Archive Notice Board

December Newsletter (22nd December 2023)

Dear families,

From all of us here at Brannoxtown CNS, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. A huge congratulations to every single BCNS pupil – they are a glowing credit to their families. Every day in school we see smiling faces, a spirit of kindness and a commitment to doing their very best. We also thank our parent community for the support you give to the BCNS staff. We wish you all  a lovely winter break and some well-earned rest and relaxation. To read about what we have been up to in Term 1 of this school year, please click the attachment to download our December Newsletter.

BCNS-News-2023-12

Warm wishes,

 

The Staff at Brannoxtown CNS.

St Vincent de Paul Food Drive (8th December 2023)

Dear families,  Our Parents’ Association is organising a collection in aid of Saint Vincent de Paul’s charity work to ensure no family is without essential supplies like food, toiletries and nappies. 

We invite families to drop off non perishable food items, toiletries and new toys which will then be collected Saint Vincent de Paul and distributed locally to those in need over the holiday season.  Drop off is on Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th of December to our collection box by the school door. Below are suggestions suitable for the collection box:

 

  • Tinned fish, tinned fruit/vegetables, tinned pudddings, couscous
  • Pasta/curry sauces, soup, rice, jams/marmalades.
  • Dried noodles, brown sugar, tea/coffee, tins of biscuits/chocolates.
  • Christmas pudding, selection boxes, organic baby food.
  • Nappies, baby wipes, toothpaste, tooth brushes, bath & shower gel.

 

Warm wishes, 

 

Deirdre.

Parent Nominee BOM (7th December 2023)

Dear parents, 

We wish to thank you  for participating in the election process to determine our parent nominees for the Brannoxtown CNS Board of Management. Following the counting of votes,  Kevin Corley has been elected as parent nominee from the fathers’ panel. We wish to congratulate Susan Fitzgerald and Kevin Corley who take on the role of parent nominees for the Brannoxtown CNS Board of Management(2024-2027). 

 

Kind regards,

 

Deirdre.

Parents' Association: PJ & Movie Day Fundraiser (17th November 2023)

Dear families, 

Our Parents’ Association are excited to announced the next fundraiser for our school that is sure to leave our children buzzing with excitement. Please see the attached flyer to learn more about the PJ and Movie Day which will take place next Friday the 24th of November.  As a staff, we would like to express our continued appreciation to the Parents’ Association who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to not only raise funds for our school but to strengthen the bonds within our school community. 

PJ and Movie Day

Warm wishes, 

 

The BCNS Staff

 

 

Board of Management (2023-2027) (13th November 2023)

Dear parents, 

 Please find attached the letter that all children  take home today re. the procedure for parents who wish to nominate themselves for the role of parent nominee for our Board of Management’s new term (2023-2027). Once nominations have been received on/by next Monday the 20th of November, we will share further communication about the the election process. 

Parent-Nominee-Letter2023 (1)

Kind regards, 

 

Deirdre. 

School Start 10:30am - Storm Debi (12th November 2023)

Dear parents, 

In the interest of Health and Safety and acting on the instruction of the Department of Education in response to the orange/red weather warnings, the Board of Management wishes to inform you that the school will open from 10:30am tomorrow morning, Monday November 13th. We also advise that Bus Éireann will not operate its school bus routes in the morning but intends to operate in the afternoon, subject to local road conditions. Please keep an eye on your Aladdin noticeboard for any potential updates. 

Kind regards,

 

Deirdre.

1-Day School Closure for Staff Training: 28/11/2023 (6th November 2023)

Dear parents, 

 

We received notice from the Department of Education that to facilitate the rolling out of the New Primary Maths Curriculum, our school must close on Tuesday the 28th of November so that teachers may attend a training day. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Deirdre. 

Happy Mid-Term (27th October 2023)

Dear families, 

 

From all of us here at Brannoxtown CNS, we wish you a wonderful midterm break and a spooktacular Hallowe’en!! The joy and excitement here in school  today has put us all in wonderful spirits as we head off on our mid-term break. 

 

We wish Múinteoir Lyndsey our love and best wishes as she begins her maternity leave and we give a warm welcome to Múinteoir Eoin who begins with 3rd & 4th class after the break! 

 

Check out our @brannoxtowncns twitter page to get a sneak peak of the fun and games that our Senior Room pupils prepared for their younger schoolmates: https://x.com/brannoxtowncns?s=20. From the Witch’s Potion Lab to Mummy Tomb to a Hallowe’en Escape Room, incredible student leadership was shown and all of our pupils were buzzing with excitement. 

 

A huge thank you to the hard work that all our teachers do here at Brannoxtown CNS to make school and learning such a positive experience for all. 

 

Finally, a massive well done to our pupils who always try their very best and who look out for their friends and classmates with so much kindness and care – we really are  lucky to be a part of this close-knit school community!

 

Wishing you all a relaxing long weekend, 

 

Deirdre. 

 

 

 

Fundraiser and Friday Dress Up Day (20th October 2023)

Happy Friday to all our families at Brannoxtown CNS!

 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Bag2School Fundraiser which raised a fantastic €114.40!

 

Next Friday, we invite all children to come to school in Hallowe’en costume as we lead into the mid-term break! What a quick first term it has been!

 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend, 

 

Deirdre. 

 

 

 

Bag2School! (19th October 2023)

A message from the BCNS Parents’ Association:

 

Hi all, a little reminder that tomorrow morning at drop-off is the last chance to participate in our Bag2School Fundraiser. All support is massively appreciated and all funds will go back into purchasing resources for our amazing school! 

 

The PA is still looking for more members to join our committee. You can message Sinéad on 0873201730 or by e-mail at bcnsparentgroup@gmail.com

 

 

 

Staff Update (13th October 2023)

Dear parents,

 

I am delighted to share the following staffing update. Eoin Stakelum will join the team as a permanent  member of staff. Eoin will take on the role of 3rd & 4th Class teacher upon commencement of Múinteoir Lyndsey’s maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming Múinteoir Eoin to the team on Monday the 23rd of October and we are delighted that he will have the opportunity to work alongside Múinteoir Lyndsey for that week to ensure a seamless transition for our pupils.

 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

 

Deirdre.

 

 

 

Enrolment is Open for September 2024! (4th October 2023)

Dear parents, 

 

We are delighted to announce that our enrolment window has opened for the 2024/25 school year. This window will close on the 30th of November. More information and access to our enrolment form can be found by following this  link: https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/enrol/

 

Warm wishes, 

 

Deirdre. 

 

 

St Kevin's Community College Open Evening 2023 (Sept 2023)
Open Evening 2023 for the attention of 6th Class - Cross and Passion College (Sept 2023)

Cross and Passion College will host an Open Evening on September 26th between 6pm and 8pm. We would be delighted to welcome you anytime between 6pm and 8pm where you will hear a little about the school. The Admissions Policy and application procedure will be fully explained. The Principal’s address will be at 6.15pm and again at 7.15pm in the Assembly Hall. There will be an opportunity to see some of the facilities and meet some staff and students. If you, or anyone you know, is considering applying to CPC for the school year 2024/2025 please come along or spread the word about the evening.

The Annual Admissions Notice 2024/2025, Admissions Policy and 1st Year Application Form 2024/2025 will be available on cpckilcullen.com soon but please note that no applications can be submitted before October 3rd 2023.

 

Open Evening 2023 for the attention of 6th Class - St Mary's College (Sept 2023)

The 1st Year Open Evening will be held on Thursday September 21st in St. Marys College from 5-7pm. We invite all 6th class parents/guardians and students to attend.  

We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant learning community. 

 

Admission for Meánscoil Iognáid Rís (Naas CBS) for 2024-2025 (Sept 2023)

In regards to admissions for next year, please see our website www.naascbs.ie for our Admissions Policy plus the Admissions Notice and also the Application Form which can be downloaded and emailed back to admin@naascbs.ie.

This application form goes live on our website from the 1/10/23 and needs to be returned by 21/10/23.

We are delighted to announce that our open night this year, this will be on Tuesday 10th October from 5pm to 7pm.

Open Night
Tuesday, 10th October 2023 – 5.pm to 7.pm

Dear Parents of 6th class boys.

You will be very welcome to our Open Night on Tuesday, 10th October from 5.00pm to 7.00pm
The Open Night will be an opportunity for you and your son:

To meet with staff and students
To get a sense of the atmosphere in Naas CBS
To view the school facilities
To be informed about the various subjects
To gain more information on subject choice
To hear about extracurricular activities
To meet with members of the Parents Council
To tour the building
To ask questions

The Open Night will be a very simple introduction to the school. Later in the year, we will have an information night for parents of boys who have been enrolled for next September. Please arrive in good time so that you have a chance to get around the school, last tour is at 6.15.

Parent's Association: Upcoming Events and New Members Welcome! (19th September 2023)

Dear families, 

 

We are delighted to bring you an update from the BCNS Parent Association. 

 

Crazy Hair Day!

 

The Parent Association are delighted to announce their first fundraising event of the year: Crazy Hair Day!! This will take place on Friday the 29th of September. There will be a prize for the wackiest hairdo in each class!! The Parents’ Association will be collecting €2 per child and payments can be sent to the BCNS PA Revolut account or can be paid in cash to one of the 4 Parent Association collectors on the morning. 

 

New Members Welcome!

 

Our Parent Association would like to invite new parents to join the BCNS Parent Association. At BCNS, our goal is to ensure that all families feel represented by the Parent Association.  What’s more, with new members, we know that fresh and exciting ideas will continue to stream in. If you wish to join our Parent Association, please e-mail bcnsparentgroup@gmail.com or contact Sinéad at 087 321 1730. Support from you the parents is integral to the success of our school community and everyone at Brannoxtown CNS appreciates the incredible that is being carried out by our fantastic BCNS Parent Association!

Welcome to the New School Year!

Well done to our Junior Infants on a fantastic first day at school! We look forward to welcoming all families back on Wednesday, August 30th. Please red this note for updates on the new school year: https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BCNS-News-2023-August29-1.pdf

BCNS Office Closed 12/06/23

The BCNS school office is now closed for the summer holidays and will reopen on Tuesday, the 22nd of August, 2023. Best wishes to all over the summer holidays. 

BCNS News! 26/06/23

Hot off the press… our BCNS June Newsletter. You’ll find the Calendar for 2023/2024 on the back page along with some notices for the next school year. You’ll find more snapshots of children’s learning, during the year, in our weekly collages (posted to Facebook) and our classroom and school messages (posted to Class Dojo). 

With best wishes to everyone for the summer holiday!

Learning Toolkits (14/06/23) Updated (27/06/23)

The new ‘Free Primary School Books Scheme’ enables schools to invest in high-quality teaching and learning resources, including textbooks, for all classes. As part of the scheme, the DES advised that parents may need to buy additional items for children to use at school, such as a minimum number of personal workbooks and stationery for your child’s own use, which cannot be used by another child.

As a school still in its infancy, BCNS is building its resource bank of school rental books. We are catching up with other well-established schools. This is because DES grants have been based on enrolment numbers and our school has grown from 4 children in 2018 to 88 children, today. The grants received have fallen far-short of what was needed to meet our ambitions for children’s learning. We have been gratefully reliant on gifts and donations and the goodwill of our community, to supplement our limited budget and we have received second-hand books when offered by schools updating their resource bank. All of the grant for the ‘Free Primary School Books Scheme’ is being deployed on essential school books and resources for children at BCNS in 2023/2024 including textbooks, reference books (atlases and dictionaries), reading schemes, workbooks, copies (refil pads, folders and ring-binders) and online subscriptions for English, Irish, Maths and SESE.

A Learning Toolkit has been prepared for each class for the 2023/2024 School Year. For each class, items on the personal Learning Toolkit cost €18-25. The ‘Learning Toolkit’ replaces the traditional ‘Booklist’ and is available available for each class at the links below:

School Transport Scheme - Closing Date for payment - 9th June

Please see attached information from the Department of Education in relation to the School Transport Scheme Closing Date for payment and Family Portal.

https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Information-for-families-regarding-School-Transport-Payment-Process-for-2023-24-School-Year.pdf

 

 

 

 

School Transport Scheme - Closing Dates

Please see attached information from the Department of Education in relation to the School Transport Scheme Closing Dates

https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dept-of-Education-School-Transport-Scheme-Closing-Dates.pdf

 

 

 

School Transport - Be Alert To Be Safe

Please click here for information from Bus Eireann School Transport: ‘Be Alert To Be Safe’ for all children travelling on the school bus to/from Brannoxtown CNS.

 

 

 

School Transport Payment

Please see attached link for information on School Transport Payment closing date.

https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/School-Transport-Payment-Information-2023.pdf

 

BCNS News! 31/03/2023

Our Term 2 Newsletter is available here! We hope you enjoy reading all about our recent adventures at Brannoxtown CNS! With best wishes to all families for the Spring Break. We look forward to seeing you again when school reopens on Monday, April 17th.

Cleaner Competition: 27/03/2023

We are currently seeking a cleaner for BCNS. The post is advertised by the KWETB. The post will run annually from August to June, approx 45 weeksper year. Salary€7,021.38. The closing date is 21st April. Click on the links below for more information:

Duties 
Job Application

 

Bag2School Fundraiser 2023: 16/03/2023

Dear Parents,

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed clothing for our Bag2School fundraiser. You’ll see that the 481kg of clothing donated raised €192.40 for hands-on maths resources for our school!

Special thanks to parents:
Helena Wilson Ryan
Karen Flynn
Sinéad Leydon
and especially to members of the Parents Group.

Next stop weighing scales, large plastic jugs, balances (for weight and capacity) and clocks (for time)!

Le míle buíochas!

Sarah

 https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bag2School2023-2.pdf

 

School Transport Application Process for 2023/24 School Year

Please see attached link for information relating to the School Transport Application Process for the School Year 2023/24 from the Department of Education.

https://www.brannoxtowncns.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/School-Transport-Application-Process.pdf

 

BCNS School Calendar 2023/2024

The BCNS Calendar for 2023/2024  is based on the calendar for all schools published by the Department of Education and Skills (DES). The Easter break is earlier-than-usual in 2024. Because of this, the school will take 3 discretionary days to extend the May bank holiday weekend. School will be closed from Friday, May 3rd to Wednesday, May 8th (inclusive).

Bag2School - Drop off at BCNS Tuesday 14/03 & 15/03 (8:30-9am)

Parents in the ‘BCNS Parents Group’ are running a clothing collection in conjunction with Bag2School next Wednesday, 15th March. 
By getting involved in our Bag2School collection you have an opportunity to sort through your cupboards and wardrobes and donate any unwanted textiles. Monies raised (on a per kilo basis) go towards items for the school. These items can be donated if they are clean and of good quality:

* adult and children’s clothes
* shoes (tied together please)
* accessories: hats, belts, handbags, scarves & belts
* soft toys.

The following items cannot be accepted:
* Duvets, Pillows, Curtains, Blankets, Towels, Bric a brac, and household items or items not fit for re-use.

Please try to fill as many bags as you can. Be sure to ask relatives, friends and neighbours to have a sort-out too! You can send items to school in any kind of clean bag. Bag2School will be collecting from BCNS next Wednesday. Please drop off your bag (or bags!) next Tuesday 14th or Wednesday 15th between 8.30 and 9.00am, at the yard in front of the 1885 school-house.

Thanks in advance for helping us with this fundraising opportunity. Funds raised will go towards our School Wish List. The focus of this fundraiser is for resources for numeracy (maths) across all classes!

Video recorded at Brannoxtown CNS for ETB Day 2023: 02/02/2023

We were delighted at Brannoxtown CNS to welcome a filmcrew, on behalf of ETBI, to share our story, through the eyes of one student. Our school is one of over 30 Community National Schools (CNS), managed by a local ETB. Our ETB is the Kildare and Wicklow ETB (KWETB). Click here for the one-minute video showing how Abdul lives out the ETB values at Brannoxtown CNS!

Poem by Charlie Dunleavy for ETB Day 2023: 02/02/2023

We are fortunate at Brannoxtown CNS to have so many wonderful learners. Here we share a poem to celebrate ETB Values by a very talented writer in 6th class, Charlie Dunleavy. We are very proud of Charlie for all he does at Brannoxtown CNS.

Supporting Teenagers Online: Webinar 01/02/23

Parents are invited to a Webinar on ‘Supporting Teenagers to have positive experiences online while taking responsibility for their ‘online footprint’ on Wednesday, 1st February at 7:30pm. The Webinar is hosted by Barnardos and the National Parents Association for ETB schools. Parents can learn more and register at this link.

Ukraine - Offer a Home: 24/01/23

The ‘Offer a Home’ programme is managed by local authorities on behalf of Government to ensure properties currently vacant, are available for use by those fleeing war in Ukraine who need a safe and secure place to stay. Anybody who has an available house, apartment or holiday home is asked to offer it to people and families from Ukraine who need a safe place to stay. For information and registration: offerahome.ie

PTM - Parent Form: due 24/01/23

Mid-Year Parent Teacher Meetings (PTMs) at Brannoxtown CNS are scheduled from Tuesday, February 7th to Thursday, February 9th. To start the conversation, blank copies of the ‘PTM: Parent Form’ were sent home by children. Parent Forms are available here and can be returned:

  • By Email: to brannoxtowncns@kwetb.ie with PT Meeting in the email subject line.
  • In Hard Copy: a printout of the completed form, sent by your child to his/her teacher.

Completed forms are due by Monday morning, January 23rd. Thank you.

Holiday Performances! 19/12/22

Hot off the press/freshly uploaded, you’ll find our holiday performances at the links below! We hope you enjoy seeing what we’ve been up to!
With best wishes,
Deirdre, Lyndsey, Melissa, Peadar, Suzanne & Sarah

Junior Room: Junior & Senior Infants & 1st Class
Holiday Carols
https://youtu.be/vk49FyVGO94

Middle Classes: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Class
The Grinch Movie
https://youtu.be/ZNum0ZJ1Yuw

Senior Room: 5th & 6th
Movie Trailer: Spirit of Christmas
https://youtu.be/HSibnJipn30

Movie Trailer: Young Santa’s Gone Mad
https://youtu.be/KNP0CQVJfuA

Movie Trailer: The Christmas Curse
https://youtu.be/kT2bzuOI6xs

Movie Trailer: The Grinch (unsequenced!)
https://youtu.be/DwO1lmMaOiU

New Staff Member from January 5th: 21/12/22

We are delighted to welcome Eimear O’ Connell to our staff when we reopen on January 5th. This is a new post – 1st and 2nd Class Teacher, for the remainder of this school year. We will support children in 1st and 2nd with the transition, in the New Year. All children (Junior Infants to 4th Class) will benefit from their smaller class size, arising from the new post. All parents received an email with further information (sent 21/12/22).

New Teacher Post (fixed-term): 11/11/22

We’re looking for an innovative, happy teacher to join our staff at Brannoxtown CNS, to the summer! Our Fixed Term post is advertised with a closing date of Friday, November 25th, 5pm. This is an additional mainstream class teacher post (1st & 2nd class). Click here for the Advert and Application form.

Visit to Mountlucas Wind Farm: 15/11/22
Huge thanks to Lisa-Anne Crookes at Wind Energy Ireland and Catherine Swaine at Mountlucas Wind Farm, Bord na Móna for organising a wonderful day for students from 3rd-6th class to learn about Wind Energy!
BCNS News! 28/10/22
Well done to all students on a great half-term. School finishes for the mid-term holiday on Friday, 28th October, at the normal time (1:30/2:30).  We hope you enjoy reading about our learning adventures over the past 8 weeks in our October Newsletter published in PDF and also published as an online file (Venngage). The newsletter also includes important notices about calendar dates for the next half-term, and beyond.
Visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas: 27/10/22
Fifth and sixth class students had a super day learning about democracy and governance at Leinster House. We were thrilled to witness the Dáil in session and to sit in the Seanad! Huge thanks to Senator Fiona O’ Loughlin for facilitating our visit and for David Griffin and Tony Maher for their wonderful welcome and a very memorable tour experience. Stay tuned for our video of this ‘great day out’!
Parent Group - Survey Invitation: 27/10/22
The first meeting of the Parent Group is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9th, at 7:30pm. Parents are invited for tea/coffee from 7:15pm. It’s a hybrid (online & onsite) meeting. Thank you for responding to the short online survey to say if you may be interested to take-on a lead/team role. Meeting details (including the link to join the meeting online) will be sent to any parents who expressed an interest.
New School Policies: 20/10/22
Four updated/new policies are published on the school website, available here. The first two of these are considered ‘essential’ policies for every school:
  • Child Protection: Child Safety Statement and Risk Assessment
  • Anti-Bullying Policy
  • Communications with Parents Policy
  • Class Size and Class Progression Policy.
Board of Management Meeting: 20/10/22
The first meeting of the Board of Management this school year was held on Thursday, 20th October. Four more meetings of the Board are scheduled on December 1st, February 16th, April 27th & June 8th. Our 8-member board includes two parent nominees (Mitzie Day and Eugene O’ Brien), two community nominees, two patron (KWETB) nominees, one teacher nominee and the Principal. You’ll find an Agreed Report (summary) of each meeting here on our school website.
Family Project & Family Day: 07/10/22

The Family Project begins Monday, 3rd October and concludes with Family Day on Friday, 7th October. Parents, grandparents and family members are invited to visit the school for tea/coffee from 1pm next Friday.

The focus of the week is on helping children develop their understanding of past and present and that older people grew up in a different age, a time before they were born. Some of next week’s activities include:
gathering information about our grandparents (data, maths)
connecting with grandparents/older family members (with calls, cards, emails, etc.)
inviting grandparents to share stories with our school
preparing to welcome parents and grandparents to our school next Friday.

We’re looking forward to a wonderful celebration!

Visit to Gilltown Stud: 29/09/22

Parents can view a video (created by Senior Room Students) of our wonderful day at Gilltown Stud at this link. Our very sincere thanks to staff at Gilltown for their wonderful, warm welcome. It was a fabulous day…  from start to finish!

Mobile Library Dates: 2022/2023

The Mobile Library will visit our school on Tuesdays, approximately every third week. Mobile Libary dates for the current school year are:

  • September 20th 
  • October 11th 
  • November 8th & 29th 
  • January 10th & 31st
  • February 7th & 28th
  • March 7th & 21st
  • April 25th
  • May 16th
Welcome to the new School Year! 30/08/22
Well done to our Junior Infants and new students who visited their new school earlier this week.  We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Wednesday, August 31st. Please read this note for families with updates for the new school year
School Bus Transport Scheme: 06/07/22
Bus Eireann has announced that school transport fees will be waived for all families for the 2022/2023 school year. The Family Portal is temporarily unavailable for updates. Once restored, families can continue to register for any available places on the route using BCNS-SchoolTransportScheme-2022July.pdf
June Newsletter: 29/06/2022

Hot off the press… this is our June Newsletter (PDF). All content was created by children. Two 6th Class Graduates, Ava and Matilda edited this issue. We used a new tool to create the newsletter (infograph.venngage); you can also view it here. We hope you enjoy!

New Deputy Principal & Teacher Interviews: 27/06/2022

Following interview this evening, we are delighted to announce that Muinteoir Deirdre is now our Deputy Principal in a permanent capacity. Next Monday, July 4th, interviews are scheduled for Special Education Teacher (SET) and Mainstream Teacher positions at BCNS.

 

Badminton Coaching Sessions: 21/06/2022

Jennie King from KCELL Badminton Academy in Kilcullen will visit our school on Wednesday 29th June where all children will take part in a Badminton Coaching Session with Jennie.

 

Family Open Day Friday, 24th June 2022

The Family Open Day will take place on Friday, 24th June at 1:30pm.  This will include our 6th Class Graduation which will take place at 2pm.  More details will follow closer to the time.

 

Gathering for families survey: 09/05/2022

Please let us know your interest/availability to participate in the gathering of families event which is being suggesed for Saturday, May 28th.  Please respond to the survey by Friday, May 13th: https://forms.office.com/r/aUs1hpBQFB

 

Gathering for families survey: 09/05/2022

Please let us know your interest/availability to participate in the gathering of families event which is being suggesed for Saturday, May 28th.  Please respond to the survey by Friday, May 13th: https://forms.office.com/r/aUs1hpBQFB

 

School Calendar Update: 05/04/2022

School Calendar Update:

  • On Friday, May 6th and Thursday, June 2nd, children will finish school early (a half day) to facilitate staff training/CPD.
  • In lieu of the March 18th ‘Covid-19 Day of Remembrance’ (when our school was closed), we will take the additional holiday on Friday June 3rd (leading into the June Bank Holiday weekend).
Covid-19 Information Note (DES): 23/02/2022

This note from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) updates schools on the new public health advice, effective from 28th February 2022. The DES advises that schools should resume normal school routines and  teaching and learning activities and that:
It is no longer a requirement for staff or pupils/students to wear a face covering/mask in school. Staff and student/pupils can continue to wear a face covering/mask if they wish to do so on a personal basis and schools should continue to make masks available on request as they are currently doing. (p.2)

February Mid-term: 18/02/2022

We wish all families a restful and enjoyable mid-term break. School reopens for all children on Monday, February 28th.

Climate Change Student Survey: 18/02/2022

What do Irish students believe about Climate Change and how do they feel about it? Senior Room students have designed a Climate Change Student Survey to answer this question. The survey for students from 3rd class at primary to 6th year at post-primary, complements research published last year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ‘Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ (2021). The EPA surveyed 4,000 adults aged 18 to 65. This survey is to ensure students’ voices are part of the ongoing discussions about Climate Change. We believe the leaders of tomorrow are sitting in the classrooms of today… Your view counts!

School Services Survey: 17/02/2022

The School Services’ Survey for Parents to express interest in Afterschool Club, Breakfast Club, Holiday Camps or the ECCE (Preschool Scheme) is open until Tuesday, 22nd February. 

BCNS Student Council Meeting: 09/02/22

Our Student Council met today to discuss and agree some important actions for our school. The Student Council meets every 2-3 weeks. Here’s a flavour of what’s on our agenda!

BCNS School Calendar 2022-2023

Please click on the link below to view the BCNS School Calendar for the next school year: 2022-2023. 

BCNS-Calendar-20222023

 

HSE Guidelines: 07/02/22

The HSE’s latest guidance to families on what to do if you or a close contact has a confirmed case, or symptoms, of Covid-19, is posted to Class Dojo (School Story). With the virus very much active in our local communities at present, thank you again for carefully checking daily that children are safe to come to school in the two remaining weeks to the February mid-term.  HSE Guidance

School Services Survey: 03/02/22

We are prioritising the 1885 school-house for services to support school families, next year. We are considering extending Afterschool Club to five days and adding three new services there: Breakfast Club, Holiday Camps and Preschool. The survey link below is to ask if you may be interested in any of these services for your child(ren) for the next school year. Thanks for sharing your views by Tuesday, 22nd February. https://forms.office.com/r/tWqe5LPLPB

Confirmation and Communion Classes 2022

Sacramental Preparation classes are held on Mondays, from 2:30-3:00pm. Communion Classes are with Múinteoir Deirdre and Confirmation Classes are with Múinteoir Sarah. Children will also continue their preparation with parents at home. This year’s Confirmation includes 5th as well as 6th class. Information on mass celebration dates and venues will be shared as soon as details are finalised.

Staffing Update: 02/02/22

We are delighted to announce that Suzanne Dowling joins our staff in a full time permanent/SNA capacity, this week, following recent recruitment competition with over 35 applications. Today, we also welcome Aisling Lennon, SET, who joins our staff every Wednesday, to support children across a range of skills, to the end of the school year. 

Broadband Upgrade: 26/01/22

Our Broadband is being upgraded from FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) to FTTH (Fibre To The Home) to improve reliability and speed. Following initial works, the line has been cut for about a week. Unfortunately, during this outage, back-up wifi dongles don’t work. Please use Class Dojo only to flag student absences. Other messages can be communicated on paper (e.g., a note at the back of the Homework Journal) or email to the school: brannoxtowncns@kwetb.ie. 

Antigen Test Availability: 16/01/22

Free antigen test kits are available for parents to order from the HSE at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/schools-antigen-testing/. There are five test kits in each pack. The school roll number required for the order is: 16817P

Sacramental Preparation Survey: 10/01/22

Parents of children in 2nd, 5th and 6th Class class can use the survey at the link below if you wish your child to prepare for and receive the Catholic sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and Confirmation.https://forms.office.com/r/JyfuDk4aEG

School Reopening: 06/01/22

We hope you had a lovely break and we look forward to reopening school, Thursday 6th January. We will continue to undertake all actions to keep our school open safely. All staff are Covid-free for school reopening; if this changes, we may need to consider teacher changes/closure, at short notice. Parents, please continue to text any absences to your child’s teacher on Class Dojo. 

School Bus Transport Scheme Review (24/01/22)

Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme, primary school children are eligible for school transport if they live 3.2 kilometres or more from their closest school, ‘having regard to ethos and language’ (i.e., denomination and language of your choice).

The DES is now inviting parents to complete a survey to review the school bus transport scheme. It takes just 2-3 minutes to complete. Part 2 is for parents whose children do not currently avail of the scheme. In the text box at the end, you may wish to note that the two multi-denominational schools you pass on the way to Brannoxtown CNS are full (see bold text above). Completing the survey may improve the odds of our bus route being approved. You’ll find the survey link here:

https://dessurveys.education.gov.ie/surveys/parent-and-guardian-school-transport-survey

 

Virtual Winter Concert! (22/12/21)

Happy Holidays! Sit back, relax and enjoy our Virtual Winter Concert!

Junior Room:

Jingle Bells

Greek Mythology

Senior Room:

Jingle Bell Rock

Greek Mythology

Term 1 Newsletter (22/12/21)

Friday Collages from September to December take centre-stage in our bumper A3 winter newsletter, BCNS News for parents. Look out for Junior Room Aistear themes, visits and visitors and everyday magic moments full of active, joyful learning across the school!

SNA Post Advert (21/12/21)

A new SNA post for Brannoxtown CNS has been advertised on Education Posts. Completed Application Forms can be submitted by email (only) to: bcnsrecruitment@kwetb.ie by 5pm on Wednesday 12th January, 2022.

Mobile Library (16/11/21)

The mobile library will visit our school on the following dates:

07/12/2021 (cancelled due to Storm Barra)

18/01/2022

08/02/2022

08/03/2022

29/03/2022

03/05/2022

24/05/2022

CMO Letter & DES Guidance - Face masks 3rd-6th Class (01/12/21)

Here, parents can access a copy of:

These measures are temporary and for review by NPHET mid-February, 2022. On behalf of the Board of Management, we very much appreciate the continued efforts of all families to keep our children safe and well.

Board of Management: Parent Nominee Vacancy (22/11/21)

A Vacancy has arisen on the school’s Board of Management, following the relocation and resignation of our (Dad) Parent Nominee on the Board of Management (Board). We are inviting expressions of interest to: brannoxtowncns@kwetb.ie by Friday, 26th November. To maintain a gender balance, we are seeking a male nominee. The Board has eight members including two patron nominees, two parent nominees, two community nominees and one school staff nominee and the Principal (Secretary to the Board). You’ll find more information on this Overview Note of the Board’s work. Links to Agreed Reports from meetings are available on the Board Webpage.

Drama Module (18/11/2021)

All children begin a new five-week Drama Module with Mauricio Quevedo on November 18th, funded by our Creative Schools grant. Children will progress from drama games and improvisations, to stage a short adaptation of a Greek myth. The final piece will be  recorded and shared with parents as part of our ‘Virtual Christmas Concert’. Stay tuned for more information… recording is scheduled for Friday, December 16th!

Parent Teacher Meetings (23/11-01/12/2021)

Parent Teacher Meetings (PTMs) take place over five days from Tuesday, 23rd November to Wednesday, 1st December. Use this link to access booking calendars for PTMs with Múinteoir Deirdre (Junior Room) and for Múinteoir Sarah (Senior Room). The Zoom meeting link will be shared before your meeting.

COVID-19 Government Announcement (18/11/2021)

This evening, government Ministers for Education and Public Health announced additional measures regarding COVID-19 in primary schools, effective from Monday, 29th November or sooner. There are four key messages from today’s announcements regarding COVID-19 in schools, summarised in this note for parents of Brannoxtown CNS. Implications for parents are outlined on page two of the note. Further information is available in today’s Press Release by Ministers Foley and Donnelly.

School photos (18/11/2021)

School photos are scheduled next Thursday, November 18th. Children from 1st to 6th should wear their formal uniform (not tracksuit). This year, there is no ‘return visit’ by County Photos for any children absent on the 18th. Proof cards in a sealed bag will be given to each child and photos can be ordered via the school or online.

Board of Management Meeting (16/11/21)

The Board of Management meeting  on Tuesday, November 16th was held at Brannoxtown CNS. The Minutes and Agreed Report from the June Meeting were approved. The next meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th. Agreed Reports for all Board Meetings are available on the  Board of Management webpage.

Senator Vincent Martin - Visitor (09/11/21)

To help us set-up our Student Council, our final visit by a public representative was by Senator Vincent Martin on Tuesday, November 9th. Senator Martin answered additional questions about his election to Seanad Éireann and about his Green Party’s policies to protect ourearth. It was a busy morning for Senator Vincent Martin at Brannoxtown CNS before he left our school for Seanad Éireann! Míle buíochas, arís!

Team Hope - Shoebox Appeal Online (08/11/21)

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Team Hope is asking for online donations to their gift-filled shoeboxes again this year. Donations enable the network of local partners in Africa and Eastern Europe to purchase items for shoeboxes for children affected by poverty. Often these shoeboxes are the only gift that a child will receive at Christmas and the joy that they deliver is incredible. Parents can learn more and contribute here. 

Cllr. Peggy O' Dwyer - Visitor (04/11/21)

Our third Councillor visit was by Peggy O’ Dwyer and we learned so much! Although children had 10 (planned) questions for Peggy, we veered a little off-script when we discovered Peggy’s love of animals! We hope Peggy enjoyed her gifts of a Homework Journal, Homework Pass and Honey and the special Thank You card that children so carefully constructed to say a huge thanks to each and every visitor who shares their expertise and experience with us.

Cllr. Noel Heavey - Visitor (02/11/21)

Thank you, Councillor Noel Heavey, for visiting the Senior Room, to talk about your work . Children had 10 (planned) questions for Noel, but we did not expect hi to sing for us (‘My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean’), nor did we expect to sing for him (‘What a Wonderful World’)! We are delighted to hear that Noel’s Homework Pass (awarded by children) is in his back pocket for a special day when he needs to put his feet up and have a cuppa and take some time out from his very busy schedule!

Thank you, Pastor Richard Blaney! (21/10/21)

Huge thanks to Pastor Richard Blaney and colleagues for organising our visit to Brannockstown Baptist Church (in separate groups) this week. All children had an opportunity to see what one Church in the Christian faith looks like, inside and out. Children prepared for our visit by sharing what we know already about different places of worship. This is part of our Patron’s Programme, Goodness Me, Goodness You! (GMGY) to support children to develop an understanding and awareness of different values and beliefs. Senior Room children learned about the significance of the Church in the village’s history, as part of local studies.

Cllr. Tracey O' Dwyer - Visitor (19/10/21)

We were thrilled to have our first Councillor visit to the Senior Room, when Tracey O’ Dwyer came to talk about her work on Tuesday. Children had 10 (planned) questions for Tracey … and many more! We especially appreciated Tracey’s gifts of time and honesty. She also brought physical gifts-pencils and pencil sharpeners with the ‘waste and rubbish management’ reminder: reduce, reuse and recycle!

First Green Flag! (19/10/21)

On Tuesday, October 19th, a very special guest, Cllr. Tracey O’ Dwyer  raised the ‘Litter and Waste Flag’ with Múinteoir Dawn. Múinteoir Deirdre lead us in song (‘What a wonderful World’) on keyboard. Brian Byrne (author and editor) visited Brannoxtown CNS for the very special ceremony to raise our first Green Flag and captured some of the magic in his blog post!

Admissions Notice - September 2022 Enrolment (01/10/21)

Spaceous play areas, large well-equipped classrooms, high quality care and education, small classes, regular tours and trips outdoors, Afterschool Club and Preschool Care … these are some of the reasons, highlighted on our Admissions Notice, why parents choose our school. Check out our Facebook posts and this website to learn more. Further information including our Enrolment Form are available here

Brannoxtown CNS HSE School Dental Programme Form: 2nd, 4th & 6th Class (02/09/21)

Brannoxtown CNS requests your permission to forward the following information to the HSE in relation to your child’s participation in the HSE school dental programme: Name, date of birth, address and contact phone number(s). Can you confirm if you grant permission or not by completing the online form by Wednesday, 8th September. The link to the form is: https://forms.office.com/r/mdY5d4K3Fv

Class Dojo Website & App (01/09/21)

Your child’s teacher has sent you a message, inviting you to join Class Dojo. Please respond via Class Dojo to join your child’s class. Parents use Class Dojo during the year to let class teachers know if your child is/will be absent. This is the fastest way to contact your child’s teacher regarding absences.  Teachers use the Class Dojo to share special learning moments (Class Story) and to complement children’s learning stories (Class Dojo Portfolios). 

School Re-opening (1 & 2/09/21)

Our school reopens for Junior Infants on Wednesday, 1st September and for all children on Thursday, 2nd September. Parents are asked to complete the Covid-19 Return-to-School Form for child(ren) before their return. Our school reopening update (emailed to all parents) is available here. We look forward to welcoming all families ‘back to school’ including ten new families who join us this year.

Afterschool Club Leader - Sinéad Leydon (28/08/21)

We are delighted to welcome Sinéad Leydon, the new Afterschool Club Leader at Brannoxtown CNS! Sinéad looks forward to welcoming children to Afterschool Club, from Monday to Thursday, from 1:30/2:30 to 4:30pm. Afterschool Club Forms and additional information are available here. Preschool is scheduled to begin at the school in September 2022. Specific queries can be emailed directly to Sinéad at: sineadleydon@yahoo.co.uk.

School Office Re-opening (23/08/21)

The school office closed for the summer holiday on Friday, July 23rd. Liz Kavanagh, Secretary will reopen the office, the week beginning Monday, August 23rd. Queries regarding purchase of school uniform crests/ties or payment of the General Purpose Fee can be made to Liz via the school email: brannoxtowncns@kwetb.ie. Parents will find information for the 2021/2022 school year (calendar, booklists, uniform, etc.) on the school homepage: www.brannoxtowncns.ie. 

School Calendar 2021/2022 (29/04/21)

Our School Calendar for the next academic year is available here. Junior Infants will begin school on Wednesday 1st September. Senior Infants to Sixth Class will return the following day, Thursday 2nd September.