On a bright morning on the 1st February, the children in Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid, happily sat down to make St. Brigid’s crosses. This tradition, which has been enjoyed by many school children for generations, not only celebrates the life of one of our dear Patron Saints, it also signifies the start of spring, new life and new beginnings.
After two of the most challenging years that schools and society have faced in recent history, the beginning of Spring 2022 brings with it new hope of better and safer days to come.
Like all schools, Scoil Naomh Fiachra is now looking forward to brighter days ahead and a full return to its busy schedule of curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Scoil Naomh Fiachra is indeed an active centre of learning that sits in the heart of the local community in Clontubrid in North Kilkenny. Principal, Peter Madden outlined, ‘the school’s vision is that we will create a happy, caring, respectful, inclusive, collaborative and safe learning environment and said that it is wonderful to work with students, parents, staff and management in a school where kindness, community, innovation and excellence in learning are valued each and every day.’
All members of the school community are proud of its variety of active learning experiences. It is Scoil Naomh Fiachra’s ambition that all students will be able to play a musical instrument by the time they transition to second level.
Over the past two years, the school has worked in partnership with Music Generation Kilkenny.
Under this programme, students from 2nd to 6th Class receive violin tuition from Carl Rochford each week.
Tin-whistle lessons have also formed part of the school’s annual music instruction for many years and it is envisaged that they will recommence very soon.
Last year, the school was proud to be awarded an Active Flag.
With a modern Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), Ball-Wall, All-Weather Pitch and P.E. equipment and resources that are consistently upgraded and replenished, thanks in many parts to the school’s excellent Parents’ Association, you are left in no doubt that sport, fun and active learning are central to the school’s everyday business.
Having long been associated with innovation in ICT, science and maths, the school continues to invest and develop its resources and learning programmes in these key areas of 21st Century learning skills.
All students in the school have access to an individual laptop and/or tablet with the senior students having the option to use their devices to complete homework, research and project-work at home.
It is well known, that students learn best when they are motivated through being active agents in their own learning. The school’s annual engagement with the ESB Science Blast provides wonderful opportunities for the children to design, create and carry out their own scientific investigations.
The school’s Green School Committee is currently designing a new school garden which will promote biodiversity in the local environment.
Scoil Naomh Fiachra sits in the heart of the quiet, still, peaceful and beautifully scenic area of Clontubrid in North Kilkenny.
However, this small school barely sits still for a second.
Inclusion, variety, activity, wonder and innovation are key to its work and learning each and every day.
You can keep up with all of the work and fun in Scoil Naomh Fiachra by visiting their website at www.clontubrid.ie or their Facebook Page. Phone the school office on 056-8832417 for any further enquiries.
