Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

 

Advent – This weekend we light the last purple candle, representing love and on Monday next the white candle will be lit to represent to birth of our Saviour. I attach a link for the Bishop’s Christmas message to all schools – Bishop Cullinan’s Christmas Message

 

Carol Service – Our senior classes performed their Christmas Service last night entitled ‘Hosanna Rock’ at FMW Church. Thanks to all staff for their help in this production, all pupils for their performance and families for their attendance. Thanks to Fr Toomey for use of the Church and Brendan as sacristan. It was great for our pupils to be able to perform at both local churches this Christmas. Both services were very enjoyable and very warmly received, kudos to one and all.

 

Cluiche Ceannais na hÉireann – Congrats to Miss Boyce and Ballymac ladies on reaching the All-Ireland Club final last Saturday. Commiserations on being narrowly beaten by the now 3-time champions. They can take many positives from their odyssey this year including another County Final medal and a second Munster medal in quick succession. Well done to our school community who turned out in droves to support them.

 

Arctic Excursion – Thanks to parent Jamie Byrne, who called to school this week to detail his upcoming trip to the Arctic Circle, to witness the first sunrise of the new year all in aid of Sightsavers and the First Light for Sight campaign. Jamie plans to revisit us and regale his journey following his return. Please see his social media page for further details.

 

Red & White Day – Thanks to you and your child’s efforts today we collectively raised €345 for local Christmas Hampers in the West Waterford Area over this festive season.

 

Santa Visit – Thanks to Aoife, Kate and the PA today who organised for Santa to visit our pupils. Thanks to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us. Each child got a selection box to start off the Christmas period. Please see a selection of photos on our social media site.

 

Christmas Holidays – The pupils and staff are now on holidays for Christmas. The school will reopen on Monday 8^th January 2024. All that is left for me to do is to thank you for your cooperation during 2023, extend compliments of this Christmas season to one and all and look forward to collaborating with you in the New Year – Le cúnamh Dé.

 

Some Christmas Trivia – St. Francis of Assisi, set up a Christmas nativity scene the woods of Greccio, in Italy on Christmas Eve in 1223. We continue this tradition 800 years later. Cribs are a central part of Christmas in Churches, schools and homes for many people. Long may this tradition continue.

 

Is mise, Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal