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It’s now five months since Kerry ETB opened the doors of the Two Mile Community National School in Killarney. This is the first primary school of its kind in Kerry. As well as serving the families of Two Mile, the new school has attracted children from the wider Killarney area who are looking for a progressive model of education, rooted in the best tradition.

As well as its unique multidenominational ethos, having Kerry ETB as its patron is significant in what this school has to offer. The ETB provides key administrative, IT, HR and many other supports to its schools. Catherine Barry, the first principal of the Two Mile Community National School, explains what makes the CNS model unique: “ A distinguishing feature of the CNS model is its multidenominational ethos. The school caters for children of all faiths and beliefs equally. Parents of children in CNS schools appreciate that these schools make space for the spiritual part of a child’s identity while respecting all faiths and secular beliefs equally.”

Caroline Riordan, chairperson of the Parents Association, explains the reason for her choice: “It’s great that in this school the emphasis is on the development of the whole child, academically, socially, physically and spiritually. Children learn to celebrate diversity in a meaningful way.”

Although unique in terms of ethos, the curriculum in Two Mile CNS is in line with the Primary School Curriculum and guidelines laid down by the Department of Education and Skills.

The school is accepting enrolments for September 2018 from Junior Infants to 6th class. Anyone interested in enrolling their child should contact the school on 086 4183558 or by emailing Catherine Barry at principal@twomilecns.ie.