ATTENDANCE AWARDS
bake off
talent show
emu book launch
emu book launch
FIRST CLASS CONCERT
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
JULY BIRTHDAYS
wELL DONE MS. sWEETNAM
lUNCH TIME
Potato time
FÍS- Best Acted Award
Cake Sale
Garda Station Tour
Our Visit from Libby Coppinger
Our Visit from County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy
Science Blast
Ice-Cream Party 2019
FIS -Film in Schools
Craft-Ed
Fire Safety Display
National Children's Choir
Dog Trust
Circuits Time
Thank you to Bantry Gymnastics
Trip to the beach
Health Promoting Team
Visit from Aoife Deane Dietician
Cooking time-Rang a trí
World Autism Awareness Day
Today Tuesday April 2nd 2019 the pupils of Our Lady of Mercy NS are wearing blue for World Autism Awareness Day.
Today Tuesday April 2nd 2019 the pupils of Our Lady of Mercy NS are wearing blue for World Autism Awareness Day.
Dance Workshop
Lámh sign of the week.
Emma had a Little Lamb.
Craft-Ed
Football Skills
Baking Time
Random Act of Kindness Day
Incredible Edibles
Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!
World Book Day
Artist in Residence-Charlotte visits Room 5
Our Lady of Mercy Bantry Scoops First Prize in Cork Food Policy Awards
Our Lady of Mercy N.S. Bantry has been a very active Health Promoting school for the last fourteen years. Miss Claire Hourihan, the Health Promoting teacher in the school, submitted an application to the Cork Food Policy Awards 2019 to illustrate the schools commitment to CFPC’s five core values
1. Health and wellbeing for all
2. A thriving local economy
3. Resilient, food-friendly communities
4 Lifelong learning & skills
5. A reduced environmental footprint
At the school healthy food choices and active life styles are promoted daily. Children throughout the day engage in active breaks. Children in all classes dance to Go Noodle, participate in walking challenges around the school or Canty Park and are currently undertaking a skipping challenge. Our Lady of Mercy promotes inclusion of all children. Children from special classes integrate with pupils from mainstream classes. There are many programmes taught in the school to promote Mental and Emotional Health and Wellbeing. These include the Stay Safe/RSE programme, Weaving Wellbeing and Zippy’s Friends. Birthdays and achievements are celebrated at assembly and one of the school Anthem songs “As One” promotes friendship and caring for each other.
Local shops and businesses are always promoted in the school. Copy books, school books and art material are purchased locally and staff events are held in local venues.
Pupils from first to sixth have many opportunities to engage with food preparation and cooking. Recently fourth and fifth classes with teacher Mrs White made scones for Grandparent’s Day. Third class with teacher Miss Moynihan cooked a selection of “Love you with all my heart” cookies. Miss Rice and her class baked mouth watering brownies as a mid-term treat. Special class pupils prepare healthy lunches on a daily basis and are constantly learning key daily living skills such as hygiene, chopping and peeling, mixing, boiling, grilling and presenting food.
Our Lady of Mercy has its 5th Green Flag award as part of the Green School Committee. So far the flags that they have received include: Litter and Waste, Energy, Water, Travel, Biodiversity. It was one of the first schools in West Cork to receive Health Promotion status.
Children in the school are very committed to create a reduced environmental footprint. Pupils from third class monitor and collect the rubbish, recycling and compost bins daily. Lights and interactive whiteboards are only turned on when necessary. Weeding and planting projects are undertaken by many classes. The school is looking into getting a wormery to enhance its composting.
It is no wonder now how this vibrant school has been selected as the winner of the primary school’s Cork Food Policy award.
Miss Hourihan and deputy principal, Miss Keane, attended the awards ceremony in St. Peter’s in North Main St. Cork on 12th February. Miss Hourihan accepted the award on behalf of the school from Dr.Colin Sage, chair of the Cork Food Policy and from the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Mick Finn.
Cork Food Policy Award.
Skipping Challenge
Welcome Saint Bridget
Ball Run
Visit from Lilly de la Ceour
Grandparent's Day
First Class Trip to West Cork Art Centre
Second Class visit Gaelscoil Bheanntraí
Advent Spiral
WCAC Visiting Artist.
Preparations-National Childrens Choir
Pizza Time
Science Week November 2018
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal
Visiting artist from West Cork Art Centre
Scary Times
Spooky Skeletons
Junior Infants Scavenger Hunt
First class visit the library
Reading night.
Mrs. Daly getting ready for Reading Night
SPECIAL EVENTS BEFORE HALLOWE’EN:
- THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER: Rang a dó invited to Bantry library for Storytime and Crafts session; Seniors: Mini Sevens GAA in Wolfe Tone Park
- FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER: Rang a haon invited to Bantry library to a session on music and instruments
- FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER: Rang a 3/4/5/6 invited to Coláiste to Cross Country event organised by Bantry Athletics Club
- FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER: Reading night in school (1st – 6th) – get your golden ticket!
- WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER: Rang a trí, ceathair agus a cúig invited to Bantry library for Road and Farm Safety talk; Artist in Residence from West Cork Art centre visits school
- FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER: Rang a sé invited to Bantry library to a session on Theatre and using stories and themes
- FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER: Pupils can wear Hallowe’en dressing up clothes to school that day for their Hallowe’en party. Each teacher will have their own party with their own class during the day – only for pupils of our school. School draw will be on as usual. School finishes at normal time that day also!
Second class trip to the library.
What a talented bunch!
Getting ready for Reading Night-Friday 19th
Archaeologist at work.
Coming Home Exhibition.
Irish-American Partnership
Ag obair go dian!
Irish-American Partnership.
Lunch in the September sunshine.
Mercy Day Prayer Service
Making Lava Lamps.
European Active Week.
Welcome back to school to all of our children and a special welcome to our new pupils. I know that they will enjoy their time with us and receive the best education possible.
It’s lovely to see all the healthy lunches – a small treat is allowed on Friday!
You will have received school books for your child, please cover if required!
School tracksuit: Dark grey tracksuit pants (you can buy this locally or anywhere you like). Your child can wear their normal white polo shirt and green jumper with this – children take the jumper off for P.E. anyway. Can you please label your child’s uniform also!
School fund: Our school fund will commence this Friday. This is our main fundraising for the school – €2 for one ticket or €3 for a family. Tickets are drawn on Friday at Assembly and there is a small prize for a pupil from each class. At Assembly children also get an opportunity to come together to celebrate happy events – certificates, prizes, medals, birthdays etc.
Birthday invitations: We know some of you will be organising birthday parties for your children – however we ask that you do not send in the invitations to school please as those who are not invited get very upset
Parent and Toddler group
The Parent and Toddler group operates on Wednesday mornings from 9 – 11 a.m. during term time. Cost is €2 per child or €3 per family. Open to all families in the community. If you wish to come along on any Wednesday morning you can drive up on this morning only and park at the back of the school – by SONAS, and come in the back door to the halla.
Pupil Personal Accident insurance form for 2018/2019
We urge you to take up an option (most parents choose 24 hour cover). Please fill in the form and return it with money to your child’s teacher before Friday 21st September.
Parent Association AGM: Thursday 20 September at 7.00 pm in the halla.
Swimming starts next week for Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes. (First classes will have theirs after Christmas). €55 per child or €85 per family for the eight weeks
Important dates for your diary this term:
Thursday 29 November: Advent Spiral – First/Special/Sixth classes:
10.00 a.m.: Ms. Hourihan, Mrs. Power, Ms. Keane
11.20 a.m.: Mr. Boys, Ms. Sweetnam, Ms. Holland
It’s lovely to see all the healthy lunches – a small treat is allowed on Friday!
You will have received school books for your child, please cover if required!
School tracksuit: Dark grey tracksuit pants (you can buy this locally or anywhere you like). Your child can wear their normal white polo shirt and green jumper with this – children take the jumper off for P.E. anyway. Can you please label your child’s uniform also!
School fund: Our school fund will commence this Friday. This is our main fundraising for the school – €2 for one ticket or €3 for a family. Tickets are drawn on Friday at Assembly and there is a small prize for a pupil from each class. At Assembly children also get an opportunity to come together to celebrate happy events – certificates, prizes, medals, birthdays etc.
Birthday invitations: We know some of you will be organising birthday parties for your children – however we ask that you do not send in the invitations to school please as those who are not invited get very upset
Parent and Toddler group
The Parent and Toddler group operates on Wednesday mornings from 9 – 11 a.m. during term time. Cost is €2 per child or €3 per family. Open to all families in the community. If you wish to come along on any Wednesday morning you can drive up on this morning only and park at the back of the school – by SONAS, and come in the back door to the halla.
Pupil Personal Accident insurance form for 2018/2019
We urge you to take up an option (most parents choose 24 hour cover). Please fill in the form and return it with money to your child’s teacher before Friday 21st September.
Parent Association AGM: Thursday 20 September at 7.00 pm in the halla.
Swimming starts next week for Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes. (First classes will have theirs after Christmas). €55 per child or €85 per family for the eight weeks
Important dates for your diary this term:
- Friday 21 September:Non Uniform day, fundraiser for Lipsync (Cork ARC/Bantry Hospice) €2
- Thursday 15 November – After school Parent/Teacher meetings (Senior Infants – Sixth). Junior Infants will have theirs in January.
- Sunday 25 November: Santaland (12 – 4)
Thursday 29 November: Advent Spiral – First/Special/Sixth classes:
10.00 a.m.: Ms. Hourihan, Mrs. Power, Ms. Keane
11.20 a.m.: Mr. Boys, Ms. Sweetnam, Ms. Holland
- Thursday 13 December: School concerts for all classes:
Slán go fóill-Rang a sé.
Health Promoting.
Sports Day-Part 2
And Sports Day has begun!
Talent Show 2018
Good Attendance June 2018
Full attendance-June 2018
Slán go fóill-Rang a sé
Slán go fóill-First Class Boys
First Class Concert
Well done to all involved! Go raibh maith agat.
Style & Beauty Night June 8th in the Maritime Hotel @ 8pm
Friday Assembly
Congratulations-Well done to all!
Senior Infants School Tour
Cork City Sports
Well done to all involved in Cork City Sports- Alice, Lucy, Eliza and Arina,
And to our Senior Relay Team-Saskia, Laney, Eliza and Alice
And to our Junior Relay Team- Elisa, Alice, Molly and Maggie
And to our Senior Relay Team-Saskia, Laney, Eliza and Alice
And to our Junior Relay Team- Elisa, Alice, Molly and Maggie
First Class Photography Project
Winners of Fashion Show Tickets-Friday June 8th-Maritime Hotel
Bantry Port Art Competition-Well done to all!
First Class School Tour
Ice-Cream Party
Fun Times-Samba Drums
Frásaí na Seachtaine
The start of our Photography Course
Planting Season
When the sun comes out!
Easter Assembly
Fresh Film Awards.
Run-offs, Cork City Sports
Fresh Film Awards
Our Art Work-Ready for the West Cork Art Centre
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Happy Mothers Day from Junior Infants-Room2
When Tess came to visit
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Friday Assembly-Prizewinners and Happy Birthday
Cooking Time
Shape and Space
Science Fair
We love Pancakes!
1st Class Trip to the Uillinn-West Cort Art Centre
Well done Mr. O' Driscoll and 4th Class.
Grandparent's Day 2018
Happy New Year
Presenting to the classes
Young Scientists
Libby the Champ
More Performances
Getting ready for Young Scientist
Christmas Cribs
Cooking Time
Christmas Concert Time
Prize winners and achievements
Christmas Concert Time.
West Cork Art Centre Project.
A Mindful Moment.
Advent Spiral
West Cork Art Centre Project.
Getting ready for Christmas
- SCHOOL CONCERTS – THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER (You may take your child home after the concert if it suits, no Infant club)
Infants: 11.30a.m.
First, Second classes: 12.30 p.m.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes: 1.30 p.m.
- Carol Singing: Our school is invited to sing in town on Friday 8 Dec. from 3.00 – 4.00p.m. (Second to Sixth).
- Parent Association will accompany the pupils. School closed.
- Other invitations for carol singing, teachers will accompany:
Deerpark – Rang a dó, Friday 15 Dec. at 11.30 a.m.
- CHRISTMAS MASSES AND CONFESSION:
Mass: Sonas – Tuesday 19 December at 11.00
Mass: Whole school – Halla, Friday 22 December at 10.00
- Monster Raffle Draw: Friday 15 Dec; tickets on sale in school
- Christmas Holidays: Friday 22 Dec at 12 noon (no Infant club), back Mon 8 January.
Fruit Salad Time!
IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERM 2017:
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!
First, Second classes: 12.30 p.m.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes: 1.30 p.m.
Whole school – Halla, Friday 22 December at 10.00
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!
- SANTALAND – SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER (12.00 – 4.00)
- ADVENT SPIRAL – THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER
- SCHOOL CONCERTS – THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER
First, Second classes: 12.30 p.m.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes: 1.30 p.m.
- CHRISTMAS MASSES:
Whole school – Halla, Friday 22 December at 10.00
Pizza Time
Fun with K'nek
Halloween Disco!
Halloween Fun!
Spooky Halloween Assembly.
Budding artists!
Picasso Faces
Lunch-Time Fun!
Welcome back to school to all of our children and a special welcome to our new pupils.
I know that they will enjoy their time with us and receive the best education possible.
It’s lovely to see all the healthy lunches – a small treat is allowed on Friday!
You will have received school books for your child, please cover if required!
We have a few outstanding book bills too, we will send a reminder!
School tracksuit: Dark grey tracksuit pants (you can buy this locally or anywhere you like). Your child can wear their normal white polo shirt and green jumper with this – children take the jumper off for P.E. anyway. Can you please label your child’s uniform also!
School fund: Our school fund has commenced again. This is our main fundraising for the school – €2 for one ticket or €3 for a family. Tickets are drawn on Friday at Assembly and there is a small prize for a pupil from each class. At Assembly children also get an opportunity to come together to celebrate happy events – certificates, prizes, medals, birthdays etc.
Birthday invitations: We know some of you will be organising birthday parties for your children – however we ask that you do not send in the invitations to school please as those who are not invited get very upset.
Pupil absences: In the event that your child is absent from school I wish to remind you about sending in a note on your child’s return to school stating the reason for the absence. This information is reported electronically to the Education Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA). If your child is absent for 15 days we send you a reminder letter, as at 20 days a referral automatically goes into TUSLA
Pupil Personal Accident insurance form for 2017/2018
We urge you to take up an option (most parents choose 24 hour cover). Please fill in the form and return it with money to your child’s teacher before Friday 22nd September.
Parent Association AGM: Thursday 21 September at 7.00 pm in the halla.
Swimming starts this week for Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth classes.
(First classes will have theirs after Christmas). €55 per child or €85 per family for the eight weeks
IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERM 2017
INSERVICE ON NEW PRIMARY LANGUAGE CURRICULUM – SCHOOL CLOSED WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER
PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS AFTER SCHOOL – THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER (SENIOR INFANTS – SIXTH)
SANTALAND – SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER
ADVENT SPIRAL – THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER (FIRST, SPECIAL, SIXTH)
SCHOOL CONCERTS – THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER
DATES FOR 2018
CONFIRMATION: TUESDAY 24 APRIL
HOLY COMMUNION: SATURDAY 19 MAY
CITY SPORTS: FRIDAY 1 JUNE, CIT
Don't forget Parent and Toddler Group-Wednesday morning.
The Parent and Toddler group operates on Wednesday mornings from 9 – 11 a.m. during term time. Cost is €2 per child or €3 per family. Open to all families in the community. Please tell a friend. If you wish to come along on any Wednesday morning to this group you can drive up on this morning only with your baby/toddler and park at the back of the school – by the Special Needs Unit and come in the back door to the halla.
Lunch Time Fun.
Prize Winners and Achievements.
Summer Holidays!
School Year 2017-2018
Sports Day-Thanks Ms. Sweetnam.
Some talent show FUN!
Bantry Bay Port Competition. Well done to all!
Super Sunflowers
Some more....First Class Trip
First Class Trip
Congratulations Mrs. Daly
Bird Box created by Third Class. Well done!
Second and Third Class Tour-Let's Go Camp Cork.
Book Launch.
Dr. Dympna Daly
Green Schools
Senior Infants School Tour
First Class Concert
FIS Awards at the West Cork Education Centre
Litter Picking.
Sciath na Scol Final 2017
First Holy Communion
FIS-Second Class 2017.
Easter Egg Hunt.
Some Lunch Time Fun!
Our visit from the dentist.
Cór Náisiúnta na nÓg, Chorcaí.
Fresh Film Award.
Cork City Sports Training.
We Love Pancakes!
Afternoon Tea at Our Lady of Mercy N.S.
Walking Trail
To ensure that all the staff and students are of an active body and mind the school is stepping it out at Our Lady of Mercy.
As part of Operation Transformation Mrs. Power and the Health Promoting Committee in conjunction with Ms. Sweetnam and The Active school's Committee have launched a "power" walking trail.
This trail is laid out around the the school grounds and in Canty Park.
All staff and pupils are encouraged to walk the km trails and to record their distance.
Apart from the benefits of exercise we are also virtually walking around the full coastline of Ireland, a total of 5,631Kms. Since we first began on January 20th setting off from Bantry, we have, up to Last Thursday, completed 472 Kms and are at Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula.
Once the weather will improve we will make better progress.
To ensure that all the staff and students are of an active body and mind the school is stepping it out at Our Lady of Mercy.
As part of Operation Transformation Mrs. Power and the Health Promoting Committee in conjunction with Ms. Sweetnam and The Active school's Committee have launched a "power" walking trail.
This trail is laid out around the the school grounds and in Canty Park.
All staff and pupils are encouraged to walk the km trails and to record their distance.
Apart from the benefits of exercise we are also virtually walking around the full coastline of Ireland, a total of 5,631Kms. Since we first began on January 20th setting off from Bantry, we have, up to Last Thursday, completed 472 Kms and are at Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula.
Once the weather will improve we will make better progress.
RDS Primary Science Fair.
Warmest congratulations to Ms. Corkery's class (4th/5th) on exhibiting their Science Project 'Balance: How do we toppleover?' at the RDS Primary Science Fair in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick on Friday.
Open Day February 2nd 2017
Parent and Toddler Group.
Parent and Toddler Group has re-opened today after the Christmas break!
We hope to see you all there for lots of fun and a catch up.
We love to start the New Year with some new faces so spread the word and bring along a friend.
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-11a.m.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
We hope to see you all there for lots of fun and a catch up.
We love to start the New Year with some new faces so spread the word and bring along a friend.
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-11a.m.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Happy New Year from all at Our Lady of Mercy N.S.
4th and 5th Getting ready for Young Scientist.
Wreath making by 6th Class.
Pizza Time!
Our Lady of Mercy N.S.
Monster Raffle
The Europe Hotel, Killarney – 1 Night B&B for 2 people Barry O’Sullivan
Luxury Christmas Hamper – Jamie Wiseman
The Maritime Hotel – Dinner for 2 –Aoibhinn O’Connell
The Westlodge Hotel – Dinner for 2 –Nikola Dragas
Clarion/Clayton Hotel, Cork – 2 vouchers for Essence Spa Hydrotherapy Bath Mrs.Power
Bantry Bay - €50 voucher – Hannah O’Sullivan
Drinagh Co-op - €40 voucher – AoifeKingston
The Brick Oven - €30 voucher – Ellie O’Donovan
Bottle of Whiskey – Ellie O’Donovan
Twomey Butchers - €20 – Leah Cotter
Cuddly Toy – Lynda O’Donoghue
Monster Raffle
The Europe Hotel, Killarney – 1 Night B&B for 2 people Barry O’Sullivan
Luxury Christmas Hamper – Jamie Wiseman
The Maritime Hotel – Dinner for 2 –Aoibhinn O’Connell
The Westlodge Hotel – Dinner for 2 –Nikola Dragas
Clarion/Clayton Hotel, Cork – 2 vouchers for Essence Spa Hydrotherapy Bath Mrs.Power
Bantry Bay - €50 voucher – Hannah O’Sullivan
Drinagh Co-op - €40 voucher – AoifeKingston
The Brick Oven - €30 voucher – Ellie O’Donovan
Bottle of Whiskey – Ellie O’Donovan
Twomey Butchers - €20 – Leah Cotter
Cuddly Toy – Lynda O’Donoghue
Well done 5th and 6th Class
Christmas Fun!
Our Christmas Tableau.
A snapshot of what you will enjoy later today!!
Latest News
CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT: Dates for your diary
Advent Spiral for First, Sixth and Special classes:
Thursday 1 December
Carol singing downtown: Thursday 8 December at 3.00 p.m.
Singalong morning in Deerpark with Second class:
Friday 9 December
Monster Raffle: Friday 16 December, after Christmas Mass
Confession for all classes from Third to Sixth in church Monday 12th December
Annual School Christmas concerts sa halla:
Thursday 15 December:
Junior and Senior Infants: 11.30 a.m.
First, Second, Third: 12.30 p.m.,
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth: 1.30 p.m.
Christmas Mass sa halla: Friday 16 December
11.00 a.m. – all welcome
The Monster Raffle
The Monster raffle continues this week and next and the draw is on Friday 16 December (after the Christmas Mass)
€2 a strip and €5 for three strips!
Getting ready for the Advent Spiral.
ADVENT SPIRAL
Advent brings us from the time of remembering the dead at All Saints Day into the anticipation of the birth of Christ.
The word Advent, from Latin, means 'coming towards'. It invites us to think about what 'comes towards' us in this season.
Traditionally Advent was a time for preparing and making ready, and this involved both inner and an outer preparation. The house would be cleaned and everything washed and scrubbed. Everyone made a special effort to attend mass and people were encouraged to give up meat and to fast on Fridays as a cleansing and preparation for the festivities ahead.
The Advent Spiral is a beautiful ritual, which gives children and adults alike a sense of mystery and anticipation.
A hall is cleared of all furniture. The windows are blacked out. Moss and greenery are brought in and arranged on the floor, leaving a long spiral path to a central candle. Gold and silver cardboard stars are placed around the spiral.
A class, or classes of children are led into the darkened room. All is in darkness save for the central candle, and perhaps a light over the 'angel' who plays a lyre or harp in the corner. An adult (teacher or parent) leads each child one by one to the start of the spiral path. The adult gives the first child an apple with a candle placed in it. The child then walks the path at their own pace, lights their small candle from the flame at the centre and then places their little light on one of the stars around the spiral. The adult leads the next child to the path and gives them a candle apple and so the process is repeated, each child placing his or her candle around the spiral until the room is filled with light. At this point one or two carols could be sung.
Finally the children are led out of the room to a feast of hot apple juice and biscuits. Later their apples are removed from the spiral and they can then take one home with them. This candle can be lit at a special time each day during advent.
This ritual offers us a quiet contemplation and inner journey time. The central candle represents the Christ light and each small candle represents our inner light, which we renew during this dark season. Placing the candles around the spiral represents the light of human spirit lighting the path for others.
'Nothing is said nor needs to be as the gentle incandescence of lyre sounds out the simple magnificence of each child's journey in the presence of the whole school community' Alexander Mackenzie
Advent brings us from the time of remembering the dead at All Saints Day into the anticipation of the birth of Christ.
The word Advent, from Latin, means 'coming towards'. It invites us to think about what 'comes towards' us in this season.
Traditionally Advent was a time for preparing and making ready, and this involved both inner and an outer preparation. The house would be cleaned and everything washed and scrubbed. Everyone made a special effort to attend mass and people were encouraged to give up meat and to fast on Fridays as a cleansing and preparation for the festivities ahead.
The Advent Spiral is a beautiful ritual, which gives children and adults alike a sense of mystery and anticipation.
A hall is cleared of all furniture. The windows are blacked out. Moss and greenery are brought in and arranged on the floor, leaving a long spiral path to a central candle. Gold and silver cardboard stars are placed around the spiral.
A class, or classes of children are led into the darkened room. All is in darkness save for the central candle, and perhaps a light over the 'angel' who plays a lyre or harp in the corner. An adult (teacher or parent) leads each child one by one to the start of the spiral path. The adult gives the first child an apple with a candle placed in it. The child then walks the path at their own pace, lights their small candle from the flame at the centre and then places their little light on one of the stars around the spiral. The adult leads the next child to the path and gives them a candle apple and so the process is repeated, each child placing his or her candle around the spiral until the room is filled with light. At this point one or two carols could be sung.
Finally the children are led out of the room to a feast of hot apple juice and biscuits. Later their apples are removed from the spiral and they can then take one home with them. This candle can be lit at a special time each day during advent.
This ritual offers us a quiet contemplation and inner journey time. The central candle represents the Christ light and each small candle represents our inner light, which we renew during this dark season. Placing the candles around the spiral represents the light of human spirit lighting the path for others.
'Nothing is said nor needs to be as the gentle incandescence of lyre sounds out the simple magnificence of each child's journey in the presence of the whole school community' Alexander Mackenzie
Santaland.
Many thanks to all those who attended, supported and sponsored our Santaland on Sunday. We had a brilliant day and great fun was had by all. This couldn’t have happened without all the superb help from our volunteers – in particular our parents who came in here over the last week preparing and tidying up on Sunday and Monday, not to mention our brilliant elves and wonderful bakers. It just shows when a team works together all things are possible!
It was a brilliant success and we have made a profit of €5,664 which is a very welcome figure to help pay our bills at a time when funds are at an all-time low!
It was a brilliant success and we have made a profit of €5,664 which is a very welcome figure to help pay our bills at a time when funds are at an all-time low!