A special celebration will take place on Sunday 12 February to recognise the contribution of the Mercy Sisters for 175 years of education in Galway City.

The Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles J. Brown will celebrate Mass in the Abbey Church in Francis Street at 12.30pm. The Mass will be followed by a light lunch at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Lough Atalia Road. All past pupils, past staff, neighbours and friends of the Mercy schools in Galway City are welcome to attend.

The current primary school building was opened in January 1960. At present, Mercy Primary School has a student population of almost 200 pupils and 16 full time teaching staff. Rena Jordan, a past pupil of the school is the current Principal. Siobhán Morahan is Deputy Principal and the staff includes a Learning Support Teacher, Resource Teachers, English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teachers, Home/School/Community Liaison Teacher and Class Teachers.

“We offer every individual child the opportunity to be a unique and valued person in a co-operative environment,” says Principal Rena Jordan. “Our school is a community in which school, home, community and parish work together for the good of all. Each child is offered a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum to meet his or her spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical needs and to prepare him or her for the responsibilities of adult life.”

While Mercy Primary is a vibrant and inclusive school with a Catholic ethos, it caters for children of all faiths. “The school creates a welcoming, secure and caring community in which all can happily work,” says Siobhán Morahan, Deputy Principal. “This is done in a spirit of care, respect, generosity, forgiveness and equal opportunity, with a patient and positive attitude.”

Mercy Primary also has pre-school and after-school services. SALI Childcare classes comply with current Department of Education and Skills guidelines. It provides quality free preschool and subsidised afterschool care in Galway city centre. “SALI Childcare is a place where children are encouraged to grow and to develop in a supportive, positive and enjoyable atmosphere. It provides a home away from home in which both staff and parents work together to fulfil each child’s developmental potential as well as holistic needs in a safe and comforting environment,” says the manager at the preschool.

Environmental awareness is part of life in Mercy Primary. All the children, supported by the ‘Green School Committee,’ work hard at minding the local environment. Each day, the Green Flag is raised to acknowledge the School’s commitment to the environment. A rooftop garden allows pupils to experience nature in the heart of the city and get the opportunity to plant seeds, do some weeding and learn about the importance of crop rotation.

When formal school hours end, a variety of after-school activities begin. These may include sports club, GAA, arts and crafts, knitting and much more. Classes vary from year to year and are provided by teachers or specially selected tutors.