A Message from our Principal

You are very welcome to Merlin Woods Primary School. We are a new and developing school located on the Doughiska Road, on the east side of Galway city. We cater for the children of the Good Shepherd Parish, which encompasses the communities of Doughiska, Roscam and Ardaun. Having opened with just 16 children on 1st September 2010, we will cater for 450 pupils when we are fully developed.

We moved into our new permanent school in February 2014. Although our previous temporary school will always hold fond memories for us, we are very excited to have a state of the art school, with 16 mainstream classrooms, a large hall, several support teaching rooms, a library, a multi-sensory room, basketball courts and a spacious yard. We are delighted to have opened a purpose built specialised extension for 2 Special Classes for children with Autism, to continue on the good work started with our Special Class, which first opened in 2011.

We are committed to meeting the educational and developmental needs of the children under our guidance, through excellent facilities and a dedicated and professional staff. Our school is a happy, welcoming, child-centred and progressive school. We are a school with a Catholic ethos, and we practise these Christian values by welcoming pupils of other religions and those of no religion.

This is a very exciting time in our community. Merlin Woods Primary School plays a central role in the development of community spirit and involvement in our area. Being part of this school community from the beginning is a unique and wonderful experience. I hope that you will share this journey with us, and I look forward to getting to know you and your family.
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With warmest regards,
Paula O’Connor
Principal Teacher

Commitment

Merlin Woods Primary School is committed to the holistic development of its pupils and strives to enable every child to fulfil his/her potential. It is a school committed to high academic standards, mediating the Primary School Curriculum in a meaningful way. The school is committed to providing a caring, safe and encouraging environment for all its pupils and staff members, while promoting the Catholic ethos of the school.

Collaboration

The success of Merlin Woods Primary School depends a great deal on the collaboration of all members of its school community in having a shared vision. We believe pupils, parents, staff, the Board of Management, and the wider community should work together, in an inclusive and open way to develop Merlin Woods into an effective school, through regular consultation and communication.

Community

Merlin Woods Primary School is the core of a vibrant and young community. It is a stable and central hub which promotes strong civic inclusivity and involvement, particularly with parents. It helps bring together a diverse community and develop a unique sense of belongingness. Merlin Woods Primary School is a vital element in the development of the area’s most valuable asset... its people. ​