The 2024-25 school year at Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare School was one rooted in optimism and growth, guided by the theme “Seeds of Hope.” This meaningful focus provided students with countless opportunities to learn that, despite many challenges in the world, God’s love remains constant and unwavering.
Using the simple yet powerful imagery of a seed, children explored how care and nurturing can transform something small into something beautiful, whether a blooming flower or a piece of fruit that nourishes the body. This metaphor served as a foundation for lessons on hope, compassion and inclusion.
In partnership with the SPiCE (Special People in Catholic Education) program, students also spent the year learning about different disabilities, celebrating awareness months and deepening their understanding of inclusion and empathy, particularly as they relate to people with special needs.
Each month focused on a different disorder or disability such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, rare diseases and Down syndrome. In the classroom, students discussed these topics and participated in hands-on activities that encouraged empathy and understanding. Highlights included adaptive physical education experiences, where students played sports under conditions simulating hearing loss, vision impairment and physical paralysis.
Early in the year, students used bracelets to help express and manage back-to-school anxiety. Families were also engaged in the learning process, with parents receiving information to support continued conversations at home.
The year concluded in May with a celebration of hope and inclusion. Students in grades K-8 decorated paper flowers with words that reflected what they had learned — messages like “We are all different,” “No one is perfect,” and “Acceptance” were among the artwork. These vibrant blooms symbolized the growth of compassion and understanding in each child, forming a garden of hope that captured the spirit of the entire year.
Supportive of these important lessons and awareness months were St. Brigid of Kildare School principal Kathy O’Reilly, vice principal Jill Carfagna and the faculty.