The first couple of months of the new school year have been very busy for the pupils in St. Brigid’s.  We have an enrolment of 123 pupils for the school year.  We welcomed 22 second class boys in September and we have 12 children enrolled in our Preschool ASD classes. Thanks to the parents from 2nd Class who attended the open evening in September. Thanks also to the Parents Council for providing refreshments at this event.

We welcome Ms. Delaney (3rd Class), Ms. Dunphy (Special Class Teacher), Mr. Hayes (4th Class) and Ms. Loane  (Support Teacher) who joined our teaching staff this year as well as Carol Clarke and Ann Mullens who joined as SNA’s. We wish Mrs. Irene Cahill well in her role as Deputy Principal.

As a DEIS school we have been granted access to the School Completion Programme this year. Robyn Alcock is the shared team worker with St. Brigid’s, Queen of the Universe and Colaiste Aindriu. She will provide academic, behavioural and emotional support to those in need.

Our school is focused on improving school attendance as part of our DEIS plan. Every day counts in your child’s education and we ask you to support the school in improving attendance. Each month the class with the highest overall attendance receives a certificate, treats and a chance to watch a movie. Each child with 100% attendance for that month will receive a small reward.

A new Green School Committee was set up by Mrs. Carrigan with two members from each class. As part of the Global Citizenship theme the school took part in the GOAL Jersey Day raising awareness of their humanitarian aid work to help some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Thank you to all who supported this worthy cause raising over €220.

The Student Council for 2023/2024 was elected in October with two representatives from each class. Through our Student Council, St. Brigid’s N.S. hopes to give our pupils a more active role in the organisation of the school and ensure that they are listened to and respected for their ideas and concerns.

Curriculum

Maths week took place from 14th – 22nd of October. A number of activities took place within the school to promote enjoyment of Maths and highlight the creativity of the subject from Maths Trails, estimation activities and daily maths challenges. Well done to all the boys who sent in photos of themselves using their “ Maths eyes” at home.

Wolfwalkers: One Book One Film for All-  this was a unique intergenerational family learning initiative for our 6th class children. The project was a collaboration between our HSCL Tommy Cox, the  Kilkenny Carlow ETB and Cartoon Saloon and was an enriching experience for both students & families. This WolfWalkers Literacy Project was a family adventure combining a captivating book and film experience with learning activities along the way. As part of this project, children received a learning activity pack including the enchanting graphic novel WolfWalkers. Children were engaged on this learning journey with the fun activities like the scavenger hunt, the Matchbox Mountain Online Workshops and the community table quiz hosted by KCLR. Well done to all involved.

Sports

The Parents Council AGM took place on 11th October. The newly elected committee members are:

Chairperson:  Lorna O’ Brien              Secretary: David Kelly and Helen Mc Cullagh                 Treasurer: Amanda Dillon                   Assistant Treasurer: Sandra McAssey

The term of the current Board of Management will finish at the end of next month. I would like to thank all who served on the board. Their support and hard work in helping with the smooth running of the school was very much appreciated by the staff and pupils of St. Brigid’s.

Important Dates for the Diary

School will close for mid-term on Friday 27th October and reopen on Monday 6th November at 9am. We hope everyone enjoys a well deserved break over the mid-term. Happy Hallowe’en.

Mrs. Tuffy