The school will close at 12 o’clock on Friday 22nd December for the Christmas Holidays, and will re-open on Monday 8th January 2024.
The School Mass was on Friday 22nd December at 10 am in St. Andrew’s Church. Well done to all the boys who took part in the celebration of the Mass especially those who did readings, prayers, gifts and the altar servers. to Mrs. Felix for all her hard work and effort and well done to her group of musicians for their fantastic music at the Mass.
Board of Management: The following are the members of the new board for 2023—2027:- Chairperson: Fr. Declan Foley, Bishop’s nominee: Joan Brennan, Parent’s nominees: Tara Roche & Adrian Coogan, Teacher’s nominee: Brenda Carrigan, Community nominees: Mary Maher & Michael Kinsella. At a recent Board of Management meeting the board ratified the Data Protection Policy and the Religion Policy.
Parents Council recent ‘Flag Day’ raised approximately €2000. This will be used to purchase a horizontal climbing wall for the yard. Many thanks to the parents who gave up their time to collect on the day.
Extra-Curricular activities:
Tag Rugby: 4th, 5th and 6th class took part in ‘Tag Rugby’ training with Gavin Whitney from Carlow Rugby club.
Cumann na mBunscol:Pupils from 5th and 6th class represented St. Brigid’s recently in the indoor hurling competition which took place in Old Leighlin Community hall.
Hurling coaching for 2nd, 3rd and 4th took place over a number of weeks with Brendan Hayden from Carlow GAA.
Science Week: Pupils from 5th and 6th attended ‘Science of the Human Body’ workshop in SETU Carlow. A local engineer visited 4th class as they are taking part in STEPS Engineering programme. All classes took part in experiments and activities as part of science week.
Music Generation: An after-school programme has started in the school on Wednesday’s with Bill from Music Generation teaching some boys who joined the class to learn the saxophone and clarinet, which seems to be going very well.
Santa Stroll: The Santa stroll took place on Friday 15th December with the pupils decked out in their Christmas jumpers/hats while singing as they walked. It was enjoyed by them and everyone they met along the way.
Swimming lessons will begin in Graiguecullen Swimming Pool Carlow on Wednesday 10th January 2024 for 2nd and 3rd class and will continue for 7 weeks. Thanks to the Parents Council who will cover the cost of the transport.
Picker Pals: 2nd class will be taking part again in the Picker Pals Environmental programme in the New Year. The children will take turns bringing home the Picker Pack and then report back to the class on their litter picking adventure.
Accelerated Reading (AR) is an on-line reading support programme that encourages children to read independently at their own level and pace. Congratulations to 5th & 6th class boys who became word millionaires in just 3 months.
Attendance: Every school day counts— At the end of each month the class with the best attendance as recorded on Aladdin receive treats and a movieas a reward to encourage an improvement in attendance. Students with a 100% attendance per month receive a prize.
Preschool ASD Classes
Thanks to Santa and the elves from Colaíste Aindriú who visited on Monday 18th December with gifts and who entertained the children with songs. Many thanks also to the parents of a past pupil who kindly made a donation to the Preschool which will be used to purchase a climbing frame and music classes for them.
Charitable Fundraising:
The Shoebox Appeal was a great success this year with the school donating 76 boxes to the ‘Heart to Hand’ charity. Well done to all involved.
The school ‘Bun Sales’ raised €405 for St. Vincent De Paul. Many thanks for your support in helping others.
The winners of the Parents Council Bike Raffle and Carlow Jerseys were Harry Lawlor, Mark Roche and Eric Vlas.
The Hug Your Book Programme: Free books, craft materials & other learning resources for all who attend! Parents from St. Brigid’s N.S. grandparents and carers are welcome to come and join in at the Queen of the Universe N.S. every Friday from the 19th January 9.30am
Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL)
Tommy’s role is to bridge communication between our school, your home and the community. He is here to enhance engagement, provide support and build partnerships for student success. Please reach out for information and a stronger school-community connection. For more information contact: Tommy Cox Mobile: 089-2153018
Well done to Second Class who performed their play ” The Little Christmas Tree” for the school and their parents on Wednesday 20th December. Thanks to their teacher Mrs. Keogh, Mrs. Felix and Carol for all their hard work.
Congratulations to the following boys who won the ‘Christmas Card
Competition’.
2nd Class: 1. Ben Kearney 3rd Class: 1. Tommy Grant
2. Callum Hutchinson 2. Dorian Nowak
3. Kash Tuite 3. Keelan Coburn
4. Evan Moloney 4. Daithí Hurley
4th Class: 1. Patrick Purcell 5th Class: 1. David Vlas
2. Ben Cole 2. Caden O’Brien
3. Kuba Piotrowski 3. Tyler English
4. Adam Kelly 4. Keelan Brennan
6th Class: 1. Mason Darcy An Cárta Is Fearr I nGaeilge:
2. Filip Piotrowski Harry Butcher
3. Shay Minchin
4. Brandon Byrne Best Overall Card:
Roy Cai
As we approach the end of this school term I want to thank all the staff for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm over the last few months. We are also grateful for the support and generosity you have shown in relation to fundraising for the school and I would like to offer a special word of thanks to the Parent’s Council for all their efforts.
On behalf of the Board of Management, staff and Parents’ Council I wish you a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and every good wish in the New Year.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
O. Tuffy, Principal