Principal’s Weekly Bulletin – 24/04/2026

Good evening Parents / Guardians. 

This week has brought a real sense of positivity across our school community, with the sunshine and bright, longer evenings lifting spirits and bringing renewed energy to daily school life. It is always noticeable how much this time of year supports a more optimistic and focused atmosphere among students and staff alike.

There is also a growing sense of momentum around the campaign to progress the timely delivery of our new school building. This is an important moment for our school community, and it is encouraging to see the collective voice of students, staff, parents and the wider community coming together with such strength and clarity. This shared commitment reflects the pride we have in our school and our determination to secure the facilities our young people deserve.

As we continue through this final term, there is a strong sense of purpose and direction — making the most of the opportunities in front of us while also looking ahead with ambition and hope.

Please read the other important and relevant school information below. 

Have a lovely weekend, 

Sarah Green

Principal

Tus Nua 

The Tús Nua Group will meet on Tuesday 28th April to discuss next steps following the meeting on Tuesday. There is a big push to get signatures on the petition to bring to Leinster house along with the letters and postcards. If any parents /guardians are in a position to assist with collecting signatures in the community, please get in touch with the Secretary of Tús Nua, Ger Dempsey – gdempsey@stsetons.ie  

Thank you to all of the Tús Nua Group who worked so hard to prepare for the Public Meeting on Tuesday. There was a huge team effort undertaken in the weeks leading up to the meeting and it is very much appreciated. 

There was an article in the Echo yesterday reporting on the Public meeting held on Tuesday – you can read it HERE.

School Culture Review

We are asking all parents/guardians to complete a short survey about our school as part of our School Culture Review. 

School culture means
– what it feels like to be in this school
– how people treat each other
– how safe and supported you feel
– how easy it is to learn

We want to know what is working well and what needs to be better

This survey is anonymous. Your Responses will help us improve the school for the students.
Please access the survey HERE – the link will remain live until Wednesday 5th May. 

PE Equipment and SC PE Lab

Our funding application for Senior Cycle LC PE equipment was approved and I have sent out Requests for Quotes for the approved items. This order will include new integrated soccer and basketball posts for pitches for the JC which will make a big improvement to the facilities on offer. In a separate funding application we are applying for the resurfacing of the external surfaces on both campuses, including pitch markings.

We will be installing a small PE Lab on the Senior Campus over the summer. I hope this will be an asset to Senior Students, particularly LC PE Students.

End of Year Trip – 1st & 2nd Year

There is an end of year trip booked for 1st & 2nd year to Tayto Park on 19th May. All other year groups (TYs will have graduated) will have class as per their normal timetable. Permission slips have been sent home with students. Places on the trip are awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible students. The Year Heads have explained the criteria for eligibility to the students. Any student eligible to attend who may be experiencing financial difficulties should discreetly and, with confidentiality, discuss this with their Year Head. 

Mental Health Awareness Day

Cycle Against Suicide will take place on 7th May on the Junior Campus. Details will be shared on 1st May. Parents / guardians are reminded that Darkness into Light for Pieta House takes place on 9th May. 

Literacy Week – Winners of the Parent / Guardian Literacy Quiz

Congratulations to the Winners of the Parent/Guardian Literacy Quiz held over last week as part of the school’s literacy week. Mr Guaghran/Ms Tarpey will be in touch with your prizes! 

1. Amanda Biddulph
2. Andrew Cogan
3. Niamh Rafferty
4. Jennifer Sower

TY Update – Ms. Maher

Excitement is building as we head into the final stretch for this year’s TY Show – Greased Lightning!  All Transition Year students involved in the Cast, Dancers, and Backstage Crew will be based on the Junior Campus for the entire week. 

-Thursday: All TYs will have a half-day, finishing at lunchtime.
–Friday: All TYs will have a full day off

A massive thank you to all the staff members who have dedicated their time, energy, and hard work to help prepare this production.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance from both receptions. 

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) Update – Ms Maher

Task interviews for 5th Year LCA students will take place next week. A special thanks to our SNAs for their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of these tasks by coordinating student movement to and from the interview rooms.

Results Analysis: Session 1 & Session 3

LCA students received their task results for Session 1 and Session 3 this week.
While the detailed analysis is currently underway, the overall results are very impressive. There has been an excellent cohort of results across both year groups, reflecting the dedication and effort put in by the students.

A massive thank you to all LCA teachers and SNAs. Your continued guidance and support throughout these sessions are instrumental in helping our students achieve such high standards. Well done to everyone involved! 

LCVP Update – Ms. Maher

Good luck to all students sitting their LCVP Written State Exam next Wednesday Morning. 

Being Well Class – 20th April – Ms Howell

This week, tutors will spend half the class completing the School Culture Student Survey with their class on the Chromebooks in the Hub on JC and Canteen / Class on SC.

‘Exam Calm for Parents’

This podcast features Dr Jean Sorohan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, who explores how parents and carers can support young people during exam season. The episode offers practical advice on staying calm, easing pressure, building healthy routines and encouraging positive coping strategies. It also highlights the importance of recognising individual needs, including neurodivergent experiences, and reminds listeners that exams are only one part of a young person’s journey. The podcast is available HERE.

Parents / Carers Online Webinars

The ISPCC are offering a FREE online webinar series for parents/ carers and young people around exam time and dealing with anxiety. On the night Bree O’ Neill, National Childline Digital Coordinator with the ISPCC will focus on:

• What is anxiety?
• Dealing with an anxious child
• Anxiety Management Tips & Tools
• Childline Digital Mental Health & Wellbeing programmes-support for young people and parents

Webinar 1 for parents/carers – ‘Coping with Exam Anxiety’ Support & Advice for Parents/ Carers
Tuesday April 28th @ 7 – 8pm
Register for the webinar HERE

Webinar 2 for students – ‘Coping with Exam Anxiety’- Support & Advice for Young People during exam time’
Wednesday April 29th @ 7-7.30pm
Register for the webinar HERE