free of rigidity.

my son has absolutely flourished at this school

Go for it! My son has greatly benefited from attending Bouleenshere. He has grown in confidence and is made feel an important part of the school by participating in activities such as film making, art projects  and gardening in the school grounds. I think he would have been lost in a larger school, perhaps shrinking into the background, but he has absolutely flourished at this school and I would not hesitate to recommend Bouleenshere to any prospective parent.

the small numbers are definitely an advantage

It’s a hard decision as we are so afraid of making the wrong call. However, the small numbers are definitely an advantage and not a disadvantage. My son has made good friends and is very fond of all the staff who he knows by name. He is very happy and looks forward to going into school every day, which as we all know is all we want for them!

with small classes children get great attention

Lovely, small family like school with a lovely atmosphere. With small classes children get great attention. Excellent teachers and staff, who all have great time for the children and are very approachable, friendly and welcoming. My child wouldn’t have picked anywhere else if given the choice and has always looked forward to going to school. We are very glad we picked this school for our child.

It’s a fantastic small knit school with so much emphasis on the students

I would say go for it. It’s a fantastic small knit school with so much emphasis on the students. With all the latest technology of white boards etc. in place the kids get to learn the modern way right from the start of their education. Also, Mr. Dineen the school principal is fantastic for getting the students involved in film making and other likewise projects and competitions around Ireland which is excellent for your child’s personality to grow to be confident and academically talented. My two were absolutely thrilled to see themselves on mainstream RTE News last week with their St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was a lovely boost for the kids and all involved.

Your child will be very happy there, it’s that simple

A child will not disappear in a school like Bouleenshere. They get all the attention they need and are made to feel an important part of the culture of the school. All children gain experience in many different areas aside from the regular curriculum, which is so important for their confidence and social development. It is a school which is actively connected to the local community and amenities. It has a warm friendly atmosphere, very approachable staff, and an open-door policy for communication with all pupils and parents. Your child will be very happy there, it’s that simple.

other FAQ's

Pupil Teacher Ratio

At present, due to our advantageous pupil/teacher ratio ( < 18:1 ), Scoil Naomh Iosef can offer your child a more personable and comprehensive learning experience. Many studies have shown that small class size suits both student and teacher allowing more time to be spent on individual learning and ensuring that any difficulties that may arise are addressed. This pupil/teacher ratio also allows time for all to be more creative in all aspects of school life.

How do I get a place for my child at Scoil Naomh Iosef?

Parents who wish to apply for a school place in Junior Infants are asked to contact the school office first, and then completing the School Enrollment Form. We welcome families for a personal tour. Contact the Admission Office on 066-7133080 to schedule an appointment.

Places will be allocated in accordance with the criteria set out in our School Enrolment Policy. Parents of pupils who wish to apply for a place in another class should contact the school office. Places in other classes are allocated only if sufficient space is available in that class and if all other criteria on Enrolment Policy are met.

Can my child attend if they are not catholic?

Our school is under the patronage of the Catholic church, as with 90% of Irish schools, therefore, it is very common for children of non-Catholic backgrounds to attend catholic schools. If you do not wish for your child to participate in religious studies please inform the Principal when enrolling your child and discuss how this will be managed within the school.

Where do I purchase a school uniform?

Girls 

  • Navy Skirt / Pants
  • Red Jumper
  • White Blouse
  • Navy Tights

Boys 

  • Navy Pants
  • Red Jumper
  • White Shirt

School Uniform:

School uniform for Scoil Naomh Iosef may be purchased from Shaw’s Department Store Russell St, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 YY72

Tel:(066) 718 0201

School Tracksuit:

Tracksuit for Scoil Naomh Iosef may be purchased from Hennebery’s Sports 50 Ashe St, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 CX82

Tel: (066) 712 1730

Will I have to pay school fees?

Scoil Naomh Iosef is state-funded and parents do not have to pay tuition fees. Parents / Guardians are responsible for covering the cost of school uniforms, books, tours, etc. If you cannot afford the cost of these items then you may be entitled to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear allowance. More information on this here.

How is the school funded?

A Capitation Grant is paid to primary schools and is based on the number of pupils enrolled in the schools. Capitation grants are paid at the rate applicable at the time the grant is issued. The school also receives an ancillary services grant. From time to time, other grants are made available to schools to fund particular areas of expenditure. The school is dependent on fundraising to help cover the costs of school programmes and further the opportunities for pupils. Since our foundation, we have been fortunate to have a very supportive Parent Council who have undertaken significant fundraising each year to ensure greater opportunities in the area of IT, School library, Aistear, Sports.

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