St. Francis of Assisi, began with the development of the parish of Donaghmede, to include the newly developing areas of Clongriffin and Balgriffin.  Fr. Eoin McCrystal, was the parish priest at the time and he saw the need for another school to service this part of the parish. Together with parents and the Dublin Diocese they successfully petitioned for the new primary school in the area to be opened under the patronage of Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell.   

St. Francis of Assisi Primary School took its’ name from the congregation of Franciscan nuns that work in the Parish of Donaghmede, Clongriffin and Balgriffin. 

Key dates: 

• September 2008 – The school opened in temporary accommodation to 17 pupils from Junior Infants to 4th class, under the principalship of Assumpta Kerins. 
• June 2009 – Fr. Eoin blessed the school as it completed its first year. 
• June 2018 – Minister for education Richard Bruton turned the sod for our new school building on our permanent site in Belmayne 
• September 2018 – Building began 
• April 2019 – The school moved from the temporary building to the permanent building. 
• September 2022 – Johanne Dunne was appointed as the second principal in St. Francis of Assisi Primary School. 

School Crest

The school crest is divided into four sections by the Christian symbol of the cross.  In the top left hand corner is a seven-pointed star, a symbol of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.  The Tao Cross in the top right corner was adopted by St. Francis of Assisi, who made it his own.  The symbols of drama, music, sport and knowledge in the two bottom sections represent the broad educational experience which the children have in our school.  The sphere in the centre of the crest is a symbol of the earth. St. Francis had a great regard for the environment and this is a reminder to all of us of our duty to care for the world around us.