Month: October 2018

Swimming Champions

Cian McGrath and Cameron Jackson did an incredible job of representing St Brigids National School at the Leinster Schools competition which took place yesterday (21st Oct) at the NAC.
Cian qualified for the nationals which he is delighted with and Cameron also qualified and took home the gold for the 50M Back crawl and Bronze for the 50M Freestyle.
We are very proud of the effort these boys put into their training every week and we are delighted to see them achieve such fantastic and well deserved results. 

Saying Goodbye

Today we said goodbye to long standing pupils in our school. Matthew and David Price are leaving us for the sunny shores of Wexford. We are so sad to see them leave but we are also a little envious of their lovely new home. We wish them every success in their new school and home.  We know they will stay in touch with the great friends they have made here in Saint Brigid’s.

David in 5th Class

Goodbye cards were made and signed for the boys.

The Close Pals
Waiting to taste the cakes made by Aoibhinn !
6th class

Foot and Mouth Disease

We normally have a few cases of Foot and Mouth Disease  every year. Please read the following information.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

This is a disease caused by a group of viruses which usually affects young children. It causes blisters on hands and feet and mouth ulcers inside the cheeks and on the tongue. They may also have a sore throat and high temperature. These symptoms last for 7–10 days.

 

Is it dangerous?

No. All make a full recovery.

 

Is it the same as foot and mouth disease in cows?

No. A completely different virus causes foot and mouth disease in cows.

 

How is it spread?

The virus is spread by coughs and sneezes, and is also found in the faeces of infected children. Some children infected do not have symptoms but can still pass the virus on to others.

 

Is there any treatment?

There is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease – it is usually a mild and self-limiting illness. If a child feels unwell paracetamol may help. Antibiotics and creams or ointments for the blisters are not effective. Children recover just as quickly without them.

 

What is the incubation period?

Symptoms start 3-5 days after exposure to the virus.

 

How long are children infectious?

Children who are ill are infectious. Also they may carry the virus in their faeces for many weeks after they have recovered and so can continue to pass on infection.

 

How long should children stay away from school?

Children who are unwell should be kept off school until they are feeling better. Keeping children off school for longer than this is unlikely to stop the virus spreading. There may be other children in the school who appear well but are spreading the virus.

 

How can spread be prevented?

Since the virus is found in faeces, scrupulous attention must always be paid to hand washing after using the toilet.

 

Can you catch it more than once?

Yes, but children who are ill during an outbreak at school or nursery are unlikely to get it again during the same outbreak.

 

Thank you for giving this your attention. If you have any further questions please contact your GP.

Yours truly,

 

Denis Courtney

Nadal Tennis Academy

 

 

The Rafa Nadal Academy will host a Free Coaching Clinic at St Brigids National School on  Tuesday 23rd October at 1.30 to 3.30pm for a few tennis players. As places are limited only children from 5th and 6th who are currently playing tennis will be eligible for selection.

 

RSE Program

October 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please find information below re Relationships and Sexuality Education which we will commence teaching this November under the heading “Taking Care of My Body”

Relationships and Sexuality Education 2018

In 2008, a Relationship and Sexuality (RSE) policy document was drawn up in keeping with departmental guidelines. It was drafted by a committee comprised of parents, teachers and members of the Board of Management. It was launched at a meeting for parents on 22nd Jan ‘08 and was subsequently ratified by the Board.

RSE is an integral part of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE). The lessons related to RSE are provided under the following headings: Self-Identity, Taking Care of my Body, Growing and Changing, Safety and Protection, Myself and my Family, My Friends and Other People and Relating to Others.

During this coming November, 2018, under the heading “Taking Care of My Body”, your Junior and Senior Infant child will learn about his/her body and will be taught to name parts of the male and female body using appropriate anatomical terminology. (Anatomically correct baby dolls will be used in the lesson).

  • Infant classes: penis, vagina, navel.
  • 1st and 2nd classes: penis, vagina, navel, urethra, anus
  • 3rd and 4th classes: same as 1st and 2nd
  • 3rd and 4th classes will be able to discuss the stages and sequence of development of the human baby from conception to birth.

                  Conception and birth will not be discussed.

  • 5th and 6th classes: Speakers from Accord will visit 5th and 6th classes on separate dates later in the school year.
  • 5th class will be able to identify and discuss physical and other changes that occur in girls and boys during puberty.
  • 6th class will revise puberty facts and will understand the reproductive systems of male and female adults. They will understand sexual intercourse, conception and birth within the context of a committed, loving relationship. Teachers will be present.

 

We are obliged to teach this programme as it is part of the primary school curriculum. We are sensitive to the fact that, as primary educators, you are best placed to evaluate your child’s readiness for this programme. Therefore, we would recommend the following steps to ensure your peace of mind:

  • If you have any concerns regarding aspects of the Infant programme you are advised to view the lesson plans/resource materials the teachers will use.  These will be available for you to peruse between 1:45pm and 2:20pm in Ms. Doyle’s Room 6 (Infant Building) on Tuesday, 23rd October.  Ms. G. Fay will be available to answer any queries which may arise.
  • If you have concerns regarding the programme for 3rd/4th classes, Ms.G. Fay will be available to answer your queries during the same time-frame.
  • If you wish to withdraw your child from the lessons on the sensitive issues you must inform your child’s teacher in writing. The teacher  will then consult with you as to how best facilitate the opting out process.

Yours sincerely,

 

Denis Courtney