St. John the Baptist P.S. is situated on the upper Garvaghy Road on the north-west outskirts of Portadown. The school first opened its doors in September 1975 to serve the shifting Catholic population of Portadown that had largely moved to the Drumcree/Ballyoran/Garvaghy area.  The school mainly draws its children from the surrounding housing estates and private housing developments. However, a significant number of children travel to the school from outlying rural areas. When the school originally opened there were over five hundred children enrolled. Now, due to the falling birth rate, the school has three hundred and seventy six children enrolled. There is a teaching staff of 17 and an ancillary staff of 19.

 

The present principal, and his teachers, in partnership with the Governors have sought to provide a "broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, which will allow each child realise its maximum potential within a Catholic School environment". In 1998 the school opened its doors to the first children to be educated through the medium of Irish in our Irish Medium Unit. 

 

The School's greatest resource is highly qualified and professional teaching staff which is dedicated to the achievement of high standards and the care of its pupils. The school has gained a growing reputation within the community and beyond for its involvement in many interesting and challenging projects. The school is well known and respected for its sporting, cultural and musical achievements.

 

There are many extra-curricular activities on offer in the school, such as swimming, gaelic, netball, soccer and computers to mention a few. The school is very well equipped with up to date technology. There are three playgrounds, a gymnasium, a first class football pitch, well resourced classrooms and five shared resource areas.

Our Aim is to provide an educational experience within a caring community in accordance with our Catholic Faith.

Specifically we aim:

1. To provide a broad and balanced curriculum which fulfils the requirements of the Northern Ireland Education Order;

2. To develop each individual child spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically, so that by realising his/her potential he/she can have an appreciation of his/her self-worth;

3. To promote and maintain the Catholic ethos of the school whilst developing respect and tolerance for other creeds.

4. To establish and maintain acceptable forms of behaviour within a secure and well-ordered school environment by encouraging self-discipline and mutual respect for all members of the school community;

5. To foster a positive attitude and help develop a challenging, resourceful and independent approach to learning;

6. To promote a positive sense of self-worth and self-esteem in each pupil and teacher

7. To encourage our parents to play a supportive role in the life of the school;

8. To teach children to be aware of and to take care of their environment;

9. To develop in our pupils, skills, attitudes and values necessary for adult life.