A full week's preparation nearly came to 'nought' with the arrival of rain that signalled the end of a beautiful fortnight's weather. But despite the inclement weather, St. John of God Day was celebrated by the school community on Friday 8th March. Plans to walk all the classes down to Bride Street Church were scuppered by the rain but 'plan B' kicked into action and two busloads of pupils were carried to Bride Street to ensure the presence of the School Choir and a representation of the pupil body.
Former staff members and Sisters from the St. John of God Order mingled with the general congregation who enjoyed the wonderful singing of the School Choir conducted by Ms. Griffin-Jones accompanied on the organ by Ms. Amanda Kehoe.
In his homily Fr. Brian referenced the long legacy of the St. John of God Order dating back to 1871 and wished all the nuns well and hoped they enjoyed a great day. He thanked particularly Mr. Whelan's class who prepared the readings and bidding prayers.
At the end of Mass, the Choir sang the St. John of God song, the finish of which was greeted by a well deserved round of applause. Later that morning former Principal, Sr. Marie Jones, former Deputy Principal, Bernadette Parle and some BOM members returned to the school to catch up with former colleagues over a 'cuppa.'
All the teachers got a great response from the children during the week and the whole school had assembled on Thursday in the Hall to finalise preparations. There was great rejoicing when the 'No Homework' tokens to celebrate this feast day were distributed on Thursday evening. Depicting the date and the school crest of 'a cross atop a pomegranate' the tokens were specially designed to fit in the Homework Journal as a small momento of the day.
However responses weren't as positive from the same classes when pomegranates had been distributed before being cut up, examined and tasted!!! The pomegranate is not a well known fruit in Ireland but is abundant in the city of Granada in Spain where our patron, St. John of God, lived. Also known as the 'wine apple' the juicy fruit is full of seeds and was chosen by the Order because the multitude of seeds in the fruit is
a reminder of God's endless love for all.
Saturday 9 March 2013
Monday 4 March 2013
A View from the Steps....outside Room 10
The video below shows Art and Project Work produced by Ms. Griffin-Jones' 5th Class in the first two months of 2013. An account will follow later.
