137 new 1st Year students arrive in St. Farnan's PPS

Good morning everyone,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all as the newest members of St. Farnan's Post Primary School. Many of you have come here from our local feeder primary schools in Prosperous, Coill Dubh, Allenwood, Robertstown, Allen, Kilmeague, Staplestown, Donadea and some from much further afield, as far as India. I want every one of you to feel included and to feel that you belong here, because you do. At St. Farnan's, no one is ever left out — we look out for one another, and we build our strong community spirit where everyone is valued stronger each year.

Over the next five or six years, you will grow in confidence, independence, and character and will discover new subjects to study, new activities to try and excel in, and new friends to share your life-long journey with. I hope you will enjoy exploring the wide range of subjects we offer, and that you will find passion and purpose in your learning here in this current building and in our new 1,000 pupil school which will open in a number of years. An exciting time ahead.

But with all of this opportunity comes responsibility. We have very high expectations for every student in 1st year in St. Farnan's. That means working hard in class, showing respect for your teachers and staff, classmates, bus escorts and families who support you at home, and also for our environment, and always try to do your best. It also means behaving well — and let me be very clear: poor behaviour will not be tolerated in this school. Bullying of any kind is completely unacceptable, especially online behaviour which can be so hurtful and damaging, and 'it was only meant as a joke/a bit of fun' is not an excuse. We expect you to treat each other with kindness, both in person and especially online.

We also encourage you to take part in the many extracurricular activities here at St. Farrans, from sports, drama, and music, to debating and clubs of every kind. These experiences are where you will make friends, grow in confidence, and discover talents you never knew you had.

You have been placed into classes named after past Presidents of Ireland, each one an example of leadership and service:

• De Valera, who helped to shape our State with vision and determination.

• Hyde, who celebrated our Irish culture and language.

• Robinson, our first woman President, who stood for justice, equality, and opportunity.

• McAleese, who worked tirelessly to build peace and friendship between communities.

• Higgins, our current President who retires this year, who inspires us to care for one another, to value creativity, and to protect our world from oppression.

These are names to be proud of, and I hope they remind you that you too can show leadership, kindness, and ambition in your own lives.

So as you begin your journey here in St. Farnan's, remember this: you have huge potential. We want you to succeed, to grow, to mind yourselves and each other, and to make yourselves, your families and your school proud. Together, over the next five or six years, you will become the young adults our world needs — capable, responsible, respectful, and kind leaders.

Welcome to St. Farnan's. I wish each and every one of you the very best on this exciting journey ahead