Our school, St. Mary’s Academy CBS is proud to be part the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, a closely-knit community of schools which are managed in accordance with the principles of the Edmund Rice Schools Charter. These schools cater for young people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our educational approach is neither functional nor utilitarian, but subscribes to the holistic vision expressed in the following five key elements:
- Nurturing faith, Christian spirituality and Gospel-based values;
- Promoting partnership;
- Excelling in teaching and learning;
- Creating a caring school community;
- Inspiring transformational leadership.
Find out more about our charter here.
Our policy is to enhance the educational growth of our students in their intellectual, spiritual, social, artistic, moral and sporting development. The policy is implemented within the context of our Mission Statement:
To create a Christian, caring community of learning in which each member:
- is encouraged to recognise and develop his/her talents and abilities to the full;
- is respected as a unique human being;
- enjoys a sense of confidence and belonging
Who is Edmund Rice?
Edmund Rice was born in Callan Co. Kilkenny in 1762. By the age of 27 he had become a very successful and wealthy businessman. However, his world fell apart when his wife Mary died tragically after a short few years of marriage leaving him to care for their special needs daughter. This proved to be a life changing event for Edmund.
Being a religious man of social conscience, he began to devote his time and wealth to the service of the poor. Gradually he was drawn to the plight of the poverty stricken, hungry gangs of young boys who roamed the streets of Waterford. Being convinced that education was the key to providing dignity to the poor, he, along with two companions, opened a school in a converted stable in 1802. Here, young vagrants were educated and provided with food and clothing from the attached bakery and tailor’s shop. Edmund and his companions later took religious vows and the congregation of the Christian Brothers of Ireland was formed.
The success of the first school at Mount Sion in Waterford led to schools being opened in other parts of the country. Within a short time schools were opened in Carrick on Suir, Dungarvan, Cork, Limerick and Dublin. St. Mary's Academy CBS in Carlow was founded in 1863. Today, there are about 272 Edmund Rice schools worldwide. Edmund died in 1844, aged 82 years. In 1996, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II, becoming Blessed Edmund Rice.