St
Brigid’s National School Clonegal................................................................School
Calendar 2012 - 2013
Tel & Fax: 053 9377513
Email: clonegalns@gmail.com
Website: www.clonegalns.com
Chairperson of Board of Management: Mr. John
McCabe
Principal: Anna Cosgrave
Situated
in the picturesque village of Clonegal, St. Brigid’s
NS, which was built on an elevated site in 1952, occupies a focal
point in the village. The most recent refurbishment of the school
building took place in 2010.
It is a 7 teacher co educational school (6 permanent and 1 part
time teacher) under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and
Leighlin. Currently there are 118 pupils on roll. The school
has a strong Catholic ethos, but welcomes children of all religions
and none. In keeping with Department of Education Guidelines
the school is managed by a Board of Management. The Chairperson
of the Board Of Management is Mr. John McCabe and the remainder
of the board comprises of 2 parents - elected by the parents
body, 2 Patrons nominees, 2 teachers – the Principal and
an elected representative of the teaching staff, and 2 community
representatives. The Board meets at least 5 times per year and
more frequently if necessary. The school principal is Mrs. Anna
Cosgrave.
There are 4 mainstream teachers, an ASD unit teacher, a full
time Learning Support teacher and a part time Resource teacher.
There are 4 full time SNAs in the school – 3 of whom work
in the ASD unit. The school has a secretary and a caretaker/
cleaner, employed by the Board of Management. The very active
Parent Association is extremely supportive of the school. It
is affiliated to the NPC and its members become involved in many
of the school’s activities.
Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard, teaching
laptop, visualiser, childrens laptop/computers and a well stocked
class library. The school’s P.E. Hall is housed in the
local St Brigid’s Hall where there is also a fully equipped
computer room with computers, a networked printer and an overhead
projector. There is a fully equipped kitchen in this building
which is used by the school for healthy eating demonstrations
and cooking experiences.
Physical education is an integral part of our school curriculum.
Children avail of swimming lessons in Graiguecullen pool for
10 weeks each year. There are 2 football pitches, a basketball
court and a soft play activity area in the school grounds. Each
year GAA training is provided by the local GAA and a basketball
coach also provides training. Children participate in inter school
leagues in football, hurling, indoor hurling, basketball and
soccer. There is an after school chess club and training is provided.
After school GAA training is also available.
Children’s artistic abilities are encouraged and nurtured.
The Recorder is taught from 1st class up and the school regularly
avails of schemes to develop musical and artistic abilities.
At Christmas each year the children participate in a school concert
or Carol service.
Our prize winning gardens are a great source of pride to all
in the school and we were awarded 1st place in the schools section
of the Carlow Floral Pride competition each year since 2009.
The children are extremely involved in the development and upkeep
of the gardens. We are currently working towards our 3rd Green
Flag. The school’s well maintained grounds add to the beauty
of the village and the work of the Tidy Village Committee.
An After schools service is provided by personnel from Millhill
Montessori school who collect the children at 2 o’ clock
and again at 3 o’clock. This service is housed in the local
St. Brigid’s hall and they avail of the facilities in the
school grounds.
Parents, or visitors to the school are always welcome. We may
be contacted by phone, fax or email. or by calling to the secretary’s office between
9.30 and 2.00 each day where Mary is available to answer any queries. Further
information can be acquired by checking the school’s website.
School
Calendar 2012 - 2013
29th Oct. – 2nd Nov. (Inclusive) – Halloween
Break
21st Dec. (12 Noon) – School closes for Christmas
Holidays
7th Jan. - School Re-opens
14th & 15th Feb. - Mid-term Break
18th March - St. Patrick’s Bank
Holiday
22nd March (12 Noon) – School closes for Easter
Holidays
8th April – School re-opens
6th May – May Bank Holiday
7th – 10th May – School Holidays
3rd June – June Bank Holiday
28th June (12 Noon) – School Closes
In
line with Dept. of Education & Science ruling,
all families (and staff) are advised not to book holidays
during 1st week of Easter holidays (25th – 29th March
inclusive) or during May mid-term break (7th – 10th
May). If it is necessary to close the school due to inclement
weather conditions, the school will be open during 1st
week of Easter holidays and days of May mid-term break.
If school is not closed due to weather all of above dates
will be school holidays. |
