We are delighted to share with you all that we will be welcoming a very special new member to the school team this November. HFSS, in collaboration with My Canine Companion (MCC), will welcome a school therapy puppy to our school community this month. MCC developed Ireland’s first school therapy dog programme. Originally piloted in Munster in 2020, the organisation now has 60 school dogs working nationwide, supporting students and staff throughout their school day.

HFSS will be one of four secondary schools in County Kildare to be among the first schools in Leinster to be a part of this programme. Research has shown the benefits of therapy dogs in education settings. MCC schools have reported a significant improvement in areas of wellbeing, mental health, anxiety, absenteeism, staff and student morale since the introduction of an MCC school therapy dog. This will be a working dog and will always be with a trained handler. Sarah Allen (Principal), Niamh Loakman (SNA) and Eithne Frahill (SNA) will be trained handlers for the dog.

https://www.mycaninecompanion.ie/mcc-school-therapy-dog-programme

The school policy and risk assessment is available to read in the pdf attached and is also available to access on our school website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the MCC school dog do on a day-to-day basis?

The dog may visit different rooms around the school during a day but will have its own chill out zone designated where the dog can have downtime. This again will be designated by the handler in consultation with MCC instructor.  The dog will always be kept under effective control.

How do I know that my child will be safe around the dog?

A risk assessment and policy will be in place and will be available on the school website. When moving around the school, the dog will always be under effective control. Students will receive instruction on how to interact safely with dogs.

Will my child pick up infections from the dog?

The dog will be fully vaccinated, treated regularly for worms and fleas and will not attend school if ill. Students will be required to wash their hands before and after handling the dog. There will be a dedicated dog toilet area away from areas that students access. There is also a dedicated bin for dog waste, which is labelled.

What if my child is allergic to dogs or afraid of them?

Parents can request that their child has no contact, or restricted access to the dog in these situations.

From all of the staff at HFSS, we wish our students, and their families a wonderful October mid-term break. 

Reminder: Please note, as per our calendar, classes will finish at 3.25pm for all students this Thursday 24th October to facilitate the 6th Year Parent Teacher meeting.

There is a huge Halloween bonus nationwide draw on 24th October 2024 for two Oasis tickets and more bonus cash prizes in the nationwide draw.

Just click on the link to sign up https://www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/holyfamilyssnewbridge

The Admissions Application window for next year's First Year (current 6th class)  MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL BY NEXT WEEK ON TUESDAY, 22nd OCTOBER 2024 AT 1:00PM.

Please note - This is the FINAL APPLICATION DATE and TIME. All applications received after this date will be marked LATE.

The HFSS application form and HFSS Admissions Policy is available to download on the school's website, please follow this link: Policy Page

Alternatively, a paper copy can be collected from the school's Admissions Office or please contact administration@holyfamily.ie if you have any queries.

What a week it has been in HFSS. The glitz, the glam, the music, the acting, and the incredible teamwork that it takes to bring a production with a cast of over 100 students to the stage. We are deeply appreciative of the HFSS staff who willingly, and happily gave their time and skills to make the show happen so that the students of Holy Family Secondary School and Patrician Secondary School would benefit.