Shanbogh National School is a co-educational, Catholic, primary school which strives to provide a well ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and addressed.
While Shanbogh National School is a school with a Catholic ethos, it also has due recognition for all other religions.
Shanbogh National School will strive to promote, both individually and collectively, the professional and personal development of teachers through staff development programmes.
Déanfaimid iarracht Gaeilge a labhairt.
The school motto is: Ní neart go cur le chéile. Unity is strength.
History
A pencil drawing by Sean Doyle RIP former principal of Shanbogh School (1935 – ’76). Presented to the school by Fr. Michael Mernagh 7th June 2013
Many thanks to Denis North, a past pupil of Shanbogh N.S., for permission to reproduce the following excerpts from his latest book ”History and Humbug”.
Shanbogh National School was built in 1944. The move from Greene’s Cross to the new school at Shanbogh took place in 1945, with every pupil helping with the transportation of goods.
Going to school in bare feet in the warm weather was the ‘done’ thing in those days. Nobody paid heed to stone-cuts or thorns. As the soles of the feet hardened up these things weren’t noticed. It was wonderful to feel the heat of the clay and dust on the soles of feet. On a wet day the feel of the muck was lovely as it oozed up between the toes. It was such a change from the wellingtons and boots that we had on right through the winter.
There were Kniphofia flowers growing in the school grounds, with big red heads on them. We called them ‘hot pokers’. Throwing stones and knocking the heads off them was a big attraction for us. Running out the door and jumping headlong into the bamboos was another thing we dared to do at times.
Going down to the well at the end of the lane to draw a bucket of water for the school was also something to look forward to, as it gave you a good break from class.
Another part of my time there that sticks in my memory is when we were learning step- dancing in the Master’s room after school, one winter. We were being taught by the Betty Bible and Billy Mulcahy School of Dancing. Can you just picture us trying to dance in big boots or wellingtons, attempting to learn jigs and reels!
In 2013, Shanbogh School was upgraded in a big way with two new classrooms being added. Other parts of the development included a child-friendly playground and sports field. At the official opening there was an outdoor mass in beautiful sunshine in the school grounds, celebrated by Fr. Dan Kavanagh, P.P. assisted by Fr. Michael Mernagh, O.S.A, a past pupil. Both Shanbogh National School Choir and Rosbercon Parish Choir provided wonderful entertainment.
The local community turned up in their droves to witness for themselves this huge development which doubled the classroom space. A feature of the occasion was the large gathering of past pupils who attended. Looking at all the old photographs brought back many fond memories and a tear to many an eye. A magnificent buffet meal was served in the grounds. Some people stayed chatting and reminiscing, way into the evening. It was an occasion to treasure. The Board of Management, priests, teachers and their able helpers who contributed to the occasion, can all take a bow.