Rugby Coaching started up again this term. The pupils really enjoy the sessions with the World Cup giving extra impetus this year. All the boys enjoy developing the skills they have already learned and also learning some new omes. The sessions are carried out in a fun manner and later in the year the senior classes will participate in a rugby blitz in Birr Rugby Club.

This year again our music lessons were up and running under the guidance of Majella Killeen. Each year Majella in conjunction with the teachers brings the very best musically out of our boys through playing instruments, song singing, percussion, notation and general enjoyment of music. She goes above and beyond the call of duty organising the music for masses, communion and confirmation all going to benefit our boys.

Our sixth class pupils participated in the Rosary Rally held in St. Brendan’s Church. The pupils led the congregation in saying a decade of the Rosary. They spoke wih clarity and confidence and did a really good job on the night. The ceremony was followed by a procession around the church with all schools participating. Well done to Mr. Carroll , Mr. Crofton and the priests of the parish for all the preparatory work.

After qualifying from the school trials a group of athletes travelled to Tullamore to represent St. Brendan’s at a schools cross country event. With over thirty schools participating the boys all ran very well. St. Brendan’s managed to bring home three medals from the competition. Nathan Hynes ran a magnificant race to finish second in his individual event. Cambell Boyd also got a medal in his individual finishing in the top ten and in the sixth class race the boys managed to finish third in the team event. Well done to all runners you didi your school proud.

After giving more than thirty years of dedicated service Mrs. Rosemarie McManus retired from the staff of St. Brendan’s. She will be remembered for her teaching skills especially in the field of Special Education, her kindness and generosity of spirit, her friendly nature, her leadership qualities, her ability to be all things to all people and above all as a friend to all in St Brendan’s. At our Start of Year Mass Rosemarie was presented with a painting sketched by Darrell Lally on behalf of all the pupils. The Parents’ Association also made a presentation to her on the day and the staff and Board of Management made presentations at a function in the County Arms. We wish Rosemarie well in her future venture and hope she will visit St. Brendan’s on a regular basis. As a parting gesture Rosemarie donated a large cup/trophy (The McManus Cup) to the school to be given to students who show exceptional determination/effort/dedication/ and Rosemarie presented this award to Connor Saxby who was the recipiant for 2011.

First and second classes began their Lift Off Programme this term. This programme gives the pupils the opportunity to develop their literacy skills in a small group situation. The programme runs intensively for eight weeks with a follow up programme running in the classrooms for the rest of the year.

Members of our local Fire Brigade Service visited the school to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the pupils. They spoke about fire prevention, fire safety, what to do in an emergency. somke alarms and through a question and answer session also gave a fascinating insight into what life as a fire man is like. We thank them most sincerely for sharing their time and expertise with the boys.

Our Start of Year School Mass is always a great occasion and creates a wonderful atmosphere in the school. This year our theme was “Flowers”. There was wonderful art work done in all the classrooms and the gym was adorned with a vast array of floral designs. The ceremony was presided over by Fr. Cahir and parents, teachers and pupils all contributed to the mass by singing hymns, playing instruments, doing the readings and saying the prayers. This year’s ceremony was made even more special as it marked the retirement of Mrs. Rosemarie McManus who had given more than thirty years service to the school. Mrs. McManus was presented with a beautiful Painting sketched by Daryll Lally on behalf of all the pupils. A presentation was also made by our Parents’ Association in honour of the tremendous service Rosemarie had given to the school.

Many classes availed of some fine weather and visited our local Library. The Library staff organised various projects and our pupils enjoyed developing their literacy skills in a fun manner in such a delightful setting.

First class got into the Autumnal spirit by having great fun collecting leaves in the school grounds.(Blitzen) They use these leaves for playing, art work, nature study and rubbings. They had wonderful fun doing the project. Well done to Ms. Mulqueen and the boys.