It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth….

A quick summing-up as we close the first term of the 16-17 school year.

Junior infants: These boys have done you, their parents proud by how well they have settled into ‘big school’ and how well each of the classes has gelled into a cohesive group. I think both staff here and yourselves deserve credit for this: the staff for their wisdom in using strategies such as friendship groups at morning breaks to help build resilient friendships across the entire class and yourselves as parents for staying in touch with the teachers and supporting their work. The culmination of the first was of course the Christmas play ‘Christmas with Grandad’ and I want to thank, on your behalf Aine Duffy, Nichola Breen, Róisin Bolger, Lina McGloin, Vivienne Peat, Roisín McCaughey, Elaine Keenan, Olive  O’ Donoghue, Michelle Carty and Claire Forde for all the work they put into preparing the show. The writers even managed to reference Donal Trump!

Marguerite did trojan work on scheduling and administration and Aine Duffy and Deirdre Payne worked our a very flexible rehearsal schedule which sought to meet the needs of both boys’ schools for as much rehearsal time in the hall as possible. The hall in December is more heavily booked than the trump family beautician!

1st Classes: ‘The Bossy King’ was produced by our three first classes and the performances brought many laughs from the audience. These boys had not forgotten the lessons of two years ago and their presence on stage and fine singing was powerful. Thanks to Aisling Kelly, Eibhilín McCaughey, Ciarán De Búrca, Helen Kelly, Cliodhna Hurley, Ann Marie Haverty and Michelle Carty. Finally, a big thank you to Kris Seirant our caretaker who was in charge of lighting and sound and Louise Hammond and David McClean from CPD sessions who recorded the DVD for us.

Senior infants and 2nd classes:

These boys and their teachers and staff put on a beautiful service of Christmas carols on the Tuesday before we broke up for Christmas. Boys from our other classes, together with parents and grandparents formed  formed a very appreciative audience and the readings were delivered beautifully by the boys. I want to thank the staff who worked so hard to put the service together- Michelle Woods, Kate Martin, Fiona Ryan, Sorcha O’ Grady, Ger Harvey, Maria McGuire, Mary Valentine, Linda McGloin, Tracey Traynor, Helen Kelly and Cliodhna Hurley and Kris Sierant. Michelle Carty accompanied the children on the piano for the choral pieces. The 2nd classes singing A Child’s Prayer in two-part harmony was very evocative and brought tears to many eyes.

A very special to Fr. Pat and his team in St. Gabriel’s for facilitating us with sound and other support on the day.

Charity donations

Quite a number of parents handed me plain envelopes on the mornings leading up to the break- many thanks for these which we will forward to the St. Vincent de Paul Society as soon as we have collated all the donations.

Finally..

A big thank you to all our parents for their support during 2016.

Perhaps you…….

• worked on a First Communion Liturgy group
• volunteered to help in the yard at breaktimes
• accompanied a school tour
• sponsored a table or prize at the table quiz
• were a platinum sponsor
• worked on the Parents’ Association
• worked on the Board of management
• helped with teas and coffees
• supported another parent with sound advice and a listening ear in a crisis

or helped in a quiet or anonymous way…..

Go raibh míle maith agat as.

Finally, on behalf of the Board may I wish every member of our school community- pupils, parents, grandparents, staff, suppliers, sponsors and neighbours- a very happy and peaceful new year.