St. Mary’s College

St. Mary’s College is an inclusive and supportive community of dedicated staff, caring parents and active and happy boys. Under the patronage of the SET, Spiritan Education Trust, the trustees of the Spiritan Order, the boys are encouraged to live out Christian values of respect for one and other, care for the vulnerable and acceptance of their individuality.

We deliver the National School curriculum in a modern and dynamic way, utilising state of the art technology and resources. We also provide specialist teachers in P.E., Music and Art – all in a convenient and central location in South County Dublin.

Our programme, including extensive extra-curricular activities goes towards the nurturing of each boy which is key to the holistic education provided in our Junior School.

You think your son is unique? So Do We!

Every child has the right to have the opportunity to reach his potential in an environment where he feels safe and included. “We are all different but equal,” is our Junior School motto and very much part of who we are. Regardless of interests, our children have the opportunity, as part of a community, to develop friendships and grow as an individual.

On July 25th 1887 the General Council of the Holy Ghost Fathers meeting in Paris gave its approval for the establishment of a Secondary School in Rathmines. The plan was delayed by two factors – lack of available personnel and the difficulty in obtaining a suitable site. April 11, 1890 was the significant date on which the decision was made to begin the project of founding a day school in Dublin “without delay”. On July 27th Fr. Jules Botrel – the Provincial Superior – was able to write with evident relief.

Larkhill was originally built in 1841. It was later rented and then bought by Mr. James Walker, a Quaker. Fr. Botrel bought it for £2,000. Adapting it for the first intake of students on September 8th 1890 cost another £1,000. In a letter of July 27th Fr Botrel informed the Superior General that “the alterations at Larkhill are well advanced. For £500 we have transformed the stable and coach-house into two fine classrooms; we have changed the courtyard into a magnificent assembly hall with a glass roof. This will be the centrepiece of future buildings. The £500 includes the building of an office and ten toilets.” A nearby house at 13 Leinster Square was rented to house the Community temporarily.

The last ten years have seen huge changes in education in Ireland. Very detailed legislation covers all aspects of school life, so that management and administration of schools are now a huge challenge to all concerned. Principals must delegate much responsibility to deputies, deans and middle management. Parents and pupils have legally defined roles as partners in the education-enterprise.

St. Mary’s is fortunate to have trustees, the Spiritan Education Trust, giving it support, affirmation and direction at this challenging time. As its Mission Statement has it: “St. Mary’s continues to be a community of faith and learning that fosters idealism, inspires hearts and informs minds in the wisdom, which enables people to know and do what is right”. “Being faithful in difficult circumstances (Fidelitas in Arduis) remains a realistic motto for this school, as it is for life itself”. “St. Mary’s true to its traditions continues to be a community of faith and learning that fosters idealism, inspires hearts and informs minds in the wisdom which enables people to know and to do what is right”.

This community and its mission of educational service are grounded in the Gospels and therefore are inseparable from a value system that includes:

• An acknowledgement of the uniqueness and intrinsic worth of each person
• Encouragement and affirmation for all
• Concern for the needs and rights of others
• Protection for all who are vulnerable in our midst
• Who are motivated to live their lives in accordance with Gospel values
• Who are inner-directed and capable of choosing freely in accordance with their conscience
• Who will play their full role in the wider community as citizens who are informed, trustworthy and confident in their responsibilities