Sincere thanks to all involved for your support with the sponsored walk / cycle this year. Classes 2nd—6th went to Lough Boora for a walk or cycle and the boys all had a great day of exercise fun and adventure. Junior Classes JI-1st went to Birr Castle and got to play in the playground which was a great treat. Thanks from the school to PA officers and committee for organising and in particular to Keith and Rose Harte for their work with getting 50 + bikes out and back to Lough Boora
Visit of the cup – We were delighted to welcome some past pupils back from St Brendans U21 hurling team with the cup after their great U21 county final win. Gary Cahill ( Mentor) along with Cathal Kirwan , Morgan Watkins and Sean Thompson entered the hall to a huge roar and the sight of lots of boys in their Birr Jerseys. The group spoke to the school about their pride in bringing the cup back to their primary school and how they hoped to inspire the next generation of hurlers in town from this success. We wish the panel congratulations on their success and best wishes with their hurling into the future.
Kayak level 1 training course– Our 6th class boys got a fantastic opportunity in last week of October as they each earned certs from The Irish Kayak Association of Ireland for level 1 kayak skills. The OEC organised through the excellent Yanni and he had the boys out paddling the Shannon and overcoming their fears and anxiety in o time at all. It was great to see the boys excel at this activity and how many attend the OEC centre.
Dance programme—legends– Over October every boy in our school engaged in our wonderful dance project. It was led by the amazing local dance teacher Ms. Lisa Hogan. The programme was designed for our school by Lisa and entitled – legends.
- Throughout the years, there have been many male icons in the music industry. Leaving the world in remembrance of their signature dance moves and performances. This in turn has given young boys and men figures to idolise and encourage the art of music and dance. With this in mind we have designed a programme under the theme of “Legends” inspired by Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and the likes. This programme will create a fun, welcoming and empowering environment for the boys of St. Brendan’s PS where they can explore the history, creation and performance of dance and these icons.
Not only will we be keeping the work of these legends alive and educating the children on their legacy, we strongly believe that dance with these well known and loved moves will heighten a child’s confidence and self-esteem as well as awareness in the body both physically and emotionally. As most children will be aware of the signature moves, it will be easier for them to engage with and master, thus leaving them with more confidence.
The boys really loved the 5 weeks of modern dance with Lisa. We finished off the programme by recording some of the dances on video and we hope to share them with the boys and families in November. The programme was supported by Offaly County Council Arts office and celebrated the arts in our school.
Great event for the boys again this year.
Trials were held in 3rd / 4th / 5th / 6th classes to find a team of 4 boys from each class.
Boys traveled to Tullamore Harriers on Friday 6th October 2017 to compete.
All boys ran well with medals winner in individual runs from Ruairi and Danny- Also 5th class boys cam 2nd in team event.
Thanks to Mr Crofton and Mr Cunningham for taking them.
End of year awards hold a special place in our hearts as they celebrate our young peoples achievements at school while remembering those from our school community who have sadly passed away. Special trophies and awards have been created over the years and June is a special time where we invite members of the various families back to St Brendans to present these awards to the next generations.
The Brother Finian Cup for the 6th class long race was won by Ben Miller
The McManus Cup ( Special Achievement Award) was won by Nanghal Khan
The Derek Maher Trophy (Student of the year) was won by Damien Delaney
The Aidan Rosney Cup (Snr Hurler of the year) was won by Darragh McNamara
The Kenneth Fox cup (Winning Capt of Senior Hurling league) was won by Ailbe Watkins.
The St.Brendans Cup (Winning Capt.Of Junior Hurling League) was won by Ruairi Mooney.
The Junior Hurler of the year went to James Carroll.
The Johnny Cleary Cup( Most Improved Hurler) was won by Canice Stevenson (6th).
Annual spelling bee champion Damien Delaney.
Wednesday 14th June – 5th and 6th class boys with Offaly sports partnership
Jersey day—June 2017
Thanks to all for your donations to Jersey day last Friday. The total raised was €177.05 A cheque for €100 was sent to Faithful Fields GAA through Cumann na mbunscoil with €77.05 being donated to the Birr U14 Feile team fund.
Delighted and proud that our hurling team has again managed to make it back to the allianz offaly cumann na mbunscoil finals.
All support welcome to cheer on the boys !!
Venue – St Brendan’s Park Birr
All teams must be strictly on the pitch 20 minutes
before their match is due to start for Team photograph and parade
Tuesday 23rd May 2017
3.15pm Camogie Group B – Killoughey Schools vs Mercy Primary School , Birr
4.30 Boys Hurling Group A- Killoughey Schools vs St. Brendan’s N.S. Birr
5.45 Boys Hurling Group B – Seir Kieran N.S. Clareen VS Coolderry
Please inform parents/supporters that there will be a €3 charge per adult to attend the finals. This will be used to cover the cost of referees, medals, pipers, programmes etc. There will be no charge for children. Any money left over from final expenses goes back into Cumann na mBunscol accounts and is used to subsidize hurls , helmets and equipment.
• Please ensure that only team officials are on the side line during games. Both venues used for the finals have excellent covered seating and there is no need for parents or supporters to be on the sideline during games.
• Each school is responsible for providing their own first aid for their players.
• Each school is responsible for the conduct of their own supporters.
Warrior Run 2017
Our warrior run for term 2 started this week. It is an OPTIONAL walk / run of laps around the school each Mon / Fri morning from 9.10-9.20. Mr Crofton will start from basketball court. This year we are going to run to Dublin—Phoenix park– Operation Transformation– by mid term break
Boys count their laps and teachers record each day. Laps are added on our display and progress can be seen.
All boys are encouraged to take part and will be supervised. Prizes will be given out by class teachers at the end for boys who embrace the warrior run in the spirit that it is designed through a draw system.
The school is taking part in Operation Transformation 10@10 programme on 10th February this year also– Should be fun !
