Friday 28th November
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we come to the end of November and a particularly challenging week in St Seton’s following the death of our much loved colleague Dympna, I want to thank you for all the support and understanding that was shown to our school community last week. It means a lot to feel so supported by our parents and guardians and students. This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent with the theme of Hope.
We are looking forward to December and a renewed sense of joy in school. Joy is a word that everyone associated with Dympna and we will honour her memory by holding on to hope and joy in St Seton’s, despite our sadness.
In this week’s email there are some important new notices. I would be very grateful if more parents / guardians would complete the Bí Cineálta (Anti-Bullying Survey) as we have not had many responses. I hope you all have a lovely weekend,
Sarah Green
Principal
An Tus Nua Group
As a school community, we are disappointed at the lack of timely progress being made in relation to the new school building for St Seton’s. We are establishing a new group, the Tús Nua group, to provide a coordinated, strategic, and united voice on behalf of the entire school community to advocate for the timely delivery of the school’s promised new building.
The group will ensure that communication with the Department of Education, public representatives, local agencies, and wider community stakeholders is well-organised, truthful, respectful, and aligned with the school’s mission and values.
I encourage all parents / guardians to read the terms of reference of this new group. The Terms of Reference of this new group can be viewed here. I will consult with the Family Association about representation of Parents / Guardians on this group. If you would like to get involved, please contact me directly – sgreen@stsetons.ie / 086 040 4411.
St Seton’s ‘Suaimhneas’ Space for Parents / Guardians
St. Setons ‘Suaimhneas’ Space is now open to parents and guardians on:
📅 Thursdays 14:00-16:00pm
📅 Fridays 10:00 – 12:00pm
Suaimhneas is a dedicated space in the library on the Junior Campus that offers support to parents, and guardians. Our HSCL teachers provide resources, comfort, and opportunities for learning, connection, and engagement within our school. One of our HSCL teachers, Loretta or Noel, will be present every Thursday and Friday for two hours. It can be a time to chat to them or if you want some quiet time to pick up a book from our extensive range of books in the library, have a cup of tea and relax. Our HSCL teachrs will also be running events at these times throughout the year. Next week they will be making Christmas decorations. They would love you to pop in to them and encourage you to reach out or whatsapp them to say you would like to come in.
After Christmas there will be two computers and a printer set up for you to use!
Below are a few picks of the little tea making station and what some of our parents were making this week! Loretta and Noel look forward to seeing you soon!
Bi Cineálta Policy Review
There is still time to complete the parent / guardian survey as part of our review of our Bí Cineálta Survey. Please click the link below to have your voice heard! The survey will close on Tuesday, 2nd December.
Bí Cineálta Policy Review – Parent/Guardian Consultation Survey
Attendance Challenge – 10th November – 9th December 2025
Our current Attendance Challenge in school is ongoing until 9th December. Keep an eye out for our online Students’ Campaign to promote the importance of positive attendance – Every Day Counts!Lets Talk Attendance Parent Info.pdf
Christmas Doors
Nothing says festive fun like the annual battle of the Christmas Doors. This week each base class will decorate their classroom door as part of the annual Christmas Door Competition. This is a hotly contested competition each year – keep an eye on our Instagram to see the students’ talent and creativity!
Christmas Fair
The Annual TY Christmas Fair takes place on Friday. This is always a highlight of the year with a wonderful atmosphere as the enterprising Transition Year Students sell their crafts and food products as well as a mix of games and entertainment. Thank you to all the staff members supporting the students in their preparations! Parents / Guardians are welcome to attend from 10am – 12pm on Friday and immerse yourselves in the festive fun.
New Policy on Students’ Use of Toilets
Thank you to all the parents / guardians who engaged with the consultation on the new toilet policy. On the Senior Campus, the boys toilets are having some work done today to permanently block off the last two cubicles due to the level of antisocial behaviour and damage taking place. We really want the toilets to be supervisable and maintained to a high standard of cleanliness so they are pleasant and safe spaces for students to use. Please have conversations with your children about respecting the toilet spaces and leaving them in good condition.
Christmas Exams Revision Lists
The Students will receive their Christmas exam timetables on Monday during Being Well. It is expected that all students will receive revision lists in their subjects on Monday / Tuesday too. During the Christmas exam week, 3rd and 6th years will have block revision classes. Students will get their timetable for these revision classes on Monday. Attendance at these classes is absolutely essential.
Christmas Card Competition Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our Annual Christmas Card Competition
- Carly Gavin, 6th Year
- Molly O’Toole, 1st Year
- Tamzin O’Brien, TY
- Molly Sullivan, 5th Year
You can view their winning entries here: Christmas Card Winning Designs 25/26.pdf
These designs will be made into cards and printed for sale at the Christmas Fair with the proceeds going to the Student Council’s chosen charity.
Celebrating School Community Success
- Well done to all the 1st year students and teachers engaging in the Table Time initiative. This continues next week every day at 10am!
- Congratulations and thanks to the TY music class who sang in Maryfield Nursing Home with their teachers on Thursday.
- There are lots of matches taking place next week including a 2nd Year GAA Quarter Final – best of luck to all proudly togging out for St Seton’s in the coming week.
- Thanks to the Student Council Reps who decorated the Christmas Trees in Reception. Both receptions are looking marvellous.
- Thanks to the Positive Behaviour Straregy Team and Assistant Year Heads for coordinating the Positive Behaviour Reward Trip today to the Cinema to see Elf! These students who had accumulated lots of positive behaviour points had a great time.
- Check out ‘Gan Script’ on Spotify to hear our students’ first Podcast episode with their first ever guest, Catherine Ardagh TD. Daniel Dolan and Conor Palmer were sensational hosts. We are delighted to welcome Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn to St Seton’s on 8th December and she will be the second guest for Gan Script! You can access the podcast here.
Friday Reflection – First Sunday of Advent: A Season of Hope
As we begin the season of Advent, we are invited to pause and make space for hope. In the midst of busy family routines, Advent reminds us that even small moments of kindness, patience, and gratitude can light the way forward. Hope grows quietly – in encouraging our children, supporting one another, and believing in brighter days ahead. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Hope opens new horizons and enables us to dream of what is not yet visible.” May this Advent be a time of gentle renewal, joyful expectation, and strengthened hope for all our families.
