Wise Words from Sr Mary, Chairperson, Board of Management

The conclusion of the school year signals the end of many milestones. Our youngest students flourished as they navigated their first year of secondary school and this is evidenced in the booklet, “A Year full of Memories and Dreams” First Years 2022 – 2023.

The 6th years, not having sat a Junior Certificate examination due to Covid, faced their Leaving Cert. with resilience and courage. This is a great achievement in itself so congratulations and every good wish as you look forward and outwards to life beyond the school walls. Best wishes to our Junior Cycle Students as you completed your examinations – Well done!

School life is like a jigsaw, so many pieces linking together. I mention just three aspects that contribute to academic achievement and well-being, namely, Attendance, After-school study and Caring.

Attendance: The students who attend the best perform the best. Being in class is still the best formula for success.

After-school Study: I am encouraging parents to recommend to your daughter/s the supervised afterschool study in the school. This is a very worthwhile investment.

Caring: One of the core values of St. Paul’s is caring. Relationships between staff and students are genuine and respectful. Year Heads, Form teachers and each member of staff “do their best for the students” (quote adapted from Geneviève Dupuis, Foundress of the Sisters of Saint Paul). I am very encouraged by the level of care and concern shown by the staff in St. Paul’s who, every day, do all in their power to ensure success for each student in their care. When a parent/guardian is contacted by a member of staff, be assured that it is done in the best interest of the student. This is important because parents and staff need to work closely together in partnership. If there are concerns or problems, be assured that a solution is not far away once that healthy relationship is nurtured and developed between home and school – a win, win, win situation – a win for the parent, a win for the school and a win for the student and it does bear fruit! This working together gives students a sense of security, trust and ease. Sincere thanks to Ms Troy (Principal), Ms O’Shea (Deputy Principal), the staff and entire St. Paul’s Community for the wonderful learning opportunities provided for our students. All the activities and achievements outlined in this end-of-year newsletter are only possible because of the huge commitment and spirit of generosity that is so evident among the staff here in St. Paul’s. The school has so often been complimented on the high standards, politeness and good behaviour of the students during extra-curricular activities etc.

I am grateful to the Board of Management members for your support, your attendance at meetings and your dedication. Thanks to the Parents’ Association for your immense support during all school activities and events. Your willingness to organise raffles, your fund raising efforts and your being so available to the school deserve special mention. Thanks to the Student Council for bringing to our attention areas

that affect your lives in school.

We keep in our thoughts and prayers those of our school community who are ill, recovering from illness or who have been bereaved during this school year.

Finally, to all of you, the parents: I was inspired by the news of the four children lost in the jungle and their ability to survive in such precarious conditions. You, the parents are teaching your children survival skills (without you probably realising it!). How? By simply being there day in, day out, listening to them, putting up with tantrums, silence, not fighting their every battle, insisting that they move out of their comfort zone etc. This is possible because “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” ... Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Well done! Keep going! Happy and safe holiday!