The Story of St Thomas’ JNS
St Thomas’ JNS opened its doors in 1974 with just three teachers and 71 children. The school was initially housed in a prefab building erected on the site where St Patrick’s Church stands today.
In 1976, the new school building opened. At the time, Hillcrest Estate had only just been built. Cornfields surrounded the school, and the Lucan we know today looked very different. There was no motorway, no Superquinn, no shopping centre, no college, no roundabout and no Tesco.
Anna May McKiernan was the school’s principal. By the mid-1990s, St Thomas’ had grown considerably, with eight mainstream classes and approximately 280 pupils, supported by one support teacher.
In 2000, Mr Maher became principal, and the school entered a period of significant growth and development over the following two decades. We grew from 12 classes to 20, reflecting the rapid expansion of the local community.
During this time, special education in mainstream schools became a major national focus. This led to the development of our Special Education Team (SET), comprising teachers and Special Needs Assistants. Our school community also became increasingly diverse, with children and families from many different countries joining St Thomas’ JNS. These families have greatly enriched our school culture by sharing their languages, traditions and experiences with us.
In 2020, Teresa Moynihan became principal, beginning a new chapter in the history of St Thomas’ JNS. Under Teresa’s leadership, the school has continued to grow and develop significantly. From 20 classes, the school has expanded to 23 mainstream classes and a special class, with over 15 SET teachers and 11 SNAs supporting the diverse needs of our pupils.
The school’s administrative structures have also strengthened considerably. An additional second secretary was appointed in 2024, and the school now has over 565 pupils and an administrative Deputy Principal.
Teresa has overseen a period of considerable investment and development within the school. In 2024, Free School Books and Hot School Meals were introduced for every child, providing important practical support to families while enhancing the school experience for all pupils.
A particular focus during Teresa’s leadership has been the transformation of the school environment. Significant investment has been made in updating and refreshing the school, modernising the school and creating spaces that are bright, colourful, vibrant, welcoming and more reflective of the needs of the children and community we serve today.
Teresa with Russell Coleman (Deputy Principal) has also led the school through a period of increasing complexity and growth, with the expansion of special education provision, the continued development of the SET team, the growth of the SNA team and an increasingly diverse school population. Her leadership has focused on ensuring that the school continues to respond to the changing needs of its pupils and families.
Perhaps the most significant challenge — and one of the most important pieces of work for the future — is the school’s ongoing pursuit of an extension/rebuild. With more than 565 pupils, the existing school building no longer adequately reflects the size and needs of the community it serves. Teresa is leading the school’s efforts to secure a school building that will meet those needs and provide a modern, sustainable learning environment for future generations.
From a prefab with three teachers and 71 children in 1974 to a thriving school community of more than 565 pupils today, the journey of St Thomas’ JNS has been one of remarkable growth and change.
The chapter since 2020 has been no exception. Under Teresa Moynihan’s leadership, St Thomas’ JNS has continued to grow, modernise and strengthen its provision, while maintaining its commitment to inclusion, community and the wellbeing and education of every child.
We are proud of where we have come from, proud of what has been achieved, and excited about what lies ahead.
The story of St Thomas’ JNS continues — and the next chapter promises to be every bit as exciting as the last.