Dear parents,
I hope that you are all keeping well, and that you and your family are in good health at this difficult time of year.
It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing by, and that we are already making plans to celebrate Christmas in Mary, Mother of Hope Senior National School.
Covid-19 Considerations
In our preparations for Christmas, 2021, we are very mindful of the need to ensure that all school-based activities are conducted in line with Public Health advice. As a result of this advice, we are unable to have our usual Christmas celebrations, such as our annual carol service in the church in Huntstown. However, we hope to make sure that there are plenty of different ways to get the children in the festive spirit.
Outdoor Carolling:
While we cannot hold our annual carol service, we will however bring the children outdoors to celebrate Outdoor Carolling on Monday the 20th December. This will give us the opportunity to sing our favourite Christmas Carols and songs in a safe and socially distant manner.
Christmas Jumper Day
We will be celebrating a Christmas Jumper Day on Friday December 10th, in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital. All children and staff are invited to wear something festive to school and make a suggested €2 contribution to this special cause. Children will also be treated to a Christmas Movie on the day.
Panto Time:
On Friday, December 17th our children are again invited to wear something festive to school and we will all take some time out to enjoy this year’s Helix Panto (Schools’ Edition) – Red Riding Hood.
This will be a fund-raiser for the 6th Class children going to Carlingford. The cost for the Panto and Goodie Bag is €3.
Our annual Homework Pass:
Fundraiser organised by the Parents Association will also take place this year and you can purchase up to three homework passes for your child via the online payment link you will receive.
They cost €2 each can be used any time from November 29th.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Every year as Christmas approaches we as a school community, take part in various activities which aim to help the children think of those less fortunate than themselves. We always support the St Vincent de Paul Giving Tree campaign but like everything else this has to be done differently this year and must be done from home. You will find all the information you need if you wish to take part by clicking here: https://svp.ie/news-media/news/svp-annual-appeal-innovates-in-the-covid-19-era.aspx
Reindeer Food
Children in the 5th class will be preparing some “Magic Reindeer Food” for you and your child to sprinkle on the ground on Christmas Eve. This comes attached to a lovely Christmas card and each bag costs €1. It can be purchased through the online link and will be delivered to your child’s classroom. Please feel free to buy for friends and family as the entire proceeds will go to the St. Vincent de Paul. It can be purchased up to the 17th December.
Christmas Annuals
Folens Christmas Annuals are a fun and educational way to prepare for Christmas:
- Siamsa for children in 3rd /4th classes
- Sonas for children in 5th/6th classes.
They cost €2.50 each, and come with a free pen. There are a limited number of the annuals available, so early ordering is advised.
Half Day on December 22nd:
School closes for Christmas at 12pm on Wednesday, December 22nd. We will have a fun morning of festivities to celebrate our last morning of school before the Christmas break!!
The support, kindness and generosity of parents throughout the year is something that is greatly appreciated by the staff of both the Junior and Senior schools. We would urge parents not to feel under pressure to purchase gifts for staff at this already expensive time. Should you choose to do so, a simple card, email or word of thanks is more than adequate and will be very much appreciated by school staff. We also ask that parents avoid doing class collections as parents can feel under pressure to contribute when they are unable to or do not wish to do so.
Warmest regards,
Enda McGorman
Principal
24th November 2021
