Saint Brigid's Primary School Website
Learning, Striving, Achieving Together
In case any of our pupils received phones or smart devices this Christmas, we want to remind them that mobile phones are not permitted in school. Smartwatches or fitness trackers that have any recording function or game apps are also not allowed.
Thank you
Please read this important information from the HSE.
TO: All Principals, for sharing with parents, guardians and staff
FROM: Dr Eamonn O’Moore, Director National Health Protection;
Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health
RE: Significant levels of Flu, Covid-19 and RSV currently circulating
DATE: 6th January 2023
Significant increase in viral infections
We have seen a very significant increase in the usual winter viral infections. This includes an increase in flu, RSV and now Covid-19. This is because we are all mixing together more.
We would like to thank you for supporting the dissemination of these important messages and the whole school community for their efforts in following public health advice. As schools and other
activities re-open, it is timely to remind the school community of the key measures outlined below.
Important messages for families and children regarding any infections:
1) The most important measure is to stay home if you are unwell. Many children might have a runny nose or a slight cough in the winter season. However, if a child is feeling unwell, they should be at home. For example, they may have:
They should stay at home until those symptoms have finished. Children unwell with symptoms of one infection are more likely to get ‘co-infected’ with another infection which might make them more unwell if exposed.
See https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds-coughs-children/
Staying home when unwell will help prevent the spread to other children, families and staff.
2) Infection, prevention and control measures
– Cover coughs and sneezes
– Keep hands clean
Many of the measures we all got used to with Covid-19 are still important. Hygiene measures such as these should be encouraged for everyone. These measures help stop the spread of infection.
3) Vaccination
Making sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations will help:
Routine childhood vaccinations protect against many significant viral and bacterial infections. More information is available at https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/vaccines-your-child/
Flu vaccine
Children and young people with underlying conditions, are at increased risk of severe complications from flu and are recommended the flu vaccine.
It is important that all adults and children recommended the flu vaccine receive the vaccine. Check if you are recommended the flu vaccine at hse.ie/flu
It is not too late to get your free flu vaccine.
More information is available at www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/
Vaccination for Covid-19 is still available. Visit www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/children/
The most important ways to prevent the spread of all infections are making sure:
4. If you are concerned about your child
If you are concerned your child may be unwell, please check https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/colds- coughs-children/ There is information on coughs, colds, fever, rashes and symptoms of concern.
Advice on when to contact your GP or go to a hospital emergency department is available at https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/baby-child-seriously-unwell/
Typical symptoms of viral infections
Symptoms of viral infections typically include:
Many children with viral infections also have a generalised rash. Most children with viral infections can safely be cared for at home.
On this wonderful Wednesday, the children and staff are asked to wear something festive, a jumper, a hat, a scarf, a tie or tinsel. We would love a €2 contribution which we will pass to our chosen charity, Focus Ireland.
School closes at 12 noon.
Happy Christmas!
Dear Parents and Guardians
We have been asked by the DES to bring the following information to your attention.
Please read the memo regarding the significant increase in viral infections and Group A Strep infections from
by clicking THIS LINK
Our Christmas Fair is this Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Out PTA members and an army of volunteers have worked tirelessly for the last few weeks collecting and sorting stock for the fair. Over the last two days, they have transformed the Sports hall into a Christmas wonderland. There will be something for everyone at the Fair this year so please drop in for a while.
A big shout out to Mr. Ivers, our caretaker for all the extra work he has had to do this week and to the TY students from Castleknock College, Mount Sackville and Edmund Rice and other past pupils who also helped transform the hall.
The annuals have arrived and go on sale December 1st. Children can purchase one after small break from Mrs. Mac Donaghs office.. They should bring in the exact amount €5. Sales will continue until stocks run out.
What Daddy or Mammy does not remember the Christmas Annual which first went on sale 48 years ago? Since then they have been getting bigger and better every year.
Sourced from sustainably managed forests and 100% recyclable, each Folens Christmas Annual is bursting with activities, games, stories and competitions to entertain and delight this festive period. Plus, each Annual comes with a free Christmas pen or pencil.
This year they will be on sale after small break from Thursday, December 1st until stocks run out. They are priced at €5 which is great value for 80+ pages of fun!
Save the Date … December 3rd in the Sports Hall….it is going to be magical!
Crib Display
In consultation with our parish priest, Fr. Damian McNeice and the parish team, we are happy to inform you that we have confirmed the dates for The Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation in 2023.
We look forward to celebrating these special milestones in the children’s lives.
Children attend school as normal
We will give more information on arrangements for these dates nearer the time
