Schools around the county are finishing up now for the Christmas holidays until 2023.
Before that, a number of them were involved in different activities in recent weeks and we have a round up below:
Gaelscoil Thromaire
Parents, children and teachers in Gaelscoil Thromaire celebrated a Christmas Concert at the school’s new premises on Monday night.
This was the first time since 2019 that the school community has been able to get together.
Parents were treated to a Nativity Play by Ms. Ní Bhaoill’s infant classes, while Principal Múinteoir Áine’s senior classes performed ‘San Nioclás agus an Grinch’, involving an effort by The Grinch to spoil Christmas.
Visitors were also treated to a variety of Christmas Carols as Gaeilge agus i mBéarla, emphasizing the children’s fluency in both languages.
The children and their teachers are looking forward to a well-earned break over Christmas, but also to returning to school in the New Year, when a variety activities will take place, including Ukulele lessons, Rugby coaching, Hurling and TV appearances on TG4’s Uiscenauts.
Rath NS
In what has become a firm favourite for Ballybrittas households at Christmas, Ballybrittas Rath NS in Laois has brought out its much anticipated charity calendar.
The calendar is the result of much hard work by the school, spearheaded by a dedicated committee, who were determined to find a sponsor to ensure all monies raised would go directly towards the purchase of equipment for a much needed outdoor learning centre for pupils.
They contacted former pupil ,Sean Hall, Managing Director of Manguard Plus who, true to form, didn’t hesitate to stump up the funds to cover the printing costs of the calendar for the second year in a row.
He says “We are delighted to support this initiative once again. I have great memories of Rath NS; It’s a small school with a big imprint.
“School sets down so many foundations for young people and I passionately believe that giving kids the best possible educational advantages sets them up for life, it is crucially important.
“I have great admiration for schools who do all they can to provide their pupils with the best start in life, educationally and personally.
“They are constantly looking out for opportunities that will enrich the school and provide a full educational advantage and putting this lovely calendar together is yet another example of the real effort that is synonymous with Rath NS.”
Tommy Fitzgerald , Principal of Rath NS said: “On behalf of our entire school community, I wish to sincerely thank Sean Hall, a past pupil of Rath N.S., and everyone associated with Manguard Plus for their generous sponsorship.
“The funds provided will go towards the development of a new outdoor learning area.
“This will greatly enhance the learning experience for children in our school. We are extremely grateful.”
Copies of the calendar are on sale in Village Coffee, Donoher’s Service Station, Iosa Linn Playschool and Early Scholars Crèche, all in Ballybrittas, and directly from the school.
One calendar for €10 and two calendars for €18.
Arles NS
Arles NS were busy preparing for Christmas too.
They had a Carol Service and Nativity in the church, a Christmas Raffle and Santa came to visit.
Portlaoise CBS
Kind-hearted students from Portlaoise CBS got together recently to donate to those less fortunate.
They gathered up items for the Ken Smollen Food Appeal and presented them to him recently.
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