Dear Parents,
We have had the most wonderful week in school, filled with Christmas cheer. School is a wonderful place in which to be.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The highlight of the week was on Wednesday when many of our P4 pupils made their ‘First Confession.’ We were so proud of them and so thankful to Mrs Cribbin, Mr Mc Creesh and the P4 Classroom assistants for accompanyingthe children on their faith journey. I know that they consider it a true privilege. We also thank Sr Rosemary for her unwavering support and Fr Alphonsus and Canon Brown for a beautiful sacrament. I can imagine how special it was for you their parents, the first sacrament that your child has received, since the sacrament of Baptism, such a blessing.
Fireside Singers:
On Monday Miss Mc Caughey and her choir entertained the residents and staff in Rockfield Nursing Home. Our children brought such happiness and learnt a very important lesson about how good it feels to share their talent at this time of year. In keeping with the spirit of St Clare they served joyfully. I was incredibly proud of them.
A visit from some very talented musicians:
Yesterday P4-P7 pupils enjoyed a truly beautiful concert of music and song based on ‘The Snowman’. It was provided by Newry Chamber Music and we felt very lucky to be included in this special festive treat. We thank Newry Mourne & Down council for their sponsorship of the event. Our pupils ‘feasted’ on the talent and I hope that it will inspire many to work hard at their own singing and instruments!
A special visitor came to school today:
Mrs Claus popped into school today and entertained the children in an age appropriate session for each year group, singing and story- telling. These were magical visits and she had the children enthralled, I would have loved you, the parents, to have seen the children’s reactions, from our tiniest Nursery pupils up as far as our P7 pupils who loved every second of the entertainment. It was gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
Exciting events happening in school in the days ahead:
Next week we will hold the P3 & P7 Nativity plays for guests –The P7 play is ticketed and I know that most families have bought their tickets already. Miss Duffy’s and Mrs Curran’s plays are not ticketed but we will have a collection at each to help with the production costs and any donation made will be greatly received.
On Wednesday the Nursery pupils will have their ‘Ditch the Dummy’ event. They will also be entertained by our school choir. We hope to see all our families in attendance – with the dummies!!!!!!!!!!! Also on that day Santa will visit all our children. I think that Mrs Claus will have commented on how good they have been!!!!!!!!!!!
A lovely Christmas opportunity for families:
Traditionally pupils from St Clare’s Abbey participate in the nativity scene at the Christmas Eve vigil mass in Newry Cathedral. If you would like your child to dress up as Mary, Joseph, a shepherd or angel in this special part of the Christmas Eve liturgy, please let us know and we will include him/her. The parts will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Each year the children gain so much from participating and their proud families have a beautiful Christmas experience. Please email me and I will pass your details to Mrs Cribbin who is organising this.
And finally……………
Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the last minute Christmas preparations. The children have been learning all about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas and are very ready to celebrate the birth of Christ. They are such lovely, spiritually aware children and it is a pleasure to work with them. I will savour every moment of next week in their company,
Yours in partnership,
Mrs Monaghan
