NOTRE DAME SCHOOL

“Lumen” is a beautiful mosaic created by Laura O’Hagan. It was installed in June 2019 on the grounds of Dundrum Church. The original sketch for this mosaic was inspired by the desire to offer solace to anyone feeling down—to provide a glimpse of light even in the darkest moments. The mosaic was dedicated to the final year of Notre Dame School, which closed in 2019. Laura O’Hagan is a talented artist known for her sculptural ceramics, murals, and both 2D and 3D mosaics, often working on commissions for exterior and interior spaces

Background: Born and educated in Ireland, she graduated from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in 1986. She's based in Delgany, County Wicklow.

Notable Works: Some of her best-known pieces include award-winning mosaics in churches in Belfast and Longford, as well as works in Dundrum Church and Temple Carrig School. She has also done restoration work at the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland.

Awards and Recognition: O'Hagan has received several awards for her work, including recognition for integrated art in architecture. She is a member of the Mosaic Artists Association Ireland.


Closure of Notre Dame School, Churchtown: A Tale of Financial Struggle

Notre Dame School, a well-regarded institution in Churchtown, Dublin, was established in 1953 by the Notre Dame des Missions Sisters. To the surprise of many, the school closed its doors in 2019 after a long and esteemed history.

A Flourishing Start:

The school began modestly in a converted private house, quickly expanding to accommodate a growing student body. By 1953, it was officially recognised by the Department of Education and Science, offering both primary and secondary education. Notre Dame flourished despite not being part of the Free Secondary Education scheme, building a strong reputation for its religious ethos, academic standards, and extracurricular achievements.

A Change of Hands:

In the early 2000s, the Notre Dame des Missions Sisters made the difficult decision to withdraw from education in Ireland to focus on missionary work and elder care. This led to the formation of the Notre Dame Schools Trust Ltd, a charitable trust that took over the school's operation in 2002.

Challenges and Closure:

Under the new trust, the school saw significant investment, including the construction of a new primary school and a convent for the remaining sisters. However, despite these efforts, the school faced mounting financial difficulties. Annual fees, which were around €4,300 in 2015, proved insufficient to cover operational costs, loan repayments, and necessary infrastructure investments.

The trust ultimately announced the closure of the primary school in June 2017, followed by the secondary school in June 2019. This decision allowed current students to complete their Junior and Leaving Certificate cycles, but marked the end of an era for the school.

The Fate of the Property and Assets:

After the closure, the Department of Education acquired the Notre Dame campus. While specific details about the remaining assets are not publicly available, it's understood that the property continues to be used for educational purposes.

Key Factors in the School's Closure:

Financial Unsustainability: The school's fee-paying model proved unsustainable in the face of rising costs and the need for substantial investment.

Shifting Priorities of the Religious Order: The Notre Dame des Missions Sisters' decision to exit education in Ireland left the school without its founding organisation.

Economic Challenges: The broader economic climate, including the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, likely contributed to the school's financial struggles.

The closure of Notre Dame School is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many educational institutions in a changing landscape. While the school's legacy lives on in the memories of its alumni, its physical presence in Churchtown is now a testament to a different era.