School Prospectus

Parents

Introduction

A WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome to St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School. As Principal, I am delighted that you are considering St. Brigid’s for your daughter’s second level education. Several generations of young girls from the Killarney area have entered St. Brigid’s and emerged as happy, confident, mature young women, with the skills to reach their potential, excel in whatever they choose to do, and destined to make a positive contribution to the world.
At St. Brigid’s we are proud of the broad curriculum offered to our students, our excellent academic results, our facilities and our exceptional array of extra-curricular activities. Our commitment to outstanding pastoral care makes this a happy and positive place to learn. Our girls thrive in the knowledge that they are supported by dedicated and caring staff who encourage them to fulfil their potential.
As a past pupil of St. Brigid’s, I know firsthand that the school’s success is firmly rooted in the excellent relationship which exists between students and staff and in the atmosphere of trust, co-operation and mutual respect which permeates throughout the school. Our school ambience is warm, yet structured, friendly yet focused, child centred yet ambitious.
We believe in providing all our students with opportunities for success and we celebrate student achievement across a diverse range of activities. Our students are successful because they experience a school community where each member is valued and supported, and where she can learn without disruption. Each year group is assigned a Year Head who remains with that group throughout their time in St. Brigid’s. The Year Head monitors progress and ensures that parents are very much part of the learning partnership.

I hope this prospectus will give you the information you need in deciding on the next stage of your daughter’s education. Evidence of the positive student experience offered in the school can be found in the testimonials from first year pupils cited throughout this publication. If you require further information please contact the school directly at 064 6632209. We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Principal

Mairéad McElligott
(Deputy Principal)

Liam McGill
(Deputy Principal)

Girls chatting outside St Brigid's Secondary School, Killarney

Mission Statement

Our school is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary School for girls only under the trusteeship of CEIST. We strive to be a centre of growth and development. Our aim is an education for life and living, which is realistic and challenging. Our inspiration is the Christian vision, which fosters the dignity and value of every human being.

Our Ethos

Who will light the lantern…

St Brigid’s is a member of CEIST (Catholic Education, an Irish Schools’ Trust), the trustee body for the Voluntary Secondary Schools of the Presentation Sisters and four other congregations. The school follows in the tradition of Presentation foundress, Nano Nagle, by honouring her pioneering religious and educational philosophy of a caring education that is accessible to all. Faith rituals form an important part of the school’s ethos, and ceremonies like the Graduation Mass and Presentation Day celebrations are among the highlights of the school calendar. Notwithstanding this Catholic ethos, our school is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students from all faith backgrounds and none. In keeping with the core values of CEIST, our students are encouraged to celebrate difference, to create community by being just and responsible, and to respect the dignity and individuality of every person. In this way, the legendary lantern of Nano Nagle is kept burning brightly in our school. We are very proud of been awarded the Yellow Flag which illustrates how we strive to embrace diversity.

CEIST values at work in our school:

Promoting Spiritual and Human Development

Achieving Quality in Teaching and Learning

Creating Community

Girls outside chatting with school mascot dog

howing Respect for Every Person

Girls in school hallway looking at notice board

Being Just and Responsible

…and keep burning bright?

Welcome to our school

Why Choose St. Brigid’s?

Excellent academic results
Strong, caring ethos
Friendly atmosphere
Excellent rapport between students and staff
Dedicated staff that bring out the best in students
Extensive range of extra-curricular activities on offer
Wide range of curricular programmes and subjects at Junior and Senior Cycle

Facilities

St. Brigid’s has modern, well-equipped facilities to cater for the wide range of resourced subjects on offer in the school. All of our classrooms are equipped with the up-to-date educational technology. Facilities currently on offer include:

Three Science Laboratories
Two Art Rooms
Two Home Economics Rooms
One Music Room
A spacious and well equipped gym
An Information Technology Room
Leaving Cert Applied Room with specialised equipment
Design Communication Graphics room (complete with a suite of computers)
Two Career Guidance and Counselling Offices
Library and Reading for Pleasure areas
Three Learning Support Rooms
Outdoor social spaces

New School Development

A brand-new school has been sanctioned by the Department of Education for St. Brigid’s and it has now gone to design stage. Exciting times ahead! The design has been developed and the project is at pre-planning stage (February 2025)

Application Process for Incoming 1st Years

Parents/Guardians and 6th class pupils are invited to our Pre-Enrolment Evening, where they will meet current students and their teachers, be addressed by the Principal, and experience first-hand the warm and friendly atmosphere of our school.

Application forms and our Admissions Policy are available on our school website, or by contacting the school office.

Please refer to the Annual Admission Notice which is published on the school website for information regarding the timeline for applications etc.

Information Technology

All students in St. Brigid’s are issued with a personal school-based email address, which gives access to Microsoft Office 365 technology.

This provides a structured framework for students to use technology as part of their educational experience and facilitates the modern methods of assessment required as part of the Junior Cycle and redeveloped Senior Cycle. St. Brigid’s is proud to continue to be a centre of excellence in Microsoft Office.

Zoomer our
Therapy Dog

oomer visits many classes to befriend students and also helps those that may experience anxiety.

OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

HOW WE LOOK AFTER YOU

Prior to Joining St. Brigid’s as a First Year student

Before entering St. Brigid’s, a member of the student support team will liaise with the local primary schools.
Once enrolled in St. Brigid’s, your daughter will be invited to undertake an assessment, the results of which will allow the school to help her reach her full potential.
Students are then invited to an Induction morning
(usually in May) where they will get the opportunity to meet new classmates and their mentors.
In August, there will be an Orientation Day for all First Years where they will learn about their timetable, the routine of school and find their way around

Year Head and Wellbeing Tutor

At the start of the school year, students will be assigned a Year Head and Wellbeing Tutor. These teachers will work closely together to ensure each girl is settling in well to the school and will help her with any difficulties she might encounter. Students have a timetabled ‘Wellbeing Time’ each week where they will meet their Wellbeing Tutor and aspects of Wellbeing are addressed.

Student Support Team (SST)

The Student Support Team comprises the Principal, Deputy Principals, Year Heads and Guidance Counsellors and meets each week to discuss students who require additional support. The SST put plans in place so that the students are supported in every possible way This may require a referral to one of the two guidance counsellors in the school or perhaps referral to an outside agency/private counsellor.

Career Guidance and Counselling

The Guidance department provides students with valuable information with regard to subject choices, study plans and examination techniques. Information evenings are held for parents/guardians on topics such as the transition from primary to secondary school, subject choice for second year and subject/programme choice at senior cycle. At senior cycle, visiting speakers from various educational institutions are invited into the school, and students are given opportunities to complete career investigations. Students can make individual appointments with the Guidance Counsellor to discuss educational, career, social or personal issues. The Guidance Counsellor meets each First Year student individually to check how they are settling into St. Brigid’s and to ascertain if they need additional supports.

Student Speaking with School Office Secretary

Student Council = Student Voice

Our school has an active and vibrant Student Council, comprised of representatives from all year groups. These students hold regular meetings with the Principal and Deputy Principal, providing a wonderful opportunity for the student voice to be heard and acknowledged by senior management.

The student council also link in with the Board of Management to keep them abreast of their work in the school and in the wider community.

Parents’ Council

The Parents’ Council plays a very important role in St. Brigid’s. All new parents & legal guardians can become members of the council.

The Parents’ Council meet every 5-6 weeks with one of the Deputy Principals to discuss issues pertaining to the school and they play a significant role in reviewing policies, pre-enrolment evening, etc.

ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE..

What supports are available to help me
as I begin secondary school in St. Brigid’s?

Every effort is taken by management and staff to ensure each student makes a smooth transition from Primary to Post Primary School. Some of the steps we take to support students in this important stage of their school career include:

Pre-Enrolment Evening (October) and Induction Morning (May) – helping prospective students to get to know the school.
Mentor System: First Year students are paired with senior cycle ‘buddies’ on their first day in the school to ensure a smooth transition. First Year students meet with these mentors on a regular basis during the first term.
Assignment of a designated Year Head, Wellbeing Tutor and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator who will take special responsibility for the welfare of all First Year students.

What happens at lunch time?

Junior Students (First to Third Year) remain on the school premises during lunchtime. Canteen facilities are available to students at break and lunch time. A selection of healthy snacks, sandwiches and wraps are also available for students to pre-order and purchase. In addition, students have access to filtered water, hot water and microwaves. We encourage students to bring their own healthy lunches.

Girls outside St Brigid's Secondary School, Killarney

What will my timetable be like?

School day starts at 9am and finishes at 3.55pm.
Exception: Wednesday as it’s a half day (9am until 1.15pm).
Each class is 1 hour long so 6 classes most days and 4 on a Wednesday.
First Years have two hours of PE each week.
Every student gets a personalised timetable on her first day and we will help you to understand it

Will I get a locker?

All students may rent a locker from the school, which will be assigned to them at the start of the year by their Year Head. Lockers are situated as close as is practicable to the students’ base classroom. Lockers may be accessed before school and during the mid-morning and lunch breaks.

Is after school study available?

After School Study is available to students in St. Brigid’s for a small fee.

Session 1: 4.15pm–6.20pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Session 2: 6.50pm-8.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
4.15pm–6.20pm on Wednesday

Saturday study is also available.

Uniform

What school uniform do I have to wear?

The school uniform (pictured right) is available to purchase locally in Lynes of Killarney and Walsh Brothers, and is comprised of:

A crested royal blue v-neck jumper
A navy and white stripe blouse
Royal blue pleated knee length skirt
Black tights/ Plain black knee socks (no patterns or graphics permitted)
Plain Black Shoes (no boots/ankle boots or shoes with heels are permitted)
A crested navy school jacket (no other jacket/ hooded top is permitted in school)

There is also a designated school PE uniform (pictured right), which consists of:

A pale blue school crested polo shirt
Plain navy tracksuit pants (no leggings, running tights or shorts permitted)
No stripes, logos or branding allowed
School Crested Zippie top
Appropriate sports runners that provide support and protection for PE activities

Parents/Guardian are encouraged to read the section pertaining to uniform in the schools Code of Behaviour before purchasing the uniform.

How is Student Progress Communicated to
Parents/Guardians?

Student progress is formally communicated to parents/guardians twice a year, by means of a written report after the Christmas and Summer examinations. A parent-teacher meeting also takes place annually for each year group, in which parents can meet all of their daughters’ teachers to discuss their progress in person. Should any issue arise during the year, parents are encouraged to contact the relevant Year Head. A Progress report is issued to parents of 5th & 6th Year students as well as Leaving Cert Applied, Year 1 & 2 students prior to the October midterm break.

St. Brigid's Secondary School, Killarney Uniforms

Special Educational Needs

In St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and caring environment where every student is supported in reaching her full potential. Our approach to Special Educational Needs (SEN) is guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and individualised support, ensuring that those with the greatest needs receive the most targeted support.
Our SEN Department plays a central role in coordinating and facilitating educational support for students who require additional assistance. Led by our dedicated and highly qualified SEN Co-ordinators one for each year group – our team works proactively with students, teachers, and parents to tailor support strategies that meet individual needs.

A Continuum of Support

Following the NEPS Continuum of Support model, our school provides three levels of intervention:

Support for All: Whole-school approaches to inclusive teaching and differentiated learning to benefit all students.

Support for Some: Targeted interventions for students requiring additional academic, social, or emotional support.

Support for a Few: Intensive, individualised support for students with the most significant needs.

By assessing each student’s strengths and areas for development, we ensure that every girl receives appropriate, evidence-based support.

Special Class (ASD)

This class caters specifically for students with a diagnosis of autism and allows for specialised, individual, and small group teaching for students, who also remain integrated with the mainstream student body. Our class reflects the inclusive ethos in St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School which is based on the belief that students with special needs should receive their education within the most supportive environment. The focus on realising the full potential of each individual student will endeavour to develop the students’ life skills and prepare them for life after school in an ever-evolving model of best practice.
Our ASD class is supported by 2 co-ordinators and 2 SNAs who primarily work with the 6 students enrolled in the class (maximum 6 students).
Students who have written confirmation from the National Council for Special Education of their eligibility for the special class are entitled to apply for a place in the class as per the admissions policy.

The Role of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Our Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) provide invaluable shared support to students with additional care needs, enabling them to access the curriculum and fully participate in school life.

Working under the guidance of the SEN Coordinators and classroom teachers, SNAs offer practical assistance in areas such as mobility, communication, and organisation while also fostering independence and self-confidence in students.

The Role of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Our Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) provide invaluable shared support to students with additional care needs, enabling them to access the curriculum and fully participate in school life.

Supporting Exceptionally Able Children

In addition to providing for students with additional learning needs, we recognise and support Exceptionally Able Students.

We collaborate with the Centre for Talented Youth (CTY) programme, identifying students with exceptional ability and offering them opportunities to extend and enrich their learning.

Parents of identified students are invited to engage with CTY to explore advanced learning pathways.

Extra Curricular Activities
Spoilt for choice!

n St. Brigid’s we aim to cater for a wide range of talents and abilities. In addition to a tradition of excellence in Gaelic Football, Athletics and Basketball, students are provided with opportunities to compete in a wide variety of sports like Badminton, Soccer, Gymnastics, Volleyball and Spikeball. A wide range of non-sporting activities are also provided both at lunchtime and after school. An extensive list of extra curricular activities is made available to students twice per year, in September and again in January, giving students a chance to take part in several different clubs throughout the year. Some of the more popular initiatives include the Couch to 5k club, the school Choir, Creative Clusters, Board games, Debating, Poetry Aloud, Drama, Musicals, Retreats, Yellow Flag Committee, Amber Flag Committee, Book club, Guitar club and the Christmas market. In addition, the school is proud of its fundraising activities which support a wide range of good causes both locally and nationally.