Student Voice

This year’s Student Council has been working hard already! Our focus thus far has been implementing our new Bí Cineálta policy. “Bí cineálta” means “Be kind”. We value kindness in our school. We want St Patrick’s NS to be as inclusive as possible. No one gets left out here.

This year, we will make a big effort to celebrate kindness and difference and to combine the two. Throughout the year, we will celebrate diversity, in small, simple ways. On a daily basis, we will embrace differences by playing a variety of games, asking questions about each others’ cultures and languages, speaking clearly so that everyone can understand us and adapting our play to ensure everyone can comfortably take part. On a broader scale, pupils will learn about neurodiversity through the LEANS program and classes will variously undertake activities to mark days like World Mental Health Day in October, World Kindness Day in November, International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December and Mother Language Day and Stand Up to Bullying Day in February. We are very excited about St Patrick's NS Diversity Day in April, where we will celebrate all the different cultures and backgrounds represented in our wonderful school. 

We will update you on our work and all the goings-on around the school, here on the

website and on our noticeboard in the front corridor of the school. We will add to the

Council with representatives from 3 rd  class, in October. For now, here is our

dedicated Council:

 Jack, Mr O’Neill’s 6 th

Emily, Ms C Fox’s 6 th

John, Ms C Fox’s 6 th

Mark, Mr Carew’s 6 th

Dante, Mr Carew’s 6 th

Max, Ms Duff’s 5 th

Ella, Ms Duff’s 5 th

Jack, Ms M Fox’s 5 th

Cameron, Ms M Fox’s 5 th

Sadie, Ms Friery’s 4 th

Jack, Ms Friery’s 4 th

Finn, Mrs Hampson’s 4 th

Andrew, Mrs Hampson’s 4 th

Finally, we would really appreciate if parents and children could each complete a

survey to inform our new Bí Cineálta policy. If you have a few minutes, the links are below

We really appreciate your input to our Bí Cineálta policy. As you can see from the

photographs, Student Council representatives have already made presentations to

Mrs Doherty, Ms Kierans and the wider staff. They have done great work promoting

our new policy and you will see it here on the school website in a few weeks. Many

thanks to anyone who can complete a survey to inform our work.

St Patrick’s NS Student Council.

We are so proud of the thoughtful and heartfelt contributions from the students in Ms. Duff’s Sixth Class, who recently shared their insights into the strengths and challenges that can come with being autistic.

Through open discussion and reflection, these amazing young people demonstrated empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for neurodiversity. Their work highlights the importance of listening, learning, and creating an inclusive school environment where everyone feels valued and supported.