Welcome to the Coláiste na Mí website! I hope you enjoy browsing through the content. Coláiste na Mí is a child-centred, supportive learning environment where each student is encouraged and facilitated in realising their full potential in a positive climate which is caring, respectful, fair, and inclusive. The school community of Coláiste na Mí is a partnership of students, staff, parents and all members of our community. The promotion of personal development and learning through hard work, creativity and commitment is a priority in our school. Our philosophy is focussed on supporting and encouraging students in every aspect of their lives, nurturing them into well rounded young adults who will go forward and embrace life with confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of justice. Our Priority at Coláiste Na Mí is to ensure a safe, positive and supportive learning environment for all our students. We consider each student to be unique in personality and in spirit. Therefore giving praise and rewarding students for good manners, citizenship, improvement, effort and success where appropriate, forms the basis of our approach to positive discipline in the school. From their first day in Coláiste na Mí the students quickly become immersed in the culture, ethos and value system of our school. We are proud to say that the first students and teachers of Coláiste na Mí worked together following the opening of the school in August 2013, to choose the 9 values for our school. The nine values are intrinsically linked to our school crest which has its origin in Celtic mythology and in particular ‘Boann’ Goddess of the Boyne. Our crest depicts nine hazel trees which surround the well of knowledge and according to legend these hazels contain the key to knowledge and wisdom. Our Crest bears the logo ‘Tobar an Eolais’ (well of knowledge). All members of the school community of Coláiste na Mí are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom in all aspects of their lives. The Coláiste na Mí nine values are the foundations on which our school culture is built. Every member of our school community is expected to support these nine values for our Coláiste. Coláiste na Mí Nine Values: 1. Respect 2. Justice 3. Integrity 4. Honesty 5. Saothar 6. Kindness 7. Honour 8. Teamwork 9. Responsibility Each year these 9 values are imparted to our first year students during their induction course, to assist them in gaining an understanding of the ethos and culture of our school. They are revisited annually with every class group at the start of each school year. The commitment of our teachers to acknowledging the children at every possible and worthy opportunity is a significant factor in ensuring the students quickly gain a sense of belonging and pride in their school. We aim to empower them to have a voice and not be afraid to allow their personality to shine. We nurture a culture of openness and honesty where children are comfortable to report inappropriate behaviour and activities. Our students understand the difference between right and wrong and work hard to ensure that no student is allowed to damage the good reputation of our Coláiste.