A message from our Principal Ms Kilmartin
Upcoming Important dates
14th - 25th April Easter Holidays
5th May Bank Holidayschool closed
21st May TY Graduations & awards
23rd May School Awards & House exams
30th May close for Summer Holidays
Dear Reader,
What another fabulous term in Coláiste Bríde, highlighting the wonderful skills, talents, teamwork, positivity and leadership of students, staff and parents all working together From winning community awards, to being shortlisted for national awards, to having art projects ongoing, to student leadership shown in so many ways especially during Wellbeing Week and Seachtain na Gaeilge with our Ceiliúradh Gaelach for 3rd Years. A special word of acknowledgement to the Student Council and the Active Schools Flag Team who led so many recent events and richly added to the student experience of positive engagement in the school. From CBAs, to Mini Company, to delivering lambs, to visiting farms, to Glendalough and delivering presentations to many of our European visitors or representing Ireland at important meetings our students and staff are together making so many amazing things happen. We have recently had many Erasmus+ plus teachers visiting from Italy, France, Portugal and they have been delighted to visit classes, meet students and have workshops with the Learning Leaders. Our school is delighted to be an accredited Erasmus+ organization and we hope to develop opportunities for students to become more involved in this project too into the future
I hope that in this short newsletter, you get a flavor of the wide range of co-curricular opportunities that our students are engaged in outside of school and our Extracurricular activities A big congratulations too to all the students playing basketball with Dublin Lions on their fantastic achievements in recent weeks with so many wins including U14 All-Ireland, for our U15 Round Towers players on winning at the recent Féile competition and our own new camogie and Athletics teams on their wonderful achievements
I hope that in reading this short newsletter you get a tiny insight into the sense of community that we build in CB, that every member of the school can benefit from so many opportunities, that we are always open to creativity, innovation, promote excellence, promote student leadership and thrive on having strong relationships with the local Clondalkin community It was a privilege to recently attend a special event with our Muslim community as part of Ramadan Our Ember Faith leaders have been busy helping in the community and promoting Daffodil Day fundraising Please follow us for more on our social medias on X and Instagram to keep up to date on activities and achievements
A special message of well done to the 6th and 3rd Year students who have recently completed practical examinations in various subjects and to wish our 6th Years well over the start of Easter holidays as they engage in their oral examinations. Also wishing safe trips to the TYs and 2nd Years who with their teachers are going on school tours to Lake Garda, Verona and Venice during Easter. Also to commend all the 20 members of staff who are availing of Erasmus+ training courses on topics such as Sustainability and Outdoor Education, Mentoring and Coaching during the Easter break also. A busy school community even during Easter!
I encourage TY and 5Th Year students to go visit a university or further education campus over the Easter holidays and start planning for your next steps in education and your CAO or FE choices It is great to hear students speak about applying for opportunities over the summer on various programmes such as Teen Turn, UCD summer school, Trinity Access or Bridge21 activities, or going to the Gaeltacht May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Easter
A few reminders to parents
A gentle reminder to parents, if your child is leaving school early, they need to have a note in their journal for their tutor plus a phone call to confirm their note.
Can we also remind everyone about the traffic safety in the mornings and after school during drops and pick ups. It is a very busy area outside our school gates so if we could please follow the guidelines below
Take your time when arriving and leaving our school
Be very vigilant passing by the cluster of neighboring schools
Always give way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving Avoid dangerous maneuvers such as U-turns and three-point turns & never mounting footpaths
Care Club
Well done and thank you to Care Club who helped to organise, and fundraised for, the Mobile Petting Farm which visited CB during wellbeing week Each year group had the opportunity to spend time with the ducks, baby chicks, calf, pony, donkey, two-week-old lambs, hamster, guinea pigs, and rabbits In addition, Care club helped teachers who brought their dogs to CB!
Second-Year Students Explore Innovation at Microsoft Dream Space
Our second-year coding and programming students had the incredible opportunity to visit Microsoft Dream Space in Dublin This state-of-theart learning hub provided an immersive experience where students engaged in hands-on workshops, explored cutting-edge technology, and collaborated on creative problem-solving challenges
From coding interactive games to experimenting with artificial intelligence, students got a realworld glimpse into how digital skills shape the future One standout moment was the teamworkbased coding challenges, which encouraged students to think critically and work together
Reflecting on the visit, students shared their excitement about new career possibilities in technology. "It was amazing to see how coding can be used in so many different ways It really opened my eyes to what’s possible," said one student.
We are grateful to Microsoft for this inspiring experience and look forward to applying our new knowledge in the classroom
Ceiliúradh Gaelach
D'eagraigh an Coiste don Ghaelbhratach Ceiliúradh Gaelach sa GPA ar an gCéadaoin 12/03 mar chuid de Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Bhí ceol, caint, damhsa agus amhránaíocht ann agus bhain gach duine spraoi as Bhí an fhoireann díospóireachta mar mhná Tí, labhair na cinnirí Ember faoi Naomh Pádraig agus an deathionchar a d'imir sé ar Éirinn agus é ina imirceach fadó. Chualamar gur thug sé an Chríostaíocht dúinn.
Chan rang amháin amhrán ón gcúrsa dúinn agus rinne rang eile cúpla damhsa.
Chualamar ón gCoiste don Ghaelbhratach, d'inis siad dúinn faoin méid atá bainte amach acu i mbliana agus faoi na pleananna deasa atá acu don chuid eile den bhliain
Chualamar freisin ó na daltaí sa séú bliain a fuair scoláireachtaí le dul go dtí an Ghaeltacht i gColáiste Chamuis. Ghlac said buíochas leis an mbord Bainistíochta, Coláiste Chamuis agus Gaelbhratach as na scoláireachtaí a chur ar fáil. D'inis siad dúinn faoin tréimhse taitneamhach a chaith said thiar ag foghlaim Gaeilge, ag spraoi, ag damhsa ag na céilithe agus ag déanamh cairde nua trí Ghaeilge
Bhí cúpla tiúin againn ansin ó cheoltóirí na scoile, daltaí agus foireann agus ansin chan gach duine Oró Sé do Bheatha Abhaile le chéile ag an deireadh agus bhíomar le cloisteáil sa sráidbhaile! Lá iontach a bhí ann mar chuid de Sheachtain na Gaeilge. 'Cúpla Focal gach lá!'
The Gaelbhratach Committee organised a celebration of Irish culture in the GPA on Wednesday, the 12th of March as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge There was music, presentations, chat, dance and song and lots of fun!
The debating team presented, we heard from the Ember leaders about Saint Patrick and how he introduced Christianity to Ireland.
One class sang a song from the course for us and another class did a few Céilí dances. We heard from the Gaelbhratach committee, they told us about all they've achieved so far this year and about their plans for the rest of the school year
We also heard from the sixth year students who received scholarships to Coláiste Chamuis in the Conamara Gaeltacht. They thanked the Board of Management, Coláiste Chamuis and Gaelbhratach for providing the scholarships. They told us about the wonderful time they spent in the west learning Irish, having fun, dancing at the céilis and making new friends through the medium of Irish
Some of our 6th years played some tunes along with one of our musical teachers then we finished up with a rousing rendition of Oró Sé do bheatha abhaile and we could nearly be heard in the village! One of the fun ways we celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge in Coláiste Bríde this year. 'Cúpla Focal gach lá!'
Ceiliúradh Gaelach
Thomas Meagher Flag Day 2025
On Friday 14th March, Colaiste Bride celebrated the Thomas Meagher Foundations Flag Day which aims to create an appreciation of the Irish Flag and its importance for many at home, and around the world. History students were welcomed to the front of the school where we had a flag raising ceremony, Leaving Cert History students Caoimhe Gilligan and Peyton Perry Ryan spoke about Thomas Meagher and outlined the events that led to the first ever raising of the Irish Flag. 1st Year History Students raised the Irish Flag accompanied by the Ámhrain na bfhainn played by 6th Year Rachael McCormack and some singing from the students in attendance. A great day had by all. The school also ran a competition around the meaning of the Irish Flag to our students, the winner of which will be announced on Monday.
"A national flag is the most sacred thing a nation can possess"
Thomas F Meagher☘
Croke Park Camogie Day
Written by Macey Rossiter 2nd year
We went on a bus to Croke Park and we played 3 match’s the atmosphere was brilliant playing on the pitch was fun! Scoring goals and points was good touching the sam maguire taking photos with it and having fun making friends with different schools all over the country and having a puck with them walking out in croke park like the Dublin players was awesome!
Gaelic Football
The under 14 Gaelic team had a comprehensive win over Colásite Pobal Fola in the second match of their group stages and are due to play a local derby against Coláiste Chillian shortly. They are a talented and dedicated team who are going from strength to strength!
World Book Day
On the 6 March, we celebrated World Book Day in our school. The library was opened for the day to welcome teachers and students to come and explore the range of books on offer. As part of this special day, we held a Poster Competition where students were invited to submit a poster of their favourite book cover.
Our winner was Patrycja from Rang Cronan in 1st Year. Well done! A big thank you also to all of the Library Team (TY students and 5th Year Library Prefects) who continue to work in the library and give up their free time to do so.
Ms. Whearty & the Library Team
Athletics
The athletics team rounded up the cross country season by competing at the Leinster A and B cross country championships. 1st year student Saoirse O'Connor competed in the Leinster A h i
Athletics
Coláiste Bríde’s Wellbeing Week 2025: “The Power of Connection”
Last week, Coláiste Bríde celebrated Wellbeing Week, a time to focus on mental health, positivity, and, most importantly, connection Organised by the Student Council, the week was packed with fun and meaningful activities designed to bring students together and create a supportive school environment.
One of the highlights was Tuesday’s whole-school event, which the Student Council played a key role in organising and hosting as MCs. The event featured Dancing with the Stars dancers, talented singer-songwriters, and inspiring motivational speakers, who shared powerful messages about resilience, self-belief, and the importance of staying connected. The energy in the room was incredible, and it was a moment that truly brought the school community together.
Throughout the week, the Student Council also arranged silent discos for every year group, giving students a chance to relax, have fun, and bond over music. It was a huge success, with plenty of laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories. Other activities including visits to local nursing homes, a mobile pet farm, sound baths, cultural dress day, a daily morning mile, a daily karaoke and art station to name but a few!
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Student Council members who worked tirelessly to ensure the week ran smoothly, and the support of Ms. Roche and Ms. Ronan, whose organisation made everything possible and helped to make the event come together beautifully. The Student Council is always striving to make Coláiste Bríde a better place, and Wellbeing Week was just one example of how we work to bring students together.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part this week was a perfect reminder that connection is at the heart of our school, and together, we can make a difference!
Please follow us on Instagram at colaiste.bride studentcouncil or on tiktok @Colaiste Bride st to keep up to date on our activities.
Saraah Ansary 6th year
Coláiste Bríde’s Wellbeing Week 2025: “The Power of Connection”
Coláiste Bríde’s Wellbeing Week 2025: “The Power of Connection”
Ember Team News
Our Embers have been very busy since Christmas, between World Day of Prayer, St Brigid’s Day, and everything in between! We met various other Ember Teams from a number of schools in the Diocese at an ‘Ember Renewal Day’ in St Patrick’s College in Drumcondra. We shared lots of ideas and discussed what we’ve all been up to in our schools! St Brigid’s Day was busy, putting together a display of all the student work created in advance of the day. We printed out prayer cards for our exam students to hand out during their mocks. Students really appreciated this gesture
We put together a beautiful video for Ceiliúradh CEIST that celebrated all the amazing things that happen in our school every day. Oluchi attended and read at a service in St John’s Church, Clondalkin to celebrate World Day of Prayer.
Sharon, Stacey and Amarachi created and presented a presentation all about the life of St Patrick to 3rd years during Seachtain na Gaeilge They took the opportunity to celebrate our Patron Saint in advance of St Patrick’s Day!
A message from Ms White Home school Liason officer
Another busy month for the HSCL. I was delighted to meet almost 100 parents of our incoming 1st year on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March Along with great student helpers we linked in to offer advice and give tips and information to our parents
Colaiste Bride are delighted to be part in the Partnership Schools Ireland ATP(Action Team for Partnerships
Our team comprises of six students, two members of staff, two members of our Parents Council and a member of the business community. We have a common goal to work together to improve outcomes for our students
We did a training workshop with a PSI trainer and wrote a plan with goals for the year ahead and the actions needed to meet them. We meet once a month to work through our goals and plan activities. Our goals for this year are:
The promotion of Irish in CB, linking with Ms Purcell and the attainment of the Brat Ghaelach
Informing and working together on the new anti-bullying Cineáltas programme Encouraging and promoting parental involvement in our school
The Big Busk - Focus Ireland
On Friday March 7th Today FM's Big Busk for Focus Ireland 2025 took place all over the country and WE, Coláiste Bríde, were a part of it! The TY Music Class organised for our school to take part in "The Big Busk" for Focus Ireland and we raised €100. Thank you to everyone in the school community who donated. Well done to all the buskers who took part!
Emmanuel 2025
On Thursday 13th March our 2nd Year students took part in Emmanuel 2025. Each year over 2000 secondary school students gather in The Helix (DCU) for a wonderful performance of uplifting liturgical music.
Sinead Francis Omo (Rang Aisling ) sang a solo on the night with the live band, representing our school Coláiste Bríde
Here's what 2nd years had to say about the event;
"It was so much fun!"
"It sounded really amazing when everyone sang together" "It was great to meet other schools from Dublin and make some new friends" . "I didn't think it would sound so good... some of the solo singers were really good"
TY Trip to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre
to see 'Chicago' the Musical
On March 12th Transition Year students went to The Bord Gais Energy Theatre to see 'Chicago' the Musical.
Suburban Sounds
On March 11th the Suburban Sounds students got to record their songs at Rua Red in Tallagh in an actual recording studio! Suburban Sounds is an exciting 12 week, performance music programme aimed at post-primary students across the South Dublin County region. It introduces young musicians to the world of songwriting, recording and performing. Students are mentored by professional musicians towards creating, producing and performing music from the original conception to the final product and performance
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE MARCH 2025
Coláiste Bride has been a busy hive of activity in the last couple of months with lots of exciting activities and opportunities for our students in the world of Global Citizenship Education
Our school is currently collaborating with Trinity College’s ‘Critical Change Lab’ research project investigating the impact of SDG1 ‘No Poverty’ and its application to life in our local community in Clondalkin, West Dublin Our students will take part in workshops every Monday with the facilitators from Trinity College and will participate in a group focus session in Trinity College towards the end of May where they will present their findings of their research project and have their experience published nationally.
On March 5, 2025 we hosted the ‘Healthy Futures 2025’ Global Citizenship Education summit, where five local secondary schools in our area sent a delegation to our school to participate in a workshop with the NGO ‘Development Perspectives’, Students listened to a keynote address by leading global access to medicine advocate Dr. Robbie Lawlor, and will collaborated with students from other schools in creating a community health initiative which was distributed to each of the schools to help combat global inequality to access to good healthcare and wellbeing and what students can do on a local level to affect global scale change
Our students also took part in Take1 Week where our TY sustainability class organised an SDG scavenger hunt for our first and second year CSPE classes.
In the Transition Year Sustainability class, one of the core aspects of the class involves students going into the first year CSPE/SPHE classes and presenting on a topic of Global Citizenship Education to their peers in a form of peer learning/peer teaching which has been extremely successful. Studentsprepared engaging activities and lessons on the topics such as Violence Against Women, Human Rights, Disability Access, Homelessness, and more
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Last week, Coláiste Bride proudly marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Throughout the week, our neurodivergent students shared short messages over the intercom, highlighting key points about Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and Autism. We encouraged everyone to engage in discussions and promote awareness of neurodiversity within our school community It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiversity brings to our school community!
College Fair
The School held our College Fair on February 25th for our Fifth and Sixth Year students. We were very lucky to have a number of universities’ representatives (from the greater Dublin area) attend on the day including representatives from Maynooth University, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, DCU, NCI, UCD, Technological University Dublin, Trinity College and The Royal College of Surgeons. Local Colleges of Further Education were also in attendance offering information about a wide array of choices for our students to consider CFE representatives from Pearse College, Ballyfermot CFE, Crumlin CFE, Cathal Brugha FET and Inchicore CFE discussed the pathways available to students when they have completed their Leaving Certificate in 2025 or 2026. As students consider their future options we advise them to continue researching as much as possible to ensure they are empowered to make the decisions that will work best for them in their future.
Google Event
Ty Students were invited to an event hosted by Google and in association with Code Plus
The event was for international Women's Day and celebrated women in Computer Science. It was a day to introduce students the varied and rewarding careers available to them, and it gave them a chance to meet women currently studying and working in the field
Our own past pupil Esly Canga, who is a Google Scholar winner and currently in the final year of Computer Science in UCD, spoke on a panel about the challenges she faced and how her journey was not necessarily what you might expect.
Esly made sure to seek out our students, and would be delighted to come back and visit the school as she always credits Coláiste Bríde as being a huge part of her success
