June 2026 June 2026
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What a year! A huge congratulations to all our students and staff as well as parents/guardians for completing another school year. Definitely it was once again a busy year for everyone and in particular a great year for all our sporting teams. We are delighted to see our students and their coaches see their hard work, training and dedication pay off.
You will notice that we added an entire new section to our awards to mark the achievements of our students in sports, dance, physical activities both in school and in the Clondalkin community.
We finished the year as always with our academic awards where we also introduced some new school spirit categories (one step beyond) recognising students who make a difference by living our shared CEIST values.
Coláiste Bríde were honoured to welcome Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD , along with Minister Emer Higgins TD , along with Lord Mayor Pamela Kearns and other public representatives to our school to launch the first post-primary Active School Flag. The Active School Flag is a whole-school endeavour featuring student leadership, participation, organisation and student voice. The commitment is to promote physical activity in young people in a variety of ways beyond traditional sporting activity. This new promotion of physical activity is now embedded in the expectations of students and staff; it is part of what we do in Coláiste Bríde.
Through the work of Transition Year students and their ASF teachers over the last seven years, the Active School Flag process has evolved from concept to reality, always striving to make continuous improvement, build upon student ideas, feedback and research. Activities are designed to be fun, inclusive, interactive, sometimes competitive (Teacher v Students) and engaging for the entire school community.
Minister Naughton praised the students on making history, enjoyed the dance showcase, heard the student presentations and learned about the active walkway lessons from the students before raising the Active Schools Flag for the assembled audience. A huge buíochas bos to everyone who helped us achieve the first Active Schools Flag at post-primary level. As we reach the end of the school year, I extend our best wishes to our 3rd and 6th year students for their exams, we bid farewell to our 6th years and any staff who are not returning. May I take this opportunity to wish all students, parents/guardians and staff an enjoyable summer break, time to rest, renew, recharge.
Marie-Thérese Kilmartin Principal
Minister for Education Visits Coláiste Bríde for Active School Flag Raising Ceremony
We were honoured to welcome Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton to Coláiste Bríde for a very special occasion as she officially raised our Active School Flag. This achievement is a proud historic milestone for our entire school community and reflects the dedication, enthusiasm, and teamwork shown by our students and staff.
Congratulations to all our Active School Flag students and staff leaders who have played their part in ensuring Coláiste Bríde met all the required standards. Through commitment, creativity, fun, energy, and innovation, they have helped get our school moving and encouraged everyone to become more active
We are especially proud that Coláiste Bríde is the first secondary school to be awarded the Active School Flag under the new post-primary process launched earlier this year. This outstanding accomplishment highlights the positive culture of wellbeing, participation, and physical activity within our school A sincere thank you to Minister Naughton for taking the time to visit our school and celebrate this fantastic achievement with us.
Well done to everyone involved!
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AhugeCongratulationstoour newHead-TeamofAce,Alicia andLeah.Theschoolwere delightedtonameournewHead StudentstodayatAwards.
Congratulationstoallstudents nominatedtoo,allrichly deservingfortheirleadership throughservicecontributionsto ourschool.
HSCL news! HSCL news! HSCL news!
DearParents&Guardians
Anotherbusytermhaspassedby,andparentalengagementwasatitspeakwithlots happeningfrommeetingstocoffeemornings,visitsfromlocalcounsellorstocookeryto namebutafew!
LocalcounsellorFrancisTimmonsdroppedbyintooursupportgroupforour neurodivergentstudentsParentsGroup(onceamonthonWeds)Hespokeatlength abouthowClondalkinisnowanautisticfriendlytownandwhatitmeansforeveryone.I hadnoideaNicoscafédidquiettimeintheafternoon abrilliantidea! Membersfromthe studentsCouncilwerealsopresentandcontributedsowelltothediscussions.Great ambassadorsfortheirschool.
IalsoextendedawarmwelcometoCommunityNutritionistChloeMurphyintotalkall thingshealthyandnutritiousinthekitchen!Parentsrolleduptheirsleevesandproduced deliciouspizzasandpancakes ��!!Atrulydelectablefeasthadbyall Parentswonsome superprizesincludingblenders,smoothiemakers,andvariousitemsforthekitchen ��.
Ofcourse,earlierinMarchweenjoyedourfirstParentsWellbeingEvent:TheCBParents WellbeingBrunch!Inessence,foodhasbeenarecurringtheme!
IthascertainlybeenabusyandenjoyablefirstyearinmyroleasHSCLhereinColaiste BrideandIverymuchlookforwardtoworkingwithmanyofyouagainnextyear.Ifyou haveanyideasfornextyear,maybeamorningwalkinggroup,ayoga/Pilatesclass,book cluborevenaculturaltripyoufancyormaybetogatheragroupofparentstodo DarknessintoLightortheMiniMarathon,pleasereachoutandshareyourideaswithme" hscl@colaistebride.comIwouldLOVEtohearyourviewsandideasonhowwecan supportParentsandbringyouallalongyourdaughter'seducationaljourney.
Aheartfeltthankyoutoallwhoattendedcoffeemorningsoreventsthisyear.Havea lovelysummer ☀ andhopeweallgettoenjoysomewellde
Warmwishes
Sports Spotlight - Ava Buckley 3 year rd
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ActiveSchoolFlag
Ourathleticsteamshaveenjoyedan outstandingyearofsuccessacrossall competitions.Studentsrepresentedthe schoolwithgreatdetermination, teamworkandsportsmanshipthroughout theseason.
Wearedelightedtocelebrateour achievementsinwinningtheMCH-DH AthleticsLeague,theWestLeinster ChampionshipsandtheLeinster Championships Thesevictoriesarea reflectionofthehardworkanddedication shownbyallofourathletesandcoaches Congratulationstoeveryoneinvolvedon anexceptionalyearforathleticsin
Congratulations toLyndaPowerinRangLorcán 2ndyear,onbeinginvitedtogiveaspeechto PresidentCatherineConnollyonbehalfof ClondalkinEquineClub.Shespokeaboutthe importanceoftheclubforteenagersinherlocal area.Weareveryproudofhowwellshe representedherclubandwidercommunity!
WelldonetoMsDoohan’sfirst yearswhorecentlycompletely aJuniorAchievementscience coursewithSudeepfromBOI.
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SuburbanSoundsSchoolProgramme
ThestudentsinvolvedintheSchoolsSuburbanSounds Programme,LaurenMcDonagh,NevaehAkajemeli, EimearBoland(3rdYr)andEllaGallagher(2nd)took partintheshowcaseconcertonFriday22ndMayinÁras CrónánwithotherschoolsintheSouthDublinarea They performedtwoofthesongstheyco-wroteandearlier thisyeartheyhadtheopportunitytorecordthesesongs intherecordingstudioinRuaRed.SuburbanSoundsisa fantasticprogrammethatcultivatescreativityand musicianshipandwewouldencourageanyonewhohas anyinterestintheperformingorsongwritingindustryto joinnextyear.Welldone!
Good Luck Message to 6th years
To our 6th Years,
As you prepare for your upcoming Leaving Certificate exams, I want to wish each and every one of you the very best of luck. You have worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and I am very proud of all that you have achieved. Remember that success is not measured only by exam results, but by the person you have become along the way.
As your Deputy Head Girl, Miskiyat has said: “This is your life, you can go anywhere. You gotta grab the wheel and own it, and drive it like you stole it.”
Take those words with you into the next chapter of your lives. Be brave, take opportunities, believe in yourselves, and never be afraid to follow your own path. Over the next few weeks, please take care of yourselves. Get plenty of rest, eat properly, take breaks, and be kind to your mind and body. Do your best, believe in yourselves, and remember that one exam does not define your worth. Look out for one another, support your friends, and stay safe throughout the exams and the summer ahead. Enjoy the celebrations, make memories, and take time to relax after all your hard work. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the contribution you have made to our school community. We will miss you all greatly. Goodbye and good luck, your next chapter is only beginning. Take care.
Ms. Hopkins
6th Yr Year Head
LastweekendwewenttoLimericktocompeteintheAllIrelands Weplayed twomatchesontheSaturday,wewononeandlostone.Afterourlast matchonSaturday,wewenttoourhotelandgotsettledinourroom,then wewentonawalkandgotourdinner.Wehadfunlaterthateveningtalking toeachotherandgoinginandoutofeachother'sroom.OnSunday morningwewentdowntothebuffetbreakfasttogetagoodmealintous beforeournextmatches.AfterourbreakfastwegotliftstotheULweplayed ourmatchandwewon,whichmeantwewereinthesemi-finals.After watchingsomeothermatchesitwastimeforourmatchweputalotof effortintoourmatchbutsadlylostinoursemifinal.Eventhoughthings didn'talwaysgooutway,wekeepourheadsupandmadesome unforgettablememoriesandfriendships.ThankstoourcoachesLucy,Holly andMiriamandtheteacherMsRidgewayandMsNíMhurchuwho supportedusthewholewaythrough.
AmyMonaghan 1styearbasketballteam
Sports Achievement Spotlight – Sophie Tapiz
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our 6th Year student, Sophie Tapiz, who has been named Sports Student of the Year 2026.
Sophie has enjoyed an exceptional season in Taekwondo, demonstrating remarkable dedication, skill and determination at both national and international level. Among many accolades this year, Sophie achieved phenomenal success at the Dublin Open 2026, securing:
1st Place – Junior Female 2nd Degree Patterns
1st Place – Junior Female Sparring (-61kg)
Best Overall Junior Female
Building on this success, Sophie continued her impressive form at the European Championships 2026, where she once again delivered an outstanding performance She was crowned:
1st Place – Junior Female 2nd Degree Patterns
1st Place – Junior Female Sparring (-61kg)
Double European Champion
Best Overall Junior Female
Sophie’s exceptional accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence She is a fantastic ambassador for Coláiste Bríde, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements on the Irish and European stage.
Congratulations, Sophie! We look forward to seeing your continued success in the future
Athletics team won the MHC-DH Athletics League
Alyssa Rooney capped for Ireland Soccer team
Round Towers U15 won Dublin Championship
3 Year rd
Camogie: U16 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship
Aoife Breslin & Roisin Higgins playing for Dublin u15 Camogie Team
·Round Towers u15 promoted to division 1 in Camogie.
Basketball - U16’s Reached the All-Ireland play off’s
Mia Dunne on Ireland U16 team
Lions U15/U16/U13 Cup finals
Gaelic: U16 reached Junior D Preliminary knock-out round
20 students have qualified for Leinsters track and field Championships in Tullamore
·Athletics team won the MHC-DH Athletics League
·Round Towers U15 won Dublin Championship
·Sarah Fagan playing for Dublin u16 Camogie Team
Olivia O’Neill (3 year) - competing at national level for Swimming rd
TY
U19 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship Athletics team won the MHC-DH Athletics League Athletics team 5th over all
U16’s Basketballers reached the All-Ireland play off’s
Camogie U16 & U19 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship
5th Year
· Basketball: U16’s Reached the All-Ireland play off’s & Lions U16 Cup finals
GAA Laura Casey representing Dublin in U16 GAA
Athletics · 20 students have qualified for Leinsters track and field Championships next week in Tullamore
Athletics team won the MHC-DH Athletics League
Camogie U19 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship
U16 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship Sinead Gleeson playing for Dublin u16 Camogie Team
6th Year
U19 team won the Dublin Post Primary Schools championship Athletics team won the MHC-DH Athletics League Athletics team 5th over all.
Camogie
The u16 and u19 camogie teams had tremendous success this year winning both league titles The u19 final took place before Christmas against Holy Family Rathcoole and it marked many of the 6th year's final game for CB camogie. (Tara Kelly, Neasa Breen, Ashley Trusler, Ellamay Daly, Katie Manning, Sophie Butchart and Jemma Pluck. The match was extremely tight but due to the immense dedication, encouragement and team work the girls brought silverware back to CB. We are so proud of this team, and we will miss each of these outstanding 6th years a lot next year. We wish them the very best of luck in the Leaving Cert and as they progress onto their next chapters!
Student Voice Driving Wellbeing, Inclusion & Kindness (Bí Cineáltas)
This year, student voice has been at the heart of promoting wellbeing, inclusion and kindness across our school community. Our first ever Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW) — a first of its kind in our school — was developed through consultation with students, parents and staff, ensuring it reflected real experiences and needs.
Working together, Ms. Ridgeway, the NCW student team, the Kindness Committee and our prefects brought a range of student led initiatives to life.
A key development was the ‘Regulation Station’, a calm space for students with authorised ‘time out passes’ to regulate when feeling overwhelmed. Students also highlighted that too much written information can be difficult in these moments, leading to a visual Regulation Poster Art Competition, with the winning design now displayed at reception.
During NCW, a whole school project explored neurodiversity, inclusion and the strengths different neurotypes bring. This helped build understanding and celebrate difference. Two teachers, Ms. Ridgeway and Ms. Scanlon, also shared their own experiences of being neurodivergent, helping to normalise these conversations in our school.
A student focus group identified the need to normalise calming tools in classrooms. In response, students led a Valentine’s fundraiser, raising over €400 to introduce fidget boxes, now being trialled. The Kindness Committee led a Positive Message Campaign, shared student created messages, bags to recognise key
Both committees also acted as student focus groups, helping shape future plans around inclusion support for all students.
Overall, this work highlights the power of listening to students and acting on their ideas. Feedback showed strong impact, with 80% of students reporting improved understanding of neurodiversity
e would like to sincerely thank all students involved for their leadership and commitment to
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Ms. Scanlon's Harry Potter Club finished up the school year by designing some magical mugs! Seriously talented witches in the making.
Best wishes to all our First Years for a happy and safe summer! Congratulations to you all on your efforts, perseverance, and achievements during this academic year You have worked hard, learned well, made new friends, gained new skills, supported one another, made mistakes and learned from them, represented your school, tried new things, developed your talents, overcome challenges, played and enjoyed lots of sport, built community, shown resilience, leadership and courage and had great fun throughout it all.
You have made a great start to your Coláiste Bríde journey and we are excited to see where the next year will take you. Be safe and be kind to each other over the summer, be helpful at home, enjoy the break and we look forward to welcoming you back to 2nd Year in August!
Bain sult as na laethanta saoire! ��
Ms. Purcell and the 1st year Team
Guidance News
The Guidance Team would like to thank all of our students who engaged so well with many events which took place throughout the school year. A large number of our students attended Higher Options, World Skills, Maynooth University Open Day, Inchicore College Open Day, Trinity College Dublin, TU Dublin Traineeship Interviews, Coláiste Bríde's College Fair and many other events throughout the year. A number of students will be attending college events over the Summer months also.
We encourage our students in all year groups to look at the calendar for Open Days/Information sessions when they are released in September and prioritise those they wish to attend
A reminder that Teen Turn will offer free online digital revisions sessions weekly for seniorcycle STEM students. We would encourage students to avail of this opportunity. With the emergence of more apprenticeships, traineeships and Tertiary Degrees all of our future Sixth Years will have many different pathways open to them and we encourage our students to research any area that they are interested in.
A reminder to our Sixth Year students to continue to check all notifications sent to them by the CAO and Colleges of Further Education if they have applied to them. Students are remined of the importance of meeting deadlines as required
A group of our 5th-year students recently completed their 50km Silver Gaisce Award Adventure Journey in Glendalough. The journey spanned three days and two nights, with the students staying at the Glendalough Hostel and taking full responsibility for preparing and cooking their own meals.
The trek was a true test of endurance, featuring challenging routes with significant elevation. The weather also added to the difficulty, with the group navigating steady rain throughout the weekend. Despite the damp conditions and tough climbs, the students maintained an excellent attitude and supported each other the whole way
5th Year Students- 50km Silver Gaisce Hike
Polish Day – “Taste of Polska”
What a wonderful celebration of culture, community, and tradition!
Students from Coláiste Bríde and came together to Moyle Park College organise a very special Polish Day as part of the Taste of Polska celebration. Coordinated by Polish teacher Ms. Majchrzak, the event was a vibrant showcase of Polish culture and provided a fantastic opportunity for the whole school community to learn more about Polish traditions, food, music and language.
From the beginning of the day, there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the school. Students proudly shared elements of Polish heritage, introducing their peers to traditional customs, stories, and cultural traditions. One of the highlights of the event was the delicious selection of authentic Polish food. From homemade cakes and sweet treats to savoury traditional dishes, everyone had the chance to experience the rich flavours of Poland.
The performances and activities added even more colour and excitement to the celebration. Traditional Polish music beautifully presented folk costumes, and engaging language activities gave students an insight into the richness of Polish culture and history The enthusiasm, creativity and hard work shown by all students involved made the day truly memorable.
We were also honoured to welcome the Polish Ambassador, Mr Artur Michalski, whose visit made the occasion even more special. His engagement with students highlighted the importance of cultural diversity, inclusion, and community spirit within our schools.
Polish Day was not only a celebration of Polish heritage, but also a reminder of the diversity that strengthens and enriches our school community. It was a day filled with learning, friendship, and joy one that will be remembered for years to come.
2025 / 2026 Head Girl Team
about our day and just cajorling us to school when we were aiming for a duvet day is now something we thankful for as we look back on what we've been here to experience.
I want to thank Ms Kilmartin, our principal for supporting our year all this time Our deputy principals for a hard work they’ve done for us the last few years. And Ms Hopkins for bringing our year through as our Year
Hieveryone,andwelcometoourgraduation.My nameisMiskiyatMomohandIamoneofthe deputyHeadGirlsthisyear. Ifyou’vewalkedaroundthehallsofCB,you’ll knowthatthisschoolcultivateslearningand growth.LikeMsHarringtoninthegarden,CB helpsustoblossomandgrowintoyoungadults readyforourglobalsociety Graduationisanending,butalsoabeginning. Wearesteppingintoaworldthatwillchallenge usinnewwaysandaskustoadapt,growand learn
We’veallheardMsKilmartinsay:‘Ancora Imparo’.Iamalwayslearning;wearealways learning!AndCBhasbeenamassivepartofour learningjourneysofar AspartofmygrowthhereinCB,Iwouldliketo thankafewpeoplewhohaveallowedmeto growasapersonhere. Tomyteachers,myfamilywhohavesupported methroughthickandthin,mysecondfamilyin BossHoggswho’veallowedmetogrowinthe worldofworkandfinally,myfriendsand classmateswhohavesupportedme‘tiltheends oftheearth.Thankyouallsomuch. SoI’llleaveyouwithonepieceofadvicethat alwaysresonateswithme,whichisrelevantto staff,studentsandeveryoneinthishalltoday: ‘Thisyourlife,youcangoanywhere Yougottagrabthewheelandownit Anddriveitlikeyoustoleit’ CBhasallowedustothrive,ithasallowedusto grow.Now,Iimploreyouall;usethatgrowthto changetheworld.
My name is Neasa -Today is a bittersweet moment without a doubt There is so much excitement for the future and all the opportunities ahead of us, but there is also sadness in knowing that this chapter of our lives is coming to an end Saying goodbye is never easy Saying goodbye to the place we know, the place we came to everyday with the same people for the past six years then suddenly never again makes it all the harder . But I think the hardest goodbyes are the ones that mean the most They remind us just how special these memories, friendships, and moments truly were.
From the small, everyday moments to reaching this milestone together and becoming the people we are today We came into this school as nervous students, unsure of ourselves and the future Along the way, we grew not only academically, but as people. If you had told 12 year old me that I would be standing here today I would’ve turned and run out the door. Through every opportunity this school gave us- whether it was sports, volunteering, leadership roles, school trips or simply working together as classmates; we learned lessons that shaped us into who we are today and prepared us for the real world, even if we don’t necessarily feel ready.
I’d like to end by thanking everyone for making today possible. To our teachers, school management and support staff thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, it doesn’t go unnoticed. And now that we are moving on we are sure you will continue to be brilliant for all the girls that follow us Thank you!
Neasa Breen
The Student Council 2025/26 were very busy this year and here’s what we got up to!
Some of our TY members attended the CEIST Conference on the 15th of April in St. Patrick’s College and got a great insight into the history of CEIST and where the CEIST values stem from and how they translate into our school here at CB. Our senior members also carried out a voting drive, going around to 5th and 6th year religion classes getting all of our students 17 years old and upwards to register to vote. It was a great initiate and great achievement for us as a school to have so many young people ready to vote as soon as their time comes We had great engagement with our social media and we hope to keep it up and make it even better next year Our Instagram gave students live updates of the going’s on around the school and helped us connect with the wider community aswell Finally, Wellbeing Week 2026 was definitely the highlight of the year for the Student Council After months of planning the week was a massive success with colour runs, flash mobs, music bingo, lunchtime karaoke, guest speakers and much much more. The students and staff had a fantastic week, and we are so glad to bring so much fun to school life for everyone involved. As next year comes around, we say farewell to our current 6th years who have shown great inspiration and are passing the torch down for us to carry on their work. We look forward to what next year will bring and we cannot wait to see some new fresh faces
Gaelbhratach 25/26
Bhí bliain an-ghnóthach ag an gcoiste don Ghaelbhratach arís i mbliana agus bhí rath ar an obair ar fad! Bronnadh an dara Gaelbhratach ar Cholaiste Bríde an mhí seo agus taimid ar fad ansásta! D'eagraigh an coiste a lán imeachtaí spéisiúla i rith na bliana agus bhain idir scoláirí agus pobal uilig na scoile tairbhe astu - céilithe, comórtaisí, dúshlain, díospóireachtaí, dearadh dorais, comórtas foclóra agus clár fógraí cruthaitheach chun blaiseadh a thabhairt daoibh. Our motto is Cúpla focal, gach lá! The Gaelbhratach Committee is delighted to share that we have won our 2nd Gaelbhratach - tá sceitimíní orainn! We organised lots of fun activities during the year, céilís, competitions, challenges, debates, door designs, spelling bees and creative noticeboards to mention a few! We are proud to promote our language and our culture within Coláiste Bríde as it is a hugely important part of our identity which we all share and celebrate! Céad míle fáilte to new members joining us next year as our committee grows from strength to strength, get involved in a student-led, fun team - use your cúpla focal, or learn a few more, everyone's welcome - tá fáilte roimh chách!
Remember -is leatsa í, Cúpla focal gach lá!
Awards
Awards
