St Brigid’s School awards give students ‘confidence to shine’
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Mrs Doyle Award winners Megan, Adam and Cian with Ms Jordan.Image 2 of 13
IT Person of the Year winners Amy, Cody and Latisha.Image 3 of 13
Leavers Awards from purple class, Ms Jennings, John, RT, Isolda and Ciaran.Image 4 of 13
Leavers Awards from yellow class with Ms Jordan (left), Alex, Amy, Eimir, and Ms Henshaw (right).Image 5 of 13
Footballer of the Year award recipients Kian and Kyle with Ms Henshaw.Image 6 of 13
Mollie Henshaw (secondary yellow class), Joanne Jordan (principal) and Phil Tifft (secondary blue).Image 7 of 13
Outstanding Contribution to Student Life award winners Mohammad, Cody and Zoey, with Ms Butler.Image 8 of 13
Artist of the Year winners Eileen, Mohammad, and RT, with Ms Maguire.Image 9 of 13
Ms Hughes with the Guardian of the Galaxy award winners, Maria, Alannah and Cillian.Image 10 of 13
Cody, Mr Moloney and Ciaran.Image 11 of 13
Principal Joanne Jordan and Alex presenting his teacher Ms Henshaw with a bouquet of flowers ahead of her wedding this summer.Image 12 of 13
Chef of the Year winners Brandon, Hegrael and Sara with Mr Tifft.Image 13 of 13
Ray of Sunshine Award winners Roisin, Ronan and Tara.The end-of-year award ceremony at St Brigid’s School in Mullingar aimed to give students the "confidence to shine," according to principal Joanne Jordan.
The event took place last Tuesday, June 18, in the school hall and was attended by parents, teachers, and about 80 students.
Awards for best chef, carpenter, musician, and footballer showcased the wide range of education offered at the special school.
Other awards celebrated students’ personalities, such as the Ray of Sunshine Award for those who brightened every class with a smile, and the Mrs Doyle Award for those with a knack for hospitality - and for making a great cuppa!
Some pupils received their Gaisce Awards (President’s Awards) following months of hard work, while others bid farewell to St Brigid’s as they finish their education later this month.
Ms Jordan said the ceremony is one of the most important dates in the school’s annual calendar.
"Our annual awards highlight our students’ strengths and achievements throughout the year, and it doesn’t just cover academics," she said.
"The students work so hard in so many different areas that we like to highlight all their skills and adapt it every year to suit their needs and strengths.
"There’s always lots of talk and speculation about who will get each award, and everyone supports one another if there’s any disappointment.
"It gives students the confidence to shine and the chance to experience success."
Ms Jordan also praised the St Brigid’s faculty for their efforts throughout the year.
"Staff often miss lunch if there’s an issue or if it’s very busy. They go above and beyond for the students in whatever they do," she said.
"It’s very much a family atmosphere in the school because some students may be in a class for up to four years with the same teacher and staff, depending on their age and profile, and they build great relationships."
Ms Jordan emphasised the school goal of giving children the best chance in the world when they graduate.
"We have 80 students this year, from age four all the way up to age 18," she said.
"We have the primary curriculum, the Junior Cycle curriculum, and the QQI programme.
"So, every child, if they come to the school young enough, will leave the school with two state-certified qualifications."
"St Brigid’s School is also set to undergo construction work over the summer recess.
"We secured a new grant for just under £500,000 to replace our whole heating system and hot water system," said Ms Jordan.
"It was needed because we had emergency closure days in February due to our heating system leaking fuel everywhere.
"Thankfully, we applied for a grant and got it, which means there should be new pipework and radiators in ahead of the next school year."