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DCU Changemaker Schools Network

St Michael's NS, Kinaffe

A bee collecting pollen from St. Michael's School Garden
Photo of a bee collecting pollen from a flower in St. Michael's school garden
Photo of artwork from St. Michael's NS for the school garden

Artwork from St. Michael's NS, Kinaffe

St. Michael’s National School, Kinaffe, exemplifies what it means to be a small school with a big vision - innovative, inclusive, and globally connected.

 

Kinaffe National School – A Hub of Innovation, Inclusion, and Global Learning – stands as a leading example of how small schools can make a big impact. The school is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing space for newly arrived migrants and refugees, ensuring every child feels valued, welcomed, and supported from their first day.

Innovative Teaching and Experiential Learning

At the core of Kinaffe NS’s approach is a strong focus on STEM education and experiential learning. Lessons are hands-on, curiosity-driven, and designed to make learning meaningful. The school is a proud annual participant in Science Blast, showcasing students’ creativity and scientific thinking on a national stage.

 

St. Michael's outdoor classroom

St. Michael's Outdoor Classroom

Environmental Leadership and Global Citizenship

Kinaffe NS has earned national and international recognition for its environmental and global initiatives. As a UNESCO Young Environmentalist Award National Winner and Blue Star Flag recipient, the school promotes sustainability, environmental responsibility, and global awareness across the curriculum.

 
European and International Engagement

The school is deeply embedded in European learning networks, regularly participating in Erasmus+ projects and hosting students and teachers from across Europe and the USA. Through programmes such as Learning from the Extremes and Schools of the Future, Kinaffe NS fosters a global mindset among its students and staff.

A Changemaker School

Recognised as a ChangeMaker School, Kinaffe NS champions the pillars of leadership, empathy, creativity, and teamwork. These values underpin both teaching practice and school culture, empowering students to become thoughtful, active citizens.

 

Excellence in Teaching and Professional Development

The school boasts a highly qualified and experienced teaching team, including national Oide Tutors and a director with a Master’s in Education. Staff consistently engage in continuous professional development (CPD), lead initiatives in volunteerism, sports, and actively contribute to the broader educational community.