St. Brendan’s Co. ffaly Birr St. Brendan’s Community...

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St. Brendan’s Community School

Birr

Co. Offaly

ANNUAL REPORT 2015/2016

Annual Report for 2015/16Academic Year

St. Brendan’s Community School

Birr, Co. Offaly

Tel: (057) 9120510 Fax: (057) 9122482E-mail: [email protected]

St. Brendan’s Community School Annual Report 2015/16

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High achievers who received between 625 and 500 points in the Leaving Certificate 2016 and who will receive a gift voucher to buy a laptop in order to further enhance their studies which is jointly sponsored by the Parents Council

Front Row L to R: Clodagh Hanniffy, Audrey McAuliffe, Luke Fox, Ms. Ming Loughnane (Principal),

Patrick Scully, Ellen O’Grady, Robert O’Donoghue Back Row L to R: Aideen Freeman, Ryan England, Eimear Guinan, Kenneth Cooke, Donal Kealey,

Mr. Brian Hensey (Deputy Principal) Insert: Niamh Mulrooney, Aisling Larkin

Leaving Certificate Performance 2016

550+ 500+ 450+ 400+ 350+ 300+ 250+ 200+ 150+ 100+ 0+National 2.9 9.9 21.6 35.4 49.4 61.5 71.4 79.3 86 91.5 100St Brendan's C.S. 4 10.4 26.4 41.6 58.4 72 80 92 95.2 98.4 100

0102030405060708090

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Percentages

CAO POINTS 2016

National

St Brendan's C.S.


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Students who scored between 4 and 11 As in the Junior Certificate 2016

Front Row L to R: Tara Fanning, Michael Standish, Therese Larkin, Luke Sheridan, Katherine Revill, Jack Kennedy, Una Murray, Colm Hogan and Mrs. Ming Loughnane, Principal

Back Row L to R: Mr. Brian Hensey, Deputy Principal, Sian Cooke, Roisin O’Connor, Maire Brennan, Leah Drought, Niamh Lyons, Orla Maher, Isabelle Davis, Rachel Scully, Mr. Paul D’Arcy Year Head

Insert: Dara Hanamy

Two students who scored in excess of 600 points in the Leaving Certificate 2016 and our congratulations to them both

Audrey McAuliffe (Left) is studying Actuarial and Financial Studies in UCD and Luke Fox (Right) is studying Engineering in NUIG


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Minehane Award Winners 2014 Where Are They Now?

Johnny Bourke (Maths and Music - TCD), Jessica Davis (International Business Studies - UL), Bro. Denis Minehane, Ava Haines (B. Ed. - Mary I) and Diarmuid O’Carroll (Law and Political Science - TCD), also in the picture are Liam Brady, Celebrity Speaker and International Runner and Mrs. Ming Loughnane, Principal.

Minehane Award Winners 2015 Where Are They Now?

Jane Reddin (BCL Maitrise–UCD), Bro. Denis Minehane and John Tierney (Health and Performance Science-UCD)


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Policies

The following Policies were reviewed and adopted by the Board in 2015/2016

School Attendance Policy

Leaving Certificate Applied

Induction Policy

Communications Policy

Child Protection Policy

General Admissions Policy

Positive Code of Behaviour

Literacy & Numeracy

Weekly Meetings of:-

The School Care team, consisting of The Guidance Counsellors, Chaplain, Special EducationNeeds Co-ordinator, Home School Officer, Principal and Deputy took place weekly.

Staff Advisory Committee met on alternate weeks to facilitate communication between Staffand Management on matters of:- Policy, Curriculum, Assessment, Welfare and many otherissues.

Regular Board of Management meetings. Finance sub-committee meetings.

Policy Review included work on the following areas:-

Graduation Dance Policy Child Protection Policy Teacher Induction Policy Communications Policy Substance Abuse Policy

Department of Education Related:-

Whole School Evaluation - Inspection

Offered Junior Cert. students Irish Orals

We provided a Mock Oral in Irish conducted by an experienced examiner for all Leaving Certs.


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Mock Orals were provided in French and German for all students taking these subjects at Leaving Cert.

School Buildings and Environs:-

A new large General Purpose Room

Two fully equipped Science Labs - B7 and B9

Preparation Room

Meeting Room

Assembly Room B10

Parental Involvement:-

The Parents Council met regularly throughout the year and supported key school events including School Musical and Open Night for 1st Years. The Parents Council organised a very successful and enjoyable Golf Classic in Birr Golf Club and made significant financial contribution to the school to finance laptops for top achievers and jerseys for the school teams

School Self-Evaluation

In 2012, the Inspectorate at the Department of Education and Skills published School Self-Evaluation Guidelines for Post-Primary Schools. It aims to affirm good practice, to identify areas that merit improvement and to decide on actions that should be taken to bring about improvements in those areas. School Self-Evaluation aims to enrich the learning and teaching experience for the benefit of all concerned. At St. Brendan’s Community School we are committed to the process of reflective practice. The following documents summarise our work and commitment to improving standards of literacy, numeracy, learning and teaching.

School Self-Evaluation Summary Report for School Community on Literacy School Improvement Plan Literacy School Self-Evaluation Summary Report for School Community on Numeracy School Improvement Plan (Summary) on Numeracy School Self-Evaluation Summary Report for School Community on Learning and Teaching School Improvement Plan (Summary) on Learning and Teaching

These documents are available to view at our school website www.stbrendanscsbirr.ie. Outlined below are the main points from each of the School Improvement Plans (SIP) referenced above.


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School Improvement Plan Literacy 2014 – 2017

Main Strengths: 86% of teachers have a very skills-focused approach. 43% of teachers considered the systematic development and application of literacy in their

teaching. 80% of teacher use diverse teaching methodologies, including widespread use of ICT. Higher and lower order questioning is evident in 90% of classes.

Main areas for improvement: Affect an increase in the number of students reading for pleasure. Increased expectations and standards in writing across the curriculum. The development of comprehension and group-work strategies across all subject areas. Increase the number of students taking higher level in certain subjects for both JC and LC. Teachers to focus on the development of literacy as well as knowledge and skills.

Targets: Increase the number of students reading for pleasure from 16% to 18% in year one. Reduce the number of students that do not read from 28% to 24% in year one. Increase the number of students re-drafting their work from 10% to 12% using assessment

for learning. Increase the number of students that are comfortable with sharing their ideas from 24% to

28%.

Actions: Students will re-sit the CAT test in Third Year to assess their improvement. Teachers will write the lesson objective and homework on the board. Teachers should focus on subject specific keyword acquisition. Each Department will continue to assess certificate exam results and assign subject-specific

targets.

School Improvement Plan Numeracy 2015 – 2018

Main Strengths: Our Teaching Staff feels confident it understands the concept of Numeracy (98%). Our Teaching Staff regularly encourages students to work together to answer a question

(94%). Our Teaching Staff feels confident with Co-operative Learning Strategies in the classroom

(77%). The majority of Students feel there is more than one way to work out a problem in Maths

(78%).

Main areas for improvement: Students’ awareness of Numeracy beyond their Maths class.


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Students’ confidence/ability to explain tasks using their own words. Students actively checking their own work. Students’ confidence/ability with Mental Arithmetic.

Targets: 19% of our First Years feel they only need Maths for Maths class. We will decrease this to

10% over the three year period of this School Improvement Plan. 52% of our First Years usually check their answers to make sure they don’t make a mistake.

We will increase this to 70% over the three year period of this School Improvement Plan. 44% of our First Years feel confident doing calculations (e.g. adding/subtracting) in their

heads. We will increase this to 60% over the three year period of this School ImprovementPlan.

21% of our First Years feel they are confident explaining Maths in their own words. We willincrease this to 40% over the three year period of this School Improvement Plan.

19% of our First Years feel they understand Maths when they can use their hands, draw out,use real life examples etc. We will increase this to 25% over the three year period of thisSchool Improvement Plan.

Actions: Highlight Numeracy links in our day-to-day classroom practice. Examples: punctuality/time-

management, marking-schemes. Visual cues, such as a Star for Numeracy at the side of thewhite-board, suggested.

Allocate class time for students to check their own work. Calculations lend themselves to‘Estimate-Calculate-Check’.

Encourage Mental Arithmetic in our day-to-day classroom practice. Maintain a Maths Dictionary i.e. ‘Word-Everyday English-Mathematical English-Maths

Symbol’. Allocate class time for students to learn by using their hands, drawing out, using real-life

examples and their knowledge from other subject areas.

School Improvement Plan Learning and Teaching 2016 – 2019

Main Strengths: 79% of our students feel that teachers encourage them to work to the best of their ability. 65% of our students feel their knowledge is checked regularly in class. 70% of our students feel that the teacher tells them how they can improve. 85% of our students feel that the teacher listens to questions and answers them. 87% of our students feel that they get regular homework. 73% of our students feel confidents asking for help if they don’t understand. 87% of our students’ learning and teaching experience includes working with fellow

students. 86% of our students’ learning and teaching experience includes peer assessment. 57.5% of our students feel they are given time to improve their work by correcting mistakes. 93% of our teachers provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively.


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94.5% of our teachers feel they provide opportunities for students to self-assess and re-drafttheir work.

97.3% of our teachers feel they provide written feedback on students’ work. 100% of our teachers feel they acknowledge student effort as well as achievement. 92% of our teachers feel their teaching approach accommodates Differentiation.

Main areas for improvement: Student engagement in lessons. Time to review material at the end of lessons. Awareness of how different forms of assessment are being implemented i.e. Assessment for

Learning and Assessment of Learning.

Targets: 57% of our First Years feel lessons are interesting/engaging. We will increase this to 75%

over the three year period of this School Improvement Plan. 42% of our First Years feel that they have learned something new at the end of the lesson

sometimes. We will decrease this to 10% over the three year period of this SchoolImprovement Plan.

23% of our First Years feel teachers correct their written work regularly. We will increasethis to 75% over the three year period of this School Improvement Plan.Note: 70% of our First Years feel that the teacher tells them how they can improve.

Actions: Implementation of Instructional Leadership Skills. Conscious use of Bloom’s Taxonomy (laminate in every classroom). Lessons are well structured (introduction, development, conclusion-review). Department Planning sharing best practice. Department Plans to act as ‘living documents’ (open to change through continuous review).

We are monitoring the progress of our School Improvement Plans by repeating the survey that was conducted on each First Year Cohort used to gather our baseline figures. In the case of Literacy, the First Year Cohort of 2013 – 2014, Numeracy, the First Year Cohort of 2014-2015 and Learning and Teaching, the First Year Cohort of 2015-2016.

As a parent you can help us by: Being proactive in monitoring the homework journal on a daily basis. Signing the homework journal regularly. Keeping in regular contact with the class teacher if necessary. Attending all information sessions arranged by the school. Ensuring adequate time and facilities are provided to enable your son/daughter to complete

all assignments given to the highest possible standard. Supporting your son/daughter in aiming to achieve 100% attendance in school.


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WSE/MLL


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Roinn na Gaeilge 2015/2016 An analysis of both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate results from the 2015 examinations showed that student’s results in Irish in our school were considerably above the national average- A grade 9% & B grade 24 % above the national average at Higher Level Junior Certificate. 50% of our Leaving Certificate cohort sat Irish at Higher Level, 8% above the national average. This trend continued in Leaving Certificate 2016. 52% of students sat Irish at Higher Level – 9% above the national average. 95% of Higher Level and 85% of Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate students achieved an honours grade – 10% and 12% above the national average respectively. The centenary of the 1916 Rising was marked in many different ways within the Irish Department. Students learned the history and meaning of Ámhrán na bhFiann. Many students composed essays on topics related to 1916 and expanded their knowledge by completing reading comprehensions on Padraig MacPiarais et al. Students were encouraged to give their opinions orally on how 1916 was being and should be commemorated. LCA students visited Cluain Mhic Nóis in October as part of their Irish cultural studies. Students enjoyed doing their research which proved very beneficial to them in preparing for their written exam in June. In November Leaving Certificate Higher Level Irish classes were taken to Limerick to see a Fíbín production of An Triail. A very positive response was received from students who felt that the show had aided their understanding of the drama. Their expanded knowledge of the drama helped students in June when tackling their 40 mark question on An Triail in the Leaving Cert. We had another successful Seachtain na Gaeilge in March. Fun activities were organised for students in each year group. Students took part in table quizzes, treasure hunts and played games ‘as Gaeilge’. First Year students took part in a seanfhocal poster competition. The competition was judged by members of the Art Department who were very impressed with the quality of the entries. Well done to all who participated. “Beatha Teanga í a labhairt”. With thanks to School Management, Laois Offaly Education & Training Board and Coláiste Sheosaimh, Roinn na Gaeilge awarded 8 half scholarships to summer courses in the Gaeltacht with a combined value of €3520. These scholarships were awarded to students for their efforts ar son na Gaeilge. Guímid gach rath ar Rang na hArdteiste 2016.

Grainne Nolan, Eve McDonald, Rachel Kealey, Brian Hensey (Deputy Principal)


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Eve Murray, Olivia Revill and Hannah Landy

English Review 2016 MS Readathon December 2015 Well Done to all 1st Year English students who recently completed the MS readathon. 47 students were involved and they read over 200 books in a month between them. The group also raised €1,040 for a worthy cause in the process. Congratulations to one and all. Speakers This academic year saw a number of visiting speakers to our school. Author Claire Keegan visited St. Brendan’s on Tuesday 17th November 2015. The 6th year cohort read her novella “Foster” as part of their Comparative Studies and benefited greatly from her talk. Ms. Keegan combined her talk with a reading from the book and then generated a question and answer session with the Leaving Cert students. We hope to welcome her back again soon to the school. Eileán Ní Chuilleanáin is no stranger to our school. March 2016 saw her second visit to St. Brendan’s. The students were delighted to meet her as it is rare that a prescribed poet is able to speak to teenagers. Ní Chuilleanáin provided a rare and unique interpretation of her poetry and she also focused on where she gets her inspiration. All in all the students left her talk enthusiastic and rejuvenated to the world of poetry. King Lear Visit 2015 6th Year Higher Level English students accompanied by their teachers visited Birr Theatre to see King Lear staged in November. This modern version of the play allowed the students to interpret Shakespeare’s work in a more accessible manner. The group of actors also encouraged the group to engage with the portrayal of certain characters and develop a personal response to both characters and themes. Overall, it was an enjoyable afternoon.


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TY Yearbook Each year TY students take part in a Media module. During this module students learn valuable technological and literary skills that prepare them for the publishing world. A number of students took part in an Adobe Indesign course with past student Sam Pearson in the final stages of the year to add a professional flair to the yearbook. On TY Presentation Night in May each student received a yearbook as a memento of the year. What an incredible publication! Spelling Bee The department organised another very successful Spelling Bee for First Years and held a Second Year competition also. Well done to Christy Keaveney who won the First Year competition and Tara Teehan who won in Second Year. As with all of our initiatives, we aim to improve students’ literacy and have a bit of fun at the same time! Results The Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate results were excellent and the number of students who took the Higher Level paper in both examinations exceeded the national average. We are delighted to see all our students achieve their potential.

MS Readathon 2015/16

Readathon Participants with(L) Ms. M. Loughnane, Principal and (R) Ms. P. Shelley, Teacher

Christy Keaveney - Winner of the First Year Spelling Bee Competition 2015/16 with Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal) and Ms. P. Shelley (Teacher)


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Tara Teehan Winner of the Second Year Spelling Bee Competition 2015/16

Second Year Students who were Finalists in the Spelling Bee Competition 2015/16


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L to R Mr. A. Treacy, Ms. D. Tighe, Eilean Ni Chuilleanain, Mr. B. Kelly, Ms. S. Fox, Ms. J. McCarthy

L to R Eimear Guinan, Ellen O’Grady, Emma O’Neill, Eilean Ni Chuilleanain, Roisin Mulrooney, David Connolly, Niamh Gath, Chris Reddin, Stephen Watkins, Kenneth Cooke


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Mathematics Department Report 2015-2016 This department's annual report highlights the continued hard work of both students and teachers in achieving the highest standards possible. St. Brendan’s continued its theme of a whole school approach to implementing the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy 2011. In keeping with this strategy the Mathematics Department devised and created “Mental Maths” in September 2012. This competition is now in its fourth year and continues to promote Mental Arithmetic at the earliest opportunity and is open to all First Years. This year’s winner was Maria Horan and runners up were Joshua Guinan and Cathal Errity, in a very close contest In an effort to further implement the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy, the Mathematics Department assesses the levels of numeracy on entry to St. Brendan’s Community School. The assessment is administered to all incoming First Years in August. The Maths Department continues to reflect the focus of student-centred teaching and learning. Our Department policy is updated annually to include schemes of work that reflect the Junior and Senior Cycle syllabi. Wherever possible teachers attended additional courses in order to progress their professional development within the subject. In addition, the Maths Department has encouraged students to participate in national mathematics competitions including the Maths Olympiad in order to enrich their enthusiasm for the subject and equip them with heightened problem-solving ability. Students have also been encouraged to attend talks and open-days in order to explore their options within the field of Mathematics beyond Second Level. Transition Year students, for example, were encouraged to develop their interest in Mathematics through activities such as group-based project work. Contributing to the established whole-school initiative of conducting pre-mock exams to Junior and Leaving Certificate Students, the Department designed, administered and marked mathematics exams in November to assist students in their State Examination preparation. The Mock Exams were also administered and corrected by department teachers in order to reduce additional costs to families. In addition the Department has incorporated the use of interactive and dynamic resources to enhance teaching and learning in the form of multimedia visualizers to link the abstract to real life scenarios. Students requiring additional support in Mathematics were identified by Department teachers and recommended to attend “Study Skills” via their tutor at the First Year Tutor Day. LC & JC Results This Maths Department has always strived to reach the highest possible standard available to each individual student. This year’s results has seen St. Brendan’s exceed the national average in higher level grades at both Leaving and Junior Certificate level. Geography Department Review 2015/2016 The 6th Years completed a River Field Study for their Geographical Investigation in May 2016. This was completed in the Camcor Park in Birr. The current 5th Years will complete their Investigation in May 2017 in preparation for their Leaving Cert. in 2018. It is hoped that by doing this important element of the course in 5th Year it will ease some of the pressure on them in 6th Year. The field study gives the students an opportunity to learn and develop important research skills for life, while accounting for 20% of their final mark. The 1st Years went on a tour of Lough Boora in May 2016. The Trip was divided up into Tutor Groups, with each trip lasting 2 hours. The students thoroughly enjoyed this trip and the Geography team decided this would be very beneficial for other year groups to experience. The Geography Department is looking forward to another busy year in 2016/2017 and is hoping to extend the opportunity to undertake field studies to our Junior Cycle Students and also our Transition Year groups.


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Art Department The Art department, along with their students, began the year 2015/2016 with the annual art competition ‘Doodle for Google’. This competition is open to all classes and year groups with a specific category for special needs students. It encourages our students to be imaginative, inventive and individual. This was followed by all junior and transition year students becoming involved in ‘Happy Week’ through designing posters for display and competition entries. Various groups of junior students submitted entries for The ‘Texaco Art Competition’ and Credit Union Competition. Our second year students received certificates for their entries to Mental Health Ireland, Art and Photography competition, where Kate Corbett’s photograph was highly commended and featured in an exhibition of Art and Photography at the Dublin City Co. Council offices. The Transition Year students had a very busy year between set design/painting, prop making, making posters and painting bill boards for the school musical ‘We Will Rock You’. This was followed by a busy workshop with a past pupil, Author, Origami master and Graphic Design graduate, George Dempsey. Funded by the NAPD, the Creative Engagement programme allows students to experience the work and disciplines of artists outside of school. The students produced individual stars in the medium of Origami paper craft. The work was assembled and displayed as a wall hanging outside our canteen area. This installation piece was based on local heritage and the historical contribution to astronomy by William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse, and his discovery’s influence on the art world, in particular Vincent Van Gogh and his creation of ‘The Starry Night’. The Commemoration of Creative Engagements 10th anniversary took place at Collins Barracks with guest speaker Mairead McGuinness, M.E.P. Transition Year students were involved in planning and organising an art competition and exhibition stands for the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Birr, held in the school sports hall. Fifth Year students enjoyed a visit to St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford and ‘Song of the Sea’ exhibition at Butler Gallery with animation from Cartoon Saloon. They were also invited to paint Christmas themed windows at Birr Community Nursing Unit. Leaving Cert and LCA students enjoyed a number of educational visits, including those to Dublin, Newgrange and Lough Boora. Our annual art exhibition in Birr Theatre was enjoyed by family and friends of our budding artists who exhibited a range of works in various media. It displayed an overview of talent of students from 1ST to 6th Year, including LCA, Transition Year and special needs students.

Painted Christmas Windows at BCNU


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Creative Engagement

Creative Engagement Exhibition Collin's Barracks

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Ms. J. McKenna (Teacher) Ms. M. McGuinness MEP and Ms Y. Claffey (Teacher)

Minister Jimmy Deenihan with Ms. J. McKenna (Teacher) and Ms. Y. Claffey (Teacher)

Origami Installation Project Recreation of the whirlpool nebula... inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ and how his style was influenced by local

astronomer William Parsons 3rd Earl of Rosse


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5th Year Students at St. Mel's Cathedral

Art Exhibition in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

Darrell Lally Transition Year Student

Lauren Doonan, Marta Tomaszewska and Ms. B. McDermott (Teacher)


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6th Years on Field Trip in Lough Boora

History Department Junior Cert Results 2016 Higher level

St. Brendan’s National Average A 20 19% 16.2% B 48 46% 24.6% C 30 29% 27.6% D 3 3% 21.6% E 1 1% 7.8% F 2 2% 2% 65% sat HL Ordinary Level

St. Brendan’s National Average A 11 20% 12.4% B 19 34% 30.3% C 13 23% 30.5% D 10 18% 22.3% E 2 3% 2.7% F 1 2% 1.6% 35 % sat OL

Total Number of students 160

Comments: The department are pleased that results are above national average in the A, B and C

categories at Higher Level. We would like to continue this trend. Despite teachers’ recommendations some students sat the Higher Level paper and

unfortunately received an E or an F. We would like this statistic to lower in the coming yearso we will encourage students to take our advice in June.

Ordinary Level results were very good but it was not noted that the cohort of students thisyear were weaker than previous years and this would account for the E and F grades at thislevel. Again, we are hoping for an improvement in these statistics in the coming year.


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Report on Leaving Certificate Results 2016 At a meeting of the History Department of St. Brendan’s Community School, Birr, on 26/8/2016 members made an in depth study of the 2016 Leaving Certificate results. The following observations were made:

1. 31 students sat the examination. It was particularly gratifying that no student failed the examination.

2. Of the 23 students taking Higher Level 22 obtained an A, B or C grade. The remaining student scored a D grade.

3. 0f the 8 Ordinary Level students 6 scored above a D grade. The remaining two obtained a D grade.

4. 74% of students took the Higher Level Paper. This compared favourably to the 76% uptake of higher level in 2015. Teachers noted this was against a backdrop of a number of students suffering serious illness over their senior cycle years.

5. There was a rise in B and C grades at Higher Level. B up 5%, C up 18% on 2015. 6. 96% received an A, B or C at Higher Level. 7. 76% obtained an A, B or C at Ordinary Level. 8. It was felt in the light of these results that the existing plan for Senior level should be

followed with the appropriate curriculum changes (Document Questions etc.) in the 2016-17 academic year.

CSPE Report The CSPE Department are pleased with the success rate in the 2016 Junior Certificate Examination. Students presented projects based on the core concepts of the course for 60% of the overall grade. The remaining 40% came from June’s written examination. In February the annual 2nd Year CSPE Week was held. Officer and past pupil Sean Burke from the Irish Prison Service; a representative of Trocaire; Mr. Tom Foley (Stewardship/Environment) all delivered talks on their specific areas of specialisation. We were also delighted to welcome Community Garda Grace Heffernan from Birr Gardaí and Garda Padraig Connaughton. They gave a talk on the role of the Gardaí to each tutor group and also facilitated a highly popular visit to the Garda Station. Through a variety of methodologies the seven concepts of the course were taught and the normal timetable was suspended. At the end of the week pupils and teachers alike found the experience to have been an energising and worthwhile one. The CSPE Department was to the fore in organising Proclamation Day on 15th March. Assemblies were held for all Year Groups in B10 and the Music Department provided musicians and choir for the singing of the National Anthem at all assemblies. The formal ceremony in the afternoon consisted of a prayer service (led by chaplain Fr. Pat Gilbert), Principal’s address and appropriate musical input. All tutor groups were represented, as were B.O.M. Parents Council and local elected councillors. Minister of State Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy T.D. and Deputy Carol Nolan T.D. were also present. Following the formal part of the evening in B10 the assembly made their way to the front lawn where Fred Webb (great-grandson of Eamon Bulfin who raised the Irish Republic flag on the G.P.O. in 1916) raised the National Flag.


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Deputy Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy with 3rd Year CSPE (3.5) Class Nov 15

Proclamation Day:- Fred Webb great-grandson of Eamon Bulfin (who raised the Irish Republic flag over the GPO in 1916) raising the National flag.

Proclamation Day Flag Raising 15/3/16


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Music In addition to their classroom studies, our students were involved in preparing choral and instrumental music for our Academic and Graduation liturgies, Christmas carol singing, organising lunchtime musical activities for junior students, performing in concert and competitions at local and national venues, performing in the annual Christmas talent show and school Open Night. Our Fifth Year students performed in Seinn, a concert of liturgical music in conjunction with the Diocese of Killaloe. In May, our students recorded a modern interpretation of a traditional Irish song, An Spailpín Fánach, with Mundy which will feature in an upcoming TG4 programme. Congratulations to our Junior and Leaving Certificate students who achieved excellent results. We look forward to another busy year!

Annual Report Business Department 2015/2016 Student Enterprise:

First Year students take part in a Student Enterprise Competition within the school. Junior business students take part in Offaly Student Enterprise Finals. This year three First

Year teams competed in the finals along with two Second Year teams with two teams eventually ending up runners up in their categories. Three TY teams entered the enterprise finals with one group also finishing as overall runners-up.

TY Mini Companies are developed every year which have proven very successful in recent years. Students have their own company and their own role within a real life business. There were over twenty mini-companies in the school during the year. Leaving Cert Accounting:

This year’s class performed very well with grades well above the national average. Of this year’s candidates 14% achieved an A, 43% achieved B grades, 29% achieved C grades and 14% achieved a D grade. Only 1 student did the ordinary level paper. Leaving Cert Business:

This year’s classes performed extremely well with almost two thirds of students gaining either an A or B grade at higher level. 21% of students achieved an A, 41% achieved B grades, 15% achieved C’s while 21% achieved D grades. Leaving Cert Accounting Targets:

Encourage a higher uptake in business studies at Junior Cert level, which will enable more students to have the opportunity to study Accounting at senior level.

Student Motivation – we are currently trying to use up to date, modern classroom resources where possible.

Increase the use of technology e.g. data projector and internet, e-books. Student non-performance - identify issues early on, use school discipline procedures,

communicate with parents. Priorities in Accounting - attendance and punctuality

Leaving Cert Business Targets: The targets for the subject are to build on the increasing numbers choosing Leaving Cert

Business. Over 85% of students who completed Leaving Cert Business took the higher level paper. Our target will be to reduce the number of students sitting the ordinary level paper next year.

Continue to use active learning and modern instructional methods in class giving students greater participation and ownership of their learning.

Other targets include maintaining and building on our annual improvement in grades which year in year out have been well above the national average for the subject.


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Maria Babu with Mr. P. Crowley (Teacher) for outstanding results in Junior Cert. Business

Woodwork Dept. Garden Sign- The Leaving Cert Applied class designed and manufactured the plaque for the entrance door to the ‘Magic Garden’ (An Gairdin Draiochta) of St. Brendan’s Boys Primary School. The plaque is made from solid teak in an oak leaf shape with an Irish theme for the Magic Garden. The project was in conjunction with the Green Schools Committee. On completion the LCA class presented the plaque to the members of the Green Schools Committee in the school.

A selection of Leaving Cert Construction Studies Projects 2016


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Agricultural Science Agricultural Science has a good uptake in St Brendan’s Community School with four classes at Senior level. Agricultural Science students have the opportunity to visit Gurteen Agricultural College, Coorevin Farm and take part in a Tractor Safety Course during the two year Senior cycle. All of these trips prepare students for the practical aspect of the course which is worth 25% of the overall mark. The practical aspect involves a write-up of two crops, one animal and 15-20 experiments. Coorevin Farm is a beef and sheep enterprise which uses the best practices to maximise production, efficiency and profitability. The farm trip provides students with hands-on experience in running a farm.

5th Year Agricultural Science students from St Brendan's Community School, Birr who completed a Tractor Safety Course with Farm Relief Services in Roscrea on 11/11/15. Pictured from left to right: Cathal Ryan, Cathal Burke, Philip Gee, Cian O' Connor, Philip O' Rourke, Christopher Cleary, Kyle Quegan, Kian Morris and Michael Gleeson.

5th year Agricultural Science group who visited Coorevin Farm in Tipperary on the 24th of February 2016.


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6th Year Agricultural Science group from St Brendan's Community School, Birr, Co. Offaly who visited Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary on 26/11/15.

Pictured from left to right are: Sarah McLoughlin, Darragh O'Brien, Rachel Connolly, Stephen Watkins, Margaret Hutchinson, Philippa Ryan, Keelan O'Brien, Shauna Yates, Macdara Kennedy, Melissa Gleeson, Sean Kavanagh, William Malone, Stephen Hanrahan, Donal Kealey, Sean Teehan and Barry O' Meara. R.E Annual Report 2015/2016 To begin the new school year the R.E. team and the Music Department organised readings, prayers, reflections, processions, hymns and music for the Academic Mass which was celebrated in the school gym with the whole school community. During November Remembrance services were celebrated for all year groups in the Oratory. To prepare for Christmas all classes attended Advent and Carol Services. TY Students organised the annual food and toy appeal for the local SVP. TY Students attended a talk given by Elma Walsh about Donal and the Live Life message. Christian Unity week was commemorated in January. LC students went on Retreat to Castletown Retreat Centre. TY Students also went to Castletown Retreat Centre in Co. Laois for their annual Retreat. The blessing of throats took place in the Oratory. Lent began with the blessing and distribution of Ashes and Mass was celebrated during the season every morning at 8.30am in the Oratory. Students attended Meditation and prayer Services during the year in the Oratory. TY students went on a tour of the Islamic Cultural Centre, Clonskeagh, Dublin. A number of students participated in the Pope John Paul 11 Awards completing Bronze and Gold awards. Students commit to participating in the church and the community. Awards will be presented in the upcoming Killaloe Diocese Awards Ceremony on November 10th 2016. 6th Years prepared the annual Graduation Liturgy in music, song, liturgy of the word, entrance and offertory processions, art work, altar and seating which was celebrated with parents, students, school staff, invited guests and local clergy. We welcomed Fr. Peter McVerry who gave an inspiring talk to TY and Leaving Cert Religion classes, on the work that he carries out with the homeless in Dublin city centre.

Maria Babu came 1st in Ireland in the 2015 Junior Cert. Religion exam.


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Home Economics Ms. Duffy was selected to participate in a 2 year educational programme on Instructional Leadership with renowned Barrie Bennett which she has shared with her colleagues in the department. Leaving Cert We would like to congratulate our Leaving Cert classes of 2016 who achieved excellent results. The 5th Years have completed their journal assignments which are worth a total of 20% of their Leaving Certificate mark. Leaving Cert Applied The LCA 1 class held a very successful coffee morning where they produced scones, muffins, queen cakes and many other delights. Teachers got the chance to savour these delicious goods. They cooked a number of savoury and sweet dishes throughout the year. The LCA 2 class produced homemade jams for their task.

Junior Cert The 3rd Year Home Economics class produced fantastic wall hangings using embroidery stitches which helped them to achieve excellent results in the Junior Cert. They also had a cooking exam at Easter which was worth 35% of their total marks. Each student had an assignment to prepare and serve sweet and/or savoury dishes. The 1st and 2nd Year classes prepared a variety of dishes in class as well as making a phone holder (1st Yr) and a cushion (2nd Yr).


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Physics Students visit to Grant Engineering

Sixth Year Leaving Certificate Physics students visited Grant Engineering and received a very informative tour. Students got to see at first hand industrial process they had studied as part of their Leaving Cert. Physics course.

Students Front row L to R: Eimear Guinan, Niamh Carroll, Daniel Larkin, Lorcan Conn (grandson of founder Steven Grant).

Back row (L to R) Aaron Dickson, Macdara Kennedy, Conor Hickson, Mark Haines, Michael Carroll, Eoin Watkins. Students are pictured with Grant Engineering employees and tour guides for the day - Mary Dooley, Dan Currams and Damian McLoughlin.

LCVP Report The academic year 2015/2016 was a very successful and busy year for St. Brendan's LCVP Dept. Over 160 students engaged in the programme and the number of Distinctions awarded to St. Brendan's students was up from the previous year. Students prepare a detailed word processed Portfolio, worth 60%, and sit a written exam worth 40% of their final grade. Students combined their academic studies with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning and the world of enterprise, work and the community. Students had the opportunity to develop their interpersonal, vocational and technological skills. LCVP students in St. Brendan's went on a week’s Work Experience Programme and also did recorded interviews to help them relate to and prepare for the world of work. They carried out career investigations and worked together as part of a team to organise events outside of class like visits to local enterprises. Local companies that facilitated such visits included Milne Foods, Dooly's Hotel, Mossfield Cheese Factory and Birr Theatre & Arts Centre who all gave invaluable advice, presentations and tours to our students about their businesses and the world of work and enterprise. LCVP students enjoyed other visits also. They attended the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, visiting all the various stalls of interest and learning more about different businesses relevant to subjects they are studying in their Leaving Cert or possible career options for their future. They also wrote up a Summary Report on this outing which would be included as part


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of their Portfolio. Another very enjoyable visit for our LCVP students was when they attended Limerick Colleges Open Day. They had the opportunity to visit UL, Mary Immaculate College, LIT and the Art College where they went to talks about the different courses available, got a chance to chat to and interview lecturers and also got a sense of college life as they toured around the campuses and witnessed all the facilities. LCVP students also had the chance to go to the Higher Options seminar in the RDS in Dublin, learning about courses both at home and abroad. LCVP students attended a workshop by James Duignan of Youth Connect, where they learned all about workers’ rights, trade unions and active citizenship. Students also benefited from having speakers in from all the major Universities and ITs. The LCVP and Career Guidance Departments have a very close association with each other in St. Brendan's where a sense of community is very important. Students invited guest speakers from St. Vincent de Paul and the Simon Community to St. Brendan’s. So overall it was a very successful year for our LCVP students as they developed a wide range of skills relevant for preparing them for further education or seeking employment, while instilling in them a sense of independence, individuality and awareness of their community.

FETAC Presentation September 2016

Sports Report 2015/16 Extra-curricular sport in St. Brendan’s offers every pupil a chance to represent the school in a wide range of activities. We always encourage our pupils to avail of these opportunities despite their busy school life and indeed their involvement in club and county commitments outside of school. This year sees the end of Senior Games in our school and for many this is the end of a special part of life in St. Brendan’s. However, we look forward to greater participation by our 6th Year pupils in P.E. as a result of losing our games time from the timetable. This is just a brief review of the sporting year in St. Brendan’s Community School and we are very grateful to all the teachers who give so freely of their time and expertise to enhance the lives of our pupils.

New Astro Pitch


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Hurling – Senior (Mr. D. Kenny and Mr. A. Treacy). The senior hurlers had a good league with victory over Good Counsel, New Ross in the first game. Narrowly beaten by Dublin South in St. Brendan’s Park, Birr they lost to St. Kieran’s, Kilkenny in Kilkenny. In the knock-out stages of the Leinster Senior “A” competition we lost to Borris Community College from Co. Carlow after a replay. The Carlow school lost out by 1 point against eventual Leinster and All-Ireland Champions St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny which proved that we were very competitive in this competition. U-16 Hurling – Playing in Leinster “B” Hurling after sweeping all before them in U–14 “B” theprevious year. Beat Cistercian Roscrea and lost out to eventual winners (Tullamore) Colaiste Choilmon a score line of 1 – 12 to 1 – 7.U-14 HurlingPlayed in U-14 “B” - this proved to be a disappointing year after the clean sweep of all trophies in theprevious year.We beat Banagher Community College in the first game of the Championship but subsequent lossesto Colaiste Choilm, St. Mary’s Mullingar and Naas C.B.S, put an end to our hopes for the season.We had a very successful internal lunch-time hurling league. (see photograph of winning team)

Dungourney Cup Lunch-time League Winners Nov 15

Front Row L to R – Nathan Williams, Niall Lyons, Jake Heather, Barry Kearns, Ronan Bergin, Cathal Errity Back Row L to R – Liam Miller, Ronan McNamara, Adam Fitzgerald, James Harding, John Coughlan, Thomas Connors Camogie Won the D.C.U. Camogie Blitz for Senior Girls (see team photo). Reached the Leinster “A” Final at Senior Level. Narrowly beaten by Loreto Kilkenny. Junior and Minor teams both played in Leinster “A” and won competitions in both without outright success. The school were well represented on the Offaly Minor Camogie team which won the Leinster Final. Aisling Brennan, Ciara Brennan, Doireann Errity, Aideen Freeman, Dara Hanamy, Elizabeth Harding, Sarah Harding, Clodagh McCormack, Alanna McHugh, Orla Plunkett, Alana Roddy, Grace Teehan, Aoibhe Whelahan,


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Camogie 7 a side Winners April 16

Back Row L to R - Caoimhe Dunne, Brooke Whelahan, Grace Teehan, Sarah Harding, Niamh Campbell, Leah Gath Front Row L to R - Aoife Gilligan, Aoibhe Whelahan, Alanna Hehir, Alana Roddy, Ailish Maher Soccer Girls competed in Leinster U18 League. Boys competed in U–15, U–17 and Senior Soccer competitions. We had a great victory in the Jack McCann U–18 Soccer Competition played towards the end of the year. Well done to all concerned. Athletics Once again we had a very successful Offaly School Sports, winning the trophy for Best Overall School and also best Junior School. We held cross-country events for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Years during S.P.H.E. classes and we also had 4 very successful Sports Days for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and TY. 5th Year pupils helped to run each of these Tutor Group Sports Days. Badminton Leinster Junior Division 3 winners (Girls). Took part in Offaly School Badminton Competition winning three categories. Won Leinster Junior Division 3 Girls competition. Golf Our girls golf team took part in the Mid-Leinster golf competition for schools. Our boys golf team competed in the Leinster Inter Schools League. They competed well with one victory over Colaiste na Sionna, Banagher. Equestrian - St Brendan’s Show Jumping Interschool’s Team: Between September 2015 and May 2016 St Brendan’s show jumping interschool’s team competed in various competitions in different locations all over the country such as Kildare, Thurles, Mullingar and Kilkenny. Students in both open and novice teams competed to a high standard getting into the jump offs in many competitions. Students who did not have their own horse participated on our team by attending our regular meetings and training sessions. The students trained once a month in Birr Equestrian Centre with all members of the team and also trained at home. The interschool’s group had great success in Mullingar last year with two Novice teams entered on the day. One novice team consisting of Grainne Moyles, Rachel Cosgrave, Dara Purcell and Hannah Landy got a clear round and were entered into the jump off. Two students were chosen to represent the overall team in the jump off and had to compete against the clock. They represented the team very successfully going clear and finished with second overall in the novice competition - a fantastic achievement. We had other great successes with another Novice team consisting of Grainne Moyles, Rachel Cosgrave, Grainne Heagney and Dara Purcell coming 4th in Warrington in Kilkenny. Also the


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St Brendan’s team proved successful in Kildare International Equestrian Centre coming 6th in the competition with Grainne Moyles, Grainne Heagney, Hannah Landy and Dara Purcell competing on the day.

Croke Park 7/3/16 Presentation of Proclamation and National Anthem by President Michael D Higgins

L to R Ms. P. Shelley, Rachel Mather, Eoghan Smyth, Dearbhla Lyons, Ms. M. Hackett

Fr Mike Geraghty newly ordained past-pupil with Fr Pat at Academic Mass Oct 15


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French-German Tour Spring 16

Class of 2016

Christmas Talent Show with Mundy


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Ciara O’Rourke A member of the Irish National Youth Ballet Company for over four years following national auditions, Ciara has performed in Birr Theatre in the Pre Christmas showcase of local talent and has performed with Tullamore Musical Society 2016 Show. Ciara has performed several times at Bord Gais Theatre and at a number of school musicals in St. Brendan’s. Ciara auditioned for and was accepted to the American Ballet Theatre’s summer programme in Los Angeles in 2016.

Mundy returned to his old school for a television programme recording in spring 2016.

L to R Luke Maher, Seamus Kinsella, Mundy, Kevin O’Keeffe, Conor Guilfoyle

Mundy with winners of the Talent Show 2015 - Sinead Bergin and Ciara O’Rourke and Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal)


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World Dancing Competitors Spring 16

Front Row L to R Aoife Kinahan, Aoife Gilligan, Elizabeth Harding, Dearbhail Ryan Back Row L to R Margaret Mulrooney, Nicole Cooper, Rachael O’Sullivan

Tommi Reichental Holocaust survivor with Aoife Maher and Naomi Cleare

School Musical 2015 Capacity audiences enjoyed the music of Queen in the multi award winning musical ‘We Will Rock You’ over three nights last November. A very talented cast performed well known hits that included ‘We Are the Champions’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Radio Ga Ga’ to a futuristic story set in the year 2020. After three months of intensive rehearsal, it was an unforgettable experience for everybody involved.

Leads 'We Will Rock You' Nov 15

Two students who scored in excess of 600 points in the Leaving Certificate 2016 and our congratulations to them both

Audrey McAuliffe (Left) is studying Actuarial and Financial Studies in UCD and Luke Fox (Right) is studying Engineering in NUIG

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World Dancing Competitors Spring 16

Front Row L to R Aoife Kinahan, Aoife Gilligan, Elizabeth Harding, Dearbhail Ryan Back Row L to R Margaret Mulrooney, Nicole Cooper, Rachael O’Sullivan

Tommi Reichental Holocaust survivor with Aoife Maher and Naomi Cleare

School Musical 2015 Capacity audiences enjoyed the music of Queen in the multi award winning musical ‘We Will Rock You’ over three nights last November. A very talented cast performed well known hits that included ‘We Are the Champions’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Radio Ga Ga’ to a futuristic story set in the year 2020. After three months of intensive rehearsal, it was an unforgettable experience for everybody involved.

Leads 'We Will Rock You' Nov 15


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BT Young Scientist and Technology 2016

The girls were highly commended for their project in the Intermediate Group Technology Category. The photo with the rosettes shows the prize that they won!

Laoise Murray, Annie Nichol & Jessica Fitzgerald

Laoise Murray, Jessica Fitzgerald and Annie Nichol from St Brendan's Community School, Birr who were placed 2nd in the Intermediate Technology Group category in SciFest at the Athlone Institute of Technology in May 2016.

Laoise Murray, Jessica Fitzgerald, Annie Nichol and Ms. A. Duane (Teacher), from St Brendan's Community School, Co. Offaly who won 1st prize in the Senior Eco Art and Design Award at the Eco Unesco Young Environmentalist

Awards held in Dublin in May 2016.


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Gaisce Report It has been a fantastic year for Gaisce in St. Brendan's. 45 TY students completed the Bronze award and received their medals, certs and pins during their TY night in May. Throughout the last academic year both 5th Year and Leaving Cert students went to Lilliput Adventure Centre to complete their Venture Journey over a rigorous weekend of activity. Overall it has been an exceptional year and we wish our Bronze and Silver awardees all the best in their future endeavours. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. A. Byrne and Ms. E. Camon who have joined the team this year.

Students who have completed Silver Gaisce over the last two years. The students involved from the academic year 2015-2016 are Paula Donnelly, Hayley Farrell, Clodagh Finnerty, Aisling Garland, Clodagh Hanniffy, Aoife Hogan, CIara Murray

Venture Trip to Lilliput.


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Gaisce Awards

Back Row L to R Ms. P. Shelley, Aisling Garland, Paula Donnelly Middle Row L to R Ian Madigan, Aoife Hogan, Hayley Farrell

Front Row Clodagh Hanniffy

Gaisce Awards

L to R Clodagh Hanniffy, Hayley Farrell, Aoife Hogan, Aisling Garland, Ciara Murray, and Paula Donnelly


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Awards Ceremony 2015/2016

LCA 1 Student Of The Year 2016

Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal), Christopher Hayden and Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal)

Students Who Achieved Between 6 and 11 As In Junior Cert.

Front Row L to R Jack Kennedy, Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal), Colm Hogan, Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal), Luke Sheridan Back Row L to R Tara Fanning, Una Murray, Roisin O’Connor Therese Larkin, Niamh Lyons, Maire Brennan, Sian Cooke


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Spirit Of St. Brendan’s Award

Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal), Emmett Fitzgerald, Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal)

Academic Awards

Front Row L to R Clodagh O’Carroll, Roisin Brennan and Cathriona Reddin Back Row L to R Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal), John Grimes, Conor Brummell, Joseph Kelly, Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal)


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Student Of The Year Awards

Front Row L to R Maire Brennan and Therese Larkin Back Row L to R Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal), Luke Sheridan, Eoin Stapleton, Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal)

Student Of The Year Awards

Back Row L to R:- Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal), Michael Hand, Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal) Front Row L to R:- Aisling Carroll, Sarah Ryan, Aoife Guinan


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Special Achievement Award

Keisha Byrne with her Parents

FETAC Award

Back Row L to R:- Mrs. M. Loughnane (Principal) and Mr. B. Hensey (Deputy Principal) Front Row L to R:- Luke Alexander, Mrs. V. Alexander, Jeremy Alexander

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