The Pope John Paul II and Papal Cross awards were presented to our students today during mass by Fr Ruairi O Domhnaill and Charlotte Vard. These students have dedicated their time to volunteer in the parish and the community. Awards are earned by taking part in parish and social activities – 1 hour per week over 8, 14 or 20 weeks. There are 3 Awards – Gold, Silver & Bronze. Well done to all involved, a wonderful achievement.
Congratulations to our talented first and second-year Art students who were very successful in the Art competition at Newbridge Parishes Community Race Day. The theme was 'The Currragh'. Darcey O’Neill won first prize, Oliwia Maria Kos came second and Carla Dowling came third. The students received their awards from the talented artist and judge Lia Laimbock. Well done to all on your wonderful work.
A glowing and glorious afternoon of colour, fun and wellbeing was had by all students and staff last Friday for our school's first ever Colour Fun Run in aid of Children's Health Ireland ( Crumlin, Tallaght and Temple Street Hospitals ). Over 800 euro was raised as students and teachers danced, ran and skipped to the finishing line, with everyone embracing the brightly coloured mayhem and making it an afternoon to remember! A huge thank you to our sponsors, Lidl, Life Credit Union, Manguard Plus and Martin Heydon. A massive well done to everyone involved!
TY students continued their exploration of their chosen theme for the year 'Gender Equality' with the benefit of a class set of the stunning, Booker Prize shortlisted novel 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan. Keegan dissects the silent acquiescence of a 1980s Irish town in the Church’s cruel treatment of unmarried mothers - and the cost of one man’s moral courage.
Thanks to the World Wise Global Schools organisation for providing the funding to allow students to engage with such important issues.
Our school has completed Creative Engagement 2023. The fifth year Art class collaborated with artist and past pupil, Gráinne Bath-Enright to create a beautiful wall mural.
The project began with a series of mural design workshops. The students researched murals from Ireland and abroad. This involved a walking tour of public art in the locality. The class also visited the banks of the river Liffey for artistic inspiration. A wall along a glass corridor next to the school courtyard was selected for the mural. To begin the project, the class explored, researched, and made drawings. They reflected upon the meaning of Cill Dara 'church of the oak', St. Brigid, growth, unity, biodiversity and our natural environment. This led to a final design proposal and completed mural. The creative process was documented in a collaborative sketchbook.
The theme of the mural is to ‘bring the outside in’. The students wanted to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in the space. The banks of the Liffey, next to our school was a constant source of inspiration. The flora and fauna found along the river and in our local environment are used in the design. The swan represents our school and the wider community. The birds in flight symbolise growth and the students' journey through education. The ferns and flowers are symbols of the beautiful plant life in our environment. The clover, a common wildflower, attracts bees and supports biodiversity. The abstract blue lines represent the Liffey. Lastly, the oak leaves symbolise 'Cill Dara- - Church of the Oak.
The mural has enhanced the corridor and has made the space more engaging. The soft green colour palette with accents of pinks and blue reflects the Irish landscape and the colours found in nature. The mural can be appreciated from many angles and vantage points thanks to the glass corridor. The changing light and reflections create an interactive space that lightens the mood.
Well done to the school's Junior Volleyball team who beat St. Mary's, Naas and St. Raphael's, Loughrea in their last pool games. The girls now progress to the All Ireland finals in the University of Limerick on the 8th of May. Congratulations girls