Tel: 091 841919 Fax: 091 842647 Web: www.lvs.ie

Email: admin.stbrigidsvs@gretb.ieTwitter: @stbrigidsvs

6210

1 K

PW

Bal

linas

loe.

090

964

2297

.

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS | www.lvs.ie

ST. BRIGID’S COLLEGE Coláiste Naomh Bríd, Baile Locha Riach

Loughrea, Co. Galway

2017

The mission of St. Brigid’s College is to provide the highest educational standards and facilities which will:

• enable our students to reach their full potential• prepare our students to participate fully as good citizens in society.

Toachievetheseaimsweprovide:

• A wide programme of practical and academic subjects

• A broad range of sporting and recreational facilities

• A wide choice of extra curricular activities to help students develop personal and social skills.

St. Brigid’s is a school with support structures in place, which lead to each student being able to grow and develop in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. We have a strict code of conduct which allows teachers and students to develop relationships of trust and respect in a learning and caring environment.

PHOTO GALLERYMission Statement

Head Prefects, Shane Dolphin and Aoife Muldoon

Formula 1 Team Manager, Adam Fahey working on the teams World Finals F1 Car in the schools state of the art STEM building.

Former student Patrick Skehill, captain of the St Thomas’s Senior Hurling Team, County Champions 2016

Cadet A All Ireland Shield Winners 2016Back Row: L to R: Shannon Ridge (Captain), Emma Waters, Mary Barrett(Coach), Sarah Healy, Sinead Corcoran.Front Row: L to R: Laura Headd, Michelle Prendergast, Benita Fahey, Amy Treacy, Katie Sheehan

1

Dear Parents,

As primary educators of your children, you are very conscious of the importance of a good second level education. The choice of a school, where your child will be happy and reach his/her full potential is vital.

At St. Brigid’s school we are fully aware of our daily task in educating young people, in a short period of time, for life in a rapidly changing world. We provide an educational service of the highest quality.

All students receive an equal share of resources and a commitment to individual excellence, ensuring a concentration on strengths rather than an emphasis on difficulties.

Students are given the necessary opportunities and are encouraged to study for their examinations, which are required for entry into all Third Level Colleges and Institutes of Education. Some students whose aptitudes may be of a more practical nature and who may, by choice, wish to follow a specialised course of training are equally important, as are the pupils who experience learning difficulties and therefore require special help.

St. Brigid’s is a dynamic establishment in which evaluation, modification and innovation are being constantly undertaken by the staff. This ensures that students can benefit in the best possible way from a constantly reviewed and where necessary, restructured curriculum.

We hope this prospectus will help you understand what we do for young people who attend St. Brigid’s. This booklet gives only a limited view of our school, its aims, organisation, atmosphere and facilities.

We invite you to come to our school to see it for yourself.

MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Sean ConnollyPrincipal

David MonaghanDeputy Principal

2

HISTORY OF SCHOOL & DEVELOPMENT

St. Brigid’s College is a second level school under the auspices of Galway/Roscommon Educational Training Board. Vocational Education was introduced in Loughrea in 1932 and in 1983 the present school was built on a nine acre site in Mount Pleasant.

Since then the development of the site has continued and additional facilities have been put in place. These include playing pitches, changing rooms, a sports hall and all-weather long jump and high jump facilities.

St. Brigid’s is a single storey building comprising of 38 rooms, 15 specialist and 23 all purpose classrooms. Our school is a modern school with an exceptional level of IT facilities. All rooms are equipped with computers, data projectors and Wi-Fi while our students are equipped with tablets/mini laptops to embrace and learn in the digital world that we now live in.

The most recent development completed in August 2015 involved a two million euro investment in our school. This extension consisted of an Engineering Technology & Metalwork room, a Construction Studies/ Architectural Technology room, a Wood/Technology Machining & Preparation room, a Science Laboratory and a Home Economics room as well as five general classrooms with storerooms and bathrooms included. The existing school was reroofed and new windows were fitted.

With the passing of the Education and Training Board Act in 2013 our school was officially renamed St. Brigid’s College to comply with legislation.

3

ACHIEVEMENTS

St. Brigid’s Loughrea winners in “Young Economist of the Year” CompetitionSecond Year Business Studies students at St. Brigid’s College, Loughrea were presented with silver medals at Maynooth University having taken second place in the “Young Economist of the Year” competition for their video “The Changing Face of Money”.

Back row L to R:Gillian Donoghue, Niamh Treacy, Mark Daniels, Brian Treacy, Eoin Conaghan, Jack Egan, Peter Martin, Laura Headd, Cian ShielMiddle row L to R: Ben McDonald, Deirdre Blake, Rebecca Dillon, Damien McGlynn, Darragh Reilly, Shane Donnellan, Sinead KennedyFront row L to R:Saoirse Drennan Walls, Alannah Curley, Emer Shaughnessy, Rebecca McGhee Ruane, Avril Donoghue, Benita Fahey, Jade Callanan Flynn, Sara Connolly

Second Year students in Croke Park in September when St. Brigid’s College second year team representing Connacht, participated in a national hurling blitz.

Ellen Treacy being presented with her Entrance Scholarship Award by Dr Jim Brown, President of NUIG.

4

CURRICULUM

Junior Level Subject Range

Irish French Computer Science

English German Home Economics

Maths Geography Music

Science History Junior Engineering

Business Studies Technical Graphics Woodwork

Religious Education Physical Education Art & Craft

S.P.H.E. C.S.P.E. Guidance

Technology Well Being

Senior Level

History Music Art

Irish Physics Accountancy

English Chemistry Business Organisation

Maths Biology Economics

French Ag. Science Engineering

German Geography Construction Studies

Religious Education Design & Comm. Graphics Home Economics S.S.

Computer Science Physical Education Applied Maths

Transition Year

The Curriculum provides a comprehensive range of options for our students. We introduce First Years to a complete range of subjects. This enables them to discover special aptitudes and abilities they may have been unaware of before coming to us. It also makes it easier for them to choose their subjects for Junior Certificate. All Leaving Certificate subjects are taught to Honours Level. Leaving Certificate students also have the opportunity to study the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme. The subject choice for Senior level may change depending on student needs and demands.

5

CHOOSING SUBJECTS

Junior Certificate Subjects

Leaving CertificateSubjects

Third LevelDirection

Home EconomicsHome Economics Social and Scientific

Teacher of Home Economics, Catering and Tourism Courses, Social Studies Courses, Food Science, Nursing.

Wood Technology Construction StudiesConstruction Studies, Teaching, Engineering courses at 3rd level, Apprenticeships, Technology.

Metal Technology Engineering Technology

Engineering Teaching, Engineering courses at Universities and ITs. Apprenticeships.

Art Art

Courses in Art, Design, Advertising, Textiles, Architecture and Video, Film & T.V. Production.

Music MusicTeacher of Music, Music Performance, the Music Industry.

Technical GraphicsDesign and Communication Graphics

Graphics, Engineering, Architecture, Designer, Architectural Technology.

We have a comprehensive range of subjects available in First Year. All students take 13 compulsory subjects. All students are required to take a continental language up to Junior Cert. Students choose between French or German prior to commencing school in September. The optional subjects are listed below. Students are required to select two subjects from the list. In order to facilitate students we allow them to sample each subject for a short period of time before making their final decision. They are also assisted in making their choices. Students take nine subjects at Examination Level for Junior Certificate. The table of subject options below indicates their relevance at Leaving Certificate level and their usefulness for Third Level career choices later.

NB: We are the only school in the area that offers Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture Science, Physics, Economics and Engineering Technology to Leaving Certificate Honours Level.

6

UNIFORM

GIRLS’ UNIFORM BOYS’ UNIFORM

SkirtNavy with blue pin stripe worn to the knee

Pants (2) Navy, hopsack, minimum leg width 16”

Pants Navy with blue pin-stripe Jumper Navy, V-Neck with school crest

Jumper Navy V-Neck with school crest Shirt Sky Blue (x2)

Blouse Sky blue (x2) ShoesEcco (Black shoes) orDoc Martens (Navy) orNavy Leather Susst (White Sole)

ShoesNavy leather Susst (White Sole) orAV8 Navy Deck shoes orDoc Martens

Socks Navy

TightsNavy, ribbed or fine orNavy knee-length socks

T-Shirt White round neck only

T-Shirt White round neck only Jacket

Choice from:( 1.) O’Neills Rain jacket.( 2.) Half Zip O’Neills top. ( 3.) Navy School Jacket.

This is an attractive uniform which is worn by all students. The onus is on each student to be organised each morning and to wear the uniform in its totality each day. We welcome the support of parents in ensuring that students comply with the uniform regulation. Students who do not wear the full uniform must remain at home and if they come to school in an incomplete uniform, they will not be allowed in class. Parents will be called either at home or place of work and asked to take the student home. The only exception to not wearing the full uniform is for medical reasons in which case a medical certificate must be submitted to the Year Head supporting the request for exemption.

Patricia Manning receives Player of the Game award after St. Brigid’s All-Ireland Senior Camogie final win over Loreto Kilkenny.

7

DISCIPLINEOur discipline policy places emphasis on respect for individuals, individual students and individual teachers. This emphasis on respect leads to happy working relationships within the school and brings morale to a high level.

1. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE:

A. PUPILS Each student has the right to learn. Therefore, I don’t disturb the class and deprive my fellow students of their rights.

B. TEACHERS Teachers have a right to teach without having to constantly correct me for lack of attention and co-operation or for disruptive behaviour.

C. PARENTS My parents have the right to expect that I perform to the best of my ability. I recognise that study will secure my livelihood, develop my talents and skills and help me to enjoy rest and recreation.

2. RESPECT FOR PROPERTY:

I must always respect:

What belongs to meWhat belongs to othersand should not therefore, damage, take, mark, break or writeon school, or my fellow student’s property.

Damaged property must be paid for by the student concerned.The school rules and regulations were drawn up in consultation with teachers, students and parents.

Transition Year fundraisingA number of Transition Year students got involved in Fundraising for the Pieta House Charity in conjunction with the Galway2Norway Land Rover charity drive. THE Galway2Norway group aimed to raise €20,000 and with the small help from St. Brigid’s College students, the group managed to raise in excess of €27,000 for the charity. Events took place in school such as a Movie day and Bucket Collections were also held. Congrats to all involved on raising some much needed funds for a very worthwhile charity.

Transition Year Presentation to Pieta House

8

HOMEWORK/STUDY

Constant and diligent homework and study are vital if a pupil is to keep pace with his/her subjects and achieve good results in exams. At the end of each class, teachers assign homework to students. Students must record this homework in their school journals. Parents are invited to take an interest in their homework, constantly check homework journals and ensure time is spent on its completion, in comfortable, quiet surroundings. The school’s homework policy is based on two important principles:

1. It is a natural progression of and support for the work pupils do in school

2. Homework is an opportunity for parents to take an interest in their children’s progress and provides a valuable link between home and school. Supervised study is available in the school Monday to Friday from 4-6 p.m.

School Golf Team Transition Year students performing at the annual Transition Year Fashion

Show

Second year students with their Tablets in the corridor of the new ten room extension.

9

GUIDANCE COUNSELLINGThe school has a full-time Guidance Counsellor. The Counsellor provides individual counselling to students who are experiencing problems which may interfere with personal achievement and well-being. Through the administration of aptitude and interest tests, the counsellor helps students gain a knowledge and appreciation of themselves and assists them in developing personal skills. The counsellor also guides the students in their career planning by making information available to them, and helping them to arrive at career decisions.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDSSome children have learning difficulties and we provide as much special help for these pupils as resources allow. While classes are not streamed we keep the class that included special needs students as small as possible. It is vital that parents advise the school of any specific educational need that the student is experiencing.

LEARNING SUPPORTThe school has a full time qualified teacher available to students experiencing learning difficulties. Our Learning Support teacher will work with students both individually and in small groups. The school has a learning support centre equipped with computers and appropriate teaching aids.

PASTORAL CAREThe staff of St. Brigid’s are committed to making all students feel happy and safe in the school so they can benefit fully from their secondary education. To this end, we have a pastoral care/discipline programme in place. Under this system, a teacher (Year Head) takes responsibility for the welfare of a particular year. This teacher meets the year head group on a regular basis, gets to know each student and follows a set Pastoral Care Programme.

PUPILS’ NEEDS

Aoife Gormally being presented with her Entrance Scholarship Award to NUIG by Dr. Jim Brown

10

Examination results are very important to pupils, parents and teachers. All students must reach their full potential. Every effort is made to enable students gain the highest possible grades in both State and House Examinations. This we achieve by setting the highest standards possible and demanding total commitment from all students.

Students are continually assessed. At the end of each month they have assessment tests. They have two major exams, at Christmas and in the Summer and reports are posted to parents. A watchful eye is kept on all students, their progress is continually monitored and parents are kept informed.

By these methods, our students gain excellent results in both the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Our results are second to none, and have placed us at the top of the scale of second level schools in Ireland.

We are the top school in the region for students progressing to Third Level Colleges. On an annual basis between 92-100% of our Leaving Certificate students progress to Third level.

EXAMINATION RESULTS

Happy Leaving Certificate Students celebrating their exam results: Back row: L to R: Thomas Gordan (520 points),Finian Dolan (560 points), Ciaran Connor (515 points).Front row: L to R: Arlene Hardiman (580 points),Karina Cannon (510 points),Katlyn Egan (525 points) and Aoife Carroll (585 points)

11

Information and communication technology is now an integral part of our personal and working lives. The children of today have been born into this age of technology and they are generally very comfortable and capable users. The prevalence of ICT requires us to ensure that all members of our schools community are capable of full participation in this digital world. At a European level, digital competence is one of the eight key competences adopted for lifelong learning.

St. Brigid’s College has invested heavily in ICT in recent years as we believe digital and interactive technologies bring a new richness of resources to the classroom and to learning and teaching in general.

We have made considerable progress in integrating ICT within the curriculum, which has enabled a more enriching and collaborative learning experience for our students and prepares them for the technological world that they will enter when they leave school and progress to college or join the work force. Current ICT infrastructure available in St. Brigid’s includes;

• Tablets / Mini Laptops for the entire student population.• Students with tablets / mini laptops currently have digital textbooks for the majority of their

subjects - a hugely innovative step in second level education. Tablets / mini laptops are also used for researching project work, for portfolio preparation and in the computer science pilot programme that all our Junior Cycle students follow.

• Three fully equipped computer rooms.• Data projectors and interactive white boards in all rooms.• Wi-fi available throughout the school.• High Speed Internet available in our school.• Regular access to teaching resources on the school’s internal network with additional resources

being rolled out on the internet through the school website and One Note.

ICT

Second Year students using their Tablets. Students have some of their books in E Book format for certain subjects as well as using the regular books for other subjects. The Tablet is used across all subjects for research, portfolio work, coding and powerpoint presentations. Access to individual IT devices will be necessary going forward as portfolio work for the new Junior Certificate will have to be word processed and stored electronically.

12

COMPUTER SCIENCE

The IT Department are delighted to announce the launch of the new ICS Computing skills curriculum which will be followed by all second year and transition year students. This curriculum will:

• Enhance the education of students by broadening the range of skills and knowledge they acquire.• Teach problem solving skills.• Prepare students for further study.• Generate interest in computing at Third level and improve retention rates.• Help bridge the skills gap.

By developing digital literacy in St. Brigid’s, we are enabling pupils to communicate and work more efficiently, and deepen their understanding of current high-technology.

The Programme is broken down as follows:

Module 1:Digital Media; Pupils will create their own short film using stop motion animation. This exciting project develops an understanding of hardware and audio while encouraging creativity.Module 2:Computational Thinking; Pupils develop programming skills and learn the value of pseudo code andalgorithms. Pupils will demonstrate their knowledge of computer programming by creating theirown computer programme, typically a computer game, and critically evaluating its success.

Students will be assessed on their progress by their teachers and the Irish Computer Society. Pass mark is 75% which leads to an ICS Skills Certificate of Achievement. This curriculum allows pupils to learn problem solving skills, develop critical thinking and improve on their technical literacy. With just over 40 schools in the country selected to carry out this programme, we are delighted to pass on this wonderful opportunity to our pupils in St. Brigid’s. This new computer Science course is offered as a short course in the new Curriculum for Junior Cycle.

Students using the IT Facilities in the new construction room

13

PHOTO GALLERY

Connaught First Year A Hurling Finalists Back Row Left to Right:

Jack Kilkenny, Alex Burns, Ciaran Daly, Sam Callanan, Ciaran Sheil, Brandon Morgan, Jack Larkin, Daniel O’Malley, Niall Martin, Ryan Howley, Ryan Harney, Keith Burke, Paddy Doak, Jack Leonard, Victor Manso, Cian Treacy, Keith

Coen, Cathal Lenihan

Front Row left to Right: Colm Quinn, Gary Coen, Shane Whyte, Ultan Jennings, DJ Donnellan, Jake Nee, Glen Linnane, Caelan Hardiman,

Jake Devine, Adam Kavanagh, Jonathan Blake, Cormac Porter, Rory Mahony

First Ladies Gaelic Football Squad

Back Row L to R: Sarah Fallon, Caitlin Cormican, Caoimhe Shiel, Jemma Flannery, Lucy Duggan, Asia Clarke, Aimee Hardiman, Adina Fahey, Allie Gilchreest, Sophie Monohan, Caoimhe Starr

Front Row L to R: Chloe Geraghty, Andrea Comar, Ornait Coen, Amy Ward, Hazel Connaghton, Lauren McNally, Claire LaBranche, Saoirse Hodgins, Lorna Hickey, Katie Gilchrist, Alana Whelan, Chloe Farragher

14

PHOTO GALLERY

Pictured above with Mr Micheal Burke MD Chanelle Group are Mr Sean Connolly (Principal), science teachers and students from St. Brigid’s and senior executives at Chanelle at the presentation of €12.5K worth of science equipment to the science department of St. Brigid’s College by the Chanelle Group.

Second year students who participated in the Teen Tech Science day at NUI Galway.

Back Row L to R: Ms.Lorraine Conroy, Ronan Donohue, Anton Tairov, Niall Martin, Matthew Murphy, Michael McCurtinFront Row: Jason Murphy, Jake Devine, Roksolana Kogut, Amy Prendergast, Danielle Whyte

15

In general, all costs relating to a student’s education are covered by the Galway Roscommon Educational Training Board/Department of Education’s financial allocation to the school. There are some charges that have to be met from voluntary contributions.

Student Fund:Students are asked to contribute a small amount to the student fund each year. The monies in the fund assist in the financing of games, school transport, photocopying, paper, student reports, guest speakers, out of school activities, lockers and full 24 hour insurance cover. The fee is collected at the beginning of the school year.

Lockers:Each student is provided with a locker and student Journal.

Book Rental E-Book Scheme:We have in place for all students an E-book rental and book rental Scheme for which there is an annual fee. The scheme reduces considerably the cost to parents of providing textbooks. Details of the scheme will be available before the school year commences.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Top National Accountancy Award for St. Brigid’s College Loughrea Student

Sara Finnerty, a past pupil of St. Brigid’s College Loughrea achieved first place in the Leaving Certificate Honours Accountancy examination in Ireland. This is a fabulous achievement in the context that approximately six thousand students sat the Leaving Certificate Accountancy Examination.

Sara who is studying Pharmacy in Trinity College, along with her parents James and Mary as well as her Accountancy teacher Ms Carmel Mannion and school principal Mr Sean Connolly were guests at the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland awards ceremony held in the Banking and Payments Federation Head Offices in Nassau Street in Dublin.

The gold medal was presented to Sara by Mr Eddy Collier , CEO of Bord Gáis to mark this outstanding accomplishment.

16

Transition Year is an optional year after the Junior Certificate. It has many advantages for the students:

• An extra year to mature before making subject choices for Leaving Certificate;• An opportunity to experience a wider range of subjects;• Develops critical thinking and independent learning skills;• Prepares student for life and the world of work;• Work experience is an integral part of the programme;• Greater participation in extra curricular activities;• Greater opportunities for fostering creativity, initiative and leadership;• It is our experience that students who take this programme perform better in the Leaving Cert.

TRANSITION YEAR

Transition Year Students performing at our Annual Fashion Show

17

Top Engineering Award at World Finals for St. Brigid’s College, Loughrea

Pictured at the F1 Awards Gala Ceremony in Austin Texas are L to R: Formula 1 in Schools Head of Scrutineering, Willie Mc Known, Eibhlin Lee, Lucy Doyle, Daniel Mahony, Conor

Flanagan, Caimin Darcy and Adam Fahy

St. Brigid’s College is celebrating International success as six students from the school took home major honours at the Formula 1 in Schools World Finals held in Austin Texas from October 14th to October 24th 2016.Supermac’s Racing won the prestigious Scrutineering Award for the accuracy and quality of the en-gineering on their World Finals Formula 1 Car, beating the best teams from all over the globe in the process. The awards were announced by compère and Sky Sports F1 commentator, David Croft, at the F1 in Schools Gala Awards Ceremony in front of an audience of some of the top dignitaries from the World of F1 Racing.This is a great achievement for the St. Brigid’s students who picked up their specially commissioned trophy at the F1 in Schools Gala Awards Ceremony in Austin, Texas following four days of intense competition.Following their success, the team were guests of honour at the Scuderia Ferrari garage, where they spoke at length with the team’s top engineers, while also getting an opportunity to chat with four time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, during qualifying for the American Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.The F1 in Schools competition is widely recognised as the premier global competition for second level students.The competition encompasses all the key STEM subjects (Science-Technology-Engineering-Maths) , as well as aspects of business, entrepreneurship and innovative thinkingAs part of the ten day experience the six students, Mr Monaghan and Mr Cleary attended the Ameri-can Grand Prix. You can follow the team’s journey and view all their photos and videos on Facebook: Supermac’s Racing or Twitter: @SupermacsRacing

18

PHOTO GALLERY

Pictured above are Transition Year Students who participated in the Transition Year Young Designer Competition at the St. Brigid’s College Loughrea Fashion Show held in the Loughrea Hotel and Spa: L to R; Leah McGrath, Erin Whyte, Eve Power, Dearbhla Melia, Saoirse Drennan-Walls, Ms Siobhan Treacy (Art and Design Teacher), Benita Fahey, Katie Sheehan(Winner) and Sinead Kennedy

Students at work in Woodwork Room

19

PHOTO GALLERYAll-Star Hurling award winner 2016, Mr. David Burke, (Construction and DCG teacher)

First Year students display their cooking skills in the Home Economics room.

St. Brigid’s College students meet four times Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel during a visit to the Ferrari garage before the American F1 Grand Prix during F1 for Schools World Finals held in Austin, Texas in October.

20

PHOTO GALLERY

Students and Teachers who travelled on the school tour to Paris in April 2016.

St. Brigid’s College wins Euroscola Competition 2016

St. Brigid’s College represented Ireland at the European Youth Parliament in Strasburg in April 2016. The school represented the North West Region debating and discussing topical issues in the Parliament in Strasburg with 27 other countries.

The competition was open to all Transition Year students over 16 years and 24 students were selected. Flight and accommodation costs were covered by the European Parliament.

21

PHOTO GALLERY

Students who participated in St. Brigid’s College 1916 commemoration evening in April 2016.

Retired champion National Hunt Jockey A.P. McCoy is given a guard of honor on a recent visit to the school to address the student body.

Students at work in the Art room.

22

PHOTO GALLERY

Transition Year student Eric Downey who was an award winner in the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Awards Competition 2016. He is pictured with his English teacher Ms Dolores Kavanagh and was presented with his award at the Annual Patrick Kavanagh weekend in Inniskeen, Co Monaghan.

Volleyball Award winners with coach Ms Mary Barrett and special guest Michelle Drysdale at school’s annual awards day.

Leaving Certificate Geography students on their field trip to the Lahinch beach and The Burren.

Chanelle Science Scholarships Award 2016L to R Michael Burke MD Chanelle Group, Annette Lambe (Science Teacher), Katlyn Egan (Winner), Arlene Hardiman (Runner up), AP McCoy (Special Guest), Sean Connolly (Principal).

23

Activities outside the classroom are vital for all-round education and holistic development of our students. Participation in these activities enables students to grown in confidence and maturity. We at St. Brigid’s are blessed to have so many teachers who are willing to give of their time in organising activities, both sporting and cultural for their students. We are the only school in the area to have a full size Sports Hall for all indoor games and two superb outdoor grass pitches.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES:A comprehensive programme of physical education begins in First Year and runs through until the student leaves. The aim of this course is the physical development of the student through the medium of selected physical activities. Considerable effort goes into meeting the students recreational needs and inemphasizing the importance of health and fitness. In St. Brigid’s we have excellent facilities for outdoor games, two playing pitches, three hard courts, dressing rooms etc. We play a wide variety of games: hurling, camogie, football, rugby, soccer, spikeball, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball. We take part in track and field events as well as cross country running. The availability of such a variety of games guarantees that most students will participate in at least one sport. Students are encouraged to take part in games, but are never forced or pressurised.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Brigid’s College Loughrea : All Ireland Senior A Camogie College Champions 2016

Pictured above is the St. Brigid’s College Loughrea senior camogie panel and management who won the All Ireland Senior A Colleges Camogie title by defeating Loreto, KilkennyBack row L to R: Sean Connolly(Principal), Aoife Brennan, Annie Nevin, Emma Waters, Sarah Healy, Sinead Cannon, Katie Donoghue, Aisling Connolly, Patricia Manning, Caoimhe Gaffney, Shauna Treacy, Miranda Comer, Niamh Brennan, Mary Larkin, Cianna Reidy, Ger Lyons (Manager), John Breheny (Selector), Sinead Brennan(Selector),David Monaghan( Deputy Principal).Front row L to R: Ciara Prendergast, Eva Kelly, Michelle Prendergast, Caoimhe Reidy, Emma Byrne, Tara McNally, Emma Reynolds, Katie Manning, Tara Murphy(Captain), Sarah Spellman, Siobhan Skehill, Shannon Ridge, Alice Whiriskey, Fiona Burke, Joanne Daly, Tegan Canning and Grace Whiriskey.

24

PHOTO GALLERY

Pictured above is Brendan Lynch from St. Brigid’s College, Loughrea who won the gold medal for the Intermediate Boys Triple Jump at the Glo Health Irish Schools Track and Field National Championships. He is pictured with his coach Mary Barrett. Brendan represented Ireland at the Triple Jump.

Shane Dolphin reads The Proclamation at St. Brigid’s College commemoration ceremony.

Members of the School Choir and Orchestra performing at the School Fashion Show.

25

PHOTO GALLERY

Students at work in the Art room

Katie Sheehan winner of TY Young Designer Award 2016

Past student Joe Cooney, captain of Sarsfields Senior

Hurling Team, County Champions 2015

26

St. Brigid’s College Students Presentation to Crumlin Childrens Hospital

Shane Dolphin and Orlaith Ni Churraoin accepting the School Ambassador Award for Cycle Against Suicide from Niall Muldoon Ombudsman for Children at a reception held in Dublin. St. Brigid’s are Three Times Award Winners for the promotion of Mental Wellness in school.

Pictured at the Presentation of a cheque by Transition Year Students at St. Brigid’s College for €4040 to Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin are L to R: Conor Flanagan, Shonagh Gilligan, Dylan Daly, Rachael Daly (Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin), Eva Prendergast, Rachael Gacquin, Eimear Loughnane, Ms Mary Linnane and Mairead Loughnane.

27

We are very fortunate that the Galway Roscommon Educational Training Board award a large number of scholarships each year in Irish to First, Second and Fourth Year students. Students spend 3-4 weeks in the Gaeltacht and this will be of major benefit to them in both Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Scholarships in French/German are also available from Galway/Roscommon Education Training Board. Students spend three weeks in Euro-Languages College studying French.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Third year students on their first day back at school

Gaeltacht Scholarships 2016Pictured above are students from St. Brigid’s College Loughrea who were awarded Gaeltacht Scholarships by GRETB for Summer 2016. Back row: Beibin O Malley, Caoimhe McGrath, Cathal Lenehen, Emma Killilea, Lisa Fallon, Kate Reilly. Front row: Ciara Harney, Niamh Brennan, Sean Mullins, Brandon Morgan, Rachel McInerney, Tara Corbett and Sorsha Moran.

Student working on the lathe in the new Engineering Technology Room

28

PHOTO GALLERY

PARENT’S ASSOCIATIONAt the Parents Association meeting on December 1st 2014 Mr Sean Lawless was elected as Chairperson and Mr Gerry Treacy was elected as Secretary of the Parents Association.Ms Nuala Ni Churraoin and Mr Dessie O Brien were elected as the parents representatives on the Board of Management.

Biology students in the new Science Laboratory with Ms Annette Lambe.

Junior Rugby Team

29

PHOTO GALLERY

Students at work on the CNC 3 Dimensional Rapid Prototyper in the new Engineering Technology room.

St. Brigid’s College Loughrea: All Ireland Senior A Volleyball Champions 2016Back row L to R: Kevin Magale, Aaron Murray. Dylan Towolawi, Jason Nevin, Finian Dolan,

Brendan Lynch, Mary Barrett (Coach) Front row L to R: Vinny Kenny, Ciaran Connor, Keane Holloway, Colin Curley, McKinley Magale,

Karol Smarul.

Student at work on the Drilling Machine in the new Engineering Technology room.

Second Year Football team 2016

30

PHOTO GALLERY

St. Brigid’s College, Loughrea Connacht Junior A Camogie Champions 2016

Back row: L to R: John Breheny, Emily Fallon, Sinead Keane, Leigh Daniels, Ciara Prendergast, Eva Kelly, Claire Blake, Emma Waters, Grace Whiriskey, Miranda Comer, Cianna Reidy, Michelle

Prendergast, Sinead Cannon, Mary Larkin, Sarah Healy, Sinead Healy.

Front row: L to R: Ger Lyons, Alice Whiriskey, Aoife Brennan, Joanne Daly, Emma Reynolds, Avril Donoghue, Shannen Ridge (Captain), Annie Nevin, Niamh Brennan, Katie Manning,

Tegan Canning.

Leaving Cert Maths class with Ms Tannion First year student displaying work using her tablet

31

PHOTO GALLERY

Leaving Certificate Students at their Graduation Cermony in May

St. Brigid’s College Loughrea, All Ireland Medal Celebration Dinner

Pictured above are the St. Brigid’s College Loughrea, All Ireland Senior A Camogie winning panel with special guest Joe Canning at their All Ireland medal celebration dinner held in the Loughrea

Hotel and Spa.

Back row: L to R: Caoimhe Reidy, Emma Reynolds, Sinead Cannon, Katie Donoghue, Aisling Connolly, Emma Byrne, Caoimhe Garvey, Ciana Reidy, Grace Whiriskey, Katie Manning.

Third row: L to R: Eva Kelly, Michelle Prendergast, Sarah Spellman, Fiona Burke, Sarah Healy, Emma Waters, Patricia Manning, Shauna Treacy, David Monaghan(Deputy Principal).

Second row: L to R: Miranda Comer, Niamh Brennan, Aoife Brennan, Sinead Skehill, Mary Larkin, Alice Whiriskey, Joanne Daly, Annie Nevin, Tegan Canning, Ciara Prendergast, David Burke.

Front row: L to R: Tommy Coen, John Breheny(Selector), Joe Canning (Special Guest), Shannen Ridge(Junior Captain), Tara Murphy (Senior Captain), Tara McNally (Vice Captain),

Sinead Healy (Selector), Lorraine Conroy, Ger Lyons (Manager), Sean Connolly (Principal).

32

PHOTO GALLERY

Third year Music students who attended the Cork Pops Orchestra performance in the University of Limerick concert hall.

Daniel Mahony and the Formula 1 team in competitive mode at the World F1 for schools finals

33

St. Brigid’s Student wins J P McManus Scholarship

Alan Keane was one of 125 students nationwide who was awarded a J P McManus scholarship for 2015. Alan who completed his Leaving Certificate in 2015 at St. Brigid’s College Loughrea is now studying Medicine in NUI Galway.

Pictured at the J P McManus All Ireland Scholarship awards ceremonies in the University of Limerick are: L to R: J P McManus, Alan Keane (Award winner and past pupil of St. Brigid’s College), Ms Jan O Sullivan (Minister for Education) and Mr Sean Connolly (Principal)

Sara Finnerty, Leaving Certificate student, winner of an entrance scholarship to Trinity College, Dublin She is pictured with Dr. Patrick Prendergast, Provost of Trinity College.

Holly Whiriskey, Leaving Certificate student, winner of an entrance scholarship to University of Limerick. She is pictured with Dr. Dom Barry, President of UL.

34

PHOTO GALLERY

First year camogie squad

Back RowCaoimhe Starr, Sophie Monahan, Sarah Fallon, Caitlin Cormican, Asia Clarke, Aimee Hardiman,

Lucy Duggan, Adina Fahy, Alli Gilchreest, Jemma Flannery, Caoimhe Shiel

Front Row Ornait Coen, Chloe Geraghty, Andrea Comar, Amy Ward, Hazel Connaghton, Lauren McNally,

Claire La Branche, Saoirse Hodgins, Lorna Hickey, Katie Gilchrist, Alana Whelan, Chloe Farragher

Students and teachers modelling at the fashion show

35

PHOTO GALLERY

Transition Year Students with Santa who organised the Christmas Fair to raise funds for Crumlin Children’s Hospital

Transition Year students performing at school’s fashion show.

36

PHOTO GALLERY

Sport stars of the year Ciaran Connor and Tara Murphy

Tara Murphy being presented with Senior Camogie All-Ireland Cup following St. Brigid’s victory

Students of the year Arlene Hardiman and Finian Dolan

The mission of St. Brigid’s College is to provide the highest educational standards and facilities which will:

• enable our students to reach their full potential• prepare our students to participate fully as good citizens in society.

Toachievetheseaimsweprovide:

• A wide programme of practical and academic subjects

• A broad range of sporting and recreational facilities

• A wide choice of extra curricular activities to help students develop personal and social skills.

St. Brigid’s is a school with support structures in place, which lead to each student being able to grow and develop in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. We have a strict code of conduct which allows teachers and students to develop relationships of trust and respect in a learning and caring environment.

PHOTO GALLERYMission Statement

Head Prefects, Shane Dolphin and Aoife Muldoon

Formula 1 Team Manager, Adam Fahey working on the teams World Finals F1 Car in the schools state of the art STEM building.

Former student Patrick Skehill, captain of the St Thomas’s Senior Hurling Team, County Champions 2016

Cadet A All Ireland Shield Winners 2016Back Row: L to R: Shannon Ridge (Captain), Emma Waters, Mary Barrett(Coach), Sarah Healy, Sinead Corcoran.Front Row: L to R: Laura Headd, Michelle Prendergast, Benita Fahey, Amy Treacy, Katie Sheehan

Tel: 091 841919 Fax: 091 842647 Web: www.lvs.ie

Email: admin.stbrigidsvs@gretb.ieTwitter: @stbrigidsvs

6210

1 K

PW

Bal

linas

loe.

090

964

2297

.

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS | www.lvs.ie

ST. BRIGID’S COLLEGE Coláiste Naomh Bríd, Baile Locha Riach

Loughrea, Co. Galway

2017