Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa update

[Anonymous]

Choosing a primary school for your youngster just got more interesting!

As Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa’s third academic year nears completion, take a look at what has been achieved, and what the future holds.

Humble Beginnings: Tús maith leath na hoibre
Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa on the Mill Road Mornington opened in September 2007. The school founding committee was made up of a handful of passionate parents, determined to provide an All-Irish Multi-Denominational School to the growing number of parents in East Meath seeking it. The first year intake of children consisted of 49 children between the ages of 4 and 7. Three years on, with 140 children enrolled it is clear that much more has been achieved.

Not just one, but two new classes in each year group 2008 and 2009 have been filled. September 2010 will see a further 2 classes coming on stream and registrations for subsequent years are looking healthy. A school’s reputation is spread largely by word of mouth and that of Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa is no exception. But what is exceptional, although not surprising, is how it has highlighted the extraordinary natural aptitude of children to acquire new languages with ease.

Learning Irish as a community: Ní neart go cur le chéile
All children at Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa finish their first school year with a great foundation in Irish, which they have learnt in the most natural way possible – by covering the curriculum through ‘total immersion’ i.e. entirely through Irish.

Príomhoide Siobhán Ní Dhúill said “We have many families with no Irish at all who enjoy the process of learning with their children and some parents who speak Irish and are keen to keep the language alive for their children. Parents are increasingly aware and attracted to the benefits of their children acquiring a second language in primary education. Indeed we have a handful of children who have a third language from a non-national parent including French, Italian, Spanish and Vietnamese”.

Irish classes: Ranganna Gaeilge
The school gives interested parents every opportunity to learn or improve their Irish should they wish to do so. Teachers at the school run weekly beginners and intermediate classes which have proved very popular. The school also has a free coffee morning every Monday from 9 to 10 a.m where parents and toddlers can come and chat to each other and practice their ‘cúpla focal’.

Summer camps / Easter Camps / campaí Casca agus Samhraidh
The teachers at the school run Easter and Summer camps which are open to all local schools and where kids take part in sports, musical and art activities. Details are available from the school runai@gaelscoilanBhradáinfeasa.com or 0419848667.

Going that extra mile – Agus i bhfad níos mó
Like many schools Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa is committed to each an every child in more ways than just the standard curriculum. Fostering healthy eating habits through the ‘Food Dudes’ programme, improving child fitness by participating in the Meath VEC full marathon and instilling responsibility by taking part in the schools Green Flag initiative. Sports and music are also at the forefront of daily life at the school with children taking part in the Ceol programme, swimming and a host of after school activities such as art, tin-whistle, irish dancing, hand ball, hurling, basketball, gymnastics and football. Indeed, earlier this year Siobhan described herself as the “proudest principal” when the school was found at the top of their game winning the St Colmcilles GAA first ever inter-schools competition. And more recently the school won a top prize from Discover Primary Science. The schools dedication to ICT is also evident with the presence and use of computers and interactive white boards in every classroom.

Building blocks for the future: An Todhchaí
The parents at Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa are so happy with their children’s achievement and experience that 98% of all attending pupils have registered for Colaiste an Phiarsaigh – the proposed new All Irish secondary school set to open in 2013 adjacent to the Gaelscoil. See http://www.colaisteanphiarsaigh.wordpress.com or check out its’ progress on facebook!

Taking a look forward to the time when these children are young adults seeking employment in an increasingly competitive European job market, Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa will have given them a step up along the way. Proud of their aspirations to foster language ability and a strong sense of our own cultural heritage they will be ready, willing and able for whatever comes next.

First and foremost the school is a new and exciting option for parents in the process of choosing a school in Drogheda and its environs. Indeed the school currently has children from Tullyallen to Balbriggan and everywhere inbetween, and with no catchment restrictions in place, all registrations are welcome.

Multi-Denominational Ethos: Scoil il-chreidmheach
Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa is a Multi-Denominational school with the same ethos as Educate Together schools. As such a broad understanding and tolerance of all major world religions are taught as part of the curriculum. For those who require Catholic instruction, the school has a Coiste Catliceach (Catholic committee) who organize Catholic classes after school.

More Information: Tuilleadh Eolais
Open day / Lá Oscailte
If you would like more information or would like to see us in action you are welcome to an open morning at the school on the 28th May between 10.00 and 12.00. You will get a chance to see our classrooms and our children working through Irish in a happy learning productive learning environment. Alternatively information and registration forms are available on our website http://www.gaelscoilanbhradainfeasa.com. Alternatively appointments can be made to meet us by calling Niamh on 0419848667.

Also, we would be delighted to see new faces at our Summer Fun Day on the 13th June at the school between 2 and 4. Clowns, face painting, treats and much more!!!!

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