Welcome to Cara Junior School

A warm, safe and inclusive school community in Mayfield, Cork.

Cara Junior School supports and celebrates each child as an individual. We provide a caring learning environment where pupils can grow, communicate, learn and take part in school life with confidence.

Admissions View Classes

Front of Cara Junior School building in Mayfield, Cork

Quick Information

School Day: 9.10 a.m. – 2.50 p.m.
Office: 021 4643060
Email: office@carajs.ie
Roll Number: 20354A
Charity Number: 20139599

Inclusive learning

A caring school environment where pupils are supported as individuals.

Colourful classes

Each class has its own colour identity and dedicated class page.

Family information

Parents and guardians can quickly find key school information.

Admissions Policies, notice and application form Classes All 12 class pages School Calendar Key dates and school closures Policies School policy library

Colette Butler, Principal of Cara Junior School

Colette Butler Principal, Cara Junior School

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome

It is a privilege to be the Principal of Cara Junior School. I have been in teaching for 25 years, 16 of those years in the special education sector. It is with the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years that I hope to enhance and develop the community that is Cara Junior School.

Cara Junior School has 12 teachers and 37 S.N.A.s. Each one of these people is a dedicated professional who is committed to ensuring that your child, our pupils, receive the very best learning opportunities that we can afford them. We are fortunate to have a large building which provides us with ample space for learning and sensory regulation.

Parental involvement is crucial to the smooth running of our school community and contributes to improved learning outcomes for your child. An active PFA can advocate for the school and its pupils. It can provide an opportunity for parents to connect with and support each other; “support and grow together”.

My role as Principal is to lead the teaching and learning, ensuring your child gets the best education possible. I must also ensure that the school community is safe; therefore, health and safety is a priority. As members of the school community, I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal, respecting each other and putting your child and their wellbeing at the forefront of all that we do.

To assist us, please observe the following procedures:

Supervision of children begins at 9.10 a.m.
Visitors access the school through the main door, where they can remain in the lobby area.
Meetings with teachers must be scheduled through the class or office email. Phone calls can be arranged but must also be scheduled.
Meetings with the Principal can be arranged through the office. All calls will be returned when possible.

Thank you, Colette Butler, Principal

Claire O’Gorman, Deputy Principal of Cara Junior School

Claire O’Gorman Deputy Principal, Cara Junior School

Deputy Principal’s Message

A message from our Deputy Principal

My name is Claire O’Gorman, and I have been part of Cara Junior School since it first opened its doors in 2011.

I have 18 years’ experience teaching in special education and have been proud to serve as Deputy Principal since 2024. Having been part of the school community from the very beginning, I have a deep sense of pride in all that we have achieved together.

I feel incredibly privileged to work alongside such dedicated staff and to support our wonderful pupils and their families. Cara Junior School is a very special place, and I am proud to be part of a school community that continues to grow, develop and make a difference every day.

Thank you, Claire O’Gorman, Deputy Principal

Our School

Support and grow together

Cara Junior School caters for pupils aged 4–12 years with a dual diagnosis of autism and a mild or moderate intellectual disability.

The school provides a supportive, structured and positive learning environment where each child’s individuality is celebrated and nurtured.

Colourful class communities

Each class has its own colour identity. Click any class below to open its dedicated page for approved class updates and memories.

Green Class View class page → Red Class View class page → Peach Class View class page → Turquoise Class View class page → Grey Class View class page → Navy Class View class page → Purple Class View class page → Cerise Class View class page → Blue Class View class page → Orange Class View class page → Silver Class View class page → Yellow Class View class page →

For Parents and Guardians

Useful school information in one place

Parents and guardians can use this website to quickly find school information, class pages, admissions information, policies, calendars and contact details.

School day information and office contact details.
Admissions notices, policies and application information.
Approved class news, photographs and school memories.

News and Events

Latest school updates

Admissions

Admissions information

Admissions policies, notices and application forms can be found on the admissions page.

View admissions

Calendar

School calendar

View key school dates, closures and calendar information for the school year.

View calendar

Newsletters

School newsletters

School newsletters and important updates for parents and guardians are available in the newsletter archive.

View newsletters