Today we had our October Assembly where we said hello to the newest members of our school community and sadly, goodbye to one of the school’s dearest friends.
Guest of honour was Fr. Paddy Rushe who is taking his leave after three years as school chaplin and chairman of the BOM. Master introduced Fr. Paddy to rapturous applause whereupon he opened the assembly with a prayer and one of his trademark selfies!
Ruth from Rang VI then read “A Student’s Prayer” and Master introduced Junior Infants to the student body as they attended their very first monthly assembly.
Ruth 
Junior Infants
Master spoke about all the activities during the first 8 weeks here at St. Mary’s NS – our 50th celebrations, the Book Fair last week which took in €3,891, the clothing collection the week previously and the formation of the new student council. Master introduced us to the new coordinator, Ms. Finnegan and her newly elected members of the student council. Lily spoke to us about what the council had been up to so far and the suggestions and improvements they had implemented and hope to implement going forward. Ms Finnegan also told us that the Food Dudes will be returning in Term 2.
Master then called out the Junior School achievements and Fr. Paddy presented the awards to the Person and Student of the month. Ms. Ryan was thanked for her hard work in Rang 2 over the past 5 weeks as she takes up a new post in Ardee after Halloween.
Mrs Farren then called upon the Green Schools Committee as Erin spoke to us about our success over the past two years in attaining our 7th Green Flag and what we need to do to start work on our 8th Green Flag.
Master then called out the Senior school achievements and again, Fr. Paddy presented the Student and Person of the month awards.
Master then told us some exciting news! One of our teachers, Ms Starkie, is going to be a TV star this weekend! With a huge helping hand, or should we say “helping PAW” from CHARLIE!!! Charlie is a finalist in Ireland’s Next Top Madra and will be showcased on the Ray D’Arcy Show this Saturday night! You can vote for Charlie every day by clicking on this link.
Master then urged everyone to work on their shoeboxes over the midterm break as we once again work towards helping Team Hope with their great work. Tuesday 5th November is the deadline for this.
The spotlight then turned to Fr. Rushe as we gave him a huge farewell. Pupils read out fond memories of Fr. Paddy, the BOM presented him with a present, Molly and Ceadaoin recited a poem Rang V had penned and the staff and children presented Fr Paddy with a card especially designed for him.
Fr Rushe thanked everyone that made him feel so welcome during his time in Knockbridge. He told the children about how lucky they were to be in such a school and that if he could go back, he’d love to be a pupil in St. Mary’s. He told the children to LOVE – love their school, love their friends, love their family and love God.
We then had one final rousing rendition of “Sweet Knockbridge School” penned by Mrs Farren for our 50th celebrations last month and now a firm school favourite!
