Dear Parents / Guardians,
We are heading into our final week before the midterm break, which begins after school on Friday, 23rd October and there is plenty to look forward to in St Seton’s! Our Halloween House events promise lots of spooktacular fun, with students having opportunities to earn valuable House Points for the House of Love, Hope, Truth and Justice through Halloween quizzes and our much-anticipated Costume Competition on Friday. It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fun together and show pride in our Houses! If any student doesn’t recall what house they are in, you can see it on their Compass profile.
At this stage we have been told to plan for another Strike Day on Wednesday, 21st October 2026. If the strike day goes ahead, the arrangements that were in place on Wednesday 14th October will be replicated and unfortunately, school will be closed. I will give a further update on Monday as the situation could change between now and then.
Our midterm assessments will also come to an end this week and I would like to commend all our students who have put time and effort into preparing for these important class tests. Assessments are an opportunity to demonstrate learning, recognise progress and identify areas for further improvement, so well done to everyone who has approached them with a positive attitude. Let’s keep that focus going right through to Friday, enjoy the Halloween festivities and finish the half-term on a high before taking a well-deserved break!
Please see some important updates below. Wishing you all a positive weekend ahead and I look forward to seeing the students back in school on Monday.
Kind regards,
Sarah
Board of Management 2026 – 2029
I want to also thank Rosemary Mans and Christina TIms who served as the Parent Representatives during the 2023 – 2026 period of the outgoing Board. Their service to the school community was mostly unseen but hugely important and a great source of personal support to me. Serving on the Board of Management carries a lot of responsibility and gives a unique insight into the governance and organisation of the school. I look forward to working closely with the new Board which came into effect on Thursday, 15th October 2026. John Barry remains in his role as Chairperson . The new parent representatives are Amanda Biddulph and Natalia Dinsmore. The new Teachers Representatives are Mr Darren Bolger and Ms Emma Rochford. The next meeting of the Board will take place after 9th November. Thank you to our new Board of Management members for their dedication and commitment to St Seton’s.
Year Head Assemblies – 19th – 22nd October
Year Head Assemblies will take place next week on Mon, Tues and Thursday. These are assemblies for celebrating positive behaviour, attendance and contributions to St Seton’s. They are also spaces for sharing important information with students.
Positive Behaviour Strategy Team (PBST)
Thank you to the PBST for the weekly recording of the positive points earned by students. We have had 281 students in the school reach 10 behaviour points by 15th October and they all get rewarded with a chocolate bar! It’s just a small token of our appreciation that we recognise their good behaviour and positive contribution to the culture of St Seton’s.
This year we have started identifying any student who has received no negative behaviour comments or flags and each of these students will be acknowledged at the assemblies next week. It is so impressive to have no negative remarks on Chronicle and we want to really celebrate these students.
Yesterday, the first of our Tasty Treats were awarded to students who had reached 20 positive behaviour points. 50 jam donuts were distributed across the campuses to the well deserving students listed HERE. Congratulations to these students and thank you to the Assistant Year Heads for coordinating the positive behaviour strategies.
Student Leadership and Upcoming House Activities
Student Leadership 1st Year Activity – Building Connections Across Campuses
Over six consecutive Mondays, beginning last week, each First Year class will visit the Senior Campus during Being Well time to take part in fun, engaging activities organised by our Student Leaders.
This initiative aims to build friendships and positive connections between junior and senior students, while helping our First Years become familiar with the Senior Campus early in their school journey. Above all, we want every student to feel welcome, included and part of one school community. It is hoped that initiatives like these will strengthen the sense of belonging across both campuses.
Student Council 2026/2027
The students elected to St Seton’s Student Council for 2026/2027 will be officially announced at the year group assemblies next week.
Congratulations to all students who put themselves forward for election and thank you to everyone who took part in the democratic process. We look forward to working with our newly elected Student Council and hearing their ideas for making St Seton’s an even better school community.
Halloween Celebrations
We are looking forward to some Halloween fun and festivities before the midterm break!
Thursday, 22nd October – 6th Year Halloween Breakfast & Quiz. 8.45 -9.45 in the canteen, teachers should call the roll and students will be called to the canteen
Friday, 23rd October – Halloween Quiz and Fancy Dress
All 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Year students will take part in a Halloween Quiz during Period 2.
– Junior Campus: TY Student Leaders will help organise and run the quiz.
– Senior Campus: 5th Year Student Leaders will coordinate the celebrations.
– Every class will receive a Halloween treat.
– The winning quiz team will earn valuable points for their House.
Halloween Fancy Dress
Students and staff are encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit and dress up!
– All students who dress up will earn points for their House.
– Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in each year group, along with a special prize for the best staff costume.
We look forward to seeing plenty of creativity, colour and Halloween spirit across both campuses!
Policy Development
The following two policies have been developed alongside staff members with relevant experience and expertise in these areas and are now ready for consultation with stakeholders ahead of the next Board of Management meeting. Please share any feedback you have with me by Thursday 22nd October 2026.
– Nurture Room Policy – Nurture Classroom Policy – DRAFT – May 2026
– Student Support Team Policy – Student Support Team Policy (NEPS Aligned) – DRAFT 2026.docx
‘Cook for Gaza – Thursday, 22nd October – Ms McDarby
Our Cook for Gaza food fundraiser in support of Concern Worldwide will take place on Thursday, 22nd October, from 12:55–1:30 p.m. in The Hub. Funds raised will help support families in Gaza, including access to clean water and sanitation.
Staff and students are encouraged to come along, enjoy some treats and bring some change to support the fundraiser.
Volunteers are welcome to help with baking or selling on the day. If you would like to get involved, please sign up on the form here – SIGN UP
Numeracy Week 2026
We have enjoyed a great week of activities to celebrate Numeracy Week in St Seton’s. All of the students were encouraged to use their ‘Maths Eyes’ to see numeracy and maths all around them! We want parents / guardians to get their Maths Eyes on too – take part in the Numeracy Week Quiz for parents / guardians and be in with a chance to win a great prize!
HSCL Updates for Parents, Guardians and Families
Thursday 22nd October LCA Programme Information Session and Credits Celebration
– 5 LCA Parents, Guardians and Family 1.45pm – 2.15pm Senior Campus Canteen
– 6 LCA Parents, Guardians and Family 2.30pm – 3pm Senior Campus Canteen
Family Association November Meeting
The next meeting takes place Tuesday 3rd November at 11am – 11.45am Junior Campus Library.
New members are always welcome.
Parents, Guardians and Family Cookery Course
We will be launching a monthly cookery course starting in November.
Please keep an eye on our social media and the next principals bulletin for sign up details.
Programme Coordinator Updates – Ms Maher
TY
– TY Show Auditions: Auditions took place on Monday, and all participants did a fantastic job. The cast list is currently being finalised, and roles will be announced early next week.
Rehearsals will begin after work experience. Rehearsals will take place every Monday from 10:55 to 12:55 in Room 32 and Fridays from 10:55 to 12:55 in the PE Hall on Senior Campus.
– TY Work Experience Update: TYs will be on work experience from Nov 2nd–6th.
– TY Community Stewardship: On Thursday, a selection of TY students will visit a local nursing home as part of their Community Stewardship module. Thanks to Ms Flood for organising this worthwhile initiative.
– TY STEM Update: As part of the STEM Passport to Inclusion programme, 2 TY students will complete extra work experience with local firm GMC Utilities on Kylemore Road from October 20th–22nd.
– TY Module Rotations: Next week marks the final week of the first rotation for the module running at 11:55 on Thursdays and 10:55 on Fridays. During the week, students will have the opportunity to choose their new modules for the upcoming rotation.
LCA
– Be On Time Challenge Update: Results will be updated over the weekend, with winning classes receiving their rewards later next week.
– 6th Year LCA Session 2 Results Update
The 6th Year LCA Session 2 results arrived this week, featuring strong overall achievements, particularly across student Tasks and the Spanish exam. Thanks to all LCA teachers and SNAs for their ongoing support.
Education Rights Talk for Parents
Wednesday 21st October | 11am-12pm | Familibase
Understanding education rights can help parents to support their child’s participation and success in school. Community Law & Mediation will deliver a practical and interactive session exploring children’s rights in education, including school attendance, reduced school days, and suspension. The session will also provide information on the supports available to families when challenges arise.
There will be opportunities for discussion, questions, and practical examples throughout the session.
Please see the flyer here.
