St. Brigid's National School

During the month of December in all classes we celebrated the Season of Advent.

Well done to all those who achieved awards for completing the 20 day attendance challenge. The pupils received their awards at the end of term assembly.

Many thanks to all who donated items for our drama box, The pupils in the seniors classes have been using Dabbledoo Drama as part of the Creative Cluster initiative.

Pupils in Junior Infants and 6th Class got the opportunity to decorate our Christmas tree in preparation for Christmas.

Many thanks to the local Community Group who organised Christmas lights for our school grounds and all who joined them turning on the lights on the 9th of December. A special mention to Jim Connolly and Billy Haslam who ensured the lights were on for our school community to enjoy.

The highlight this month was of course our Christmas Show. It was fantastic to see the GAA Clubhouse so full of people supporting and cheering on all of our fantastic pupils. The pupils were so happy and smiling throughout the performances as they showcased their talents. Well done again to all the school staff, for their dedication and hard work in preparing the pupils for the night. Huge thanks to Mums and Dads also for the amazing costumes for pupils in Senior Infants and First Class and for all the support with children learning songs. Finally, we're so proud of our wonderful pupils - Superstars!

We wish our secretary Monica all the best and thank her for her hard work and dedication to our school over the last three years. She will be dearly missed. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

Many thanks to all the families and our school community who supported our SVP Food Appeal. Well done to our Student Council for their promotion and continued focus on the importance of helping and supporting our local community in the build up to Christmas.

Christmas preparations, have been in full swing throughout the school, with pupils in all classes creating wonderful art work.

The pupils in 2nd/3rd Class used clay to create these Nativity Scenes.

On behalf of our Parent' Association, staff and pupils, thank you sincerely for your support for this year's Christmas Raffle. A total of €4,904.95 was raised for school funds/Less expenses the total was €4079.95. Funds raised came from the following sources: €4,200.95 school raffle and donations and €704 was raised by Deirdre Tait (Lotto).

The Parents' Association would like to thank Deirdre Tait for her guidance and support with the organising of the school fundraiser. The PA would also like to thank BL Baloons for their donation, Eddie Flynn, Brendan Kenny and Carbury GAA.

Many thanks to the following local businesses for sponsoring raffle prizes and also businesses who generously donated to this fundraiser.

Kildare Village, Kildare Farm Foods, Johnstown Estate, Glennon's Allenwood, Lullymore, Clonfert Pet Farm, Caragh Farm, Blush Beauty, Envy Brows, Diegos Takeaway, Jay Daniels Coaching, Estee Beauty, Edenderry Golf Club, Health Point Pharmacy, Croí Leighlin, Countryman Barber Shop, MCK Hardware, McGreals Department Store, Lou's Barber Shop, Couple Cakes, Rosderra Irish Meats, Bargains Galore, Carbury Tyre Centre, Centra Derrinturn, Ryan's Pharmacy Derrinturn, Bergin's Family Butchers, The Castle Inn, Carbury Furniture, Des's Barbershop and The Turn Inn.

(Donations from Moyvalley Meats and Cloncreen Windfarm).

A huge thank you to our Parents' Association for ensuring Santa Claus found his way over the bridge to St. Brigid's N.S. He travelled by horse and trap and it was an amazing surprise for the pupils. The pupils sang for Santa and he brought some treats for them to enjoy.

Should you have any concern please note that the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Nóra Lynch and the Acting Deputy Designated Liaison Person is Eilís McCabe.

The school will close at 12pm on Friday, 14th March to allow staff develop the Bí Cineálta Policy as part of the Department of Education guidelines. The policy will come into effect at the beginning of the 25/26 school year.

Buíochas to all members of our school community for their support throughout this busy term. I wish to acknowledge and thank our pupils, staff and parents for their collective efforts on behalf of our school. I wish to thank our Board of Management who work on behalf of our school behind the scenes - Patrick Connolly, Gary Mangan, Trish Dixon, Caroline Cully, Fiona Ellis, Rob Wolfe and Rachel McNally.

My very best wishes to you and your families in the run up to Christmas. I hope it is a joyful and peaceful Christmas for everyone. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to our new school term on Monday, 6th January 2025.

Nollaig Shona is Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh uile go léir.

Le gach dea-ghuí

Nóra Lynch

Principal, St. Brigid's N.S.