New principal appointed at Fedamore primary school

Kayley Hardiman, 19 Aug


Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has announced the
appointment of Jacintha Mullins as the Principal of Croí na Coille
Community National School in Fedamore.

This follows the news in May of the establishment of a new school in
the former Fedamore National School under the patronage of the ETB.
Community National Schools are co-educational, multi-denominational
schools centred on core values of academic excellence, care, respect,
equality, and community.

Jacintha has a distinguished career in education, having taught over
the last 20 years in mainstream and special education settings across
diverse environments, including DEIS, rural, urban, and special
schools. Her commitment to cultivating learning environments for all
students is evident in her innovative teaching methods and the numerous
initiatives she has pioneered, some of which have received national and
international acclaim including the prestigious John Coolahan Research
Support Framework Award from The Teaching Council.

Speaking about her new role, Jacintha said she is thrilled to be
appointed as the first Principal of Croí na Coille Community National
School: “Leading this unique 21st century school is a dream come true
for me! I am passionate about nurturing a child's love of learning,
their innate curiosity about the world in which they live, their
imagination and sense of adventure.

"I believe outdoor learning and nature-based education has a pivotal
role to play in the holistic development of children and I cannot wait
to develop this at Croí na Coille. I’m looking forward to establishing
our new home in Fedamore, developing links with our local community,
and creating a great learning environment for all."

Jacintha’s academic credentials include a first-class honours
postgraduate diploma in school leadership from University of Limerick,
a degree in fine art, a Master of Arts in interactive media, and
postgraduate diplomas in both primary and special education. She has
worked as an Associate with the National Induction Programme for
Teachers (NIPT) and the Creative Schools Initiative and served as an
education outreach officer with ‘Leave No Trace Ireland’.

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare
Education and Training Board, George O’Callaghan, said: "I would like
to congratulate Jacintha on her appointment as Principal of Croí na
Coille Community National School in Fedamore. The ETB is very excited
about this new school option for parents and guardians living in the
Fedamore area as it emphasises inclusivity and caters to the diverse
needs of the community. We are very confident that Jacintha’s
experience and enthusiasm will create a vibrant learning environment
where all students can thrive."