Ethos report - December 2015
Ms. O. Humphreys 3B and 6P religion classes organised a St. Vincent de Paul food drive, which was an enormous success. 20 boxes of food were collected from the school by the charity on Friday, Dec. 4th. Members of the student council, organised by Katie Dempsey and Roisin Sheridan were especially supportive on the final day of the drive, in receiving gifted food from the student body.
Advent was focused on as s significant liturgical season with weekly intercom prayers and prayer services in the prayer room. Classes prayed for their Advent friends and exchanged small Advent gifts. Many students also took on Advent tasks. Included in these were suggestions to visit the local church on a weekly basis, help at home without being asked to, get up first time when called, and pray for the world's concerns and needs. Reflections on these tasks suggested that this was a worthwhile and valuable exercise. An Advent calendar, with suggested daily tasks and thoughts, was compiled by Ms. M. Humphreys 3rd year religion class and placed on the ethos notice board.
Ms. O'Callaghan's 6th year religion class put up the crib in reception and decorated the prayer room with a large Advent wreath. Ms. Farrell's religion class put new Jesse tree symbols on the prayer room tree. Ms. O. Humphreys TY and 6th year religion classes organised an Advent wreath and posters in the reception area. Katie Dempsey and Roisin Sheridan also decorated the Christmas tree in reception.
Preparations for the Christmas mass are in full swing. Ms. Mannion and Mr. Lanigan have taken students and class groups for class-time, lunch-time and after school practices. All religion teachers have their own allocated areas of the mass to prepare for, a huge task involving the whole school. Our theme this year is 'Love and mercy for all.' We very much look forward to a meaningful and memorable Christmas mass which will be celebrated by Fr. Liam Morgan on Mon., Dec. 21st, in the parish church.
TY have had their retreats in the Emmaus Retreat centre in Swords, Co. Dublin. Energising games, stories, songs, discussions and a meditation were woven into the day. Evaluations afterwards suggested that the day was a very positive and spiritually enriching one.
The student council have been tremendous in their work to further support the St. Vincent de Paul charity. All classes have enthusiastically become involved in the 'Decorate a door' competition. Many chocolate Santas have been purchased and everyone is looking forward to the Rag Day on Friday, Dec. 18th, to which everyone will contribute 2 euro.