Bronagh is a history, geography and learning support teacher at Belmayne ETSS. She graduated from Dublin City University with a BA in Humanities (History and Geography). She then went on to complete her PME degree in DCU as well.

An important aspect of Bronagh’s class is getting student feedback and encouraging student voice in class. Bronagh loves her subjects so much she can be found using google earth, which she uses in class, and reading historical books in her free time.

Bronagh enjoys swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with Alzheimer Society of Ireland, whom she is a committee member for in the Drogheda branch. She is an avid dog-lover who can be found spending most of her time with her dog, Daisy. 

In September the transition years went to the national ploughing championships. They watched different national ploughing teams race to see who could ploughs the best field, they then entered the main area where they passed Leo veradkar. There were lots of stalls selling a range of items including tractors, farming equipment, food, drinks and more. There was also a fun fare with loads of games and rides.

Coming up to the winter break some students held a concert for the Peter McVerry trust, the group was made up of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. The event was organised by Sinéad and Andrew. They played classics such as driving home for Christmas, this Christmas and don’t they know it’s Christmas.

They raised 335 euro for the Peter McVerry trust. “It was a great success and the parents really enjoyed it.” Jack Winkles, 4th year student.

Our first years basketball team had a great win 43-29 after being down by 12 points at half time. Second years weren’t so lucky and got beaten by 5 points. Both games vs fingalCC

The 1st year students had an amazing visit from the Kilbarrack fire station. The fire fighters arrive in their fire truck with the sirens blaring!

We couldn’t believe our eyes when it pulled up into our yard, and the fireman went all kitted our in their uniforms and they even got Ashling, our principal, to dress up in all the equipment!! She had to put on the overalls, boots and even air mask too! she said it felt like walking on the moon when she walked their uniform!

We received a talk from the fireman about what the do and who they reduce, when they going a building on fire they must work in teams and always keep the left hand side on the wall as they walk and use their other hand and foot to feel around for stairs and wholes in the floor! I learnt so much about their job and what it entails to be a firefighter.

The fireman also let us look at the equipment they use for a road accident to cut open a car roof and I can tell you it is very heavy and very powerful!

Thank you so much to the firefighters from Kilbarrack fire station!

On 13th January 2023, our Transition Year students had a fabulous trip to the ice rink in Swords On Ice. They were accompanied byDermot, Lorna and Cillian. It was a great experience for everyone.

A lot the students have amazing ice skating skills and were able to stand but steady on their feet, however I did notice that there were one or two people who were a bit wobbly and need the assistance of a trusty penguin 😀

On Friday, December 16th, Belmayne ETSS Transition Year students hosted a Winter Fair in school from 1.30 – 3 pm. We invited all parents, guardians, and grandparents to attend and shop from all of the companies that our 4th Year students have set up.

Our event showcased all of the hard work and commitment that the students have put into the Enterprise module this year. Each group had their own shop space so they could showcase their products. And we are really glad to say that our event was a huge success.

Everyone who attended our fair was really happy and proud to see our Transition Year student’s hard work. Well done to our fabulous TYs today who organised a winter fair as part of their Enterprise class. Thanks to all the staff who helped make this happen today……

On 12th December 2022, Belmayne ETSS TY students attended a ‘ Dragon’s Den Pitch ‘. Each enterprise mini company made a business pitch to Ciaran and a representative judge from the Fingal Enterprise Awards Competition that we have entered into. Each group was called to the classroom and they got their chance to present their business pitch. Each pitch lasted approximately 5-7 minutes including Q&A from the ‘Dragons’. Each group consisted approximately of 3-4 members. Our TY group did a fantastic job in representing their pitch. Each pitch was assessed and used as an indicator in deciding who advances to the next stage in the competition.

On 5th December 2022, our TY group attended a careers fair set up and organised by the Hilton Hotel, Northern Cross. 

We were able to ask questions to the representatives of each department and we learned about all of the different departments from Sales, Marketing, Reception, HR to the Kitchen with the Hilton Hotel. 

We got an opportunity to test out our skills, the TY group was divided into two groups and had different types of competitions, like bed making and bartending, and the winners were given prizes. It was an amazing experience for our TY group. We got to learn more about hotel management. 

Today at Educate Together Secondary School we were visited by Enda and Brian from Coolock Garda Station. They came to talk to our students about drug and alcohol misuse. We had a great time and some of us even got the chance to try on their protective vests.

Today on 8/12/22 we had a teachers vs students basketball game. All the students loved the eye grabbing match. And overall it was fun and interesting to see our staff go against our athletic students. And of course the students beat the teachers.

Better luck next time!!!

Today was the first ever national Educate together second level athletics competition as 17 ET secondary schools from all across Ireland met in Santry to compete in the athletics event. Our own Belmayne ETSS athletes did brilliantly with medals for the mixed relay team, Ciaran in the 800m, Tristan in the 100m, Dain in the shot put and javelin and Marianne in the high jump.

The day ultimately belonged to Cellbridge who took home the overall trophy but Belmayne are going to get to their training and we’ll be back next year.

Yesterday some of our amazing first years went to TU Tallaght for the Scifest competition. A huge congratulations to all involved but especially to Saanvi for winning both the junior physics category and the Institute of Physics award and also to Kale and Rian who won the Fenergo Science Communicator award.

The lego league team went to DCU yesterday to compete in the First Lego league UK and Ireland competition. this was the first in-person lego competition since the beginning of the pandemic and Belmayne ETSS did brilliantly securing the rising stars award for the team. Congratulations to all concerned.

Last week Belmayne ETSS took part in the Model U.N organised by Wicklow ETSS. First year
students took part in it to represent Germany, Brazil and Palestine and 6 committees and
debated topics from cyber warfare, space security, nuclear power and climate change,
learning a lot with others’ perspectives.

3 training sessions were held, and after a lot of research and hard work the final meeting
happened and the students splendidly and respectfully shared their thoughts and ideas as
delegates from different countries.