St Mary’s National School Stranorlar’s website is filled with useful content for parents and the community. Important information such as school policies, each class teachers name, school calendar and school news is clearly available here. The site goes the extra mile with an RSS feed and mobile site. There is evidence of teacher’s fantastic work and children’s input in the site. We particularly like the children’s jokes on the homepage.

The site is laid out with the modern reader in mind. A busy parent can find most of the information they require here on the homepage. Above the fold on the desktop site there is important information, news, navigation, contact information and events which include school closure dates. The RSS feed allows parents to stay updated without having to remember to visit the school’s website.

St Mary’s National School Stranorlar’s website also reflects the importance of the school in the community and locality. There is information about the locality with images and local history. The meanings of local place names are available here. There is also information of the history of the school with some nice images of the old school. On the homepage there is announcement that approval has been granted for a new school, the next chapter in the school’s history.

Another element of this site, which we here at Scoilnet liked, are the links to online games and useful websites for parents. The internet can be a scary place for parents to allow their children explore. The recommendation of safe websites by the school gives parents reassurance and helps develop the children’s digital skills.

This site is well laid out with their user in mind. There is input from both teachers and children on the site. It is clear that the schools importance in the community is understood and its role in supporting parents.

Congratulations to St Mary’s National School Stranorlar on being awarded Scoilnet’s Star Site.