SCOIL BHRÍDE, MOUNTRATH
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  • Events
    • Crazy Hair Day
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    • Confirmation 2016
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    • Fair Trade Bake Sale
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      • Gráinne Molloy/Anne Donnelly
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    • RDS SCIENCE FAIR 2016
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    • Clay monsters
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    • Inspired by Picasso
    • Kelly Lou Cakes Visits Scoil Bhríde
    • Maths Week 2016
    • National Children's Choir
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    • Sports Day
    • Team Hope
    • 'The Rainbow Fish'
    • Tree Planting Project
    • 'Under the Sea' Art
    • Visitors 2018/19
    • 1st/2nd Christmas Performance

Míle Fáilte go Láithréan Gréasáin Scoil Bhríde!

A little about us
Scoil Bhríde Mountrath is an all girls' primary school situated in the centre of Mountrath in Co Laois. While the present building was built in 1984, the school itself was founded by the Brigidine Sisters in 1809. The school therefore continues a proud history of education in the town stretching back over 200 years. Please use the navigation tabs above to learn a lot more about us!
Principal's welcome:
As Principal of Scoil Bhríde it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our school website. I hope that as you browse through this site you will get a flavour and a snapshot of our school. Our school motto 'Mol an óige is tiocfaidh sí' is at the heart of our holistic approach to education. We aim to develop the full potential of each child and to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality. My colleagues and I derive great personal and professional fulfillment from the role we play in the lives of the young people whose education is entrusted to us. We recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children and so we look forward to the opportunity to build on that foundation as we journey together in educating your daughters. Thank you for taking the time to visit us. 
Le gach dea-ghuí, 
Mary Rohan (Principal)


Reminders / Latest News:

SCHOOL BUCKET COLLECTION
Your daughter will be bringing home a letter from our Parents' Council today re an upcoming bucket collection to be held on 3rd March. Your support would be very much appreciated in helping to run this fundraiser, so if you are in a position to give your time on the 3rd please fill in the part at the end of the letter and return it to your class teacher, thanks in advance.

There's lots going on here, some upcoming events and dates:
* Engineers Week - from 28th February: Our senior classes will be visiting Mountrath Community School's Science room.
* Our book fair commences on 4th March and runs until 11th March (see recent email from Ms. Sheppard). World Book Day is on 5th March. Ireland Reads Day is on Saturday, further information can be found at www.irelandreads.ie 
* Seachtain na Gaeilge: 1st - 17th March, check out snag.ie for more information.
* 26th March - our first raffle @8pm in Our Fundraiser Online Lotto, you can be in with a chance to win by clicking the online link below

Scoil Bhríde Mountrath - Home - Our Fundraiser
CONGRATULATIONS
Warmest congratulations to Ms. Carroll (SET teacher) and her husband Martin on the recent birth of their daughter Isabelle, wishing you many happy days ahead.

MUSICAL IN MOUNTRATH COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Our 5th, 6th classes were delighted to attend the musical in Mountrath Community School this week, it was a superb performance and it was lovely to see some of our past pupils in the show. Thanks Ms. O'Brien for the invite.

SCHOOL CAMOGIE
It's that time of year again when training commences for the upcoming camogie matches. Please encourage your daughter in 4th, 5th, 6th to give it a go! Thanks Ms. Sheppard for organising and thanks Ms. Carroll (Laois Camogie player) for training the team.
Library Visits.
Infants were delighted to visit our local library in Mountrath yesterday where they enjoyed story time, the Junior Infants received a little library bag from our librarian Tríona. Our 5th, 6th are due to visit the library tomorrow, they will be participating in an outdoor nature based workshop led by Ailbhe Joyce from Laois Forestry. It is wonderful to have the town library so near us here, Triona and staff are always so welcoming and helpful. If your daughter isn't a member of the library, maybe she might consider joining, there are often lovely educational and fun workshops on there throughout the year.

Crazy Hair Day.
Our Crazy Hair Day is back by popular demand! On Friday 3rd October, children are invited to style their hair in a fun and creative way, showcasing their styling at our school assembly on that morning. As this is our first fundraiser for the year, we are asking that they bring €2 to school, before or on the 3rd October 
Music Generation 
Music Generation are back working with us again this school year, teaching the Early Years Music Programme to the younger classes and ukulele to the senior classes. A huge thank you to the Board of Management for funding this programme for the children.

 Ríomhaire Tech
This year we are also working with Ríomhaire Tech (computer lessons), classes started yesterday. This programme will mainly focus on Word Processing, Coding, Spreadsheets and Touch Typing. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children, teaching them some digital literacy skills. Our Parents' Council have partly funded this programme to date via fund raising initiatives, thankfully our outgoing committee have ensured that there are some funds available which we can use again this year.

Parents' Council
To mention that we hope to continue the work of the Parents' Council this school year and once again thank our outgoing committee members - Caroline, Emer and Kevin. If you would like to get involved please contact me here in school. 
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Schools Re-turn Scheme
We are continuing this year with the Schools Re-turn Scheme. We are asking that you send in your empty cans / bottles to the school which in turn will help raise some funds. There is a large orange bin located down at the left hand side of the front of the school, you can deposit your plastic bottles / cans here, so far we have raised €51.35.

Slí na Sláinte Sponsored Walk:
 taking place on Monday 9th June @1pm, meet in the school hall. The walk will kickstart our Active Schools Week, thanks Ms. Brereton for organising. Thanks very much for returning your sponsorship card, there are a few cards outstanding so please return them, even if empty. Bradbury's will send in a treat bag for every child which is wonderful. You are welcome to call back in to the school for tea and treats after the walk if you so wish, thanks Marion and Mary for helping out. 

Music Generation: Warmest thanks to Kim and the Junior classes for treating us to a lovely performance yesterday. As you know the Senior performance with Denise takes place here tomorrow. All are welcome to attend. Sincere thanks to our Board of Management for funding this programme for our school.

​Activities: 
The senior classes will enjoy a taster session of rugby with Dave from Rugby Ireland next Wednesday. On Thursday the senior girls will be playing rounders in Rathleague. Next Friday is our Sports Day - the end of our Active Schools Week. Thanks Ms. Sheppard for organising and thanks to our Sports Day helpers in the senior room.

Documentation: On Tuesday you will receive 4 documents in an envelope which will be sent home with your daughter. The End of Year Report, Textbook Information for next year, Calendar for next year and a document from NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) explaining the standardised test results. It is important to note that these test results do not always provide a complete or accurate picture of a child's abilities or understanding. They are a snapshot of a performance on the day of testing and do not take into account factors such as test anxiety and unfamiliarity with the testing format. As always, you are welcome to speak with your class teacher if you need anything clarified.
​Warmest congratulations to our second class on receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion last Sunday. It was a very special ceremony for them and their families. Thanks to their teachers Ms. Timmons and Ms. Brereton, to our priests Fr. Joe, Fr. PJ., and to the Mountrath Folk Group.  A special word of thanks to Fr. Joe for compiling the First Communion booklet for us all to enjoy, a lovely keepsake to have in years to come. Fr. Joe reminded the children on Sunday that their First Holy Communion coincides with the appointment of Pope Leo X1V, a very special time in our church. The children are looking forward to their Communion party in school tomorrow!

Well done to the children in Ms. O'Riordan's class who have entered the Write a Book Competition. Taking the time to read with your child / encouraging your older children to read is invaluable, enhancing their vocabulary so that they can compose their own written stories.

A reminder to please return the Parent Questionnaires that you received at the beginning of the week. Your input is very important as we prepare to adopt the Bí Cineálta (Be Kind) policy in our school. Thanks to those of you who have already sent them back.

During this sunny spell of weather, a gentle reminder to put sunscreen on your daughter so that her skin is protected at yard time.
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Once again we are organising a sponsored walk as a fundraiser for the school. The walk will take place on Monday, 9th June at 1pm, a kickstart to our Active Schools Week. Please come along and join us if you can, help spread the word. Your daughter will be bringing home a 10 line sponsorship card on Monday, cards need to be returned to the school no later than Tuesday, 3rd June please.
There's lots going on here:
~ Our 2nd class are preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, with their teachers Ms. Timmons and Ms. Brereton
~ Our 3rd, 4th are enjoying swimming lessons in Portlaoise Leisure Centre
~ Classes are participating in rugby lessons with thanks to Ms. Carey
~ Children enjoyed a tennis taster session yesterday, thanks to Ms. Sheppard and Tennis Ireland
~ Anthony Galvin, storyteller and author (Heritage in Schools) will be working with classes today
~ We are participating in the Nest Box Project 2025 in association with Laois County Council, thanks Ms. Timmons for organising. The children will be able to view the activities going on in birds nests on a farm in Ballyfin via the whiteboard in their classrooms!,eg. the first egg laid/hatched, chicks being fed, chicks fledging etc. This project aims to get children interested in wildlife and biodiversity, to learn about the life cycle of birds and to inspire biology/ecology projects. 


EASTER RAFFLE
Best of luck to all who have entered our Easter Raffle, you can still buy tickets if you wish, the raffle will be held on Friday morning in the school. 
PLAYGROUND VISIT
Ms. Brereton's class enjoyed a trip to the playground as a reward for their hard work.
THANK YOU VIOLA
Warmest thanks to Viola for all her work in Scoil Bhríde over the years, wishing her many happy times ahead.
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PYROGRAPHY CLASS
Our Pyrography class will be back again after Easter. All are very welcome to join in! Please text Michelle on 0860452437 to book your spot.
EASTER WORKSHOP AT THE LIBRARY
Junior Infants to Second class enjoyed a trip to Mountrath Library yesterday for storytime, Easter themed arts and crafts and play. The girls had a wonderful time, thank you Trìona and staff
AGRI AWARE MOBILE FARM
The girls couldn't believe their eyes when they saw what was waiting for them this morning...Farmer Tom and his mobile farm! The girls enjoyed learning about farm life and all the animals, feeding and petting them! A great experience for all, thanks Farmer Tom!
TRÓCAIRE
We were delighted to welcome Gráinne from Trócaire to our school last Friday. She spoke to the children about the work that Trócaire does in helping underdeveloped countries. You can log on to http://www.xn--trcaire-m0a.org/ to find out more. We have Trócaire boxes in every classroom in the school, the children have been bringing in their small change which is counted weekly with the help of Layla and Lena, so far we have raised €61.84, many thanks for supporting Trócaire's lenten campaign.
LIBRARY VISIT
Ms. Timmon's Class enjoyed a trip to Mountrath Library.
THE GREATEST SHOW
Fifth and Sixth Class attended the MCS Musical ‘The Greatest Show’ in Bloom. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Thanks to 
@mountrathcs for having us!
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
The whole school wore their colours with pride yesterday for our Lá Glas in honour of St. Patrick's Day. We enjoyed a céilÍ mór in the halla, followed by Bingo as gaeilge. A great day was had by all. Have a lovely St. Patrick's weekend everyone.
THE JUNIOR EUROVISION 2025
​Congratulations to Mollie in 5th Class who has made it through to the next round of The Junior Eurovision 2025! What an achievement for Mollie and her musical advisor Ms Khan. Well done and Best of Luck in the next round! Everyone here at Scoil Bhríde will be cheering you on!
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"Something Magical can happen when you read a good book."
All classes have been enjoying visiting The Book Fair.  They have been browsing through the books and reading stories with their teachers.
OLIVE MOONEY
Author Olive Mooney visited our school yesterday to read chapters of her books to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. She also gave the students lots of tips on becoming a writer!
BASKETBALL SESSIONS
All classes have been enjoying Monday basketball sessions with our coach Xabi from Laois Sports Partnership. Skills are improving each week and some girls are developing a great flair for the sport. Well done to all!
Gymnastics
congratulations Saoirse, 5th Class, for participating in a gymnastics competition in Dublin last weekend.Well done!!
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Breakfast and Flower Arranging Workshop
Thanks very much to all who came to our Breakfast and Flower arranging workshop in celebration of International Women’s Day. Thanks also to Cassia from Laois Partnership for her support in running the event. It was a lovely morning and we hope you enjoyed it!
MIDLANDS SCIENCE 
Midlands Science visited the school today to celebrate Engineering Week. Each class enjoyed a workshop relating to the topic of engineering and construction. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
GRANDPARENTS DAY
Grandparents Day was a great success on Friday. Thanks to all who came, the girls were delighted to have their lovely grandparents there.
VALENTINE'S WORKSHOP
Thanks very much to all who came to our Valentine’s workshop on Friday 14th Feb. Many thanks also to Cassia from Laois Partnership for her support in running the workshop.
St. Brigids Day
The whole school came together yesterday afternoon to make St. Brigid's crosses in the Hall in preparation for St. Brigids Day on Saturday. Every child went home with their own cross, which was lovely. Thanks to the older girls who helped our younger.
SAMSUNG PRESENTATION
We had a wonderful afternoon yesterday in Scoil Bhríde. Cathy from Samsung arrived after lunch to present us with our 10 new Samsung Tablets, our prize for coming 2nd in the Roscommon Mini Motion Film Festival. The senior girls entertained us with poetry, song and even rapping. A huge thank you to Lee from Shuttermaniac Productions and Aideen from Creative Schools Ireland, who guided us through our Film making journey. Well done to everyone involved, a fantastic achievement for our school.
ST. BRIGID'S DAY
The whole school came together yesterday afternoon to make St. Brigid's crosses in the Hall in preparation for St. Brigids Day on Saturday. Every child went home with their own cross, which was lovely. Thanks to the older girls who helped our younger pupils
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations Sophie and Shannia on winning the Children's Raffle hampers, kindly donated from the Parents' Council and Eimear Gorman.

Also to Kayleigh on winning the Seller's Draw prize. See below for a list of businesses who sponsored us.
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SCOIL BHRÍDE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Thank you 
so much for your support in coming to watch the children perform yesterday afternoon and evening. I think you would all agree that they certainly got us into the Christmas spirit! We were so very proud of each and everyone of them, they are a talented bunch of girls.

A word of thanks to all the staff of the school and to Ms. Khan our musical director. Thanks to Denise and Kim, Music Generation. Thanks to Fr. Joe for covering the cost of our school using the facility of Bloom HQ. Thanks Tommy for the sound system
FIRE SAFETY AT CHRISTMAS
A huge word of thanks to Dermot and Paul from Mountrath Fire Station. They spoke to First and Second Class about the importance of Fire Safety at Christmas time. Thanks for dropping in.
"HUG YOUR BOOK"
Today was the final session of "Hug Your Book". Thanks so much to all of the parents who came along and to Orlaith from LOETB for facilitating the sessions. They were great fun and all of the books were very enjoyable.
'Santa and the Three Little Pigs'.
Infants to 2nd class enjoyed attending a show in the Dunamaise theatre in Portlaoise on Tuesday 'Santa and the Three Little Pigs'.
"HUG YOUR BOOK"
Today was our final sessiobn of "Hug Your Book".  Thanks so much to all the parents who came and to Orlaith from LOETB for facilitating the sessions. They were great fun and all of the books were very enjoyable.
SCOIL BHRÍDE BAKE & CRAFT SALE
We had a truly wonderful afternoon here in school on Friday. It was a lovely festive occasion for our school and town, welcoming you all and having the chats!
The 5th, 6th classes ensured that everything ran so smoothly, they were a credit to themselves, their families and school community. 
Warmest thanks to our Parents' Council, Ms. O' Riordan and all the staff of the school, local businesses and to all who helped in any way. Details of our prizes, winners and sponsors will be posted on our social media outlets, along with photos of the afternoon.
 CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP
We were delighted to welcome parents/grandparents from Scoil Bhríde and St. Fintan's schools to our Christmas Workshop today. we made beautifulglobe decorations. Thanks very much to Cassia from Laois Partnership who provided the materials for today. A big thank you to Paul Phelan for his help with the community centre in Kiln Lane. Thanks also to everyone who participated today. It was lovely to see you all.
Friendship Workshop
Second and Third Class enjoyed a Team building Workshop with Rachel. The girls had to work together to perform various challenges such as the "Highest Standing Structure" using spaghetti and marshmallows.
PYJAMA DAY
​We had a lovely Christmassy day today in preparation for tonight's Toy Show. The girls(and staff!)wore pyjamas coming to school and enjoyed hot chocolate and treats! Thanks to the Parents Council who provided each child with a selection box! Enjoy the Toy Show everyone.
GRANNIES REVENGE
​We are involved in the Creative Schools programme, thanks to Ms. Pearson who successfully entered our school into this programme a few years ago. As part of this programme, we were given options on an area of the arts we wanted to work on, the girls chose film making.

We produced a film 'Grannies Revenge' with help from Lee (Shuttermaniac Productions) and Aideen (Creative Schools). Our 5th, 6th were invited to travel to Roscommon yesterday to showcase our work at the Mini Motion Pictures Film Festival. The production of our film was a culmination of workshops the girls attended in school exploring the art of filmmaking, from scripting to storyboarding and finally shooting the film. Yesterday a panel of judges reviewed all the entrants (from our school and others), recognising creativity, originality and technical prowess. The good news is that we won 10 Samsung tablets with pens for our school! This is a wonderful prize, we are looking forward to meeting the Samsung representative in school, along with Lee and Aideen for the presentation and set-up of the tablets (date to be confirmed).
I wish to thank most sincerely all the children in the school for their input, thanks to the staff and in particular our 5th, 6th class teacher Ms. O'Riordan. We had a lovely day yesterday in Roscommon, the senior girls represented our school so professionally and were a pleasure to bring to the film festival.  
TEAM HOPE CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL
Well done to all the children who filled a shoebox this year for Team Hope. You have helped sprinkle a little joy in the lives of others.
PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS
Congratulations to 6th class pupils Eimear and Ineyah, who were awarded 1st and 2nd place for Scoil Bhríde in The Lions Club Art Competition. The theme was ‘Peace without Limits’ and they were presented with plaques at Áras an Chontae. Well done girls!
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LAOIS SPORTS PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL HALL ATHLETICS PROGRAMME
Well done to the junior classes who participated in their first athletics session this week with Laois Sports Partnership.
HOT CHOCOLATE TREAT
1st and 2nd class earned a hot chocolate party on Friday as a reward for their excellent work so far this term. Well done girls
FIRE SAFETY
3rd and 4th class learned about fire safety yesterday. Thanks to Dermot and Paul from Mountrath Fire Service for giving up their time and providing the girls with such valuable information.
DIABETES DAY
On Friday we held a fundraiser in school for Diabetes Ireland. The whole school wore blue and brought in a donation. Well done to all.
DEADLY DINOSAURS WORKSHOP
1st and 2nd class had a great time yesterday at Mountrath Library where they engaged in a 'deadly dinosaurs' workshop.
SCIENCE WEEK 2024
Infants enjoyed some science week activities today. The girls made slime, rainbows using sweets and warm water and they grew bigger jelly babies using various water solutions. Great work girls!
1st and 2nd class are having great fun for Science Week. Yesterday the girls engaged in the 'Dancing Raisins' experiment! Well done girls
2nd and 3rd have been very busy this week engaging in Science week activities: dancing raisins and mouldy bread experiment, coke and mentos experiment, exploring how the body absorbs sugar and carbohydrates aswell as a Curious Minds Science Week show. Well done girls! The girls also made lava lamps for Science Week. the girls also had the oppertunity to demonstrate their own Science Experiements for the class.
3rd and 4th demonstrated their own science experiments yesterday for Science Week. Well done to all
NEWSFLASH COMPETITION
Warmest congratulations to Amelia in 2nd class who created a fantastic poster for the recent Roald Dahl competition. Her poster was published and is in the Newsflash magazine for all to enjoy!
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Congratulations to Ineyah in Ms. O' Riordan's room on winning a recent story competition in Mountrath library 'Scare Our Socks Off'.
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Things got very scary here today in Scoil Bhrìde!! The girls had great fun modelling their costumes, enjoying treats, games and we even went on a spooky stroll along the river walk. HAPPY HALLOWEEN to everyone, I hope you all enjoy a happy and safe break
CRAZY HAIR DAY
Crazy Hair Day was a huge success today Thank you to all who supported this school fundraiser! The creativity was amazing and everyone made a great effort! Well done to all!
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Ms. Brereton and Ms.Khans classes had a great time yesterday engaging in a 'Core Kids' Zoom for World Mental Health Day.
2025-2026 ADMISSIONS
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Scoil Bhríde 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Thank you most sincerely for coming out last Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our school. It was heartwarming and very humbling to see such a fantastic turnout, especially given the inclement weather. It really was a very special day for our whole school community, one that will be remembered in years to come!
We were so proud of all the children, their behaviour was exemplary and what a talented bunch we have! Thanks to our budding poets, dancers, ukulele players, artists and school choir. All the children enjoyed some treats after our assembly on Monday, along with a night off homework. I know you join with me in thanking all the staff of our school, a lot of work went into organising the various entertainment pieces but it was worth it in the end.
Thanks to our Parents' Council and all parents who helped out on the day, it really was a team effort. Thanks Anne and Enda for loaning us the marquee, thankfully it stayed put! Our lunch supplier Bradbury's supplied delicious cakes and treats which were enjoyed by all of us on Sunday, warmest thanks. The children are putting the 8 seater picnic bench to good use, kindly donated by Mark Sheeran and Alan Killeen in honour of our 40th occasion.
Deirdre organised the raffle with the fantastic prize of dinner for two in Ballyfin, congratulations to the winner. I am delighted to let you know that we raised 1,025 euro from the raffle for our school.
Thanks Fr. Joe for creating the booklet, a lovely keepsake to have. If any of you didn't get a booklet on the day you are welcome to phone / email and I will send one home for you.
Thanks Viola, Dermot and Gerry for all the time you gave in ensuring that the school looked so well both inside and out. Thanks Mountrath GAA and also Liam, Donal and Gerry for helping with traffic management. Thanks Eddie for capturing the images on the day. Also, thanks to the organising committee (Gráinne, Helen, Deirdre, Tara, Gerry, David).
Sincere thanks to Nuala and Denise (Music Generation) and our past pupils (Jane, Ciara, Alannah, Caoimhe) for sharing their musical talent with us. 


RAFFLE
A huge thank you to Ballyfin Demesne who kindly gave us a meal for two to give away in our raffle this Sunday. Tickets cost 5euro and can be bought on the day.
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Thank you also to CJ Sheerans and the Garden Living Store who kindly gifted our school with a new picnic bench for our 40th AnniversaryCelebrations. Thanks to Dermot, our caretaker for collecting it. We very much appreciate all the help and good wishes from our local community.
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FARM TO FORK INITIATIVE
The children in 5th, 6th classes enjoyed a visit to the Lidl Farm Experience on Monday. The Lidl Farm offers school children an opportunity to learn how everyday produce gets from farm to fork. The on-site education delivery is guided by the SESE curriculum to deliver an outdoor classroom experience. The girls had a great time and also brought back some pumpkins for carving.
 FOOTBALL
Football season is back.  Encourage your daughter to take part, if she hasn't played before it might be something she would enjoy. Thanks Ms. Sheppard for training the team, best of luck in the upcoming matches girls.
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CREATIVE SCHOOLS
Please see the following article on the Leinster Express re our recent film making process,
https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/story-telling/pictures---videos/1610282/in-pictures-lights-camera-action-as-laois-school-takes-to-big-screen.html/3


We were thrilled to welcome Lee Williamson (Shuttermaniac Productions) and Aideen McHugh (Creative Schools) to our school. Lee worked with all classes introducing them to the art of filmmaking culminating in the production of a short film! During his workshops the children learned the basics of creating, editing and directing short films. They further developed their digital literacy skills, storytelling skills and the skill of working collaboratively.  Thanks also Aideen for your help in getting this project up and running.
The program is part of a broader collaboration supported by industry leaders such as Samsung Electronics, Creative Schools and Creative Ireland. A special word of thanks to Ms. Pearson who initially entered us into the Creative Schools Programme and thanks also to Ms. Kilmartin for continuing the work of Creative Schools while Ms. Pearson was on maternity leave.

The girls enjoyed interviewing three people from our local community, asking them some very interesting and probing questions on school life when they were in school and how things have changed over the years. Thanks very much Lucy, Donal and Colette for your engagement in this process and for the fun that was had! We eagerly await the production of our film which we will be delighted to share with you soon. Furthermore, our 5th, 6th girls have been invited to the Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Festival which takes place on 4th December, so we are really looking forward to that. We might have some upcoming Hollywood stars in our midst!
JUNIOR INFANTS
​A warm welcome to our new junior infants on their first day of 'big school'. The girls had a great day getting to know their new classmates and teachers. We hope you will have many happy years ahead here in Scoil Bhríde
SUMMER CAMP
​Summer camp 2024 is going great! The girls are very busy engaging in cooking, baking, art and craft, sport, literacy, numeracy and language activities to name a few! We also took a trip to the library and playground for some more fun and games.
 END OF YEAR
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you parents for working together with us throughout the year. Our 6th class girls are saying goodbye to us, they have been a pleasure to teach over the last eight years and have been superb role models to the younger classes. Ms. Kilmartin, myself and all the staff of Scoil Bhríde wish each one of them every success in their future and hope that they have many happy days ahead. Thank you Ms. Kilmartin for all your work in organising the graduation party for 6th today, it promises to be a lovely celebration. The girls will be presented with their graduation certificates and Scoil Bhríde training tops, thanks to our Parents' Council for purchasing these for the girls.

We had a lovely time on our school tours on Tuesday, very enjoyable for all. Thanks to our Parents' Council for covering the cost of the buses, helping greatly to reduce cost for families.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to our Parents’ Council for all their help this year. Most recently they organised our sponsored walk, funded the 6th class graduation training tops and paid for the school tour and swimming buses. They have been involved in many projects throughout the year and are always extremely helpful and supportive. We are always looking for new ideas, so if you think you could contribute and help us next school year it would be really appreciated. You can contact me here in school or any member of the committee, thanks in advance.
We welcomed our new Junior Infants (and parents) to school on Monday. The children had a lovely introductory morning with Ms. Sheppard. They are looking forward to joining us in September, we wish them well as they start school.
A very sincere word of thanks to Ms. Brereton and Ms. Sheppard for all their work throughout the year in keeping the school website and X page updated. A lot of time and effort goes into this work and it is very much appreciated and enjoyed by all of us. 
We are delighted that Music Generation will be back working with us next year and thank our Board of Management for funding this programme for our school.
Once again, the Summer Reading Challenge will be held in our local library and all libraries across Laois. You can contact Tríona or Denise in Mountrath library to find out more.
You have recently received information re school books for the coming academic year. Sincere thanks to Ms. Sheppard for all your work in organising the roll out of the school books for us, not an easy task considering the reduction in the grant for all schools this year. Please note that the Art/ Craft, photocopying etc. fee needs to be paid once school reopens after the Summer recess.
Our Summer Camp takes place here in school next week, from Monday to Friday. This is funded by the Department and will focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Wellbeing activities.Sincere thanks to Ms. Brereton for organising this, thanks also to the staff of the school for helping to facilitate. It promises to be an action packed week of learning and fun!
Thank you:
 * Thank you to our Board of Management who have supported us tremendously this year.
 * Thank you to Dermot Moore (school caretaker) and Viola Grinfelde (school cleaner) for their hard work during the year, the school is so well maintained both inside and out.
 * Thank you to Mrs.Mary Hosey (school secretary) for helping to keep the show on the road.
 * Thank you to Marion and Mary (SNA’s) for your dedication to the children.
 * Thank you Parents’ Council and all parents for supporting us as we work together in educating your daughter. 
* Thank you to Ms. Byrne (HSCL) for all your work in helping to maintain communication links between home and school. 
 * I know you join me in thanking the teaching staff of our school. I will advise you of staffing changes for the coming academic year as soon as all appointments have been made.
 * Once again, a very special word of thanks to our 6th class girls. It has been our pleasure to have come to know you over the years and to have shared in your school journey. You are amazing young ladies with bright futures ahead. Thank you for helping to shape the fabric of our school. Míle buíochas. Hope you have a well deserved break before you commence post-primary school.
Summer holidays: The school will close on Friday, 28th June at 12 noon for all classes. We are back open on Tuesday, 27th August at 9.20am.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe Summer. 
Go dté sibh slán sábháilte,
M. Rohan and staff.  
SIXTH CLASS GRADUATION
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Today we celebrated our wonderful 6th class on the occasion of their Graduation. These girls have been a pleasure to have in our school for the last 8 years and will be sorely missed. We know the future is bright for this bunch as they prepare to begin their next chapter!
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END OF YEAR TREAT
Third and Fourth class enjoyed an end of year treat. They made Rocky Road, it looks delicious!!
SCHOOL TOURS
Infants, 1st and 2nd class had a great day on their school tour at The Fun Academy, Roscrea. They enjoyed going on the waterslide and bouncing castle, orienteering, arts and craft activities, Tug of War, team games and lots more. A great day was had by all
3rd ,4th, 5th and 6th class had a great day on their school tour to UL Adventure Centre in Limerick
SPORTS DAY
Sports Day was a great success today. Thanks to the 6th class girls who ran the show and were a huge help! I think everyone will sleep tonight!! 
The ice-cream van was a welcome visit after all the activity. Congratulations Mylee and Niamh (6th class) - who were awarded football and camogie players of the year. 
ACTIVE SCHOOLS WEEK
Active Schools Week has begun and we kicked off this morning with some "Wake Up Shake Up'. Thanks to Ms. Brereton for organising a week of fun filled activities for us all to enjoy! @ActiveFlag #activeschoolsweek
CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL INTERCOUNTY  BLITZ
Huge congrats to Niamh Bredin, one of our 6th class camogie stars who represented Laois today in the Cumann na mBunscol Intercounty Blitz. Well done Niamh, we are all very proud of you here in Scoil Bhrìde.
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CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL ROUNDERS COMPETITION
Well done to our senior girls who participated in the Cumann na mBunscol Rounders Competitiom today in Portlaoise, a great day was had by all!
5th and 6th class had a great time at the Park yesterday!
UKULELE PERFORMANCE
The senior girls put on a fantastic show for their parents yesterday, showcasing all they had learned during the year at their ukulele lessons. Thanks to Denise from @musicgeneration for all her work throughout the year. Well done girls.
ATTENDANCE POSTER COMPETITION
Congratulations Mollie and Mylee, winners in our Attendance Poster Competition, enjoy spending your Pennys voucher girls!!
THE NORMANS
Ms Brereton's class have been learning all about the Normans recently and constructed some amazing Norman castles and Motte and Baileys, fantastic work girls!!
SPONSORED WALK
We raised €820 from our recent sponsored walk, which is wonderful.
We had an amazing turn out and the rain stayed away! It was a lovely event for our school and also an opportunity to enjoy the environs of our locality. Afterwards, the children were treated to some goodies from Glanmore Foods, which was most welcome! Our Parents' Council served up tea, coffee and some delicious baked goods for the adults. Sincere thanks to our Parents' Council for organising this fundraiser, thanks to the staff of the school, thanks to the local businesses and all who supported us. 
The girls made a great effort on Friday, wearing their blue and white for Laois Pride Day in support of the Laois hurlers this weekend!!
 ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY (RSA)
Nicola from the Road Safety Authority (RSA)  visited all classes and spoke to the girls, reminding them to be safe and seen when they are out and about over the Summer. The 'Seatbelt Sheriff Programme', which we have participated in, is very educational - reminding children to wear their safety belt no matter how short the journey is. According to surveys completed by the RSA, 1 out of 3 primary and secondary school children are not wearing safety belts when they travel in the back seat of cars. The RSA also offer a 'Check it Fits' service, their team of experts will not only check that your child's car seat is fitted safely, they will also give a demonstration and answer any questions you might have. For more information log on to rsa.ie.
CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL FINAL 
Our camogie team put up a great fight yesterday but were narrowly defeated by a strong Killanure side. Well done girls, you gave it everything and did yourselves, your families and your school proud. Thanks to all at Eddie Phelans and to the BOM of Scoil Bhríde for providing the girls with a fabulous meal after their final.
 SCOIL BHRÍDE SPONSORED WALK
You are invited to join us on 7th June for a sponsored walk, meeting here in the school at 6.30pm and following the Slí na Sláinte route around the town. Thanks to our Parents' Council for helping to spread the word, all your support would be much appreciated.
First Holy Communion Treats
Our fabulous Communion class celebrated today with their teacher Ms. Khan. They were presented with their certificates and enjoyed cake and treats in the Hall as a reward for their hard work all year. Well done girls.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 
Congratulations to all the children who received their First Holy Communion. A huge word of thanks to Ms. Khan for preparing the children so well. We hope you all have a lovely day. The children are looking forward to their Communion party in school on Wednesday!
CAMOGIE TEAM
Congratulations our school Camogie team! The girls have played their hearts out over the past 6 weeks and won all their games! They are now through to the Cumann na mBunscol Final in O'Moore Park. Well done girls, a fantastic bunch of players.
School Completion Programme (SCP)
Rachel from SCP completed her final in-class session with classes this week. She was working on team work skills this week. She set the girls the challenge of building the tallest structure using spaghetti and marshmallows.  There was alot of discussion and team work as the girls completed the challenge. Thanks to Rachel for leading the workshops this year. 

CLASS TREAT
Third and Fourth class enjoyed a trip to the playground as a reward for their hard work. Well done girls!!
 SWIMMING LESSONS
Congratulations to Ms. Brereton's 3rd, 4th class girls who have successfully completed their 6 week swimming programme. Thanks to our Parents' Council for funding the bus weekly for the children, helping greatly to reduce cost for families.
RAINBOW DAY
We held our Rainbow Day on Friday and raised €142 or our local Autism Charity LOFFA. Well done to everyone for making such a great effort dressing up in their colourful outfits.
​CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL CROSS COUNTRY
Well done to all our girls who participated in the Cumann na mBunscol Cross Country event today in Rathleague. The girls represented their school so well and put in a great effort.
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Congratulations to our 5th and 6th class girls who received the Sacrament of Confirmation today. Thanks to Bishop Denis, Fr. Joe and Fr. PJ for the beautiful ceremony. Thanks to Ms. Khan for leading our beautiful choir. Thanks also to Ms. Kilmartin for preparing the girls so well. We hope you all enjoy your special day. 
SCHOOL CHOIR
2nd, 3rd and 4th class enjoyed an ice-cream party in the Hall today as a reward for their beautiful singing in the choir at the Confirmation last Friday. Thanks to Ms. Khan for all her hard work in the organisation, preparation and conducting of the choir. Well done to all
Young St. Vincent de Paul.
We were delighted to welcome students from Mountrath Community School to our school last week, working with 3rd, 4th class in the area of literacy, Music and Art. They have one more workshop to complete with the girls.

School Completion Programme (SCP).
Rachel from SCP is working with classes in our school these weeks. She is currently working with the children on the topic of friendship, the girls enjoyed making friendship bracelets with her this week.
SWIMMING LESSONS
3rd and 4th class have begun their 6 week swimming block and are delighted to be heading over to the Portlaoise Leisure Centre every Wednesday for their lessons. Enjoy girls!
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Confirmation, Friday, 26th April.
The children in 5th, 6th class will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation on Friday, 26th April at 11am in the parish church. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this special time in your lives. We hope you have a lovely day celebrating with your family.
Sincere thanks to Ms. Kilmartin for preparing the children in school, Ms.Kilmartin will also be playing music at the celebration. Many thanks also to Ms. Khan who will be conducting the choir on the day. Also,to let you know that our past pupil Caoimhe Fitzpatrick will be singing during the Mass.
Children in 2nd, 3rd, 4th will be singing in the choir. They will be brought over to the Confirmation from school with the teachers. The Confirmation will be over at approximately 12.15pm so please collect your daughter from the church yard at that time. For 1st class, Junior and Senior Infants school finishes at 10.45am on the day of Confirmation.

National School Attendance Campaign Poster Competition.
Our HSCL, Ms. Sheila Byrne, invited the children to participate in the Tusla poster competition, asking them to design a poster promoting the importance of school attendance. Well done to Ineyah in 5th class whose entry has been selected from our school. 

School camogie team.
Our school camogie girls are off to a great start this season! Being involved in school sports is a fantastic learning opportunity. Along with learning the skill of the game, the girls are learning invaluable life lessons on teamwork, resilience, coping with victory and defeat, wellbeing etc. Many thanks to Ms. Sheppard for coaching the girls and thanks also to Ms. Kilmartin for helping out
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SHELBY COMES TO VISIT
A huge word of thanks to Chloe and Courtney for bringing their pet tortoise to school last Friday.  The girls enjoyed learning about how to take care of a pet tortoise.
EASTER FUN
Infants, 1st and 2nd had great fun this morning finding eggs scattered around the school during their Easter egg hunts. Third and Fourth class enjoyed a Table Quiz .
TRÓCAIRE LENTEN CAMPAIGN
Our girls raised €175 by donating to their class Tròcaire boxes during Lent. This money was presented to Fr. PJ this morning and will be donated to Tròcaire. Well done to Mylee and Julia for keeping track of monies each week and creating a beautiful poster to raise awareness
EASTER RAFFLE WINNERS
Th
anks to everyone for supporting our Easter Raffle. We raised 284euro for our school Congratulations to our winners Sapphire, Kayleigh, Saoirse, Niamh, Nima and Dawn. Thanks to Marion for selling the tickets and also to Amy from our Parents Council.
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RUN AROUND EUROPE CHALLENGE
The first class to reach our@ActiveFlag Run Around Europe initiative are 3rd and 4th.  The girls arrived in Paris today after travelling 778KM. They had all worked up an appetite and enjoyed sampling lots of fresh food as they admired beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.
Trócaire
Thanks to Niall who came in today to speak to us about the wonderful work done by Tròcaire all over the world. We learned some incredible facts and found out how the money raised from our Tròcaire boxes helps so many people who are less fortunate than us.
FIRST PENANCE
Congratulations to our brilliant second class who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation yesterday. Thanks to Ms. Khan, Fr. Joe and Fr. Pj for preparing the girls so well.
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EASTER RAFFLE
€2 tickets are on sale in the school to be in with a chance of winning some Easter prizes. The prizes are on display in the front porch, much to the delight of the children!

SENSE OF SPRING WALK
First and Second class exploring their 5 senses on our  'Sense of Spring' walk

CLAY CREATIONS
Third and Fourth class were busy creating some tasty treats using clay. Well done girls they look delicious!
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
In celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge, we had a great week of fun with lots of activities. On Tuesday we had our whole school Tráth na gCeist, well done to all the teams. On Thursday we enjoyed some traditional Irish songs, lead by our 1st, 2nd classes and Ms. Khan. We finished off the week celebrating our Irish culture and heritage with an outdoor whole school ceilí, thanks to Ms. Kilmartin and 5th, 6th girls. You can log on to snag.ie for information and ideas.
RUN AROUND EUROPE CHALLENGE
We have been busy engaging in 'The Run Around Europe' in association with @ActiveFlag. The girls have been running laps every day in order to reach their European destinations. Well done all and thanks to Ms. Brereton for organising #activeschool
 Thank you to Ms. Byrne, our HSCL teacher who organised a wonderful event today for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Our girls engaged in flower arranging and soda bread making with their parents and grandparents in the Kiln Lane Community Centre. Well done all
SPRING HAS SPRUNG​​
A huge thank you to Deirdre, Ella and Anna Phelan for bringing in three gorgeous lambs for all of us to admire. They received a lot of love and affection from our girls and a few extra feeds of milk too
​BOOK FAIR
The Book Fair is currently in our school. A selection of books to suit all levels are in cases and are here for a week so that the children can enjoy them. Classes  can  come to the hall with their class teacher to browse through the selection, the younger classes can use this time as story time and enjoy listening to their teacher read. You are welcome to come in after 2pm any of the days and have a look at the books yourself, if you wish to purchase a book you may do so. Once again, this is an initiative to encourage the children to enjoy the gift of reading.
Attendance Drive Results as of  Monday 26/02/24:
1st place - Junior and Senior Infants 
2nd place - 3rd and 4th 
3rd place- 5th and 6th
4th place - 1st and 2nd 
EVERY DAY COUNTS
We have begun an attendance Challenge in Scoil Bhríde this week. Please find tips below to see how parents can help to make every school day count.  'Every Day Counts in Primary School'.
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Pancake Tuesday
There was great excitement today in Scoil Bhrìde for Pancake Tuesday, the girls enjoyed some delicious pancakes with their favourite toppings.

FAMOUS LANDMARKS PROJECTS
5th and 6th class have been very busy for the month of January working on their Famous Landmark projects. I think you will all agree that the finished products are spectacular. Well done girls!!

 ST. BRIGID'S DAY
The whole school spent the afternoon making St. Brigid's Crosses in honor of tomorrow's Feast Day. Crosses were also on sale after 10am Mass tomorrow. Great work girls!  delighted to let you know that the parish donated €641.10 to our school for making St. Brigid crosses for our community, thanks to Fr. Joe and Sr. Helen for organising. Thanks also to all who brought in rushes, our sacristan Pádraig, and to the children of the school for making the crosses. We were honoured to help out in this activity which has been a tradition in our school for many years.
PAUSE FOR PEACE
Third and Fourth Class participated in a 'Pause for Peace' at 12pm today.
Third-Sixth Class came together to complete a St. Brigid's Day Quiz. Tensions were high as the teams battled it out to see who would be at the top of the Score Board!!
GRANDPARENTS DAY
We had a wonderful day on Friday in Scoil Bhrìde for Grandparents Day. Thanks to all who joined us after Mass for a cuppa and a chat.

School Sports.
We are delighted to be working once again with Laois Sports Partnership. The girls in 3rd, 4th classes are currently participating in a 4 week School Hall Athletics Programme, thanks Ms. Brereton for organising.

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY
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CLASSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN IN MOUNTRATH HEALTH & FITNESS ACADEMY
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ADMISSION NOTICE
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MATILDA
Our Senior Play "Matilda"  performed by Third, Fourth, Fifth  amd Sixth Class was a great success. The girls performed so well and the singing and acting was superb. Thanks to all who supported us .
THE ANGEL WHO NEARLY MISSED IT ALL
A huge well done to  Junior Infants, Senior Infants, First Class and Second Class for their outstanding performance of "The Angel Who Nearly Missed It All". The girls really spread the Christmas Spirit with their beautiful singing and acting. A huge word of thanks to their teachers Mrs. sheppard and Ms. Khan for all their hard work in helping the girls prepare for their show.
SANTA'S VISIT
A very special visitor arrived in style to Scoil Bhrìde yesterday. I'm happy to report we are all on the nice list this year!!
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY
We raised €155.35 for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, thank you very much for supporting this very worthy cause.
DRAW RESULTS
Congratulations Eimear in 5th class on winning the Allbooks voucher and also the teddy. Congratulations Lena in 3rd class on winning the hamper in the Kid's Only Raffle.
SCOIL BHRÍDE CRAFT AND BAKE SALE
Our Annual Craft Fair, Bake Sale and Raffle was a huge success last Friday, raising €2,901 for our school. Thank you to all who supported us by donating/baking/buying tickets. Thanks also to the Parents Council, Ms Kilmartin and 5th and 6th class who organised this event.  
We gave away 22 fabulous prizes during our Raffle last Friday. A huge thank you to all the local businesses who donated these, your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.
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KIDS ONLY RAFFLE
Huge thanks to our Parents Council for providing us with a fabulour fun-filled hamper for our Kids Only Christmas Raffle. 2euro is the entry fee and you can enter as many times as you like!!
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​ILLUSTRATING HISTORY WORKSHOP
Third and Fourth class enjoyed a very exciting visit to the library where they took part in the Illustrating History Workshop with illustrator Alan Dunne. They learned about the people and events that have shaped our world. The girls discovered how illustration has been used to bring these historical figures and events to life as Alan guided them through different techniques that he used. The girls then had an opportunity to draw their own illustrations.
Mountrath Fire Station
A huge word of thanks to Colm and Dermot from Mountrath Fire Station for visiting Third and Fourth Class today. They spoke to the girls about fire safety around the house. They reminded the girls of the importance of having smoke detectors that work and also the need to have a planned fire escape plan in the event of a fire.

Heritage in Schools
We welcomed Vincent O' Sullivan to our school (Heritage in Schools). He visited all classes, exploring with the children the daily life of a busy farmer and how mainstream methods of farming differ from the traditional model. The girls even got to grind corn into flour as well as  trying their hands at water divining using traditional forked sticks.  The girls studied various plants and herbs.
PYJAMAS  DAY
The children were very excited wearing their pyjamas to school on Friday! The girls enjoyed many treats such as hot chocolate, cookies and cake as well as a chocolate fountain in First and Second class
just to get us in the festive spirit for The Late Late Toy Show . A huge word of thanks to our Parents' Council for treating each girl to a selection box.
Christmas Cheer
1st and 2nd class got into the festive spirit this week. The girls put up their Christmas tree and received their Advent calendar.
SCIENCE WEEK
Third and Fourth have been very busy for Science week. The girls have learned how to turn Avonmore Super Milk to a Solid Bone Like Structure. The girls have also put on their Scientist hats and taught the class how to do different experiments. Layla taught us how to make Cloud dough, Grace treated us to a mini explosion when she mixed coke and mentos. Margarita made her drawing disappear when she added it to water. Today Sophie created a rainbow using skittles and water and Mary taught us that salt mixed with water allows the egg to float in water. Saoirse balanced on a table supported by balloons. Kayla and Mollie created Oblex which changed  according to the pressure applied to it.Well done girls!!
First and Second Class
Science week: Skittles experiment and vacuum bags!
Fifth and Sicth Class
​Science week - made lava lamps, Niamh and Leah demonstrated how to make slime, Zuzanna demonstrated how to make a volcano eruption.
WORLD DIABETES DAY
Our school raised €148.50 for Diabetes Ireland, well done everybody!
CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL
On a rainy afternoon in Scoil Bhríde we were delighted to sprinkle some joy, filling 48 shoeboxes for the Team Hope Christmas Appeal. Thanks Dorothy for all the work that you do, well done girls for this amazing effort, you should all be very proud of yourselves.
CASH 4 CLOTHES
We are liaising with Cash 4 Clothes as a fundraiser for our school.  We would be really grateful if you could donate any unwanted items to our school and in return we raise funds for the school. You can drop in your bags anytime during school hours between 17th to 23rd November, please help spread the word. Thanks Ms. Kilmartin for organising this and thanks also to our Parents' Council for putting up posters around the town. There is nothing like a good clear out to lift the spirits!
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LIONS PEACE POSTER COMPETITION
Warmest congratulations to Emma and Julia-Belle who were winners in the Lions Peace Poster Competition, beautiful artwork, well done girls. Thanks Ms. Kilmartin for entering your class in this competition titled 'Dare to Dream'

PLANETARIUM VISIT
The children (and staff!)  really enjoyed a visit from Planet Vortex Planetarium. This mobile planetarium is an inflatable dome that brought the night sky to Scoil Bhríde! It featured a high-definition projection and sound system that created a 360 degrees immersive experience. Inside, the children explored the stars, planets, galaxies, constellations etc. with visuals and audio. It was a truly awesome experience! Sincere thanks to our Board of Management for covering this cost.
HALLOWE'EN 
Scoil Bhríde was feeling very scary today with lots of strange and spooky characters lurking around the classrooms. Well done to all the girls and their parents for  their creative and spooky looks!!! The girls enjoyed some lots of Hallowe'en fun today including pumpkin carving, table quizes and  a Hallowe'en Spooky Walk Well done girls.
HERITAGE IN SCHOOLS
What a great day of song and folklore we had in school yesterday, thanks to Rachel from the Heritage in Schools Scheme. Rachel specialises in delivering traditional / sean nós singing / storytelling, culture and heritage workshops for all ages in a creative way. During her visit, Rachel engaged the children in a varied collection of traditional / folk / sean nós songs in a fun and supportive environment, aiming to build confidence in song / storytelling and the Irish language. Some classes even composed their own songs! 
MATHS WEEK
​Maths Week runs from 14th - 22nd October, the children are enjoying lots of fun Maths activities in their classrooms. You can also get involved at home - check out www.mathsweek.ie for ideas, helping us realise that Maths is all around us if we use our 'Maths eyes'.
SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Well done to our school football team this season, they played their best and were a credit to us. We are looking forward to the camogie season next Spring! Thanks Ms. Sheppard and Ms. Kilmartin.
HALLOWE'EN ART ZOOM
Classes from 1st to 6th were delighted to participate in an online Hallowe'en themed Art lesson last week. Thanks to Sinéad from The Art and Design Factory for her tutorial. The girls created some amazing seasonal pictures which are on display in school. 
​ONLINE SAFETY
We were delighted to welcome Jacinta from Barnados to our school yesterday. She spoke to the girls from 3rd - 6th classes about the importance of online safety. She advised them to follow 4 simple rules and to be a S.T.A.R. online:
S - Stay safe
T - Think smart
A - Ask for help
R - Reach out
Thanks Ms. Sheppard for organising this very worthwhile and informative session for the children.
FRED THE PARTY PROFESSOR
Yesterday the children were treated to a truly amazing performance from 'Fred the Party Professor'. Fred is a highly awarded magician who has won many national and international awards for magic and comedy. His show included juggling, aerial plate spinning, comedy, balloon modeling, music etc. Fred also plays a variety of musical instruments, and so as a finale to his show he played a selection of these for the children. 
CRAZY HAIR DAY
Our Annual Crazy Hair Day was a huge success today in Scoil Bhrìde, raising much needed funds for our school. The creative and unique hairstyles on show were simply amazing! A special word of thanks to all the mammies who were up at the crack of dawn this morning!
WATER SAFETY CLASSES FOR SIXTH CLASS
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SCOIL BHRÍDE SUMMER CAMP
Great fun was had once again at this year’s summer camp. Our first day of camp was a huge success. The girls enjoyed story time and arts and crafts in the library, cupcake making and decorating, language games and a clay workshop. Day 2 The girls enjoyed some button art, indoor board games, an obstacle course and panini making. Day 3 of camp was a great success. The girls made delicious chocolate chip cookies, designed t-shirts using fabric pens, played some literacy and numeracy games and finished the day with a trip to the park. Well done to all 🌞 On day 4 the girls made smoothies and fruit skewers, painted their clay creations, made windchimes and enjoyed a game of rounders in the afternoon. On our final day of camp, the girls made pizza, enjoyed art and crafts, played tennis and musical games. The day finished with an ice cream party which was a huge hit! Thanks to Ms Brereton for organising a fantastic week and all the staff who helped out.
SIXTH CLASS 2023
it's time for our 6th class girls to say goodbye to us. They have been a pleasure to teach over the last eight years and have been superb role models to the younger classes. Ms. Kilmartin, myself and all the staff of Scoil Bhríde wish each one of them every success in their future and hope that they have many happy days ahead.
Great fun was had today for our annual sports day. We began with active stations, followed by a Cèili/Disco and Tug of War. We then enjoyed rounders, dodgeball and unihoc in the afternoon. We also took a break for some ice cream in between activities. Well done to everyone ​
SPORTS DAY
​Great fun was had today for our annual sports day. We began with active stations, followed by a Cèili/Disco and Tug of War. We then enjoyed rounders, dodgeball and unihoc in the afternoon. We also took a break for some ice cream in between activities. Well done to everyone.
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Sixth Class Graduation
​On Friday we celebrated our wonderful 6th class as they prepare to say goodbye to us. We are very proud of this fantastic group. They have worked hard and achieved so much during their time with us and have been super role models. All the best for the future girls 🌠🎓
PIZZA
Well done to Third and Fourth class who made pizza today as a reward  for their excellent behaviour and hard work.                                                                                                                           
Senior School Tour
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth class had a wonderful day last Wednesday on their school tour to Cork. They visited Spike Island, Fota Wildlife Park and enjoyed some MacDonalds on the way home. A great day was had by all!
@SpikeIslandCork
@fotawildlife
Junior School Tour 
I
nfants, 1st and 2nd had a wonderful day last Monday on their school tour to Lullymore. They visited the animals, went on a train ride, made wishes at the Fairy Village and finished up with some playtime. Thank you LullymorePark for a brilliant day.
ACTIVE SCHOOLS WEEK
We have been very busy here these past few weeks with our Active Schools activities (thanks Ms. Brereton). The girls have started the day with WAKE UP, SHAKE UP using the dice.  They have enjoyed many activities such as rounders, hockey, tennis and many walkway activities. Keep up the good work and keep active!!
BANDWAGON TOUR
Thank you to@Camrossns for having our girls over this morning to enjoy the Music Generation Bandwagon festival in the glorious sunshine. We had a fantastic time dancing and singing along to songs by Johnny Cash, Ed Sheeran, Pink and The Dixie Chicks to name a few.
CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL
What a great win we had yesterday!
 It wasn't a match for the faint hearted but our girls showed such determination and resilience throughout, it was wonderful to bring the shield back to Scoil Bhríde! Thank you most sincerely Ms.Sheppard for coaching the girls this season, sharing your expertise and knowledge of the game, and also for your encouragement and support in all of our matches. Thanks also to Ms. Kilmartin for helping out with training. Thanks to Eddie for feeding a very hungry bunch yesterday, the food was scrumptious as always.

 SPONSORED WALK
I am delighted to inform you that the total raised from our recent sponsored walk is €1,331.60. We had a lovely afternoon on Saturday, it was wonderful to have your support with our fundraiser. Thank you most sincerely for coming out to join us on the walk. A huge thank you to our Parents' Council - Michelle, Emer, Amy and Kevin for all your help in organising this fundraiser. Thanks to Glanmore Foods and all who brought in cakes and treats. Thanks to the Scouts and to the staff of the school.
MUSIC GENERATION
Thank you for coming to our Music Generation concerts held recently in school. The children loved performing for you! A word of thanks to our tutors from Music Generation and also thanks to the Board of Management of the school for funding this programme. We are delighted to let you know that we will be working with Music Generation again next school year.
Swimming Lessons
Well done to 3rd and 4th Class for completing 6 weeks of swimming at Portlaoise Leisure Centre and successfully participating in the Level 2 Learn to Swim Programme.
Sunflowers
​1st and 2nd Class girls took home their sunflowers today after sowing seeds 3 weeks ago!!
RORY'S MILES 2 MAYO
What a wonderful morning we had on Friday welcoming Rory Best to our town. The children were full of glee waving our flags and banners, the atmosphere was magical! Thank you to all who donated in support of this worthy cause, We raised a total of €420 in support of Rory's fundraiser, helping to raise money for children's cancer research. Thank you most sincerely for your very generous donations. Ollie and Muireann called in to our school on Friday to thank us for supporting this very worthy cause.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to all who received the sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday, especially our own girls. Thanks to Ms. Pearson, Fr. Pj and Fr. Joe for preparing the girls so well. We hope you all had a lovely day.
DOGS TRUST
Thanks to Paul from Dogs Trust who spoke to all classes today. We learned how to care for our dogs and be responsible owners. We also learned how to be safe around dogs. It was very informative.
Heritage in Schools
We welcomed Vincent O' Sullivan to our school (Heritage in Schools). He visited all classes, exploring with the children the daily life of a busy farmer and how mainstream methods of farming differ from the traditional model. The girls even got to grind corn into flour as well as  trying their hands at water divining using traditional forked sticks.  The girls studied various plants and herbs and examined a wasp nest.
Creative Schools.
All classes were very busy this week working with Aideen from Creative Schools. The children used recyclable materials to make very interesting figures and models which all tell a story or share a message!  Thanks Ms. Pearson for successfully entering our school in the Creative Schools Programme.

Easter Raffle
Our Easter raffle took place in the school on Friday morning, Congratulations to all our winners, Adelaida, Eimear, Kayla, Benita and Sophie. Enjoy all your Easter treats! Thanks to all the girls for buying tickets and supporting our raffle.

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​Mountrath Library.
Our 3rd, 4th classes visited the library just before Easter, participating in a 'Fighting Words' workshop. The girls really enjoyed their visit, thanks Tríona (librarian) for the invite. We hope you enjoy reading our story.
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SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
The whole school enjoyed a Tráth na gCeist in the Halla in honour of Seachtain na Gaeilge. The competition was fierce but great fun was had by all! The girls continued their fun celebrating St. Patricks's Day on Thursday. All the girls wore green and enjoyed a Ceilí in the hall. Thanks to Ms. Kilmartin for organising. Third and Fourth class had great fun last Thursday celebrating St. Patrick's Day. They dressed in green, made leprechauns and ate green white and gold themed dessert. Well done to all the girls.

SPRING VISITORS
We are learning all about Spring in school these days and so we were thrilled to welcome two lambs to school yesterday! Children were given the opportunity to feed the lambs and some were hoping to get one as a pet!! Thanks a million to Anna and her Mam Deirdre for such a fun morning. 
WORLD BOOK DAY
First and Second Class went to the library last Thursday for World Book Day. They had great fun reading lots of different books and solving puzzles.

PANCAKE TUESDAY
There was lots of excitement today as pancakes were plentiful here in Scoil Bhrìde much to the delight of our girls!
ST. BRIGID'S DAY
We had a lovely day in school yesterday celebrating St. Brigid's Day. Senior classes made crosses for the parish and went to Mass in the morning. First and Second classenjoyed a story telling workshop about St. Brigid in the morning. The whole school made crosses together in the afternoon.
A VISIT FROM POSTMAN DEREK
Thanks Postman Derek for visiting Junior and Senior Infants and 1st, and  2nd Classes today. We loved learning all about your wok, thanks for all that you do for us!
POLLINATOR WORKSHOPS 🐝
Students from 3rd to 6th Classes enjoyed a Pollinator Workshop hosted by Edel Heeran in association with Laois Outdoor Education and Heritage in Schools. Edel began with an indoor workshop on Pollinators followed by a trip outside to explore the school grounds.

 GRANDPARENTS DAY 
Thank you all so much for sharing Grandparents Day with us. It was lovely to meet up this morning after Mass and have a cuppa and a chat. Thanks Marion and Mary for helping out with the tea and cakes. Hope all grandparents enjoy the rest of this special day, remembering those who live in our hearts.

 NEW FLU VACCINE WALK-IN CLINIC FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-17
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MEMO FROM HSE: Significant levels of Flu, Covid-19 and RSV currently circulating 
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ANNUAL ADMISSION NOTICE
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 School Year. If you require further information please email Ms.Sheppard or the school  as follows:  bridnaofamountrath@gmail.
[email protected]
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TEDDY BEAR HOSPITAL
We wanted to invite your students to RCSI’s 9th annual Teddy Bear Hospital which will be on January 28th and 29th 2023. Teddy Bear Hospital will be held at the RCSI 123 St.Stephens Green campus in the Exam hall.
Teddy Bear Hospital is a free ticketed event that aims to alleviate childhood fears about healthcare environments and increase health literacy in school-aged children. This event is aimed at children aged 4-10 though children outside those ages are encouraged to come if parents feel it would be beneficial or if a family wish to attend with older siblings. Older children for whom this event would be developmentally appropriate are welcome to the Sunday session where we will have a higher ratio of volunteers to children.
The event is volunteer-led and run by medical, physiotherapy and pharmacy students from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Our students are all interested in working with children and in providing a fun interactive experience for all who attend. The event will consist of a number of stations for your Teddy to visit. We encourage all children to attend with their teddy so that the teddies can get their annual check up, fix up any rips or tears, and learn how to keep healthy. There will be 12 different stations that teach children and their teddies about different aspects of healthcare such as, surgery, food and nutrition, first aid and so much more!
Description of session details for Teddy Bear Hospital weekend below:
Saturday, January 28th, 2023  Sessions 1 & 2: All children aged 4-10 years old
Sunday, January 29th, 2023 Session 3 & 4: Inclusive smaller sessions in a quieter environment for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. There will be more volunteers to individualise the session for each child.
FESTIVE AFTERNOON
We had a wonderful day on Friday in school, it was lovely to see you all, thank you for your kind support and appreciative comments. I think you would agree that our pupils were remarkable with their beautiful singing, recitals and playing their instruments. We were delighted that our past pupils Caoimhe and Ciara could join us. A special word of thanks to Denise (Music Generation) who has been teaching the senior girls the ukulele, it was great to hear them perform on Friday. Special thanks to Ms. Kilmartin and 5th, 6th for helping to organise our bake sale and festive afternoon. Thanks to our Parents' Council and all our raffle sponsors, remember to try and support our local businesses this season. Thanks Dermot (school caretaker) for helping out with the parking. Finally, thanks to the staff of the school for all your help, especially over the last few weeks.
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Scoil Bhríde gets active!
Ms. Brereton (Active Schools Coordinator) is ensuring that we stay active in the lead up to Christmas! She has organised a '12 Days of Fitmas' programme for the whole school to partake in. You can follow this programme at home also. Santa will surely be impressed with our efforts!

CHRISTMAS  JUMPER WALK
All classes went on a Christmas Jumper Walk around Mountrath as we tried to keep active and fit in the lead up to Christmas. Well done girls!!

ATHLETICS
 Infants to 3rd classes have begun an athletics programme with Laois Sports Partnership which will run these two weeks before Christmas and two weeks afterwards, thanks Ms. Sheppard for organising. 
VISIT TO THE LIBRARY
​Our 1st / 2nd classes recently enjoyed a visit to the library in Mountrath. Their challenge was to stack cups on top of one another without touching them with any part of their body, well done girls!
PYJAMAS  DAY
The children were very excited wearing their pyjamas / comfie clothes to school on Friday! A huge word of thanks to our Parents' Council for treating each girl to a selection box.

'Go Blue Your Way' Fashion Show
On Friday afternoon, 18th November, we hosted our very own 'Go Blue Your Way' Fashion Show in aid of t
he charity Diabetes Ireland. The month of November is dedicated to raising awareness for all those who live with diabetes. Children and staff  dressed in blue from head to toe and exhibited their wears on our 'catwalk' in the school hall! We were then treated to performances from 5th snd 6th class as they sang songs, played the tin whistle and danced. A huge word of thanks to all the girls for dressing in blue and for all their donations to this very worthy charity.
SCIENCE WEEK
1st and 2nd were very busy for Science Week. The girls constructed towers using only spaghetti and marshmallows. They also experimented with milk and food colouring to make their own rainbows . Great work girls!
3rd and 4th class experiemnted to see how the oil on a duck's feathers helps it to float. The girls also constructed their own lava lamps as well as an erupting apple volcano!!  The girls also investigated how materials may change by mixing when they made colourful milk.  Third and Fourth  class finished the week with a webinar hosted by Teagasc in which they learned about all things milk, cheese and dairy foods!
5th and 6th class tested different foods to see if they contain fat and made butter for Science Week.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.
We had a wonderful response this year to the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal, we filled a total of 36 boxes. Thank you and well done to all who contributed, it is a lovely way of spreading some joy and love around the world. Dorothy from Team Hope spoke to the children in the hall, explaining to them how this initiative works and how a Christmas box can help to spread love and cheer to those less fortunate.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
There is a free webinar taking place next Tuesday the 15th of November at 7pm called The importance of sleep for our national school children.  The main speaker is Lucy Wolfe and she will be giving some information and guidance around this topic.  Lucy is best known for the books she has written on sleep for young children, but she has prepared some very useful material specifically for this webinar and the parents of all national school-aged children. 
You can register for this free webinar using this link:
https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/PlanetYouthSleepNS
Cumann na mBunscol
Our school football team, captained by Robyn (also awarded Player of the Match), played a tremendous game in O'Moore Park. It wasn't a match for the faint hearted as it was touch and go the whole way through. Unfortunately it wasn't to be our day in the end as we congratulated Castletown and headed home to Eddie's. The team were treated to a delicious and much needed meal, thanks to our Board of Management.
A very sincere word of thanks to our school coach Ms. Sheppard for her commitment and dedication to the team. Her passion for the game is palpable in her training of the team and also in helping the girls deal with whatever the outcome may be on match days, always encouraging and motivating.
Thanks also Ms. Whelan for helping out this season and for refereeing. Thanks Ms. Kilmartin for enduring the extra buzz in the classroom on match days! Thanks to all the staff and parents of the school for cheering us on.  Finally, thanks to our girls who trained so hard and reached the final yesterday. We are all extremely proud of you. Keep up the football and get ready for the camogie!

Lead with Compassion
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This year the Lions Club invited young people to explore and visually express the peaceful future that compassionate leadership brings. Congratulations to Leah and Julia-Belle (Ms. Kilmartin's class) who won 1st and 2nd prizes in this years Lions International Peace Poster Competition.
Halloween
Scoil Bhríde was feeling very eerie today with lots of strange and spooky characters lurking around the classrooms. Well done to all the girls and their parents for  their creative and spooky looks!!! The girls enjoyed some lots of Hallowe'en fun today including pumpkin carving, table quizes and pumpkin pinata. Well done girls
FUTSAL in the Yard Programme
This programme focuses on introducing participants to the game of Futsal, using fun games and activities to improve agility, balance and coordination, while also emphasising important Futsal techniques. A huge word of thanks to Clare Condon L(local FAI Development Officer ) for coming to the school to give Third and Fourth class an introductory session.
HERITAGE IN SCHOOLS
The whole school enjoyed an excellent history workshop last Friday with Aidan Dockery from Heritage in Schools.
CRAZY HAIR DAY
Crazy Hair Day was a great success last Friday with lots of fabulous hair styles on show! Thanks to everyone who donated to raise much needed funds for our school. Well done all!
SCOIL BHRÍDE SUMMER CAMP
Students from Junior Infants to Fourth Class enjoyed attending  summer camp from the 04th July to 08th  July. The Summer Camp which was fully funded by the Department of Education, focussed on Literacy and Numeracy through Play, Arts and Crafts, Physical Education, Music, Drama and Cookery. The camp ran from 9:30am-2pm daily. A huge word of thanks to Ms. Whelan, Ms. Duignan, Ms. Kavanagh and Ms. Brereton.
SIXTH CLASS GRADUATION
We went to mass in celebration of our 6th class girls. Afterwards, 6th class families were invited back to the school for tea, treats and a chat. Thank you Ms. Whelan for organising the graduation party for 6th. It was a lovely celebration for our wonderful 6th class girls. They have been an amazing group who have achieved great things during their 8 years in Scoil Bhrìde. We wish them all the best and know the future is bright for them all. Go nèirì an t-àdh leat go lèir!
 SENIOR SCHOOL TOUR
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class had a fantastic day on their school tour to Tayto Park. The girls began their day with a guided tour of the animals in the Zoo. The girls then had an opportunity to go on the various rides and rollercoasters. The girls completed their day with a food stop at Junction 14 Mayfield.
JUNIOR SCHOOL TOUR 
Infants,1st and 2nd had a wonderful time on their school tour yesterday The girls made their own chocolates at The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, went on a teddy bear's picnic in Rathwood and finished the day at the Ark soft play centre.
Active Schools' Week 2022
We had a very enjoyable and active week for our ASW22. On Monday, Mirek from Laois sports Partnership got everyone up and moving with ‘Wake Up, Shake Up’. Mirek then gave each class a workshop on corrective gymnastics which we thoroughly enjoyed. On Tuesday the whole school community came together for ‘Wake Up, shake up’ and they completed their final training run before our Couch to 2k.  On Wednesday we welcomed members of Laois Sports Partnership to our school to complete our Couch to 2k Run. All the girls hard work paid off as we completed a 2k run around the GAA pitch. Well done to all our girls for such a great effort and thanks to Ms. Brereton and Laois Sports Partnership for organising. All the girls were presented with certificates of achievement. Thursday saw all classes very active as we went on School Tours to Tayto Park and Rathwood. Heart rates were certainly peaking as the girls soared to the top of the Cú Chulainn!! On Friday Ms.Whelan and her fifth and sixth class organised Sports Day. A huge word of thanks to Ms. Whelan and her class for their creative stations. The poor weather on the day didn’t dampen spirits as we were forced to move inside. The girls enjoyed learning and performing a wide variety of dances.
COUCH TO 2K
​Today we welcomed members of Laois Sports Partnership to our school to complete our Couch to 2k Run. For the last few weeks we have been training for our Couch to 2k event and today our hard work paid off as we completed a 2k run around the GAA pitch. Well done to all our girls for such a great effort and thanks to Ms. Brereton and Laois Sports Partnership for organising
Scoil Bhríde Sponsored Walk
A huge word of thanks to all the girls who took part in a sponsored walk organised by the Parents' Council. Thank you yo everyone that supported our school.

TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Dear Parents,
There is a webinar for 6th class parents on this coming Tuesday, the 7th of June from 7.15pm to 8.15pm, that you might find interesting.
It will give you useful information to support your child with their transition to secondary school.
There will be input from a school chaplain, a youth information officer and an adolescent psychotherapist and a quick look at the www.stepup.ie website also.
The webinar is free and is organised as part of the statutory Planet Youth project.
 The link to register is:
https://event.webinarjam.com/register/77/qrzo3u87

Cumann na mBunscol Camogie Final
What a great match our camogie team played yesterday in O' Moore Park, winning a second shield! The girls were absolutely delighted that all their hard work played off. Sincere thanks to all who came to support us yesterday, flying the flags for Mountrath! Thanks to our Board of Management for treating the team for some much needed food in Eddie's. Thank you to our school coach Ms. Sheppard and also to Ms. Whelan for your time, dedication and commitment to the team over these past few months. Scoil Bhríde abú!
CULLOHILL MOUNTAIN HIKE
​5th and 6th class had a wonderful day today hiking up Cullohill mountain, taking in the beautiful sights and scenery in our local area. Well done girls.
LEINSTER HURLING FINAL
​There was great support in Scoil Bhrìde today for our Laois Minors who take on Offaly tonight in the Leinster Hurling Final. Please support the boys in O'Moore Park, throw in is at 7.30pm
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to our Wonderful 2nd class who received the Sacrament of  First Holy Communion on Sunday, 15th May in the Parish Church. Thank you to Fr. Joe and Fr. P.J for a lovely ceremony .  Sincere thanks to Ms. Pearson and Ms. Ward for helping to prepare the children in school this year. We hope you all had a lovely day.  Second Class enjoyed a wonderful party in School to celebrate receiving their First Holy Communion.
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SCHOOL MATCHES
Our school camogie girls were off to a great start last week winning their match against Killenure. Well done! Their next match is today against Rosenallis, wishing the team the best of luck.

1st / 2nd PUBLISHED BOOK!
There was great excitement in the 1st / 2nd classroom last week as copies of their published book arrived. The title of their book is 'Stories that will transport you to another world!'. A huge amount of work went into this publication - many drafts, re-drafts and the final edit. What a beautiful keepsake to have and to treasure in years to come. Thank you Ms. Ward for bringing this project to fruition. You are welcome to contact the school if you need any further information re ordering etc.
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CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL FINAL⭐⚽⭐
Congratulations to our brilliant footballers who won their final today in O'Moore Park. The girls played their hearts out against a tough Clonaghadoo side and we are so proud of them all! Enjoy the celebrations girls!
FREE PARENT WEBINARS
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Easter Bake Sale 🐰🍩🍪🎂🍰🧁🐰
Our Easter Bake Sale Fundraiser took place on Friday, April 8th. Sincere thanks to all of you who came and supported our sale and to all those who baked delicious cakes and buns.  Thanks to 5th and 6th class for all their work and to all the staff of the school.  
Congratulations to Majlinda and Amelia who were the lucky winners of our Easter Hampers.
FAIRWELL MS. WARD
Ms. Ward was pleasantly surprised this afternoon when parents and children in 1st, 2nd class presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, gifts and a card as she says goodbye to us in Scoil Bhríde. We will miss you Ms. Ward, hope the Easter bunny visits you.
EASTER EGG HUNT 🐰🍫
There was great excitement today as Junior and Senior Infants went on an Easter Egg Hunt. There were huge smiles as the girls found lots of chocolate treats.

Internet Safety Talk: Dealing with Screen Time Challenges {With Irish Sign Language}
Dear parents and teachers,
Are you worried about the amount of time your child(ren) spend online? With the holidays approaching, they may spend even more time online which heightens the concern that parents already have about screen time.   
Join me Monday night where I will share information and practical advice to help you feel informed, empowered and equipped to deal with the challenges you’re faced with.  
FREE Event for teachers, parents/guardians to join the ZOOM Webinar; compliments of Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids and Families Programme. (ISKF)
INVITE Others: Please forward this email to invite others to join. All welcome.
Monday April 11th, 2022 - 7.30pm
  • Key Focus  Dealing effectively with screen time challenges, addressing parents’ concerns and questions.  
  • Duration 1 hour followed by Q&A time
  • Irish Sign Language Interpreters Suzanne Carey & Elzbieta Cichocka
Ø  Join Zoom from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
  https://trendmicro.zoom.us/j/97379794621?pwd=TVZXSGxZQW01eC9NRjVPTzFNUENLUT09
        Webinar ID: 973 7979 4621 Password: 116680
Our work in community, event details and more https://www.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/eventsie
Cumann na mBunscol⭐⚽⭐
Congratulations to our football stars who defeated Castlecuffe yesterday in the Cumann na mBunscol semi final. The girls are now through to the final in O'Moore Park, something to look forward to after Easter. We are so proud of you girls, well done!
Easter Art
3rd  and 4th made their own Easter baskets and filled them with decorations and Easter treats.
CONFIRMATION CELEBRATIONS
The celebrations continued in school today for our fabulous 5th and 6th class girls who made their Confirmation recently. The girls were presented with their certificates and jerseys before they enjoyed an afternoon of cake and treats. Thanks to Ms. Whelan and our Parents Council for organising.
TRIPLE P PARENTING PROGRAMMES
 All programmes are FREE to parents, booking is essential and are being held over zoom.
Triple P calendar for April – December 22.
Junior & Teen group & Fear Less ( anxiety workshop) will commence on Tuesday 5th April.
Flier for Fear Less webinar Thursday 28th April 7-9pm.  Parents/ professionals who wish to attend need to click on link and it will bring you into register. 
Also providing Fear Less workshops 2.5 hours over 3 weeks. Details of all are in attached calendar.

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UKRANIAN FUNDRAISER💛💙
​The staff and pupils of Scoil Bhríde raised €390.60 euro for those affected by war in the Ukraine, what a fantastic achievement! Thank you all so very much for your kindness and generosity.
Basketball🏀
3rd and 4th class had great fun this morning practicing their basketball skills with Ruth. We are very lucky to have the wonderful HqBloom
facilities on our doorstep!
Happy Mother's Day💐💗
1st and 2nd created these beautiful flower bouquets to bring home to their very special mammies for Mother's Day. Beautiful work girls! 
BOOK FAIR📚
Junior and Senior Infants enjoying story time in the hall this morning at our school book fair. 1st and 2nd classes enjoying the school book fair.
SCOIL BHRÍDE UKRANIAN FUNDRAISER.
The staff and children of the school are having a blue and yellow day this Friday, 25th March, in support of all those who are affected by the war in Ukraine. Therefore, children are asked to wear something blue and yellow to school on Friday and to make a donation to this worthy cause. Classes will also be writing their own letters of support to the Ukrainian Embassy in Dublin. First and Second Class wrote prayers for the people in Ukraine.
BOOK FAIR
Our school book fair starts tomorrow and will run for a week (23rd - 30th March).This is a lovely opportunity for classes to come to the hall with their class teacher and browse through the books. Children may purchase books if they so wish. You are welcome to contact your class teacher for more details, you are also welcome to call in to the school and have a look at the books yourself with your daughter.

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SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Congratulations to all the girls who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Parish Church last Wednesday, 16th March. We hope the girls had a lovely Confirmation day with their families. A word of thanks to Ms. Whelan for preparing the girls in school.
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LEPRECHAUNS ON THE LOOSE!
First and Second Class created beautiful images of dancing Leprechauns!
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
​1st and 2nd celebrated International Women's Day yesterday by learning about famous and inspiring women from near and far. The girls drew pictures of women that inspire them and put these on display.
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SCHOOL LETTER 03/03/22
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CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL
Well done to our girls football team who won their Cumann na mBunscol game on Thursday. This was our first competitive outing in 2years and the girls played their hearts out. It is great to be back playing our team sports again!
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Our Lenten Prayer
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UKRAINE AID APPEAL
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PANCAKE TUESDAY
1st and 2nd class had a wonderful day today flipping pancakes and of course enjoying  them with some yummy toppings!🥞
UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE
Dear Parents / Guardians,
Hope this email finds you well as the children return to school tomorrow following the midterm break.
Some matters for your attention:
* Please keep your daughter at home if she has symptoms, thank you for your support to date.
* Remind your daughter of the importance of proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
* Face coverings are no longer a mandatory requirement for the senior classes, your daughter may continue to wear one if she wishes.
* Antigen tests will continue to be made available to parents, the freephone number to order these tests is 1800 110055 or you can order online via www.hse.ie/schooltest.
* Physical distancing is no longer a requirement for schools.
Thank you for all your help to date in helping to keep all in our school community safe.
All the best for now,
M. Rohan.
SHOW AND TELL
We had an interesting  afternoon in 3rd, 4th class today as we welcomed Chloe's tortoise Shelby to school as part of our 'Show and Tell'. Other children brought in their favourite book, teddy, photographs and jewellery etc. 
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Some Valentine's art by 5th and 6th class. The girls are looking at procedural writing this term. The girls made chocolate biscuit cake and Mars Bar Rice Krispie squares.  They also made smoothies. The girls also  completed a 6 week block of Basketball at Bloom HQ.
A MILLION DREAMS'  WITH LÁMH SIGN LANGUAGE
Well done to First and Second Class on their wonderful performance of A million Dreams' using Lámh Sign Language.
MIDTERM BREAK
School will be closed this Thursday and Friday for midterm.
FIRE SAFETY TRAINING 10/02/2022 🔥🧯
All Scoil Bhríde staff attended fire safety training in school today with Mark Peters and his team from MP Firetech. Each staff member is now a certified fire marshal. Thanks to Gerry Maguire (BOM Health and Safety Officer) for organising.
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS
There was palpable excitement in the 3rd, 4th classroom when a letter from President Michael D. Higgins arrived last week with a signed photograph. Each girl had written her own letter to the President as part of our letter writing lesson. We also enclosed some artwork from Emma and Dollceanna. Niamh knitted a miniature Irish flag for him. This memory is one the girls will treasure in years to come.☘
THE 'FIGHTING WORDS' WORKSHOP
3rd, 4th class participated in a Zoom workshop today with Laois Libraries. The 'Fighting Words' workshop invited the children to work with a story teller, creating their own stories. Thanks to Tríona in Mountrath library for organising this for us. 
February Reading Challenge
First and Second Class started their February Reading Challenge today, We are aiming to read 20 books each!!📚

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After many drafts the 3rd and 4th class girls posted their letters to President Michael D. Higgins! We are anxiously awaiting a response🤞
1st and 2nd Class enjoyed a lovely day in school with their Dolls and Teddy Bears.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from Sunday January 23rd to Sunday January 30th.   The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2022 is ‘Catholic Schools: Living Life to the Full’.  During Catholic Schools Week families, parishes and schools are invited to participate in a week of celebration of Catholic schools reflecting on their contribution to the common good of society.
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Third, Fourth Gratitude Box, thanking God for all our blessings.
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1st and 2nd Class interviewed their Grandparents as part of Catholic Schools Week. We lit a candle and said thanks to God for blessing us with our Grandparents.
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3rd and 4th class, remembering our Grandparents and all whom we hold dear in our hearts. ❤
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'A Winter Scene' created by Third and Fourth Class
SEATBELT SHERIFF TRAINING
Well done to 1st and 2nd Class for completing their Seatbelt Sheriff Training in school this week.

​ANNUAL  ADMISSION NOTICE
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SCHOOL REOPENING
Happy New Year to you all.

School re-opens tomorrow 06/01/2022 at 09:20. Please fill in the 'Return to Educational Facility Declaration' form. These forms will also be available at the school in the morning.
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ACTIVE ADVENT
All classes were very busy keeping active in December using our “Active Advent Calendar”. Each day a door on the calendar was opened to reveal an exercise or activity to get the class moving!  Activities included Christmas Musical Statues, 10@10, daily mile challenge, class snowball fight, Santa Dash and a Christmas Jumper Walk! It was a fun, easy way to keep us fit and healthy during this festive season.  As a special treat in our Active Calendar our Board of Management booked us into The Helix to watch “Red Riding Hood”.  We watched this production on Friday in our own classrooms. 
COVID-19 vaccine information for parents of children aged 5-11
The HSE has published detailed information and guidance for parents about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. This aims to help parents and guardians of 5-11 year old children make an informed decision when it’s time for their child to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
Registration for the vaccine will open shortly, with priority being placed on children who are more at risk from COVID-19 or children who have a high-risk person in the family. Parents and guardians can read this information on https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccination-for-children/  or they can download these information booklets from HSE.ie.
Important information for parents and guardians about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 (Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNTech) (PDF, size 1.11 MB, 16 pages)
Important information for parents and guardians about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 (Irish) (PDF, 1.7 MB, 16 pages)

KEEPING CHRISTMAS 2021 IN THE HOME AND PARISH
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Children's Christmas Raffle
Congratulations to Amelia, Aideen and Shannia on winning the fabulous christmas Hampers packed full of games, toys, books treats etc. A huge word of thanks to our Parents' Council  for organising the draw and to Marion for selling the lines.
Letter to Parents/Guardians 15/12/21
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Letter from Bishop Denis Nulty
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Festive Fun at Scoil Bhríde
First and Second Class are enjoying unwrapping a Christmas Story everyday as part of the 'Twelve Books of Christmas'
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Third and Fourth made their own baubles for their Christmas tree today.
Some beautiful cribs crafted by 3rd, 4th class girls.
Fifth and Soixth Class were busy little elves, making handmade Christmas cards and decorations with love.
PARENTS’ COUNCIL CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
We had an amazing response to our Christmas Raffle held in school last Friday the 10th of December, thanks to our Parents’ Council for helping out.  A sincere thank you to all who sponsored prizes for the raffle, a reminder to shop local this Christmas and support all these local businesses.  Thanks also to all of you who bought lines for the raffle. 
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THE VIKINGS
We had a lovely afternoon in 3rd, 4th class this week as we welcomed PJ and Beata to  our school. They told teh children all about The Vikings and they brought in some items to show the girls eg. jewellery, clothing, fox skins, drinking utensils, weaponry and lots more!
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CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Our Children's Christmas Raffle is in full swing! We have three fabulous hampers on display in the front porch packed full of games, toys, books, treats etc. If your daughter would like to be in with a chance of winning one of the hampers she can purchase a line on the Children's Raffle card, each line costs €2. Thanks Marion for selling these lines for us and thanks to our Parents' Council for organising.
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PYJAMAS DAY
The children enjoyed a lovely day on Friday 26th of November as we had our Annual Pyjamas Day School Fundraiser.  Thanks to the Parents’ Council each child was given a very generous treat of a Cadbury’s Selection Box. 

ROALD DAHL WORKSHOP
Third and Fourth Class enjoyed a visit to our local library this week in Mountrath. They participaped in a Roald Dahl workshop, thanks to Tríona and Denise for giving us such a warm welcome.  The girls really loved the visit!

Dear Parents / Guardians,
​Hope you are well on this frosty morning. Just a few matters for your attention -

  • Our pyjamas day is tomorrow in anticipation of The Toy Show! Children are asked to bring €3 to school as our Parents' Council have organised some treats for the classes.
  • Our Children's Christmas Raffle is in full swing! We have three fabulous hampers on display in the front porch packed full of games, toys, books, treats etc. If your daughter would like to be in with a chance of winning one of the hampers she can purchase a line on the Children's Raffle card, each line costs €2. Thanks Marion for selling these lines for us and thanks to our Parents' Council for organising.
  • Thanks to those of you who have already returned full cards for our Annual Christmas Raffle, please remember empty cards must also be returned. A huge thank you to local businesses in the town for sponsoring this raffle and again to our Parents' Council for organising.
  •  Please click on the following link for information re covid symptoms: https://youtu.FBNf3b4be/0LVQ   As previouly requested please make sure that you are contactable during the school day if a teacher needs you. We all have a part to play in trying to keep everybody safe and well, thank you for supporting us.
Go dté sibh slán sábháilte,
M. Rohan.

Good morning,
Please see attached a statement from Minister Foley and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly regarding arrangements for a new system of antigen testing of asymptomatic close contacts in primary schools.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f5630-ministers-foley-and-donnelly-confirm-arrangements-for-a-new-system-of-antigen-testing-of-asymptomatic-close-contacts-in-primary-schools/

Remember to please keep your child at home if she is unwell and seek medical advice. 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep all in our school community safe.
​

WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY
Today is World Children's Day. You can log on to www.oco.ie and hear from some incredible young speakers about issues that matter to them and their hopes for the future.

START TALKING TREATS: THE MODERATION CONVERSATION
Safe
food
, along with the HSE and Healthy Ireland, are hosting a free webinar entitled ‘START Talking Treats: The Moderation Conversation’ on Thursday 25th of November at 7.30-8.30pm. This webinar will bring together a panel of health and parenting experts to provide their insights and tips in order to support parents and guardians to start the conversation of moderating treats.
The event is open to everyone and will be of particular interest to parents and guardians of primary school-aged children (5-12 years).
Further information and registration details are available at: www.safefood.net/events/start
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In prayerful remembrance.
During this month of November, we are praying very specially for our loved ones in heaven and asking that they bless us and keep us safe, especially during these Covid times. Scoil Bhríde Covid Response Plan. A reminder that if your daughter is unwell she needs to stay at home. If she becomes unwell in school you will be contacted, please make sure that you have arrangements in place so that she can be collected from school. You can view our Covid Response Plan on the school website under the tab 'For Parents'. For more information visit gov.ie or hse.ie. Furthermore, I am delighted to inform you that our department inspector visited our school last week and carried out a Covid inspection and a child protection inspection, both inspections went very well and a full report will be issued to the school in the coming weeks.

Parents' Council.
You have received correspondence earlier this week from our Parents' Council re our Christmas fundraiser etc. A huge thank you to them for all the work they do in adding some extra sparkle to school life. Undoubtedly, covid has brought lots of challenges our way but your support in filling / partly filling the cards would be really appreciated. Please note that empty cards must also be returned for our records. The children are thrilled that our annual pyjamas day will be taking place next Friday, 26th November .Children are asked to bring €3 to school, our Parents' Council will treat them to some goodies in preparation for the Toy Show!

Living our Catholic Ethos.
We had a tremendous response this year to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, a total of 49 boxes were filled, a huge thank you to those of you who participated. It is lovely for the children to know that they have helped spread some joy and cheer to those less fortunate.

School Activities. 
Our gymnastics classes have now finished, a huge thank you to Laois Sports partnership for coaching the girls. We intend to continue working with them after Christmas, hopefully.  It was all things Science here last week! Check out our twitter page for photos @bhride_scoil.  Computer classes are ongoing, thanks to Ríomhaire Tech. To let you know that our Board of Management has installed two new whiteboards in Infants, 1st and 2nd classrooms, the teachers and children are delighted with them.
CANVAS PAINTINGS
Girls in Third and Fourth Class created some spectacular canvas paintings in school, well done!

GAEILGE 24
Some second year students, accompanied by their teacher Ms. Collette Byrne from Mountrath Community School, visited 3rd and 4th class last week. The second year students are taking part in Gaeilge 24 and so they worked with 3rd, 4th on conversational Irish and they did a  tráth na gceist with them. Bhain gach dalta lán taitneamh as an gcuairt.
TEAM HOPE APPEAL
We had a tremendous response this year to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, a total of 49 boxes were filled, a huge thank you to those of you who participated. It is lovely for the children to know that they have helped spread some joy and cheer to those less fortunate.
SCIENCE WEEK
We had a very busy week last week in Scoil Bhríde, It was all things Science!!  Junior and Senior Infants dedicated their Aistear stations to Science Week.  They explored magnets, floating a nd sinking and the effects heating and cooling can have onn materials.

First Class to Sixth class were learning about the properties of water and air. They carried out the walking on air experiment.
OOBLEEK
Science week fun continued in First and  Second class  whilst learning about solids and liquids.  The girls made oobleek from corn starch, water and food colouring.

SCIENCE OF CHOCOLATE
Third to Sixth Class were learning all about the Science of chocolate this week to celebrate Science week. Thanks to Midlands Science for the very interesting tutorial. the girls were treated to their favourite chocolate bar when all the hard work was done!!
​Following on from the midland science - science of chocolate. Ms. Whelan's class investigated which chocolate melts quicker and why?
5th &6th were learning all about the chemistry of cooking this week. So we makes cookies to see the process in action.
Alphabet science trail in the hall due to the inclement weather we couldn’t use the active walkway… so we had to improvise.
We researched and wrote about famous inventors and scientists.  We also learnt about the different types of scientists and have a quiz in our pods.
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EXTENDED PICTURES
Well done to Third and Fourth Class on creating these fabulous extended pictures in Art.

PLANET YOUTH: THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP WEBINAR
Wednesday’s sleep webinar is up online at:
https://planetyouth.ie/the-importance-of-sleep-for-our-national-school-children/
Please also find copies of the slides that were used there for download, and there’s related pinned posts at https://www.facebook.com/PlanetYouthIreland and https://twitter.com/PlanetYouthEir
HEALTH ADVICE FOR PARENTS
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/#health-advice-for-parent
HALLOWEEN
There were some very scary creatures roaming around Scoil Bhríde this Halloween! There were so many great and scary costumes this year, everyone made a fantastic effort! The girls enjoyed lots of fun Halloween activities in their classrooms.
Warning regarding jelly sweets containing cannabis (THC)
 
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is urging parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant to the dangers of their children getting access to and eating confectionary, particularly jelly sweets, containing significant amounts of the psychoactive cannabis component called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This warning comes amid the ongoing seizures of these illegal food products by the Gardaí and Customs services, and a number of serious medical incidents whereby these THC-containing jelly sweets resulted in teenagers and young children suffering serious adverse health effects requiring hospitalisation. These jelly sweets are packaged to look like popular brands of jellies and have been found to contain toxic amounts of THC (up to 50mg/jelly).  Depending on the concentration of THC, eating one of these jellies can  mean an equivalent intake of THC that is 5-10 times higher than that inhaled from a single cannabis cigarette. Also, unlike the almost immediate effects of inhaling THC (smoking or vaping), ingesting THC through these jellies can take up to 30 minutes for any effects to be felt. However, while waiting for those effects, those who have eaten these products may overdose in the mistaken belief that they need to eat more sweets in order to feel the effects. Of particular concern to the FSAI is the inadvertent consumption of these jelly sweets by small children who may somehow gain access to what looks and possibly tastes like ordinary sweets. Unfortunately, given access to a bag of these jellies, children will rarely eat just one and therefore, overdosing is a very likely outcome as witnessed by the hospitalisation of a number of seriously ill young children in the early part of 2021.
 
The FSAI has become aware of reports about the availability of THC-containing jelly sweets in schools in Ireland and therefore, parents and guardians are asked to speak with their teenagers alerting them to the dangers if they eat them or if their younger siblings get access to them and subsequently suffer the serious consequences of consuming a toxic substance.

REMINDER
A reminder that school will 
finish on Thursday at 12.30pm for all classes as teachers engage with the Primary Language Curriculum.
The school will be closed next week for Hallowe'en midterm, classes finish on Friday at the usual time.  We reopen on Monday, 1st November (All Saints Day). Children are welcome to dress up on Friday if they so wish. Children have been learning the religious significance of Hallowe'en in school, they have also been learning the importance of playing safely over the midterm.
TEAM HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL
​I am delighted to let you know that we intend to support the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal this year. For those of you not familiar with this project it is an opportunity to help and support vulnerable children all over the world. All you need to do is get an empty shoebox, decorate it and fill it with items eg. toothpaste / toothbrush, a cuddly toy, hat / scarf, colouring book and pencils etc. Your daughter will receive a leaflet this week with all the information, you can also log on to www.teamhope.ie/csa. Each box must include €4 for postage and delivery. We have always had a wonderful response to the Shoebox Appeal in Scoil Bhríde, it is a lovely way to think of those less fortunate and to help spread some joy and cheer. The filled shoeboxes will need to be returned to the school after the Hallowe'en break.

COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Huge Congratulations to three of our students; Ruby Delaney, Cara Phelan and Mia Dunne-Doheny who represented their club Naomh Éamann in winning the U12A County Final. 
SCHOOL  DAYS IN SEPTEMBER- BISHOP DENIS NULTY
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CRAZY HAIR DAY
Thank you to all the girls who took part in Crazy Hair Day on Friday. We had an excellent response!!  The girls must have been up very early to style their hair in all those creative and interesting styles.

History of the GAA
Fifth and Sixth Class have been learning all about the history of the GAA. In groups they created these fantastic replicas of the Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy cups using tinfoil.
COVID 19 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
The HSE has provided information for parents about the changes to contact tracing and testing for children aged between 3 months and 13 years in early learning and care, school aged childcare, education, primary school sports and social settings. You can find it here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/13610-information-for-parents-about-the-changes-to-contact-tracing-and-testing-for-children-aged-between-3-months-and-13-years-in-early-learning-and-care-elc-and-school-age-childcare-sac-education-primary-school-sports-and-social-settings/
 
You can find other resources for parents for download here: 
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a04fc-advice-for-students-and-their-families/
Videos and posters outlining the common symptoms of Covid-19, and stressing  to parents that if a child has any new onset symptoms as listed and feels unwell or seems off-form,  not to send them to school and contact their GP for advice, if necessary.

First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the girls who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, we had a wonderful party in school! Thanks to the Cosy Cafe for the delicious cake and to the school for providing all the tasty treats.
​CELEBRATION OF SACRAMENTS
Congratulations to the children who received the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion.  We hope that you had a lovely day yesterday celebrating with your family.  Thank you Fr P.J. for administering the sacraments to the children.
FIRST PENANCE
A Celebration of First Penance in Scoil Bhríde!
Thank  you Fr. P.J. for administering the sacrament this morning.
WELCOME BACK
A warm welcome back to all and a very special welcome  to our new Junior Infants and their families.  Also,  welcome to those who have joined us from other schools.

SCOIL BHRÍDE SUMMER CAMP
Students from Junior Infants to Third Class enjoyed attending  summer camp from the 28th June to 2nd July. The Summer Camp which was fully funded by the Department of Education, focussed on Literacy and Numeracy through Play, Arts and Crafts, Physical Education, Music, Drama and Cookery. The camp ran from 9:30am-2pm daily. A huge word of thanks to Ms. Whelan, Ms. Ward, Ms. Phelan and Ms. Brereton.
Summer holidays.    
The school will close tomorrow, Friday 25th June @ 12 noon for all classes. It re-opens on Monday, 30th August @9.20am.

New Infants.
A very warm welcome to our new Junior Infants who will be joining us in September. We hope that you will settle in well and enjoy your time here with us.

Book Rental.
On your daughter’s booklist you will notice some books on the list can be rented from the school. We encourage you to avail of the Book Rental Scheme in an effort to reduce costs. Thanks to Ms. Sheppard for organising the book rental scheme.  If you have any books belonging to the school please return them tomorrow.

Parents’ Council.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to our Parents’ Council for all their help this year. Most recently their ‘Go Fund Me’ page raised €1,040 for our school, with this money we have added to our suite of ipads for the children. As mentioned, they funded the 6th class graduation jerseys and paid for the four school tour buses. They have been involved in many projects throughout the year and are extremely helpful and supportive. We are always looking for new ideas, so if you think you could contribute and help us next school year it would be really appreciated. You can contact me here in school or any member of the committee, thanks in advance.

School website and twitter page.
A very sincere word of thanks to Ms. Brereton and Ms. Sheppard for all their work throughout the year in keeping the school website and twitter page updated. A lot of time and effort goes in to this work and it is very much appreciated and enjoyed by all of us.

​Thank you.

 · Thank you to our Board of Management who have supported us tremendously this year.
 · Thank you to Piotr Glanert (school caretaker) and Viola Grinfelde (school cleaner) for their hard work during the year. The school is impeccably maintained both inside and out.
 · Thank you to Mrs. Mary Hosey (school secretary) for helping to keep the show on the road.
 · Thank you to Marion and Mary (SNA’s) for your dedication to the children.
· Thank you Parents’ Council and all parents for supporting us as we work together in educating your daughter.
 · Thanks to Gina and Ciara (HSCL) for all your work in helping to maintain communication links between home and school.    
I know you join me in thanking the teaching staff of our school. A special word of thanks also to our 6th class girls. You have been amazing role models for the younger classes and have helped shape the fabric of our school. Míle buíochas. Hope you have a well deserved break before you commence post-primary school.    

SIXTH CLASS GRADUATION
On Wednesday our 6th class girls along with their parents, Ms. Whelan, Marion and myself went to the Graduation Mass in the Parish Church, the rest of the classes joined in via the parish webcam. Afterwards the girls were presented with their graduation certificates and a training top (Seamie Holland). Sincere thanks to our Parents’ Council for funding these training tops. The girls enjoyed their graduation party back in the school organised by Ms. Whelan. Thank you to Joan in Glanmore Foods and to the staff of the school for supplying the girls with some tasty treats.  The girls have been a pleasure to teach over the last eight years and have shown extraordinary resilience and strength of character throughout this school year. Ms. Whelan, myself and all the staff of Scoil Bhríde wish each one of them every success in their future and hope that they have  many happy days ahead.
ACTIVE FLAG
We were delighted to celebrate receiving our Active School Flag on Tuesday 22nd of June after lots of hard work and dedication from all our pupils and staff to achieve a more physically active and physically educated school. To celebrate the raising of the flag, We were delighted to welcome members of Laois Sports Partnership to the school.  Ms. Brereton and our 5th, 6th class girls raised our Active Flag to the sound of cheers and applause from the school! What an amazing achievement! David Page (Chairperson BOM) officially opened our Active walkway with help from Sophie (Infants) and Alicia (6th class). 
SPORTS DAY
The children enjoyed a sports day, within their own class bubble. We were delighted to welcome members of Laois Sports Partnership to the school, they worked with each class level throughout the day.  We finished off the day with some delicious and much needed ice-cream.
CASTLECOMER DISCOVERY PARK
Children in 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th classes went on their school tour to Castlecomer Discovery Park.   The girls climbed to the heights on the Octagon. The  Octagon  is set on an octagonal frame over two levels, it presents a series of challenges in the form of nets, ropes, wooden bridges etc. The girls also completed an orienteering  trail around the forestry using a map to find.
OUTDOOR SINGING
​3rd, 4th enjoying some outdoor singing with Ms.Mulcahy, the song is called 'Go well in peace'. Music to our ears, well done girls.
SCHOOL TOUR TO CASTLEVIEW FARM
Students from Junior Infants, Senior Infants, First and Second Classes had a wonderful day on Tuesday on their school tour to Castleview Pet Farm, Cullohill. They enjoyed an action packed day feeding the animals, go-karting, playing mini golf, welly throwing, going through the maze and having fun in the play areas.
COUCH TO 5K
A huge word of thanks to everyone that took part in ​Our virtual Couch to 5K. Thanks for sending on all the pictures of you out running and walking.  Keep sending in your pictures to Ciara (HSCL) 086 0452437 or [email protected] / [email protected]. Thank you to each and every one of you that has donated to our fundraiser. It is not too late if you would still like to donate. You can do so by following the link. Share the following link with friends and family  https://gofund.me/161bff81, we have reached €995 to date which is tremendous. 
PAWS CERTIFICATES
3rd, 4th class children were delighted to receive their PAWS certificates today ( Primary Aquatics Water Safety). They have been learning about the importance of being extra careful near water, particularly over the Summer months.
KILN LANE COMMUNITY GARDEN
5th and 6th class had a wonderful day at the Kiln Lane Community Garden where they planted seeds and saw all the fabulous fruit, vegetables and plants that grow there. A huge word of thanks to Madge  and Teresa for working with the girls.
F​UN IN THE SUN
Infants enjoyed Aistear out in the fresh air today! Let's hope this sunshine lasts a little longer.
1st and 2nd had great fun today outside enjoying the sunshine
TRANSITION FROM PRE-SCHOOL TO PRIMARY SCHOOL ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION FOR PARENTS OF INCOMING JUNIOR INFANTS 9.6.2021 
Laois Education Centre in collaboration with the National Parents Council (NPC) Transition from Pre-school to Primary School online Information session for Parents.  The transition from pre-school to primary school can be one of the most important transitions that your child will make. By providing this programme for you, we can support you to support your child to make a smooth transition between pre-school and primary school. The success of this transition can benefit your child all the way through primary school providing better outcomes for your child socially, emotionally and educationally.
Date:               Wednesday 9th June 2021
Time:               7.30 – 9pm
Facilitator:       Helen Mortimer, National Parents Council
Register: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Laois_Ed_Centre_Transition_Preschool_to_Primary_9_June

SUPPORTING TRANSITIONS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL TO POST-PRIMARY SCHOOL - WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS 2.6.2021
This information webinar in collaboration with the National Parents Council will explore some of the key elements in preparing your child for post-primary school.  For first time parents, the session in collaboration with the National parents Council will give you an understanding of what secondary school is like.  We’ll look at ways in which parents can support their child through this time bearing in mind that going to First Year also coincides with adolescence for a young person.
The session will also give a brief overview of the Junior Cert and provide some website links where parents can keep on top of developments as their child moves forward.  Furthermore, we will briefly look at the structure of parent/teacher meetings, home school communication and people your child might meet in post primary school.
Date:               Wednesday 2nd June 2021
Time:               7.30 – 9pm
Facilitator:       Helen Mortimer, National Parents Council
Register:    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Laois-Education-Centre-Registration-for-TPPP
 
 REDUCING ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AGED 4-14 YEARS: FEARLESS FREE ZOOM WEBINAR FOR PARENTS 29.6.2021 (REPEAT)
Laois Education Centre in partnership with the Triple P Parenting Programme are delivering a Fear-Less webinar on Tuesday 29th June from 7.00-9pm which will offer Parents of children 4 - 14 years of age tips and strategies to help their Children manage their anxiety and provide practical evidence-based tips for parents and carers in these uncertain times.
Parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique challenge for all parents, caregivers and families. Children and parents are anxious, and families are under pressure like never before.  Being a parent to a child/teenager who is experiencing anxiety can be tough.
Anxious children / teenagers can seek constant reassurance have outbursts of anger / frustration and can feel sick when worried.  Parenting has a crucial role to play in mitigating the potential long-term negative impacts of COVID-19 on children, particularly in relation to mental health.
Date:               Tuesday 29th June 2021
Time:              7-9pm
Facilitator:     Deirdre Dowling, Triple P Practitioner
To register:         https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DOyO0DrkQAixGuWqrdlLNw


Beautiful artwork created by 1st and 2nd class recently. Well done girls! 
VIRTUAL TRIP TO DISNEYLAND PARIS
Children in 3rd, 4th class went to Disneyland, Paris today on their virtual school tour! Let's hope that our actual school tour to Castlecomer Discovery Park is just as fun!!
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
Our infants went on a teddy bear's picnic today with their favourite teddies. They had a visit from Theodore, our school teddy who brought them all ice cream!!lucky girls
LEARNING ABOUT JAPAN
It was all things Japanese in the 3rd, 4th classroom this week!
The girls completed their projects on Japan, made Japanese fans in Art, learned a traditional Japanese dance called Nihon Buyo, dressed up in traditional Japanese clothes and even started their run to Tokyo!
Well done girls!
Outdoor Dance
First and Second Class had great fun using our outdoor speaker for PE today. Great Moves girls!!
SKIP TO MY LOU
Infants had great fun today in PE learning their dance 'Skip to my Lou' with the help of our new outdoor speaker. The girls also enjoyed some creative dance. Well done to Mrs Sheppard and Junior and Senior Infants.
GREEN FINGERS
Fifth and Sixth class planted lettuce, carrots, peas, beetroot and tomatoes in the school garden recently. Hopefully we will have lots of yummy veggies to enjoy soon.

OUTDOOR SPEAKER
We are thrilled to announce that Scoil Bhríde has won the fantastic prize of an Outdoor Speaker for our school. This is to reward the excellent effort we put into our Active Schools Week Local Hero cahllenges and our Active Walkway activities. Thanks to Ms Brereton for organising the week's events, our pupils, parents and staff.
PEACE POSTER COMPETITION "PEACE THROUGH SERVICE" 
Well done to our fantastic artists: Cara Phelan and Clodagh Wong who won the Lions International Peace Poster Competiton. The theme this year was Peace through Service. The girls were presented with a plaque and certificate from club president Màire Nì Ríordáin.

THE HISTORY OF MOUNTRATH 
5th and 6th class were invited over to Bloom HQ recently where local historian Regina Dunne spoke to them about the history of Mountrath. The girls throughly enjoyed the afternoon.
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'Cuddle and Read' Programme
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The infants took part in the 'Cuddle and Read' Programme recently and as a reward for their excellent efforts they got a present of a book to keep. Thanks to Miss Gibson for organising this excellent initiative.
BUTTERFLY ART
Summer has arrived in the 3rd and 4th classroom. The girls were learning all about butterflies and created these beautiful art pieces to mark the beginning of summer.Well done girls🦋 
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OUR LADY
The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady.  Her statue is in the front porch of our school during these weeks and classrooms have decorated their sacred spaces also.  We pray that Our Lady watches over us all as we journey throiugh this Pandemic.
ACTIVE SCHOOLS WEEK: FRIDAY
Today marked the end of a fantastic week of activities and challenges in school for our #ASW 21. We completed the week with #FeelGoodFridays-Local Hero.
We didn’t have to look far to find lots of heroes in Scoil Bhríde as the girls completed their final laps to reach the Spire in Dublin and complete the Run around Ireland challenge. We are so proud of all our girls for running laps around the Active Walkway every day until their targets were reached! Well done to all!
A huge THANK YOU to some of our local sportsmen and women for providing us with some excellent challenges for Feel Good Friday. All classes really enjoyed participating in Paul O’Brien’s Fitness Challenge, check out our Twitter Page to see Mrs. Sheppard’s Class participating in his challenge. A huge Thank you also to Mountrath Kettlebells Club for setting us a fantastic squat challenge to the tune of ‘Bring Sally Up’. We had lots of fun with the challenges.
The girls participated in a variety of ‘Walkway activities. Mrs. Sheppard’s class went on an Active Walkway Maths Trail. Ms. Ward brought 1st and 2nd class on a ‘Wild Flower Hunt’. Check out the photos below to see their beautiful bracelet creations. Ms Rohan’s Class enjoyed some walkway Mindfulness with Ms. Kennedy. While Ms. Whelan’s Class completed the ‘Toughest ‘Walkway challenge as they were at the mercy of the Fitness Dice at each control Point.
Mrs.  Sheppard’s class also completed relay races as well as making some very tasty smoothies as they learned all about the healthy benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. First and Second class completed Walkway exercises as well as a Go Noodle Dance Session. Ms. Whelan’s Class also enjoyed a tennis and volleyball session in the Brigidine Outdoor courts.
 
Don’t forget to keep up the good work over the weekend as Active Schools Week lasts until Sunday. Complete your challenges and try to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Keep up your steps and see if you can beat Ms. Brereton.
 
RUN AROUND IRELAND CHALLENGE
This 4-week challenge encouraged us to put down our pens and pencils and get outdoors for a running break around out Active Walkway every day.  We also had the opportunity to learn about some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.  A huge Thank You to Fifth and Sixth Class (Our Active School Committee) for researching each attraction and helping us to learn some interesting facts by creating a display of all the locations that we visited.

ASW 21: Day 4
A huge well done to all the girls in Scoil Bhríde and your families as you continue to amaze us with all your photos and videos. Our virtual run continued today with the girls reaching Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal. Well done girls.  The fascinating cliff scenery of Slieve League is one of the outstanding natural wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.
On our Active Walkway Junior and Senior Infants participated in a Letter Hunt. First and Second Class completed a Subtraction Walkway activity. Third and fourth class tested their general knowledge with a Walkway Quiz. Fifth and Sixth class really tested their fitness as they let the fitness dice decide the activity to be completed at each control point.
The girls also enjoyed a third activity to energise the day.  Mrs. Sheppard’s class participated in a yoga class in the hall. First and Second Class completed a dance class. Third and Fourth Class enjoyed another dance session with Ms. Kennedy. Ms. Whelan’s Class went to the Brigidine Convent where they played tennis and volleyball.
Ms. Brereton reached a total of 13,007 steps on Thursday. It’s not too late to Beat Ms. Brereton’s steps!!!
LEGO WORKSHOP
Third and Fourth class had great fun on Thursday participating in a Lego and Science Workshop  organised by our HSCL Ms. Gibson.
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ASW 21: Day 3
We had another busy day in Scoil Bhríde today. The girls continued their run around Ireland reaching Slieve Donard in County Down. Well done girls.  We’ve made it to Northern Ireland’s highest peak (850m), towering above the magical Mourne Mountains, the town of Newcastle and the deep blue Irish Sea.  


The girls continued their Active Walkway activities. Junior and Senior Infants participated in a Sound challenge. First and Second Class went on a “Roll the Dice and do the Activity it lands on” walkway activity. Third and fourth class went on a Multiplication Trail around the Walkway. Fifth and Sixth class went on a Famine Walk and Talk.

The girls enjoyed a third activity to energise the day.  Mrs. Sheppard’s class completed a dance class. First and Second Class participated in a yoga class in the hall. Ms. Rohan’s Class enjoyed an orienteering activity with Ms. Kennedy. Ms. Whelan’s Class went to the Brigidine Convent where they played tennis and volleyball.
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Ms. Brereton reached a total of 18,126 steps today. It’s not too late to join in Ms. Brereton Step Challenge #Beat Ms. Brereton’s steps!!!
ASW 21: Day 2
A huge well done to all of you who participated in our challenges so far. Poor Ms. Brereton has been wiped from the top of the leader board in the ‘Beat Ms. Brereton Challenge’ Keep up the great running girls. It is wonderful to see everybody improving their fitness. Ms Brereton is hoping that she can still win the Steps Challenge. She had 18,284 on Monday and 12, 587 on Tuesday. Let’s see who will have the most steps by next Tuesday morning.
Despite the change in weather the girls continued with their Active Schools activities. Each class continued their ‘Run Around Ireland’ Challenge. Where are we going to stop next!
Each class completed a Walkway Activity. Mrs Sheppard’s Class went on a Nature hunt around our Active Walkway. Mrs Pearson’s class completed Walkway Alphabetical Organisation. Ms Rohan’s Class completed a Walkway Quiz. Ms. Whelan’s class went on a Comprehension strategies walk around the walkway.
The girls enjoyed other fun activities. Mrs. Sheppard’s class completed a yoga class. First and Second Class performed a guided dance tutorial. Ms. Whelan’s Class went to the Brigidine Convent where they played tennis and volleyball. We are very lucky to have access to these Fabulous facilities so close to our school.
We hope everyone enjoys playing their board game at home this evening. A huge word of thanks to our Active Schools Committee for designing and creating all the games.
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ACTIVE SCHOOLS WEEK DAY 1
What a beautiful day as we launched our Active Week here in Scoil Bhride.  We got off to a great start with the girls completing their #Run Around Ireland Challenge. All the classes completed different Walkway activities. Ms Sheppard’s class played I spy as they went on a ‘Sound Walk’ around the walkway. Ms. Pearson’s class completed Walkway Sentences. Ms. Rohan’s Class completed ‘the Active Walkway challenge they moved between all the control points completing various activities such as walking, skipping, running hopscotch and side step. Ms. Whelan’s class completed a maths trail around the walkway. First and Second Class enjoyed a yoga class outside with Ms. Ward, the girls really enjoyed stretching and creating a variety of different poses. Ms. Rohan’s class completed a scavenger hunt in which they had to work in their pods to solve the clues.  Ms. Whelan’s class went to the Brigidine Convent to practice their basketball skills.
As part of our Active Schools Week, the girls will be given different challenges. There are two challenges today! Remember, the whole family can get involved in these challenges! 😀
The first one is - 'Beat Ms Brereton’s Running Challenge'. Have a look at the on twitter to see Ms. Brereton running. The girls can use shoes flower pots, water bottles or whatever they have to mark out the 3 points that they will run to and then get someone to time them to see how fast they can do it. Try to beat Ms. Brereton’s time of 15 seconds.
The second challenge is for the girls to create their own obstacle course at home. For an added twist the girls can try and include Olympian Anna O’Flannagan’s challenge.  Anna O'Flannagan Obstacle Course Challenge Dare to Believe - YouTube
A reminder to send us in your pictures / videos of your challenges at home to [email protected] or [email protected] Check out the pictures and videos on our Twitter page https://twitter.com/bhride_scoil
Also, please complete the 'Active Every Day' sheet and return it to school next Tuesday - after the bank holiday.  Thanks to the senior girls, Ms. Whelan and Ms. Brereton for keeping us on our toes! All the family can get involved, as our active slogan says: 'Don't be lazy, exercise like crazy'.


ACTIVE SCHOOLS WEEK
We are delighted to announce that Active Schools Week runs from April 26th-30th .  Tracksuits replace uniforms for pupils for the duration of ASW.  Every class teacher will replace written homework with physical activity tasks and challenges.  Three Different Ways--- Active Every Day challenges schools to find three different ways to energise the school day, every day.  Parents and guardians are asked to encourage young people to find two other ways to be active after school for the 7 days.  Even better if the whole family joins in!  You can send your pictures or videos to [email protected] or [email protected]  where we will upload videos and pictures  to our twitter page @bhride_scoil.  You will be able to follow all our progress there.  A huge thanks to Ms.Brereton and Ms. Whelan and the Senior girls for organising these activities for our school.
HOME/SCHOOL LINKS
If you need to contact your class teacher at any stage you may do so via her email address or via the school email [email protected].  You are also welcome to phone the school – preferably at break and lunch times so as not to interrupt class teaching time.  Our HSCL – Ciara is also available on her mobile number 086 0452427.

Butter Making
First and Second class were very busy making butter with Ms. Ward.  The girls took it in turns to shake the jars of cream until it thickened to form butter. The girls then enjoyed  sampling their tasty treat of butter and cream crackers.
SCOIL BHRÍDE COVID POLICY
As you know you need to fill in a Return to Educational Facility Declaration Form when your daughter returns to school after a prolonged absence e.g. school holidays.  However if your daughter has been absent from school for any length of time you need to either fill in this afore mentioned form or write a note to the class teacher stating that your daughter has no Covid symptoms and is fully better.  Attached please find some Declaration Forms which you can use when necessary, this form is also on our school website.  It is extremely important that every household complies with this policy as we all work together in keeping the children and school staff safe and well.

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Parenting in the Online World -Online Talk with Dr. Mary O'Kane
Dr Mary O'Kane is a Lecturer in Psychology, Early Childhood Studies and Education. Her research interests include childhood transitions; self esteem and wellbeing, and the value of play.  She runs a monthly Parenting Slot on Ireland AM discussing a broad range of parenting and childhood issues while also responding to viewers parenting queries.
This is a zoom event and will take place on Thursday April 22nd at 6.30pm. Anyone interested in attending please email [email protected]
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Easter Treats
The school was a hive of activity this morning as students enjoyed Easter activities with their classes. Mrs Sheppard’s and Mrs Pearson’s Classes searched high up and low down to find some Easter eggs as they hunted around the school. There were smiles all around as they collected their chocolate treats. A huge word of thanks to our Parents' Council for organising some Easter treats for all the classes. Wishing you all a happy and safe Easter break.
24th March, '21.
Dear Parents / Guardians,
I hope you are well as we approach the Easter holidays. I think you would agree that this term has been a very unusual one, hopefully you will all remain safe and well over the Easter break.
 
Parent /Teacher Meetings.
By now some of you have had the opportunity to discuss your daughter's progress with the class teacher via phone call. If you need to reschedule a meeting please contact your class teacher and an alternative time will be arranged for you. 
 
Covid Policy.
On Friday the children will be bringing home their school books and bag, just so that we are prepared should there be any developments over the holidays. As before, please keep these books in the schoolbag and return them after Easter.
 
On the return after Easter you will need to complete the attached Return to Educational Facility Declaration form. This form is also available on the school website.
 
A reminder that your daughter should not attend school if she is unwell. If she becomes unwell during the school day you / your nominated contact person will be contacted immediately. Your co-operation  is very much appreciated in ensuring optimum safety for both the children and staff of the school.
 
Easter holidays
The school will close for Easter holidays this Friday, 26th March at 12 noon. It will re-open on Monday, 12th April at 9.20am.
  Wishing all in our school community a happy and safe holiday. The Easter ceremonies will be celebrated via the Mountrath Parish webcam, you can find times of these ceremonies on the Parish Newsletter and they are also posted on our school website.
  A huge word of thanks to our Parents' Council for organising some Easter treats for all the classes.
  Hope the Easter bunny visits!
 
Beannachtaí na féile Cásca oraibh go léir,
Slán agus beannacht,
M. Rohan.
The RSA Check it Fits Service is offering free virtual child car seat checks 
 As schools reopen across the country the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is reminding parents and guardians of the importance of having a correctly fitted child car seat. In Ireland as many as 4 out of 5 child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in the event of a collision. 
The RSA Check it Fits Service is now offering FREE virtual child car seat checks. The new virtual service means that parents, guardians, grandparents, and childminders in your school community can now have their child car seats checked by one of our expert checkers from the comfort and safety of their home. To avail of the new virtual service visitors can book an appointment at www.rsa.ie/checkitfits.   
HOW DOES THE CHECK IT FITS VIRTUAL SERVICE WORK? 
The Check it Fits service is quick, it’s easy, it’s free and aims to put parents and guardians' minds at ease that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in the car.  
 
 We have a new online booking system where visitors can easily book an appointment with one of our expert child car seat checkers at a time that suits them.  
Appointments take approximately 30 minutes and take place using the Microsoft Teams app which can be downloaded for free ahead of the appointment. 
During the appointment, the checker looks at the child car seat in the car and as such it is important that visitors use a device is easily portable, such as a smart phone or tablet, that has a camera and internet access. 
The checker will talk through the steps to check and adjust the child car seat(s), demonstrate aspects of the check on screen, and answer any questions during the appointment. 
To book an appointment visit www.rsa.ie/checkitfits. 

​Since October 2013, the Check it Fits Service has provided free child car seat checks at our nationwide events. Following the introduction of public health measures in March of last year we made the decision to suspend the service. Since then we have been working on ways to bring this vital service back in a way that is safe for both the public and our expert checkers.  While we continue to work towards bringing the Check it Fits Service back on the road, we are encouraging people not to wait to have their child car seat checked and book a virtual appointment with Check it Fits today.  
We would be delighted if you could help us to raise awareness of child safety in cars by letting parents and guardians in your school community, colleagues, friends, family members and any other relevant contacts know about our new virtual service. We have developed some promotional material that you can download here, which may be useful for promoting the new Check it Fits virtual service on your school's social and digital channels. 
If you have any questions or require any additional information please email [email protected]. For more information on the service please visit www.rsa.ie/checkitfits.   
Kind regards 
The Check it Fits Team 
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St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Phadraig daoibh go léir! Well done to all the girls for dressing in Green today. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a school parade around our Active Walkway. Well done to all the girls who put a smile on our faces with their beautiful green outfits and hair styles.

Back to School Advice
We are looking forward to welcoming back Third to Sixth Class to school on Monday. We have really missed all of you. Follow the link to watch videos preparing you for your return to school on Monday.
Back to School Advice for Students
https://youtu.be/IfrNHfHo5vI

Back to School Advice for Parents
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https://youtu.be/hg2wRiXXSpc
Posted 04/03/2021
​A chairde,

I hope that you and all in your care are well. It is wonderful to see the signs of Spring as we welcome longer evenings and witness the awakening of the world around us.
    We were so delighted to welcome our Infants, 1st and 2nd classes back to school this week. It was great to see them all again face to face and to hear the chatter and laughter in the school. Parents thank you most sincerely for supporting us in ensuring that our partial reopening was successful and safe. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the remainder of the classes back on the 15th.
    To let you know that our Parent / Teacher meetings will be taking place over the next few weeks via phone call. Your class teacher will be in contact with you to arrange a suitable time and day. I appreciate that these meetings will be a little different as we chat over the phone as opposed to meeting, but in the current circumstances it is the safest for all.
     Today is World Book Day! Every day is a great day to read but today is a day when we especially celebrate the joy of reading and the imaginative places we can visit with the turn of a page, a welcome escape given the current restrictive circumstances we are living through. So visit www.worldbookday.com for lots more information. Remember children that 'everyone is a reader, some just haven't found their favourite book yet'.
     Seachtain na Gaeilge runs from 1st - 17th March. During these weeks we celebrate our Irish language, culture and heritage. Children why not try and speak a little more Irish at home, just even using simple conversational words - you will be surprised at how much you know. Déan iarracht agus bain taitneamh as. We are renowned all over the world for our Irish dancing, music and song - you might enjoy listening to some Irish music, playing your tin-whistle or practicing your Irish dancing. 
      I hope you all have a lovely weekend, hopefully the sun will shine! Tá súil agam go mbeidh deireadh seachtaine iontach agaibh agus go mbeidh an ghrian ag taitneamh arís, le cúnamh Dé.

Go dté sibh slán sábháilte,
Slán go fóill,
M. Rohan and staff.
PEBBLE ART
The girls in Ms. Rohan's Class have been learning about Pebble Art this week. They watched a video before creating some precious keepsakes. Well done girls.
LETTER FROM DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DR. RONAN GLYNN TO PARENTS 
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ENGINEERS WEEK       
Engineers Week runs from 27th February - 5th March! Folens have made additional resources including a STEM challenge for each class year from JI - 6th class. As well as fun design and make activities and step-by-step investigations that children will be able to do at home with their parents, with easy-to-source materials. 
Engineers Week can be fun for everyone!

Resources for Engineers Week

Letter from Minister Foley to Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
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Posted 24/02/2021
Hello everyone,

I hope you are all well and that the children enjoyed the midterm break.
    No doubt you were listening to the announcement yesterday evening from An Taoiseach. It is wonderful news to learn that Junior and Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd classes will return to school on Monday, 1st March. All going well the rest of the classes will be back on 15th March. This news is most welcome and we are so looking forward to seeing the children again and interacting with them face to face. As part of our Covid '19 Response Plan please note the following:
1.  Before your daughter returns to school you will be required to fill out a 'Return to Educational Facility Parental Declaration Form', you will get this form from your class teacher before the return, it is also on our school website. Please fill in the form and drop it into the school letterbox, located on the wall at the front door, before Monday - (for classes returning on Monday).
2.   As before it is imperative that you do not send your daughter to school if she is unwell. 
3.   Please inform the school if your contact details / phone number have changed. Ensure that you or your nominated contact person is available during the school day to collect your daughter from school should that be necessary.
4.   Please drop off and collect your daughter without delay. For your own safety and the safety of others please do not congregate at the school gate at drop off / collection times, this is in line with best practice from Public Health.
5.  If you need to contact your class teacher please do so by phoning the school or sending her an email.
6.   A reminder that parents cannot enter the school yard, all children can walk in by themselves from the school gate, this is in line with DES guidelines re Covid '19 and also in line with our Child Protection Policy.
7.  As before, children will not be bringing home their school bags once they bring them back to school. To mention also that they will not be getting homework until after Easter.
8.  The school has been thoroughly cleaned since the children last attended. Please remind your daughter re the importance of hand washing and respiratory etiquette.
     Finally, not only has the school been thoroughly cleaned on the inside but the improvements to the outside are now complete. I am delighted to let you know that the extension to the carpark is done, the trees have been pruned, shrubbery and flowers have been planted, the new tarmac and kerbing is finished at the front of the school, and lastly the children will be delighted to know that the playground markings at the back of the school have all been freshly painted! It has been a very busy few weeks but it's great to have these improvements finished just in time for Monday.
      We look forward to seeing the Infants, 1st and 2nd on Monday and hopefully the other classes on the 15th. Thank you for all your support and positivity these last weeks, it is greatly appreciated.

All the best for now,
Slán agus beannacht,
M. Rohan and Staff.
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SPRING IS IN THE AIR
Ms. Rohan's class have been very busy sketching their favourite Spring flowers, Well done girls!

PANCAKE TUESDAY
Happy Pancake Tuesday!! Thanks for all the photos of your delicious pancakes. If we were in school, we would have been enjoying our pancakes in school.
 
Posted 12th February.
A chairde,
I hope that you and all in your care are keeping well. It's hard to believe we have finished the 5th week of remote learning, time is passing by and hopefully as the weeks come and go we can look forward to the easing of restrictions, fingers crossed. Well done children on your work to date, you are doing a great job. A word of thanks also to you parents for your help at this time, it is not easy to keep it all going as every household is dealing with their own individual circumstances. We are here to support and help you as best we can.
     A reminder that mid-term is next week and so the children will not be assigned work on the 18th or 19th (Thursday and Friday) as per our school calendar. Children you might use this time at home to enjoy the outdoors, cycle your bike, read or even to help with some Spring cleaning!
    On Sunday, 14th February we celebrate St. Valentine's Day. So children you might like to ring / face time your Grandparents and extended family / send a little card to them in the post or light a candle for family members in heaven. However you celebrate I hope you have a lovely day.

Sending you all warm wishes, have a lovely weekend,
Slán agus beannacht,
M. Rohan and staff💕
IRELAND READS CAMPAIGN
Ireland Reads is a new campaign from Irish libraries, Children’s Books Ireland, NALA, booksellers, publishers and others to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to Ireland Reads Day on Thursday, the 25th of February.
The aim is to get everyone to pledge to ‘squeeze in a read’ on the 25th of February, Ireland Reads Day – whether that’s reading a book, a newspaper, a comic – whatever works.
We would love if schools, teachers and students would get involved and pledge to read!
 Please visit www.irelandreads.ie, where you can:
  • Let us know how long you’re going to read for on Ireland Reads Day, February 25th. We’ll send you a reminder closer to the day.
  • Get some reading inspiration – simply enter the type of book you like best, how long you have available to read each day and the website will suggest a book and tell you how long it will take to read it.
All over the country, libraries and partners will be holding events and activities online in support of Ireland Reads. Check the Ireland Reads website or on your local library website.  
Unfortunately, libraries and bookshops are closed right now but you can always get thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers online through your library. Simply visit www.librariesireland.ie to join or to find out how to use Borrowbox, RBDigial and PressReader to get access.
You can of course also order the books you want through Irish booksellers’ websites.
 Please help to get Ireland Reading!
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EMPOWERING AND PROTECTING CHILDREN ONLINE WEBINAR
Please see below details for an online webinar.  Laois libraries are delighted to offer this webinar as part of their KeepWell campaign
The webinar hosted by CyberSafe Ireland is aimed at parents of children from 8-13 years old which offers a general overview to raise awareness of the main factors to consider around social media, gaming and the online world. Areas of focus are popular apps & protecting privacy, areas of risk, digital wellbeing & critical thinking and useful resources.
The Webinar takes place on Tuesday 16th Feb at 7pm. Email [email protected] to book a place.

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Posted 5th February.
Dear Scoil Bhríde students,
We have reached the end of another week, well done! I know that you are all working hard and doing your best at home, and that is all you can do. The weather hasn't been great and seemingly snow is on the way! If that is the case, and you are out and about making a snowman send us in some pictures please.
    Remember in school when we used to have our assemblies in the hall - I would have mentioned the three key requirements to stay healthy....food, exercise and sleep...each one of these is so important for us. You need healthy food to nourish your body, you need to get active in fresh air and finally you need to maintain a sleep routine, getting to bed on time and getting up on time. I know it's hard at the moment to keep a routine but if you try and get your school work completed early in the day then you will have the rest of the day free to do other things.
     I came across this quote that I would like to share with you: 'Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body'. In the same way that exercise keeps our body healthy, reading keeps our mind healthy. Reading develops your brain and provides a window into the world around you and helps you do better in all school subjects. In fact, it is one of the most important ingredients to becoming all that you can be. So, why not pick up a book or a comic and escape into a world of possibilities!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend girls, mind yourselves and try to help out at home.
 
Take care,
Slán go fóill,
Ms. Rohan and staff❤
Andy Warhol - Pop Art
Ms. Rohan's Class were learning about Andy Warhol this week, check out their fantastic Pop Art pieces.
Posted: 29th January.
Dear parents / guardians and students,
Hope you and yours are well. We have come to the end of another school week and Catholic Schools Week finishes on Sunday.Thank you children for sending in your prayer box pictures, your artwork and your 'active' pictures, you are all doing an amazing job. You can still send in pictures to your class teacher if you so wish. 
    On behalf of all in our school community I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Ms. Sheppard on the passing of her dear gran, Mrs. Brigid Carey. R.I.P. We pray that you will find comfort in the knowledge that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
    Today's theme for Catholic Schools Week is: 'Catholic Schools - Communities of Hope'. At this time especially we all need to hold firm and trust in God and have hope that brighter days will come. Thankfully there is good news in that the vaccine is being rolled out and hopefully the covid numbers will continue to decrease. In the meantime all we can do is continue on as we are. We all miss being in school with our classes, we are doing our best with remote teaching and learning but it doesn't replace the atmosphere and activity of a classroom. Hopefully we will all be back as soon as it is safe to do so for everyone.
     Some good news!...We had a virtual Board of Management meeting during the week. I'm delighted to inform you that we intend to extend the carpark at the front of the school to also include a wheelchair parking space, re-tarmac the entrance and put in new kerbing, apply fresh markings for pedestrians, fresh markings for car park spaces and entry/exit points, prune the trees at the front, plant new hedging and put in planting either side of the path going up to the front door. Visitors to our school are always very complimentary of our beautiful school grounds, so these improvements will further contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Scoil Bhríde. Sincere thanks to our Health and Safety officer Gerry on the Board of Management for helping to organise this work and to our caretaker Piotr for helping to maintain the grounds.
      Keep an eye on our school website, our twitter and facebook page for updates and news. I hope you all have a lovely weekend, as best you can. Look after yourself and each other.

Sending you all warm wishes,
Go dté sibh slán sabháilte,
M. Rohan and staff.🤗

    
ST. BRIGID'S DAY
Monday, February 1,  is the Feast of St Brigid, the Patron Saint of our Diocese and Patroness of Ireland. Bishop Denis will celebrate Mass from Kildare Town at 11:00a.m. and you would be most welcome to attend that Mass  by using this  link https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-brigids-parish-church. 
 
Making a St Brigid’s Cross
The following links are for making Brigid’s Crosses, the first is a video link for making a traditional cross and the second is instructions for making a cross from paper. 
https://www.icatholic.ie/how-to-make-st-brigid-cross/
http://thecreativeyear.blogspot.com/2008/01/st-brigids-cross.html?epik=dj0yJnU9UjBDeFY3RFNUNlV3STl0b3JqTC1VSnp0QXBFaWlzRHUmcD0wJm49blhrTWVoanZaUkFXVHgwdFhKNXJXdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0FUMFVR

This is a very important day for Scoil Bhríde - Lá Fhéile Bríde and if we were in school we would be going to Mass and making St. Brigid crosses, which is a lovely tradition in our school. Well done to all the girls who have been very busy today and over the weekend making St. Brigid's Day crosses. 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2021
ART WITH HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS
Check out our amazing creations that we made using different objects from oround our houses!!
DRAWINGS INSPIRED BY ARTIST DON CONROY
Posted 22 / 01 / '21
Dear Scoil Bhríde students,
I hope this note finds you well. I'm sure that you are looking forward to the weekend and getting a break from remote learning. Well done on all your work so far, you are doing an amazing job. Try and get outdoors if the weather permits, you will feel much more energised if you do!
        We all miss meeting you in school and I'm sure you miss seeing all your friends. All we can do at this time is stay at home and stay safe, and do what is being asked of us by the government and the medical experts. If we all play our part we will enjoy better days ahead. In the meantime focus on all that you can do and not on what you can't. Here are some things that are not 'locked down' - painting, reading, fresh air, baking, playing, listening to music, board games, writing, creating Art, building lego....maybe you could add to the list!  Remember also that helping out at home, in whatever way you can, would be very much appreciated.
       Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is next week, from 24th - 31st January. The theme for this year is: 'Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith and Resilience'. This particular theme is especially relevant given the pandemic experience that is affecting the entire country. Each day will have its own theme. The theme for Monday is: 'Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith'. Your class teacher will link in with you next week re the daily theme.
       Remember you can now follow us on twitter: @bhride_scoil or on facebook: Scoil Bhríde, Mountrath.
      
Hope you have a lovely weekend girls, get some fresh air and relax. Maybe you could persuade someone at home to treat you to a hot chocolate / your favourite sweets!

Take care,
Ms. Rohan and Staff.❤

          
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 24-31 JANUARY 2021
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Posted 15th Jan. '21.

Hello everyone,
I hope this note finds you well as we head towards the weekend. We have completed the first week of remote learning and hopefully we will be back in the classroom soon when it is safe to do so, in the meantime all we can do is continue on and do our best. We are here to support you during these weeks in whatever way we can. Your class teacher is available to you via her email address, well done children on your tremendous work to date. 

I wish to extend warmest congratulations to Gina (HSCL) on the birth of baby Ríada, wishing her and Shane many happy days and hopefully not too many sleepless nights ahead! As you know Ciara is filling in for Gina and she can be contacted on the HSCL number 086 0452437.

A reminder that we are accepting enrolments for the coming academic year. For more information you can email  the school or send an email to [email protected].

Below you will find links to educational websites eg., Edco, Folens, C.J. Fallon etc. Reading is the cornerstone of all learning so try and encourage your daughter to do some reading during these weeks, whatever interests her. 

I hope you all have a good weekend and that you are managing as best you can at this time. Mind yourself and each other.
Dia go deo leat,
M. Rohan and Staff.
 Letter to parents from Minister Norma Foley
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10 @ 10 Sessions Youtube Link
Students can access the 
10@10 Exercise Sessions from home using this youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKQbfDM2ZP5_y48s8WkhXZayFPHLGbheM 
and it will give them acess to the 6 weeks of videos
ANNUAL  ADMISSION NOTICE
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SCHOOL CLOSURE UPDATE:
In line with government directive school will be closed for the month of January and we will commence remote learning on Monday. Your class teacher will be in contact with you on Monday and you can communicate with her via her email address. Please keep an eye on Homepage of our school website also. If your daughter was absent before the break and you didn't collect her books you can contact your class teacher to make arrangements.
Take care.

Teacher Email Addresses:

Ms. Sheppard (Infants):
[email protected]

Ms.Pearson(1st/2nd):
[email protected]

Ms. Rohan(3rd/4th):
[email protected]

Ms.Whelan(5th/6th):
[email protected]

Ms. Brereton(SET):
[email protected]
EDCO
In light of the COVID-19 situation with continued school closures, Edco is providing free and open access for Primary Students, Parents and Teachers to our online digital and e-book platform
www.edcolearning.ie. This will allow parents to access the range of books and resources they need from home and facilitate a blended learning approach by Schools and Parents.
Picture
FOLENS
For parents to get access to digital activities, eBooks, printouts and many more resources to go along with the Folens books you can register as a teacher using the link below and the school roll number.
Scoil Bhríde
Roll No:13343E

Folens Online

CJ FALLON
Teachers, parents and pupils can access the online versions of all CJ Fallon books. Simply click Here and filter to your required title.


Digital Links
All our digital resources are now located on the Quick Links page. You can reach it from our CJ Fallon homepage (top right hand corner).
Our popular Busy at Maths online tutorials, games and interactives are available to use.
Just visit http://my.cjfallon.ie, then filter to the class and interactive that you require.

Rainbow Oral Language Programme (Junior Infants to 2nd Class) 
You can access the programme here. You will find more information on the programme here.
Rainbow Oral Language Programme (3rd to 6th Class)
You can access the programme here.

Sounds Like Phonics
The Sounds Like Phonics programme (for Junior Infants to 2nd Class) also has a range of accompanying interactives that you can use here.
 
Note – If you have an iPad, please ensure to update to the latest iOS version of our myCJFallonReader app. You can access the latest version of this at https://cjf.ie/ios


READING EGGS
30 days FREE access to Reading Eggs! I
Sign up HERE before 31st January and follow the prompts
Added bonus, enjoy 30 days FREE access to Reading Eggspress, an online literacy programme for ages 7–13, and Reading Eggs Junior, designed specifically for toddlers aged 2–4.
Offer expires 31st January 2021.
Valid for new customers only.

School Reopening Update
Happy New Year to all in our school community.

As per latest government guidelines our school will re-open on Monday, 11th January. In the meantime please continue to follow public health advice and take all necessary precautions in an effort to stay safe.

If you wish you can log on to www.starcamp.ie to avail of an entirely free online activity camp for children starting today, click on 'Virtual Camp - Jan 21' for access.

See you on 11th P.G.
FREE NEW YEAR CAMP FOR ALL! 
Happy, Happy 2021 to you all! 
After hearing about another lockdown, The STARCAMP team got together and we have decided to KICK START 2021 in the most positive way that we could by rolling out our fantastically fun, uplifting, unique Online Camp for every single child in Ireland for FREE, simply to give back to the world in a time of need. 
Contributors include Keith Barry (showing us magic tricks) and Don Conroy (giving drawing lessons) along with lots of the usual STARCAMP team teaching everything from science experiments, baking, games & jokes to music, dance & drama! 
The Online Camp (which can be watched over 5 days or all at once) can be availed of completely free of charge by signing up to it from NOW at www.starcamp.ie Simply go to ‘Virtual Camp - Jan 21’ at the top of the page, fill in your details and a link will then be emailed back to you which you can log into from Monday morning! 
WWW.STARCAMP.ie 
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
We have had a lovely happy and safe first term in school, Thank God Covid free.  Thank you all most sincerely for playing your part in helping to keep everybody  safe and well.  The school will close for Christmas Holidays on Tuesday , 22nd December at 12 noon and re-open on Wednesday 6th January at 9.20 a.m. 
On behalf of all of us here in Scoil Bhríde we hope you have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Nollaig shona agus athbhliain  faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.
Slán agus beannacht.

Christmas Messages from Minister Norma Foley TD
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CHRISTMAS JUMPER WALK
On Tuesday to kick off the festive season and mark the end of our 'Active Advent' at school, staff and students went on a Christmas Jumper Walk down by the river and around the town of Mountrath.  All students were invited to wear a Christmas jumper, hat or any festive attire.
Christmas Cupcakes
Junior and Senior Infants were very busy bakers creating delicious Christmas Cupcakes. They Look very tasty.

Christmas Art
Our School has been transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with all the beautiful art work created by the very talented Students of Scoil Bhríde. Well done girls!!

ACTIVE ADVENT
Thanks to Ms. Brereton, Ms. Whelan and the girls in 5th and 6th for compiling our “Active Advent Calendar” for all classes to use during December. Each day a door on the calendar was opened to reveal an exercise or activity to get the class moving!  Activities included Christmas Musical Statues, 10@10, daily mile challenge, class snowball fight, Santa Dash and lots more! It was a fun, easy way to keep us fit and healthy during this festive season.  As a special treat in our Active Calendar our Parents’ Council booked us into The Helix to watch “The Sword in the Stone” – cost €295.00.  We watched this production on Thursday in our own classrooms.  Also, for the final week the children did not have homework but instead they were encouraged to do “active homework”.


The Sword in the Stone
KIDS ONLY RAFFLE
Thanks to our Parents’ Council for organising a Kids Only Raffle which will take place this Friday in school, €2 per ticket.  The winner will receive a fabulous children’s hamper full of prizes eg. Bumper Crayola Art Set, The Great Big Irish Annual 2021, a teddy bear, 3 selection boxes and lots more goodies.  Thanks Marion for selling tickets for us here in school.

PARENTS’ COUNCIL CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
We had an amazing response to our Christmas Raffle held in school last Friday, thanks to our Parents’ Council and Ms. Brereton for helping out.  A sincere thank you to all who sponsored prizes for the raffle.  Thanks also to all of you who bought lines for the raffle. 
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LIVING OUR CATHOLIC ETHOS
We were delighted to tune into the Mountrath Webcam on 8th December, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, to celebrate Mass with Fr. P.J.  We pray that Our Lady will watch over us, especially at this time.
Our Advent Wreath is placed in the front porch of the school, a reminder of the season of preparation before the birth of Jesus.
Thank you Marion and Mary for helping to decorate the front porch  so beautifully.

​PYJAMAS DAY
The children had a lovely day on Friday 27th of November as we had our Annual Pyjamas Day School Fundraiser.  Thanks to the Parents’ Council each child was given a very generous treat of a Cadbury’s Selection Box.
 
SCIENCE WEEK IN SCOIL BHRÍDE
Last week was Science Week.  We had a very inventive week in school.  We made lava lamps, chime bars, bouncy eggs, wooden bridges and lots more.  We carried out experiments including “mixing colours” and cloud playdough.  Children also made electricity circuits, wooden bridges using lollipop sticks and towers using marshmallows and pasta.  Some classes also learned about famous Irish scientists.  Children made their own inventions at home e.g. dream boxes, birdhouses, a brain donator and a time speeder!  Check out our website for some interesting photographs.
Third and Fourth Class Science Week Inventions
Niamh: Hair and Make Up Robot
Mylee: The Dream Box
Sheila: Cleaning Robot
Rebecca & Katelyn: Rosie
Julia K: The Time Speeder
Chloe: Robot 300
Ruby: Tweet Tweet Birdhouse
Julia E.: The Brain Donator
Amelie Future Time Machine
Aimee- Travelling Wardrobe
Adelaida: The Handy Dandy Box
Robyn: The Weather Translator
Cara: The Candle Smeller
​Saoirse: The Pretty Printer
Ola: Teleporter
Rachel: Roxanna
Shinece: The Wand Healer
Saoirse & Robyn: The Fashion Dispenser
Dawn: Robot
Cara: The Brainanator
Lily: Spinning Doll
Rebecca: Super Robot 2.0
Laura: Baby Yoda Teleporter
Leah: Plumber
Emma: Power Giver
Mia: Cookie Machine
PARENTS’ COUNCIL
Attached please find a letter from our Parents’ Council detailing activities planned for the coming weeks.  A sincere word of thanks to all committee members.  Any parent who wishes to join the committee can do so by contacting any of its members or myself here in school.  Any new ideas are always welcome.  Congratulations to Niamh in 3rd Class who won the jar of sweets at Hallowe’en.
SPOOKY STROLL
On Friday 23rd of October all of the girls and staff dressed up for Halloween. As we are working towards getting the Active School Flag this year, we decided to try to be extra active for Halloween and so the whole school took part in a ‘Spooky Stroll’ around our new Active Walkway. There were so many great and scary costumes this year, everyone made a fantastic effort! The girls enjoyed lots of fun Halloween activities in their classrooms. Ms. Whelan’s class were also very busy carving pumpkins.

HALLOWE’EN SAFETY
The children have been learning all about Hallowe’en in school, the Religious significance of this holiday and also about Hallowe’en customs and traditions. They have also been reminded to play safely.  We hope they have a lovely break despite the fact it will be somewhat different this year.
The school will close next week for mid-term and will re-open on Monday 2nd November at 9.20 a.m.  The children are welcome to wear their Hallowe’en costumes into school on Friday, if they so wish.

CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL
This year, once again, our school is supporting Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal.  This is an annual campaign where thousands of individuals in Ireland donate shoeboxes filled with gifts to be given to children affected by poverty in Africa or Eastern Europe.  It is an opportunity to help those less fortunate and to share a little joy and excitement with them.  This year, due to the effects of Covid-19 restrictions, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal has gone online.  To make a virtual box of your own with your child you can visit www.Teamhope.ie  They are also accepting online donations.
​
COVID-19 SCHOOL PROCEDURE
We have had a safe and happy half term back in school.  Once again, thank you parents for your support, the children have been extremely co-operative in adhering to the new procedures.  The Board of Management wish to communicate the procedure which will be followed in the event of a positive Covid case in our school, it is a follows:
The HSE will make contact with the school to collect information on the pupils in the pods in the effected classroom, and the names and contact details of teachers/SNA’s in the room.
In the event that this happens the BOM has directed that the whole class, not just the affected pod, will be required to stay at home, including the class teacher/Resource Teacher and SNA (where applicable).  Siblings of a confirmed case will also stay at home.
The HSE will advise the school on what needs to be done and they will also contact parents directly.  Provision of safety for all staff and pupils is the Board’s highest priority.  Confidentiality, as outlined by the HSE, will be observed at all times.

PARENTS’COUNCIL
We had a great response to our Crazy Hair Day held in school.  The children must have been up very early to style their hair in all the interesting and creative styles!
The Parent’s Council have organised a fun activity for the month of October – guess how many sweets in the jar.  It is €1 per guess and the winner will receive the jar of sweets at the Hallowe’en break.
If you wish to be involved in the Parents’ Council you are welcome to contact any of the committee members and myself here in school.
​
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Our Active school walkway is now in operation.  As previously mentioned this walkway was constructed by our Board of Management in an effort to secure the Active Flag for our school.  It is a fantastic feature and enhancement of our school grounds. The children are very much enjoying using it – it covers the perimeter of the back of the school.
LIVING OUR CATHOLIC ETHOS
October is the month traditionally dedicated to the Rosary.  The children are learning about the Rosary in school.  It is a prayer that can also be said at home with the whole family.  We pray that Our Lady will continue to watch over us in these uncertain times.
 
NUMERACY
This week – 10th to 18th October is Maths week.  Classes will be organising their own fun Maths activities within their own classrooms.  There are lots of activities for you to do at home also – you will find loads of ideas on the website on “Maths Week Ireland”.

LITERACY
The children in 5th and 6th classes enjoyed a Zoom session last week with the renowned author Judi Curtin.  Thanks to Triona in Mountrath library for organising this for us.  Reading is the foundation of learning.  In the words of the famous academic Mason Cooley “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
In these uncertain times it would be particularly beneficial if you encouraged your child to develop a love of reading.  Our Board of Management are continuing to fund the Newsflash and Primary Planet magazines which the children receive every month.  These magazines are full of interesting topical articles and fun activities.
​
FIRE SAFETY
Last week was Fire Safety Week.  The theme chosen for this year is “Smoke Alarms Save Lives”.  The children learned fire safety tips in school and we will be carrying out a fire drill in school this week.  It is an opportunity for you at home to check your own smoke alarms and to discuss your fire exit plan with your household.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Warmest congratulations to all the girls who have now all received the sacrament of First Holy Communion.  Thanks to their teacher Mrs. Sheppard.  The girls continued their celebrations with a First Communion Party  on Friday. The girls had a lovely time.

Crazy Hair Day
We had a wonderful response to our “Crazy Hair Day” held recently in school.  Well done to everyone for your creative hair styles.
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Outdoor Art
Ms. Rohan's 3rd and 4th class today enjoying Art class. We went outside to the front of our school to sketch. Our sketches included images from our school garden; flowers, trees, shrubbery, leaves, butterflies etc. There is so much to see and enjoy on close inspection! 
OPEN LETTER FROM ACTING CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
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WELCOME BACK
A warm welcome back to all and a very special welcome to our new Junior Infants and their parents. Also, welcome to those who have joined us from other schools.
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First Holy Communion
Warmest congratulations to the children who have received their First Holy Communion, best wishes to those who have yet to receive this Sacrament. You are welcome to send in pictures of your special day for publication on our school website, send to [email protected]. The children are looking forward to their First Holy Communion party which will be hosted in school during the coming weeks!
Posted 25th August.

Dear Parents / Guardians,

I hope you and all in your care are keeping well. We are very much looking forward to our reopening on Thursday. The following are the main points for your attention:

-  On arrival the children go around to the back of the school and stay in their own designated area (known as a bubble in the Department guidelines). Please arrive as near to the start time as possible.The children will be supervised from 9.10am in the yard, if it is raining children go straight to their classrooms. Public Health and Department advice asks that parents do not enter the school grounds / building. 

-  At home time, children in 1st / 2nd classes will leave school first at 2.55pm, children in 3rd / 4th classes will leave at 3pm, children in 5th / 6th classes will leave at 3.05pm. Please collect your daughter promptly at home time and leave the school grounds without delay, this is in line with Department guidelines so that physical distancing is maintained. We suggest that you use the Church Yard carpark in an effort to assist the flow of traffic at the front of the school.

-  If you need to speak with your class teacher you are welcome to ring the school and make an appointment. You can also link in with your class teacher via her own school email address.
Ms. Sheppard (Infants):
[email protected]
Ms.Pearson(1st/2nd):
[email protected]
Ms. Rohan(3rd/4th):
[email protected]
Ms.Whelan(5th/6th):
[email protected]
Ms. Brereton(SET):
[email protected]

-  Children will not have homework for the month of September. They will not be bringing home school books, pencil cases, colours etc. once they bring them in on Thursday, their school bag will stay in school.  Children will only need to bring one writing copy to school on Thursday, this copy will be used for all subjects, please keep all other copies at home. Also, it is preferable that pencil cases are plastic/ / wipeable, and that children wear crocs / sliders instead of fluffy slippers / indoor shoes. All of these measures will help in infection control.

-   It is of the utmost importance that your daughter stays at home if she is sick. If she becomes symptomatic in school you will need to come and collect her from the isolation room, located at the back of the school. Please make sure that you have provided us with your correct contact number should we need to use it.


-   Please remember to practice correct hygiene etiquette with your daughter before Thursday, this will greatly help the staff in their task.

-   A sincere word of thanks to those of you who have returned the school books borrowed for remote learning. If you still have school books at home   please ring the school on Thursday and arrangements can be made for you to return them.

Finally, our Board of Management has had meetings over the Summer and we have also had Staff meetings to prepare us for our reopening. We are very satisfied that all of our work will ensure that our reopening will be happy and stress free. We have always had a warm and welcoming ambience in our school and have been complimented on the same many times, this will not change. The measures we have implemented serve in keeping everybody safe and well, we ask for your continued support and understanding so that this transition will be as smooth as possible. We hope our new Infants and parents settle into school life comfortably, we will do all that we can to facilitate this.

Sincere thanks, see you on Thursday!,
Go dté sibh slán,
M. Rohan and staff.

Scoil Bhríde Covid 19 Response Plan

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Our Board of Management and School Staff are looking forward to welcoming all our pupils and parents / guardians back to school for the 2020/2021 school year on Thursday,  27th August @ 9.20am.  A very special welcome to our Junior Infants who are starting 'big school', Ms. Sheppard (Infant teacher) will be further communicating with our Infant parents later today.

We are satisfied that we have control measures in place to ensure that this will be a safe re-opening.  It will take some time for all of us to get used to the “new circumstances” as we become familiar with the new routines and procedures designed to keep everyone safe and to prevent the spread of the virus.  There will, undoubtedly, be some unforeseen challenges and we will deal with these as they arise. We are very conscious of the fact that our pupils have not been in school since March and that they are looking forward to coming back to school to meet their friends again. It is our intention to make this return as safe and as stress free as possible, to achieve this we ask for your full support and co-operation in advance.

Our Board of Management has had meetings over the Summer to plan our safe re-opening, we have adopted the guidelines and procedures as set out by the Department Of Education and Skills for Re-opening of Schools.  Below please find the main points for your attention:

 

1.   Physical Distancing and Safe School Attendance.

We have upgraded our procedures and routines within the school to ensure that there is as much Physical Distancing as possible in our building. We will apply physical distancing in a practical and sensible way, recognising that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue. The DES guidelines state that only children from 3rd-6th class need to physically distance, we have re-configured our Senior classrooms to reflect this.  Furthermore, our school yard has been divided into sections to minimise contact between classes during break times.

Our BOM wish to remind parents that if your child is sick, has a cold, cough or flu like symptoms, then she should not be sent to school. Children who display such symptoms in school will be brought to our isolation room and you will be contacted to come and collect your daughter from school ( as per DES directive).  It is very important that you inform the school if your contact details have changed over the Summer so that we can make the necessary amendments on our system. Any child who has travelled from countries not on the Green List should not attend school during the 14-day self-isolation period. 


2.   Hygiene Procedures.

The school has been thoroughly cleaned over the Summer. The BOM has installed sanitising units at the entrance to every classroom and throughout the school building. We have always had paper towels for drying hands in the school. Teachers will make children aware of the proper hygiene procedures regarding hand washing and respiratory etiquette. As per Department guidelines all pupils will have opportunity to wash their hands and sanitise at all the appropriate times during the day.  We would be grateful if you could emphasise safe behaviour in this regard to your daughter at home as part of the preparation for returning to school. You are welcome also to put a small facecloth and a small bottle of sanitiser into a freezer bag / lunch box for your daughter's use if you so wish.

We are asking you to explain to your daughter that school stationery eg. pens, pencils, erasers etc. cannot be shared between children for hygiene purposes. Also, please make sure that such items are clearly labelled with your child's name on them to avoid unnecessary confusion.


3.   Drop-off and Collection Routines.

When your daughter arrives for school in the mornings she will go around to the back of the school and line up in her designated area in the school yard. The BOM request that parents do not enter the school grounds in the mornings or evenings.  Children will be supervised from 9.10am in the school yard, please arrive as near to this time as possible. If it is raining children will go straight to their classrooms.  For your own safety you are encouraged not to come within 2m of each other.  For our Infant parents Ms. Sheppard (class teacher) will be in contact with you regarding arrangements for Infants.  

At collection time at 3pm please collect your daughter without delay and leave the school grounds promptly, in an effort to minimise physical interactions. Children in 1st/2nd class will leave the school first, followed by children in 3rd/4th class and then children in 5th/6th class. (Infants leave at 2pm as normal).


4.   School Uniform.

Children wear their school uniform as normal, P.E. uniform when participating in P.E. (your class teacher will inform you re P.E. day for her class).  Our uniform can be purchased very reasonably in any of the stores as we do not have a school crest on it.  Please refer to 'For Parents' section of our school website - 'Information Booklet For Parents' for more details.  

It is not recommended by the HSE that children under the age of 13 wear face masks. Therefore your daughter need not wear a face mask, however if you wish that she does that is fine. Please note that the school will not be responsible for ensuring that she is wearing it properly / keeps it on.


5.   Communication with the School.

As already stated, parents are asked not to come into the school grounds / building unless a prior appointment has been made. This is in line with DES guidelines re Covid 19 and also in line with our Child Protection Policy. Our aim is to maximise safety for the whole school community and to minimise potential risks. Your support and co-operation is most welcome, especially at this time. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.  If you wish to speak to your class teacher/SEN teacher you can do so by phoning the school or by sending an email. Teachers emails are as follows:
Ms. Sheppard (Infants):
[email protected]
Ms.Pearson(1st/2nd):
[email protected]
Ms. Rohan(3rd/4th):
[email protected]
Ms.Whelan(5th/6th):
[email protected]
Ms. Brereton(SET):
[email protected]
 
6 Homework
Children will not have homework for the month of September. They will not be bringing home school books, pencil cases, colours etc. once they bring them in on Thursday, their school bag will stay in school.  Children will only need to bring one writing copy to school on Thursday, this copy will be used for all subjects, please keep all other copies at home. Also, it is preferable that pencil cases are plastic/ / wipeable, and that children wear crocs / sliders instead of fluffy slippers / indoor shoes. All of these measures will help in infection control.
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To Parents - Letter from Minister Foley 
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​CONGRATULATIONS
Warmest congratulations to the children in 5th and 6th Classes who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. I hope they enjoyed their day! A special word of thanks to class teachers Ms. Claire Whelan and Ms. Mary Rohan.
Sixth Class Graduation Ceremony
We went to Mass on Friday 10th July to celebrate the Graduation of 6th Class.  We wish the girls all the best as they commence Post Primary school.  After Mass we continued the celebrations in the school garden with food from Eddie's. The girls were presented with their training tops and Certificates.  Thanks also to Glanmore Foods who supplied us with food. We really enjoyed meeting you all on the day.
Sixth Class Graduation Ceremony
Dear Parents / Guardians and 6th class girls, I hope this email finds you well. We are all very much looking forward to meeting you on Friday for our 6th class Graduation Ceremony. As you know we will start with Mass at 10am in the Parish Church, followed afterwards by a celebration in the school garden with food from Eddie's. The girls will be presented with their training top and Certificate. At our recent Board of Management meeting the following guidelines were drafted and I have been asked by our Board to distribute them to you. This is to ensure optimum safety for all.

6th Class Graduation Ceremony.
- Weather permitting the ceremony will take place outside at the back of the school.
- Two adults may accompany each child.
- Hand sanitisers will be available for you, you are asked to sanitise your hands at regular intervals.
- While on school grounds, maintain a 2 metre distance between people. People from the same household do not need to separate.
- Each child will receive her own individual food bag from Eddie's and also her own individual treat bag from Glanmore Foods. All crockery and cutlery will be disposable.

If the weather is not in our favour and we have to go into the school hall, please note the following:
- Maintain 2 metre distance, if indoors everyone must wear a mask and gloves.
- The toilet in the hall will be available to use if necessary.
- The girls are asked to stay in the hall and not enter any of the classrooms.

It will be lovely to see you all again on Friday. It has been an unusual school year, especially for our 6th class. We wish them all the very best as they prepare for secondary school with many happy days ahead.

Thanking you,
M. Rohan / D. Page,
Board of Management, Scoil Bhríde.
Happy Holidays
To all  our Students and your families, we would like to wish you all a very happy Summer Holidays. We are looking forward to seeing you all soon.  Click on the link to view our video.

https://spark.adobe.com/video/iSoXOnXwrh2ei
Posted 25/6/'20.
Dear Parents / Guardians and children,

I hope that you and all in your care are doing well. The school officially closes for Summer holidays at 12 noon tomorrow, 26th June. Things are very different this year for all schools but thankfully our arrangements are finalised for our end of year school Mass and 6th class Graduation Ceremony.

School Mass and 6th class Graduation.
We will be celebrating our school Mass on Friday, 10th July at 10am. Fr. Joe has confirmed that our 6th class girls and their parents can be present in the Church for this Mass. All other classes can view the celebration of Mass on the parish webcam. After Mass, we invite the 6th class girls and parents back to the school hall for their Graduation party. Thanks to our Parents' Council for funding the 6th class Graduation training tops. Thanks to our Board of Management for funding the food from Eddie's and thanks also to Glanmore Foods who will be supplying some tasty treats on the day. 

Virtual Sports Day.
Our virtual school sports day was on Monday, we hope you and your family enjoyed taking part, a reminder to send in your pictures to [email protected] and they will be posted on our school website. A sincere thank you Ms. Brereton for all your work in keeping our website updated, most especially since schools closed.

School Sports.
A word of thanks to Ms. Sheppard for her work in training our school teams. Unfortunately our school matches were cut short this year due to circumstances beyond our control.

New Junior Infants.
We are delighted to welcome our new Junior Infants to our school, looking forward to meeting you all very soon.

Thank-you.
- Thank you to our Board of Management who have supported us tremendously this year.
- Thank you to Piotr (school caretaker) for maintaining our school grounds so beautifully.
- Thank you to Viola (school cleaner) for helping to keep the school looking so well.
- Thank you to Mrs. Mary Hosey (school secretary) for helping to keep the show on the road!
- Thank you Marion and Mary (SNA's) for your kindness, warmth and
 dedication to the children.
- Thank you to our Parents' Council for your commitment and hard work, thanks to all parents for your support as we work together in educating your daughter.
- Thank you Ms. Gina Reidy (HSCL) for all your work in maintaining communication links between home and school.
- I know you join me in thanking the teaching staff of our school, especially over the last number of months.
 - Finally, a very special word of thanks to our girls in 6th class. You have been a lovely bunch of girls and it was our pleasure to teach you over the last eight years. You were fantastic role models to the younger children in the school, kind and considerate and always willing to lend a helping hand. We all wish you the very best of luck in the years ahead. We are so looking forward to meeting you on 10th July.

Goodbye.
Regrettably we will be saying goodbye to Ms. Ciara Gibson next school year. We wish her continued happiness and success for the future and thank her most sincerely for all that she has contributed to our school.

School Re-opening.
School will re-open on Thursday, 27th August at 9.20am. This opening will be guided by public health advice, if there is any change you will be notified well in advance. The Board of Management will be meeting over the Summer to plan a safe return to school for all. Please note that teachers' emails will not be operational over the Summer months, refer to the school email if necessary.

On behalf of myself and all the staff may I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Summer. You will receive a little video message tomorrow from all in Scoil Bhríde which I hope will bring a smile to your face! Thanks to Ms. Sheppard for compiling.

We are looking forward to seeing you very soon,
 With every good wish,
 Slán agus beannacht,

 M. Rohan and staff.

Good Grub competition Winner.
Well done Lena on winning the 'Good Grub' colouring competition in conjunction with Glanmore Foods. Enjoy all your treats!!!
Virtual Sports Day
Sports Day takes place today Monday June 22nd. I am sending a list of suitable activities and games for you to create your own sports day. If you can’t complete it today, please choose a different day that is convenient for your family. Make it a fun and enjoyable day by playing the games with your child and include a picnic outside and some treats. We would love to see lots of photos. Please email them to [email protected]
Sligo Education centre have prepared a Virtual Sports Day with a menu of activities. https://sites.google.com/holyangelsns.ie/virtualsportsday/home
The different activities are based upon the Move Well Move Often Programme developed by the Professional Development Service for Teachers. There are 6 different task areas with three different levels of difficulty. There is a video instruction for each task. Included is a shopping list/equipment list with household alternatives that will also help in organising the day. The shopping list can be decided by you!!!
For our Sports Day itself (Monday June 22nd) I have made a list of suitable activities here or you can choose activities from Sligo Education Centre Virtual Sports Day Activities. Choose 6 activities.
Activities
1. Egg and spoon Race (boil the egg first!!)
2. Sack Race
3. Three legged race
4. Sprint race
5. Wheel barrow race
6. Penalty kicks/ kick the ball at an object.
7. Welly Boot throwing
8. Throwing a ball to knock an object-e.g bowling style
9. Build an obstacle course
10. Balance walking – mark out a line on the ground and walk over the line
11. Make a face – I have attached a description of this game and the household equipment you can use.
13. Cycle a mile
Take lots of photos and send them to us. You can also make a time table of the order of games (choose a few for the day) or you may fill in the template provided.
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Posted 19/6/'20
Dear Parents / Guardians and students,
I hope you are well. It is the feast day of The Sacred Heart today, may God's boundless and passionate love be ever present in our lives.
 Today also marks the last day of school work for the girls. I think you would all agree that the children have worked very hard over the last number of months in difficult circumstances. Well done girls, you adapted very well to remote learning. Thank you parents for all the  support given from home and thanks also for your appreciative emails to the teachers. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the teaching staff of our school for their engagement in remote learning since the school closed. We were all thrown in at the deep end and I think we navigated the muddy waters exceptionally well.

This week Trócaire sent an email thanking our school for our generous donation of €167.89, this money was collected over a three week period. A sincere thank you to those of you who donated, a demonstration of our commitment to helping those in need and an example of our school living its Catholic ethos.

Our school sports day is scheduled to take place this Monday, June 22nd. You have already received information from your class teacher and also information is posted on our school website. We hope this will be an enjoyable experience for all, every family member is invited to participate! A word of thanks to Ms. Brereton for all her work in organising this day.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, 
All the best for now,
M. Rohan and staff
Posted 12/06/'20.
Hello everybody,
I hope this note finds you well. This month of June in school is very different to the norm and the school building is unusually quiet. We all miss the girls and the happy, anticipatory atmosphere that would normally be palpable as we count down to the holidays. Our 6th class girls are nearing the completion of their primary education and we are looking forward to celebrating this transition with them.
Well done children on your school work to date, you are doing an amazing job in difficult circumstances. The good news is that next week will be the last week of school work! You will very soon enjoy a well-earned break and have more time now to help out at home! During the last week of school we are encouraging you to concentrate on 'active homework'. To get you started, we are planning a virtual Sport's Day on Monday, 22nd June. Keep an eye on our school website for more details in the coming days.

Parents, the school report, booklists and calendar for next year will be posted out to you next week. As always, we have made huge effort to minimise costs for you and we encourage you to avail of our book rental scheme. Please remind your daughter to take care of her school books, we will be collecting back the rental books that you borrowed from the school for remote learning, in early September. 

At our virtual Board of Management meeting last evening we discussed plans for our end of year / 6th class Graduation Mass. We will be celebrating Mass in July with the whole school via the parish webcam and will notify you of the date when it is confirmed. I will be in contact with our 6th class girls and families in the next week or so when arrangements for your end of primary school celebrations are finalised.  A huge thank-you to our Parents Council for funding the 6th class training tops ordered from Seamus Holland. Thanks to our Board of Management who will be funding the treat from Eddie's.

I hope you have a nice weekend, 
All the best for now,
M. Rohan and staff.

Fun in the Sun
​We would love you to continue to send us some pictures over the next few days eg. pictures of your baking, playing your instruments, making lego / jig-saws, reading,skipping, practicing your camogie etc , whatever it is you enjoy doing. You can send them to [email protected] and they will be posted here on our school website. 
Posted 29/5/'20
Dear Parents / Guardians and students,

I hope this note finds you well as we head into the bank holiday weekend. It's hard to believe that we are nearly in the month of June! I am mindful of the fact that this last month of the academic year will be very different to what it would normally be. Thinking especially of our 6th class girls as they approach the completion of their years in primary school, we are considering how best to celebrate this milestone with you under the current restrictions.

Children you have been working very hard this week again, we are very proud of you, well done. I know you are also busy doing extra-curricular activities at home, we would love you to send us some pictures over the next few days eg. pictures of your baking, playing your instruments, making lego / jig-saws, reading,skipping, practicing your camogie etc , whatever it is you enjoy doing. You can send them to [email protected] and they will be posted on our school website. 

A reminder that, as per our school calendar, you won't have school work to do on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Enjoy this break and your class teacher will link back in with you again on Thursday.  Parents to let you know that next week, 2nd - 5th June is Wellbeing Week. You can log onto www.laoisedcentre.ie if you are interested in their  parent and family webinars. Refer to the email from your class teacher sent to you yesterday for more details. 

I hope you all continue to stay safe and mind one another, have a lovely weekend.


Le gach dea-ghuí,
M. Rohan and staff.
Wellbeing Week 2nd-5th June
 Wellbeing Week for the School Community  runs from 2nd -5th June 2020.   All the live webinars are available to book on Laois Education Centre website www.laoisedcentre.ie and they have scheduled Tweets at various times on wellbeing topics, including podcasts and relevant content from PDST. Follow Laois Education Centre on Twitter @CentreLaois to get the latest news on events over the course of this week.
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Posted 22/5/'20

Dear Scoil Bhríde students,

I hope you are in good form and minding yourself and each other. Another Friday is here!  You are doing a great job with your school work so take a break over the weekend and enjoy some 'down time'. We all miss seeing you and sharing the school day with you. I have been over to the school the last few weeks and it's a very quiet place - believe it or not I miss the noise!  We are all looking forward to meeting you again as soon as we can.

 These weeks are an opportunity for you to spend time doing the things you enjoy; that might be playing outside, making jigsaws, reading, baking, chatting with your friends etc. Try and make every day count instead of counting the days. Remember also to help out at home in whatever way you can - your parents would be very happy.  I hope you have a good weekend, get plenty of fresh air and relax.

Sending you our best wishes,
Take care,
M. Rohan and staff.
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Posted 15/05/'20
I hope this note finds you well as another week draws to a close. Well done children for all your hard work, you are doing a tremendous job.
 As you know the school will be open on Monday, May 18th for distribution of books and belongings. Your class teacher will be sending you an email today, it is very important that we all adhere to the directives to ensure health and safety for all. Parents please wear a mask / face covering and gloves when coming to the school. Also, we are asking that you maintain the 2m physical distance from one another - cones / markers will be placed outside the school for this purpose.

 Pick - up times for books and belongings are as follows:
   10am - 11am:    5th class {Ms. Rohan}
   12 noon - 1pm : 3rd / 4th classes {Ms. Pearson}
   2pm - 3pm:        junior / senior infants {Ms. Gibson}
   4pm - 5pm:       6th class {Ms. Whelan}
   6pm -7pm:        1st / 2nd classes {Ms. Sheppard}

If you have more than one child in the school please make arrangements with a class teacher so that you only have to make one trip to the school. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.

A word of thanks to Ms. Brereton for all her work in keeping the website updated, especially at this time.
I hope you all have a nice weekend, we will continue our remote learning on Monday P.G.

Take care,
Dia go deo leat,
M. Rohan and staff.
Well done
Well done Rachel on your wonderful poem to 'Holy Mary'.
Picture
Update News Flash/The Primary Planet
 
  • The PRIMARY PLANET, NEWS FLASH and EIPIC (Irish-language news mag) are FREE TO ACCESS  https://www.newsmagmedia.ie/Default.aspx
  • Worksheets accompany most of the activities, but children can also answer online in the comment boxes.
  • ​Click on the links below to download pupil packs for the  week April 27th- May 01st.
  • Audio Mental Maths Quiz and the Daily Quiz are available every day.
  • The resources go up daily between 9am and 9:30 am every morning.​
  • Numerous extra pages have been added to the May issues of The Primary Planet and NewsFlash and this will be ONLINE MAY 01. 
  • There is also an archive of the last 4 issues of each title as some girls may have left their copies in school.
  • Also don’t forget to check out the latest competitions:
  1. THE POSITIVITY ROCKS COMPETITION (See May issues for details)
  2. Our design-the-front-cover competition for The Primary Planet. How cool would it be to see your designed front page on the magazine for a period during the month? You  can read about it here https://www.theprimaryplanet.ie/news/posts/redesign-aprils-front-cover/ and it's posted on the Home Page of The Primary Planet.  
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Posted 8/5/'20

Dear Parents, Guardians and children,
I hope you and all in your care are well and staying safe. No doubt we are all thankful for the fine weather we've been having which is helping to lift our spirits these days.
Well done children for your hard work again this week, you are doing your best and we are all very proud of you. As you know, from the latest government announcement, we will not be returning to school this academic year. We are disappointed, especially for our 6th class girls, whose final year in primary school has turned out to be very different to what normally would be. However, please be assured that we intend to mark this momentous milestone in their lives at a time when it is safe to do so for all. 
 Also, with regard to booklists, end of year reports etc., all will be issued to you as normal in June.

I hope you all have a pleasant weekend, your continued support and co-operation is very much appreciated.

Take care,
M. Rohan and staff.
 Active Home Week Challenge 
THANK YOU so much for all the effort that you put #ActiveHomeWeek last week. We hope that it brought lots of FUN to your homes. We were amazed by the response that the challenge received from families. Please continue to send your completed challenge charts and photos to [email protected]
FEEDBACK
 ASF places huge value on the feedback that they receive from schools and use it to shape the ASF process. We have been asked to share the following online survey with all families.  The questionnaires are anonymous and very short (3 minutes approx.)
Questionnaire for PARENTS  
The questionnaire facility will remain open until next Monday (11th)
 
  
UNDATED Challenge Charts
Children/young people need 60 MINUTES of physical activity every day. Now that they are started it would be great to keep the habit of daily exercise going or if you didn’t get to do the challenge yet. You can start on Monday.  We have uploaded ‘undated’ versions of the challenge charts which you can use to record your exercise. Please continue to send your completed challenge charts and photos to [email protected]
 
The aim of this initiative is to motivate children to keep active at home by trying out NEW activities, taking on CHALLENGES and having FUN with family activities. To complete the challenge, children have to find four different ways of being active every day, making sure that this adds up to 60 minutes, or more, of physical activity. All members of the family are encouraged, #Together, to take on the challenge.
As we continue to work towards our Active Flag we would be very grateful if all students could download and fill up your “Challenge Chart” every day and send pictures of you and your family completing new activities, challenges and having fun to [email protected]

Ideas
  • Run, walk or Cycle Daily Mile Challenge
  • Fitness Alphabet Challenge
  • ​Joe Wicks- PE lessons’ begin at 9am on his YouTube channel.Go to The Body Coach TV on YouTube and simply join in the 30 minute workout from 9am.
  • Make Shapes Flash cards
  • Fun Fitness Bingo
  • Fitness Stations
  • Skipping rope Challenge
  • Obstacle course: Create your own obstacle course in your back yard or garden.
  • Wheelbarrow, crab, and bear-walk races: Holding one of these tough positions gives you a real workout.
  • Animal Movements activity
  • Animal races: Hop like a bunny or frog; squat and waddle like a duck; and so on.
  • Balloon ball: There are endless ways to play with balloons indoors. Try to keep it off the ground or just play catch. Mix it up with balloon tennis!
  • Follow the leader: Add to the workout with energetic movements such as jumping, skipping, hopping and squatting.
  • Dance party: Turn on the music and make your own dance routine.
  • Musical Statues: When the music stops, freeze in your pose and hold it until the music begins again.
  • Treasure Hunt: Write up clues and hide them around the garden/back yard. Children can race to find each clue for a small prize at the end.
  • Jumping Jacks: Simple but good for coordination and they get your heart going.
    Parachute: This can be re-created at home with sheets. Each child takes an end of the parachute or sheet and fans it upward while someone runs underneath or try to keep as ball on the sheet. 
  • Hallway bowling: Fill up water bottles and use any ball you have.
  • Hopscotch: Use chalk or tape to make a game outside.
  • Bubble bashing: Blow bubbles and let your child try to smash them.
  • Popcorn pushups: Put a small bowl of popcorn on the floor. Lower yourself down and stick out your tongue to get a piece of popcorn with each push up.​​
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Design23 Art Competition
It's Competition time for all you Kids!!
Time to put the feet up parents!!.
Calling all 7-12 year old boys and girls. (We'll be flexible)
Are you really creative or maybe want to be an architect when you grow up??Now's your chance!! Design your creative dream home the crazier the better have a look at some of the examples.
You could be like Spongebob and live under the sea!! Or live inside a big cake!!

The most creative project will get a
*VR phone headset
*Their dream home in VR
*50e One4all Voucher
and a 50 euro to your Chosen Charity

Closing Date is the 15th May Winner announced on the 15th of May.
Consent from your parents is required, parents can give consent when emailing your drawing.
Send your drawings to [email protected].

Time to get Drawing!! #design23 #competitiontime #vr #virtualreality #kidscompetition #drawings #creative #dreamhome #selfbuild #home #construction #charity @ Ireland (country)
FEAR LESS: REDUCE ANXIETY IN CHILDREN FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
Laois Education Centre in partnership with the Triple P Parenting Programme are delivering a Fear-Less Seminar over 2 nights which will offer Parents of children 4 - 14
years of age tips and strategies to help their Children manage their anxiety and provide practical evidence-based tips for parents and carers in these uncertain times.

Parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique challenge for all parents, caregivers and families. Children and parents are anxious, and families are under pressure like never before.
Being a parent to a child/teenager who is experiencing anxiety can be tough. Anxious children / teenagers can seek constant reassurance have outbursts of anger / frustration
and can feel sick when worried.  Parenting has a crucial role to play in mitigating the  potential long-term negative impacts of COVID-19  on children, particularly in relation to mental health.

DATE: 13th & 14th May (over 2 evenings)
Time: 7.30pm-8.30pm each evening
Booking:IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THIS FREE SEMINAR Please email: FEAR LESS YES to: [email protected] with your name.
ZOOM:You will then receive an invitation with a link on before the session commences. All information is confidential and your image or any identifying details will NOT be on screen.

Yvonne Nolan
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Posted 5/5/'20

The document published by the government on May 3rd 'Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business' states on Pg.8 that schools can open on May 18th for access by teachers for organisation and distribution of remote learning. In line with this directive the school intends to open on that date to facilitate distribution of books/belongings (earliest date permissable as per government directives). More details to follow

Thanks,
M Rohan, D Page,
Board of Mgt
Art Competition - European Day of Solidarity between Generations
The National Safeguarding Office of the HSE are running a Children’s Art Competition ‘Keeping connected in times of Covid 19’ in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Day and European Day of Solidarity between Generations during the month of May. If interested in taking part submit an entry depicting the ways you have found to stay connected to the older generation, friends and neighbours during these difficult and restrictive times.

Entry Details:
The competition is currently open and all entries are to be sent to [email protected].  Closing date is 29th May.
Pictures on an A4 page, parents/guardians to email a photo of entry to the above email address including the child’s name and category with the subject line to read ‘keeping connected competition’
 
Please see poster below for further information.
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Posted 01/05/'20

Hello everybody,
We hope you had a good week and that you are managing as best you can these days. Another week of remote learning has passed. Once again, well done children for all your hard work this week, you should be very proud of yourselves. 'Active Home Week' was this week. We hope you enjoyed participating in the challenges and fun activities that were on the website. Please continue to exercise and spend time outdoors as doing so is very good for your overall health and well-being.

Today,1st May,marks the beginning of Summer. It is also the month dedicated to Our Lady. We pray that Holy Mary will watch over us and protect us as we adapt to this altered way of living for the time being. As this is the May Bank Holiday weekend there will be no school work given on Monday. We will continue our remote learning on Tuesday next week P.G. I hope you have a happy and safe weekend, in the words of Helen Keller: 'Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadows'.

Take care of yourself and one another,
M. Rohan and staff.
Posted 24/04/'20

Hello everybody,
I hope this note finds you in good form as we head into the weekend. 

I have received information from Fr. Joe for Sacrament classes. Regretfully First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies as arranged for May are postponed until we get further guidance regarding large public gatherings.

Well done to all the children who have worked so hard on school work this week, you will enjoy a little break now. A huge thank you parents for your engagement in this process, thanks also to our teachers for your dedication in implementing remote learning for your class. The school work we are assigning is to help and support you at home, only do what you can. It is worth noting that when your daughter is playing, reading, practicing a skill or simply engaging in conversation at home she is learning. Maria Montessori {an Italian educator who founded Montessori style teaching} is famous for saying 'Play is the work of a child'.

Let's hope the fine weather continues so that we all can take a break outdoors! I hope you have a happy and safe weekend, we will continue our remote learning on Monday P.G.

Take care,
M. Rohan and staff.
Active Home Week Challenge
PARENTS, GUARDIANS and CARERS – Active School Flag would like to say WELL DONE for everything that you are doing to support children with their education and with their wellbeing. Normally, Active SCHOOL Week takes places during April. This year that’s not possible so we are reaching out to you to ask for your help with the Active HOME Week challenge, starting on Monday 27 April.
 The aim of this initiative is to motivate children to keep active at home by trying out NEW activities, taking on CHALLENGES and having FUN with family activities. To complete the challenge, children have to find four different ways of being active every day, making sure that this adds up to 60 minutes, or more, of physical activity. All members of the family are encouraged, #Together, to take on the challenge.
As we continue to work towards our Active Flag we would be very grateful if all students could download and fill up your “Challenge Chart” every day and send pictures of you and your family completing new activities, challenges and having fun to [email protected]


  • Run, walk or Cycle Daily Mile Challenge
  • Fitness Alphabet Challenge
  • ​Joe Wicks- PE lessons’ begin at 9am on his YouTube channel.Go to The Body Coach TV on YouTube and simply join in the 30 minute workout from 9am.
  • Make Shapes Flash cards
  • Fun Fitness Bingo
  • Fitness Stations
  • Skipping rope Challenge
  • Obstacle course: Create your own obstacle course in your back yard or garden.
  • Wheelbarrow, crab, and bear-walk races: Holding one of these tough positions gives you a real workout.
  • Animal Movements activity
  • Animal races: Hop like a bunny or frog; squat and waddle like a duck; and so on.
  • Balloon ball: There are endless ways to play with balloons indoors. Try to keep it off the ground or just play catch. Mix it up with balloon tennis!
  • Follow the leader: Add to the workout with energetic movements such as jumping, skipping, hopping and squatting.
  • Dance party: Turn on the music and make your own dance routine.
  • Musical Statues: When the music stops, freeze in your pose and hold it until the music begins again.
  • Treasure Hunt: Write up clues and hide them around the garden/back yard. Children can race to find each clue for a small prize at the end.
  • Jumping Jacks: Simple but good for coordination and they get your heart going.
    Parachute: This can be re-created at home with sheets. Each child takes an end of the parachute or sheet and fans it upward while someone runs underneath or try to keep as ball on the sheet. 
  • Hallway bowling: Fill up water bottles and use any ball you have.
  • Hopscotch: Use chalk or tape to make a game outside.
  • Bubble bashing: Blow bubbles and let your child try to smash them.
  • Popcorn pushups: Put a small bowl of popcorn on the floor. Lower yourself down and stick out your tongue to get a piece of popcorn with each push up.​
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Posted 16/04/20:
Daily homework after Easter.

Dear Parents/Guardians and students,

We all hope you are continuing to stay well and safe.
 
From Monday, April 20th teachers will be engaging with you on a daily basis to ensure continuity of schooling in these unprecedented times. Below please find a list of each teachers email address for this purpose. Over the coming days we invite you to forward your email address to your class teacher so that she can send you the homework each morning. Each teacher will be available daily during school hours should you have any questions/need help etc.

We realise that this is all new to you as it is to us, we are here to support you in whatever way we can, we understand that everyone is dealing with their own individual situation so please only do what you can.

Teachers emails are as follows:
Ms.Gibson(Infants):
[email protected]

Ms. Sheppard (1st/2nd):
[email protected]

Ms.Pearson(3rd/4th):
[email protected]

Ms. Rohan(5th):
[email protected]

Ms.Whelan(6th):
[email protected]

Ms. Brereton(SET):
[email protected]

All the best for now,
M.Rohan and staff.
Posted 2/4/2020.

Dear Scoil Bhríde students,
I hope you are well and safe,no doubt your house is shining with all the help you can give your parents! This is a difficult time for everyone, I am sure you're missing meeting up with your friends and missing all your activities. However, we all need to play our part and follow the Health and Safety guidelines so that we can enjoy happier times to come.

By now you probably have completed some of the work that is on the website. Take time to read,to play board games,to exercise and to get some fresh air(staying within 2km of your house). Maybe you could take up a new skill eg, painting, baking or listening to/playing music. The most important thing you can do is to look after yourself and do what is being asked of you at home.

We all miss you and send you all our warmest wishes. By the way I've been told that the Easter Bunny will be bringing extra chocolates this year to cheer you up!

​All the best for now,
Ms. Rohan and staff💗
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Nessy Reading and Spelling
Nessy is offering the free use of its digital learning platform Nessy Reading & Spelling to support the continued education of children.
The structured language programs automatically guide the instruction of phonics, reading, spelling and writing to children aged 5-12 years. Nessy has offered their programs at no charge to contribute to the community effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to ensure children do not miss out on their learning. 
If you would like your daughter to avail of Nessy Reading and Spelling, please email Ms. Brereton at 
[email protected] with your consent and I will add your daughter to the learning platform.
Best Wishes
Ms. Brereton
Newsflash/Primary Planet Monthly Magazines
As a result of these unprecedented times, and with the closure of all schools until further notice, the printing and posting of our monthly news magazines will not be possible until schools reopen. We will however be putting the full version of our magazines online .The Primary Planet and News Flash will be published as an online magazine from April onwards, while related exercises, quizzes and activities will be posted on the website daily, much like our monthly resource pack. This, we hope, will help inform, engage and inspire our readers (and your pupils) through these difficult times.
Therefore, future issues of The Primary Planet and  News Flash will be available for all pupils of your school on our website 
https://www.newsmagmedia.ie/  until schools reopen.
APRIL ISSUE ONLINE -- APRIL  1
Camogie Challenge

It i
s important to keep fit and healthy at this time.   Why not take part in the Hurling 365 challenges or  click on the link below to  check out Shane McGrath's challenge.
Shane McGrath's Challenge


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School Closure Resources
In light of our recent school closure we suggest that students continue to complete their New Wave Mental Maths, New Wave English in Practice and Leigh sa Bhaile on a daily basis.

Remember reading ignites your imagination so pick up a book and read everyday.
Collins Big Cat
are offering a selection of levelled ebooks for students to access for free.  Click on the teacher portal and enter  Username: [email protected]  Password Parents20! and click login.  These books are very suitable from Junior Infants to Second Class and they are levelled. David Walliams is releasing a free audio story everyday  and Audible have also pledged free access to hundreds of books while schools are closed. Reading Eggs is also a brilliant website  helping children continue building essential reading skills.


 Seomra Ranga are providing a daily quiz  with a chance for students to win a prize.

Exercise is also very important. Joe Wicks Body Coach is offering PE lesson for students. ‘PE lessons’ begin at 9am on his YouTube channel.Go to The Body Coach TV on YouTube and simply join in the 30 minute workout from 9am.

RTE is broadcasting daily ‘school' on TV  to support families at home during the coronavirus outbreak. Daily school runs from 11am to 12pm, Monday to Friday on RTÉ2, with a shorter "catch-up" segment at 4:15pm in the afternoon.

​
Here are some links to educational websites such as Twinkl, Scoilnet and Topmarks which you may find useful.  There are also various links by subject.  Other resources include outdoor activities, Lego games, work charts and simple art ideas. We do not want parents to feel any pressure to complete any of these tasks with your children. They are here in case you or your children are looking for ideas for fun and engaging activities to complete.


Scoilnet
Twinkl   Enter code: IRLTWINKLHELPS

Twinkl School Closure Packs
Topmarks
Literacy shed Free Resource Packs
Oxford Owl Free-eBook Library
​

CJ Fallon
Parents can access the ebooks for FREE during this home schooling period. Simply click here and filter to your required title.
Sounds Like Phonics is a phonics programme for Junior Infants to Second Class.
The programme’s digital interactives provide active and engaging game-based learning for pupils. 
For FREE use of the excellent online resources, click here. 

Edco
Another great resource providing free access to its books and resources is Edco, The Educational Company of Ireland.
Simply log on to 
https://www.edcolearning.ie/ enter the Username primaryedcobooks Password Primary2020

Folens
To lend a helping hand to schools and parents over the coming weeks Folens are giving access to all digital resources on FolensOnline.ie.  Parents and teachers can follow the steps below to get access:

  1. Go to FolensOnline.ie and click register
  2. Select Teacher
  3. Fill in a username, email and password
  4. For Roll Number use the code:  Prim20

Prim Ed
FREE PARENT PACKS

Click on the relevant class to download
Senior Infants
1st Class
2nd Class
3rd Class
4th Class
5th Class
6th Class
ENGLISH
  • PM Readers 30 Day Trial (click parent, leave country set as Australia and enter Scoil Bhríde school details)
  • Read, Write, Think
  • ​Literacyshed
  • Storyberries
  • Storyline Online
  • EPIC!
  • Phonics Websites and Apps
  • Starfall
  • Literactive
  • International Children's Digital Library
  • British Council - Learn English Kids
  • ICT Games
  • NY Library "On-Lion" for Kids
  • Cbeebies
  • Writing Fun
  • Rivet
  • Oxford Owl

TYPING
  • ​https://www.typing.com/
  • https://www.nessy.com/uk/

GAEILGE
  • https://seideansi.ie/
  • http://robo.ie/

MATHS
  • Maths Week Ireland
  • Mangahigh
  • Mathletics
  • Maths is Fun
  • Cool Math 4 Kids
  • ICT Games
  • IXL Maths​

​HISTORY
  • Ask About Ireland
  • Irish History Links
  • National Museum of Ireland​

GEOGRAPHY
  • National Geographic Kids
  • Kids Geo
  • DLTK Kids
  • Fact Monster

SCIENCE
  • Science Foundation Ireland
  • WOW Science
  • Primary Science
  • Science Bob
  • Mooney goes wild
  • NASA
  • Science Experiments Around the Home
  • Dublin Zoo Webcam​
  • PlanBee Live Learning Session 1: Science- Eating and Digestion

​GENERAL - ALL SUBJECT AREAS
  • Will Sliney’s “We Will Draw Challenge”
  • Primary School Curriculum
  • https://www.dkfindout.com/us/
  • https://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/products?ed=all&gr=Welcome%21
  • www.duchas.ie
  • Google Treks
  • Scoilnet
  • Coding Ireland 
  • Scratch
  • Ask About Ireland
  • Enchanted Learning
PANCAKE TUESDAY
A special word of thanks to Our Parents’ Council, Sixth class, , Ms. Whelan, Ms. Brereton, Marion and Mary for making pancakes on Tuesday.  The girl were able to choose their own toppings. There were smiles all round as the girls really enjoyed the day.
 ENROLMENT AFTERNOON
Our enrolment afternoon (for New Infants who will be starting school in September) is on February 17th 2020 from 2:30-3:30p.m.  in the school.  This will be an informative session for parents, children can also come and see their classroom and meet their teacher.  Please help spread the word. Enrolment packs are available in the school.
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​GRANDPARENT’S MASS
As part of the celebration of being a Catholic school we invited grandparents and all family members to join us in Mountrath Church for Mass on Friday 14th February.  We prayed especially for our grandparents and family members who are in Heaven. We went to St. Fintan’s Hall afterwards for tea, treats and a chat.
​CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Last week we celebrated Catholic Schools Week.  The theme this year was “Living in Harmony with God’s Creation”.  Our school has successfully completed the Green School’s Programme and so as a Catholic school we are called to be stewards of the environment and we have a collective responsibility to protect it for future generations.
We went to Mass last Thursday in honour of St. Brigid and we were delighted to be asked to make St. Brigid’s Crosses for our Parish, thanks to 5th and 6th class girls for making them.  On Friday all classes came together in the hall to make St. Brigid’s Crosses, you can check out our website for photographs.
SCOIL BHRÍDE SINGING
Our 5th and 6th classes have been invited to bring some Christmas cheer to B.O.I. this Thursday singing a repertoire of festive songs.  Call in if you are around at 1.30 p.m.  Also, well done to the girls who sang in the convent in Mountrath yesterday, thanks to Ms. Whelan for organising this.

ACTIVE FLAG.
As part of our Active Flag programme we invited Mountrath Kettle Bells into our school to talk to the children about their club and ideas for helping us get fit over the Christmas season!  Thanks to Linda and members of Mountrath Kettle Bells.
 On Friday to kick off the festive season staff and students will partake in a Christmas Jumper Walk.  All students are invited to wear a Christmas jumper, hat or any festive attire on Friday.

SPLIT THE POT
Congratulations to all “Split the Pot” winners this term.  “Split the Pot” will resume again after Christmas.

Scoil Bhríde Christmas Craft Fair
We had a lovely afternoon in school on Friday.  Thank you Parents’ Council, our local sponsors, the staff of the school and to all of you who came to support our Christmas fair.  Special thanks to 6th class, Ms. Whelan, Ms.Brereton, Marion, Mary and staff for organising the stalls.
CHRISTMAS PLAYS
It was wonderful to perform for you all this week, the girls really enjoyed their plays and were a credit to themselves and their families and school.  Well done girls!  Sincere thanks to our school staff, to the Parents’ Council, and our caretaker Piotr. Thanks to Brian Russell (Board of Management) for helping with traffic.
  Thanks also to Glanmore Foods and Scoil Bhríde Staff for supplying the delicious hampers for the raffle.

Ralph the Reindeer

Annie

Visit to Dunamaise Theatre
Infants, 1st and 2nd classes were delighted to watch the production of “Santa’s Fairytale Christmas” in the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP
Students from 5th and 6th Classes attended a Christmas Craft workshop in the library on Thursday 5th December hosted by the Rediscovery Centre, Dublin.  The girls enjoyed a fun morning making fabulous Christmas decorations from waste materials.  Crafts included creating Santa Claus figures using cardboard, to making plastic bottle penguins, fabric tree decorations and beautiful upcycled Christmas cards.
PYJAMAS PARTY
The children had a lovely day on Friday 29th of November as we had our third fundraiser.  Thanks to the Parents’ Council each child was given hot chocolate and cookies.  Selection boxes were also raffled in every classroom.  Special thanks to Niamh and Anita for all their work on the day.

3rd & 4th Storytelling
3rd and 4th Class were delighted to welcome storyteller, Frances Quinn, to their classroom recently.  Frances worked with the girls as they found out about Christmas traditions in the past.  The girls used this information to write about Christmas long ago.  It was very informative and great fun.

Scoil Bhríde Drumming
The girls enjoyed a drumming workshop in school on 15th November, thanks to Neil from Drum Nature.  He had a wide selection of various types of drums and they were delighted to get a chance to play with them.

Health & Safety
We were delighted to welcome Ellen (Road Safety Authority) into our school last week to speak to the children about road safety issues e.g. wearing their seatbelt, safe cycling, rules of the road etc.  In the build up to Christmas as more people are out and about the children were reminded to be vigilant.  Parents please be mindful of children when you are entering and exiting the school grounds in the mornings and evenings. 
 
TEAM HOPE APPEAL
A sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the girls who brought in shoe boxes for the Christmas Appeal.  We had a truly fantastic response this year.  We sent a total of 46 boxes to Team Hope.
LIONS PEACE POSTER COMPETITION
Congratulations to Emily Lundberg and Ella Phelan in Ms. Whelan’s classroom who came 1st and 2nd place in the Lions Club Peace Poster Competition "A Journey of Peace".  Their pictures are on display in the County Hall, Portlaoise. Well done to all the girls for their entries.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ava who travelled to Lodz in Poland recently to participate in the World Kettle Bells Championship, she achieved 1st place and received a trophy, certificate and medal.  In the next few weeks the Mountrath Kettle Bells will be coming into our school to speak to the children.

SCIENCE IN SCOIL BHRÍDE
To celebrate Science Week all the girls were very busy in their classroom completing experiments such as making a skittle rainbow , observing how materials change when they are mixed together, the lemon juice and bread soda experiment and various science Week Stations. All the classes came together  in the hall and completed many fun STEM experiments and challenges. The girls in their small groups worked together to see who could build the tallest tower using marshmallows and cocktail sticks,  who could make the longest paper chain  and which material was the best material to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a height.  The challenges were informative, fun and very engaging!
Making Porridge Bread
First and Second Class learned about how ingredients changes when they are mixed together. Each table mixed oats, yogurt, baking soda and salt to make a tasty loaf of porridge bread. The smell around the school was lovely and it was delicious to eat with butter and jam. 
Lemon juice and baking soda experiment
First and Second Class also carried out an investigation to see what would happen when lemon juice is mixed with baking soda. They wrote down their predictions first and then they mixed the lemon juice with the baking soda. They were delighted to see it fizz up like a lemon volcano! They learned that this mixture makes carbon dioxide. The next day, the mixed the same ingredients but this time in a bottle. They put a balloon over the top of the bottle and watched it inflate! Young scientists in the making. 

Scoil Bhríde was looking very eerie this Halloween with many spooky creatures appearing in the classrooms! 
Autumn Art
In October, 1st and 2nd class used autumn leaves as stencils to make leaf silhouettes. The girls used vibrant autumn colours to paint their silhouettes onto canvas. The girls were very excited to take home their masterpieces and we hope they have brightened up your homes! 
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Athletics
For the month of October, 1st and 2nd class took part in a 4-week athletics programme in conjunction with Laois Sports Partnership. The classes took place in Castletown and the girls worked hard to develop their running, throwing and jumping skills. There are some sprinters, long jumpers and javelin throwers in the making! Well done girls and many thanks to Peter and Eddie from LSP for their energy every week. 

Picture
NUMERACY IN SCOIL BHRÍDE
Last week was “Maths Week” in school.  The children participated in a whole school Maths Table Quiz on Thursday.
CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL
Once again children are invited to participate in the Team Hope shoe box appeal.  Brochures have been distributed to the children.  We were delighted to welcome Kay and Máiréad (Team Hope representatives) to our school last Friday.  They spoke to all classes about the value of filling a shoe box, helping vulnerable children overseas.  Your daughter can bring the gift-filled box to school after the Hallowe’en break, no later than Friday 15th November.  This is a lovely opportunity for children to appreciate all that they have and to help those children who are less fortunate.

“Our Choice, Our World”. 
Our 5th and 6th class girls have been working with the Dunamaise Theatre in Portlaoise over the last number of weeks to curate an Art Exhibition titled “Our Choice, Our World”.  We are very excited that 5th and 6th class students are working on this exciting project.  Last year we invited Kevin Kavanagh (Parent and Gallerist) to our school to show the students some paintings from his gallery in Dublin.  We were then contacted by the Dunamaise Arts Centre inviting the students to curate and organise their own Art Exhibition.  This has been a wonderful educational journey for the students: exploring their own thoughts and feelings on art, discussing and selecting various art pieces for the exhibition, culminating in presenting the exhibition to the public on 4th October.  We would like to thank Laura, Michelle, Kevin and Nick for this amazing opportunity.
We had a lovely afternoon in Dunamaise Arts Centre on 4th October last.  Our 5th and 6th Class pupils presented their Art Exhibition 'Our Choice, Our World' to the public.  The Exhibition runs for the month of October.  You are welcome to call in to Dunamaise and enjoy the exhibition, you will also see  the children's own art work on display. Thanks to Dunamaise and Scoil Bhríde Parents' Council for sponsoring the raffle, congratulations to those who won prizes.
WELCOME BACK
A warm welcome back to all and a very special welcome to our new Junior Infants and their parents. Also, welcome to those who have joined us from other schools.


Graduation Mass
The school went to Mass on Wednesday 19th June to celebrate the Graduation of 6th Class. Congratulations to all the girls in 6th class. They have a been a credit to themselves and their families during their time in the school. The staff of the school are delighted to have worked with such a great group of girls and we wish them every success and happiness in the future.


 CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL FINAL
Great performance today from  all the girls but unfortunately it wasn't our day! After a highly entertaining  and nerve wrecking game the girls were narrowly beaten by a score after extra time. We are really proud of all the girls, they are a credit to both their parents  and  school. We would like to thank Mrs. Collier and Ms. Sheppard for coaching the girls. After the match the girls were treated to some food in Eddie Phelan's. 

​FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Warmest congratulations to the children in our Parish who received the sacrament of First Holy Communion last Sunday.  Thanks to their teachers Mrs. Sheppard and Mrs. Duignan who helped prepare the children this school year,  Hope you all had a lovely day.
OUR SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECTS
Children in Ms. Rohan's 3rd and 4th classes  have been learning all about the Solar System in Geography.  They completed their own project work on this topic and some girls made their own models of our Solar System.  Well done girls!
Friendly Match
On Thursday the 15th of May the girls played a friendly match against the boys school.  Tension was high before the game!  It was a very tough but entertaining game from start to finish.  Some of the girls thoroughly enjoyed marking their younger siblings.  A big thanks to Mrs Collier and the other coaches and referees on the day.  Without all your hard work and dedication these games wouldn't be possible.
'UNDER THE SEA' ART
Girls in Ms. Rohan's 3rd and 4th classes made a fabulous display of 'Under the Sea' creatures in art.  The display includes images of turtles, crabs, a coral sea snake, sea horses, manta ray and a puffer fish to name but a few.  the girls really enjoyed working together and sharing their artistic talent with one another.
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NATIONAL CHILDREN'S CHOIR
We had a wonderful evening on 10th April singing our repetoire of songs as part of the National Children's Choir.  Our girls sang their hearts out and were a credit to their families and school.  Thanks to all who came to support them.  Lucy, Ciara, Aoibhinn and Abbie will be singing in the National Concert Hall on 25th May.

 
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THANKS
Thanks to Glanmore Foods who supplied us with a large Easter hamper which we raffled before the holidays.  Congratulations to Alannah who won it.
Thanks to our Parents's Council for the Easter treats given to the girls and for supplying Easter eggs for the classroom raffles.

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SCHOOL SPORTS
  • Third and Fourth classes have enjoyed tennis lessons in school over the past few weeks.  Fifth and Sixth classes will be participating in a series of lessons starting at the end of May.
  • The girls are Camogie training these weeks, thanks to Mrs.Collier for coaching them
  • Swimming - 3rd and 4th classes are attending swimming lessons in Portlaoise Leisure Centre.
"Claire Byrne Live" in Scoil Bhríde!
I invited Claire Byrne, renowned journalist and broadcaster to our school on Thursday last.  She is a past pupil of Scoil Bhríde, she was delighted to come back to us where her education began.    She spoke to the children about her career to date. Her talk was very inspiring and she advised the children to work hard in school and to follow their dreams.  Ciara H. (6th Class) welcomed her as Gaeilge. Ciara (6th Class) and Eimear (Infants) presented her with a bouquet of flowers and chocolates.   She enjoyed listening to a couple of songs from the National Children's Choir.  Leah, Lily (6th) Ella, Rachel, Emily (5th) and Cara (3rd) played some tunes on their tin whistle, accompanied by Leah on the accordian.  Aoibhinn (5th) danced a reel.   The senior girls asked Claire a variety of questions which she enjoyed answering!  After a gruelling session of questions and answers Claire enjoyed some tea and delicious cakes in the staffroom, complements to Marion for baking.  Overall we had lovely time with Claire. 
NATIONAL CHILDREN'S CHOIR
As you know our 4th, 5th and 6th class children are participating in the National Children's Choir programme.  We had a practice last week with children from the Holy Family Senior School, Portlaoise.  We will be singing our repertoire of songs this Wednesday, 10th April in the Nano Nagle Hall, Holy Family School.  The concert starts at 8 p.m. sharp.  Children who are singing are asked to arrive at 7.15p.m, no later than 7.30 p.m. please.  The girls will wear their full school uniform. There are a limited number of tickets still available in our school.  Please remember to bring your ticket on the night, tickets will not be on sale on the night of the concert.  It promises to be a very entertaining and enjoyable evening.

ROBOTICS IN SCOIL BHRÍDE
The girls in 4th and 5th class took part in the Vex Robotics challenge in Carlow IT, on Friday 8th March.  The girls had worked very hard in preparation for the challenge.  They had to build and program the robot, as well as control and drive the robot!  The girls also participated in the Junior Einstein Show in Carlow IT.  It was a great way to end ‘Engineers Week’ – full of learning and fun!

Saint Valentine's Day
Happy St. Valentine's Day from Ms. Rohan's 3rd and 4th class. We made a Valentine gift box in school. Firstly we painted an egg carton,we then filled it with coloured shredded paper. Next we made hearts using clay,when the clay was dry we  painted the hearts. We placed the painted heart in the decorated egg box, including a poem, chocolate and some glitter for extra sparkle!♥️
VISUAL ARTS
Thank you sincerely to Kevin Kavanagh who visited our school last week.  He spoke to the classes about his Art Gallery in Dublin, his work as a gallerist and the paintings and art work that are displayed in his gallery. He donated some beautiful Art books for our school.  The girls were intrigued and really enjoyed his talk.  As part of a review of our Visual Arts Plan we are also looking forward to a visit from Kelly-Lou (Kelly Lou cakes) in the coming weeks.
Beijing Opera Masks
4th and 5th class were learning about China and the Chinese New Year. These masks are Beijing Opera masks. The girls had great fun experimenting with design and colour combinations to create their own mask. 
GUITAR RECITAL
A Special Word of Thanks to Tommy O’Brien for coming into the Junior and Senior Infant classes today to play nursery rhymes and songs on his guitar.  The girls really loved it.
Tree Projects
We have been learning all about 'Trees' in Ms. Rohan's 3rd and 4th class room. The girls have completed their own projects on trees and have made these lovely pictures in Art.
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Christmas Arts and Crafts
​3rd and 4th Classes in Ms. Rohan's room have been very busy making cribs for Christmas. They used a cardboard box for the stable and made figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  They made clothes for them and decorated the stable.
​
Mrs. Pearson's 4th and 5th classes made Christmas Stockings using fabric and fibre. Take a look and check out their great work.
Ms. Whelan's 6th Class painted lovely snow families on canvas. Look at their lovely portraits.
BAKE SALE
We had a lovely festive afternoon in school last Friday.  Sincere thanks to all of you who came and supported our sale, those who baked cakes and buns.  Thanks to 6th class and Ms. Whelan for all their work and to all the staff of the school.  Sincere thanks to our sponsors and to the Parents’ Council.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Sincere thanks to Mountrath Fire Brigade for their visit to our school.  They spoke to the children in Third and Fourth Classes about the importance of fire safety, especially in the lead up to Christmas.  
​
HOME SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIASON CO-ORDINATOR (HSCL)
Parental Involvement
Parental Involvement is paramount to the ethos of Scoil Bhríde.  We respect the role of parents as primary educators and work tirelessly to give parents a sense of ownership and involvement in their child's education.  We promote the active participation of parents in the child's school life and operate an open door policy where parents are always welcome.  Teachers, staff, parents and children of Scoil Bhríde thrive on an atmosphere of cooperation, support and unity.
In Scoil Bhríde we have been very fortunate to be given the opportunity to set up a Home School Communtiy Liasion Officer (HSCL) in our school.  As part of this role we will be running a number of initiatives to provide parents with opportunities to become active agents of change in their child's learning on a day to day basis.  You will be kept informed of these new initiatives as they are set up through letters, this website and through text messaging.  Should you wish to contact me in relation to supports for you or your child please contact me on 086 0452437.  This number will be in use during school hours.

Please check website for regular updates under the "Parental Participation" page which you will find under the "For Parents" tab located at the top of the screen.

Thank you,
Looking forward to working with you,
Gina Reidy


​
​Míle Buíochas,
Mary Rohan (Principal)

​WEBSITE PRIVACY STATEMENT:

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Contact details:
Scoil Bhríde, Stillbrook, Mountrath, Co Laois.         Phone: 057 8732423        email: [email protected]
(Enrolment enquiries welcome throughout the year)
About us
For parents
Events
Gallery
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  • About us
    • Bishop Daniel Delany
    • Vision Statement
    • Schedule for a Catholic School
    • Reading initatives
    • Parents' Association
    • Staff
    • Board of Management
    • Sport
    • Active School Flag >
      • Physical Education
      • Physical Activity
      • Partnerships
      • Active Week
      • Active Home Week
    • Maths for Fun
    • Green Schools
    • Charitable activities
    • NextGenerationEU funded project
  • Home
  • For parents
    • Parent Participation/HSCL
    • School Policies / Procedures >
      • Anti-bullying policy
      • Child Protection
      • Code of Behaviour
      • DEIS Plan
      • English Policy
      • Health & Safety
      • Homework policy
      • Mobile Phones & Personal Devices Policy
      • NQT Induction Policy
      • Parental Complaints Procedure
      • Parental Involvement Policy
      • Policy for Religious Education
      • Relationships & Sexuality Education Policy
      • School Admission Policy/Enrolment Form
      • School Attendance Policy
      • Uniform
    • Covid19 Response Plan
    • School calendar
    • Admission Form
    • Information Booklet for Parents
    • Information Booklet for Parents of New Junior Infants
    • Standardised testing
    • Booklists >
      • 5th/6th booklists
      • 3rd/4th booklists
      • 1st/2nd booklists
      • Infant booklists
    • General notes home
    • Handy Irish phrases
    • Recommended Reading Lists
    • Useful links
    • Contact details
  • Events
    • Crazy Hair Day
    • Christmas Bake Sale
    • Christmas Musical Evening
    • Clan Cluana theatre company
    • Confirmation 2016
    • Cumann na mBunscol
    • Egg hatching project
    • Fair Trade Bake Sale
    • First Day of Junior Infants
    • First Holy communion 2017
    • Grandparents' Day
    • Halloween
    • Jumble Sale
    • Retirements / Moving on >
      • Gráinne Molloy/Anne Donnelly
      • Margaret Donohoe
      • Brigid Bennett
      • Helen Collier
      • Margo Tynan
      • Fr. Hennessy
    • RDS SCIENCE FAIR 2016
    • Science Week
    • Science Workshops 2016/2017
    • School tours
    • Storyteller
    • Scoil Bhríde Summer Camp
    • 6th class Graduation
    • 1916 Commemoration
  • Gallery
    • Artwork inspired by Mountrath
    • Athletics in Ballyfin
    • Autumn scenes
    • Beebots and Lego Workshop
    • Catholic Schools Week
    • Christmas Shows
    • "Claire Byrne Live" in Scoil Bhríde
    • Clay monsters
    • Christmas
    • Dogs Trust
    • Fun Run
    • Habitats
    • National Children's Choir
    • Ideal Homes
    • Inspired by Picasso
    • Kelly Lou Cakes Visits Scoil Bhríde
    • Maths Week 2016
    • National Children's Choir
    • Norman Castles
    • Our Solar System Projects
    • Peace posters
    • Playground photos
    • School Tours
    • Sports Day
    • Team Hope
    • 'The Rainbow Fish'
    • Tree Planting Project
    • 'Under the Sea' Art
    • Visitors 2018/19
    • 1st/2nd Christmas Performance