Parent Voice: What Families Say About St. Mary’s Gortnaghey PS

What Parents Value Most

• “Welcoming, approachable staff, good in keeping with the community spirit.”

• “Safe, positive, happy, friendly environment.”

• “Excellent staff. Great positive energy. Great effort put in to everything that the school does.”

• “The school is close knit – the adults know the children personally and understand their different wee personalities.”

• “Small, close-knit which allows kids more one-to-one time and also allows teachers to get to know the children’s learning needs better.”

• “With it being a small school, all children get looked after well.”

Our Welcoming Ethos

• “Professional and warm staff. Class teacher and assistants provide a lovely balance of nurturing and challenging my son, allowing for felt safety and growth.”

• “Staff are all very friendly and approachable at all times.”

• “Miss Doherty has offered above and beyond help to me on various occasions. She has taken time out of her day to explain different things to me and it has been extremely helpful.”

• “Lovely wee close-knit school where my child loves attending. Friendly atmosphere and always very welcoming.”

Learning and Opportunities

• “I feel because the school is not too big, it can provide all my children need, and can keep an eye on their progress. The forward thinking of trying to get different facilities and not just standing still is very positive.”

• “My child’s development has improved so much since starting at St. Mary’s. He has gained confidence and self-esteem. Staff go over and beyond – I could not ask for a better education.”

• “Education quality is at a much higher standard of work.”

• “The school’s strong sense of community includes a genuine commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities. The link with St. Colm’s Drum enhances sporting provision, instills GAA values of teamwork and respect, and strengthens ties between families, the school and the wider community.”

How We Use Parent Feedback
These quotes reflect the strengths that parents value most in our school: our welcoming ethos, safe and happy environment, caring staff, high standards of teaching, and strong community partnerships. They also help to guide our next steps, ensuring the voice of parents shapes our School Development Plan and the future direction of St. Mary’s Gortnaghey Primary School.