ST. BRIGIDS BOYS SCHOOL
FOXROCK
Newsletter October 2009
Our extended ‘Indian Summer’ has made the transition back to school life after the summer holidays appear almost seamless. It’s hard to believe we are already at mid-term. The boys are now well settled into ‘working mode’ – they are very aware of their teachers’ expectations and their responsibilities for self-improvement. Once again, we encourage parents to keep a watchful eye on academic progress and to take a keen interest in their boy’s homework.
On behalf of the school community, I extend a warm welcome to our new 3rd class teacher Mr. John Sheanon. He is a wonderful addition to St. Brigids. We are also delighted to welcome Aoife O’Boyle back to school after her world wide travels and send our congratulations to Catriona McMahon on the arrival of her baby daughter Laoise. We were all very sorry to see Dearbhla O’Sullivan depart to pastures new in Co. Laois and wish her every success on her wedding day in December.
St. Brigid’s Boys now has 26 teachers and 8 SNA’s on staff to cater for our 471 pupils. I’m especially pleased to report that our school has retained all it’s resources after our Special Education Review carried out by Ms. Dara Ann Kerrigan, our Special Educational Needs Organiser.
New Pupils
A big ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to all our new pupils – especially our 64 Junior Infants – and their parents. The smooth integration of the new infants classes is a real tribute to the expertise of their teachers Ms. Marie McGann and Ms. Olivia O’Sullivan.
The recent ‘Social Evening’ for the parents of the Junior Infants was most enjoyable – again a big thank you to Fiona O’Connor and her willing team of helpers for organising the catering.
Reminder: Names of boys for enrollment for September 2010 should be received by October 31st. Please remind friends and neighbours.
Extra Curricular
Many of the boys are participating in our extensive range of extra curricular activities. The in-school swimming for 1st/2nd class (its great to get our slot in Newpark back again!) and our after school sessions for infants and 3rd - 6th classes continue. The Monday afternoon ‘Gaelic Club’ (1st – 5th) takes place in Foxrock Parish Field from 2.45 – 3.45. Basketball, under the tutelage of Brian Coleman, remains as popular as ever with classes on Wednesday and Thursday
St. Brigid’s
Music continues to thrive in St. Brigid’s. Lisa Quinn takes Violin and Recorder classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2.45 – 3.45, Clarinet / Saxophone with Michelle Le May is on Thursday after school, Tin Whistle in 5th /6th classes with Pat O’Connor and in-school Recorder in 2nd / 3rd classes. John Duignan and Chris O’Sullivan also take Guitar classes. The School Choir continues under the baton of Olivia O’Sullivan and I’m delighted to report that Ciara Singleton will remain on as accompanist. Olivia also takes Fun French with 2nd class on Thursday afternoon from 2.40 – 3.40. Drama classes with Paul Cullen take place on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Kay Cadogan’s Art & Craft classes for 1st – 6th run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Angela Hayes ‘Fun Irish’ classes for 3rd – 6th class continue very successfully on Wednesday and Thursday from 2.45 – 3.45. Marie Helene Dolan has been appointed as our new French teacher under the Modern Language in Primary School Initiative.
School Events
This term Keith Conefrey entered three Gaelic Football teams in the Primary School Leagues. The boys have played extremely well and the school and parents are indebted to Keith and John Sheanon (
James O’Reilly, Parks Section, Dun Loaghaire Rathdown Co. Co. organised guided tours of Cabinteely Park and Cabinteely House for six classes this term – a wonderful educational experience for teachers and pupils and greatly appreciated. Dublin Fire Brigade gave a presentation to the 3rd classes for Fire Safety week and Ms Grainne McAdam organised school entries for their follow-up art competition.
Seven classes availed of the excellent ‘Magic of Music’ six week workshop module this term – our appreciation to the Parents’ Association for their sponsorship.
Garda Caroline, Community Garda in Cabinteely, also delivered her information and awareness programme to the 5th class boys. Our two 2nd classes enjoyed their recent trips to Knocksink Wood Visitors Centre to explore ‘the global ecosystem’. J.J. Glynn, Schools Development Officer with the Football Association of Ireland, in co-operation with Glanbia, will be giving a talk on Friday next to 3rd – 6th class boys on Healthy Eating – a good reinforcement for our healthy eating policy in school.
Next term the boys in 4th and 5th classes will participate in two 2- day “Simply Music” workshops. These workshops are highly acclaimed and combine interactive music technology, live music performance and percussion. At the end of their workshops the boys will give a performance for the rest of the school – these workshops are jointly sponsored by the Arts Council of Ireland and the Parents’ Association.
Points of Interest
- Parent/Teacher meetings will take place in January.
- Parents are always welcome to meet teachers – but obviously an appointment should be made through the office.
- Healthy lunches are official school policy
No Sweets No crisps No chocolate bars
No chewing gum No fizzy drinks.
Parents support and co-operation on this issue is essential.
- Absences: The school must be notified in writing about all absences. Absences in excess of 20 days are automatically reported to National Educational Welfare Board.
- Confirmation for 6th class boys is 16th April.
- First Holy Communion for 2nd class is 29th May.
Far too many boys are being dropped off and left in the school yard without supervision from 8.00a.m. onwards. The school gates will open at 8.25a.m. - half an hour before school time.
- School Website www.stbrigids.ie Pay a visit !
- Our sincere thanks to George Leahy, Deputy Principal and to parents Ger Kirwan and Kenneth MacLeod for maintaining the website and for their invaluable help in keeping our interactive whiteboards and I.T. systems in operation.
School Uniform
Far too many boys are coming to school regularly in tracksuits. All students are expected to wear full neat uniform everyday, with the exception of P.E. days and swimming days.
Football jerseys are not permitted on any school day.
Discipline
I’m delighted to report that the high standard of discipline we aspire towards in St. Brigid’s Boys is very evident throughout the school – they are a credit to you all! Our policy of promoting good manners, respect, awareness of the needs of others and a committed work ethic is constantly promoted and reinforced. Again we expect, and I’m pleased to say receive, consistent support from parents in this promotion.
Finally, a big ‘Thank You’ to parents for your goodwill and for being so supportive in so many ways of our efforts here in St. Brigid’s. To all the school staff my sincere appreciation and admiration for your dedication and wonderful team spirit – I am very aware of how privileged the school is to have such a committed group of people. To the boys huge congratulations for their continued excellent behaviour.
Wishing everyone a happy mid-term.
Sincerely,
___________
Pat O’Connell,
Principal.
