Junior School
It is always with a certain sadness that we come to the end of another academic year. We once again say good-bye to the children until September, but we say a more permanent farewell to our students in Standard 6 as they head for pastures new in the Senior School. This year’s Standard 6 were a fantastic, talented, co-operative yeargroup – full of fun and also enthusiastic about all aspects of school life, from games and drama to their daily classroom work. We wish them blessings in abundance in the Senior School. With Easter falling so early this year, our final term was long, sunny……..and busy! Three sacraments were celebrated over the last months – Confirmation, First Reconciliation and First Communion. As always, they were most moving occasions and the children’s sense of reverence and respect was inspiring and heart-warming. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fr. Larry Behan, the moderator for the Bray parishes, and Sr. Patricia from our local parish of St. Peter’s, for helping to make all of our ceremonies so special. I would also like to thank our In-House Committee who, following Communion and Confirmation, organise a school reception for the children, their parents and relations, which helps to make our celebration of the sacraments truly family and community occasions. This year we also commemorated the events of 1916. We had an inspiring visit from two members of the Irish army – who read the Proclamation and spoke about army life to an enrapt Junior School audience. We received a copy of the Proclamation and an Irish flag – which we proudly raised on March 15th, as did every school throughout the country. It was a memorable moment indeed to hear our Junior School read their proclamation for 2016 and to hear them proudly singing our National Anthem. It seems that not a week went by since Christmas but that a class was off on a school tour! Of course the highlight was the Standard 6 ski trip to Lavarone in Italy which was a wonderful success – enjoyed by staff and pupils alike. All of the children skied amazingly well and we also had a day trip to Venice. In May, Standards 4 and 5 headed off to the University of Limerick Outdoor Education Centre for an overnight trip where they had a super time enjoying water sports, team games and a trip to Bunratty Castle. And our younger students visited Wooly Wards Farm, Wells House and Garden, and Greenan Maze. Once again this year, Sports and Prize Day was a great success and was enjoyed all the more by the children for having to run from the thunderous rain! However, it certainly didn’t dampen their spirits and thankfully they were back on the track in glorious sunshine after a short break. Our Junior School Family Tennis evening was also a huge success and is such a lovely part of the St. Gerard’s school tradition. Sincere thanks to our parents who bar-b-qued for us all and kept us well fed with burgers and hotdogs!
The term also included many sporting highlights – which you will read about inside this Newsletter, along with Green School and Book Club activities, the Science Fair and the newly established Digital Video Club’s inaugural screening! The term ended with a wonderful production of – “Battle of the Musicals” – which saw our Std. 6 pupils take to stage and perform extracts from Annie, Oliver and Grease. What a show, what talent, what fun! A very big thank you to Ms. Eithne Carney and Ms. Jackie Olohan for their expert production and musical direction. Sincere thanks also to all of the parents who helped with costumes and make-up – amazing! And well worth the long hours spent designing, shopping and sewing! Indeed, this is an opportunity to thank all of our wonderful Junior School parents for your support of all of our endeavours – from our superb Horticultural and Library teams to our parents who brew coffee on Winter sidelines and run uniform sales. Thank you so much for your interest, enthusiasm and kindness. As always, my heartfelt thanks to our Junior School staff team. When visitors walk through our school, they see children learning, working, smiling and laughing. That is because of our fantastic staff and their dedication and commitment to each and every child. They are simply outstanding! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Marcus Magnier, who has over the past 6 years as Chair always had a willing ear for the needs of the Junior School and has supported all initiatives to promote excellence in education. Finally, I thank you the pupils who are the life blood of our school and who make each day an absolute joy. Remember to take a moment during the holidays to thank your Mum and Dad for all they have done for you, to willingly and happily help out at home, and to read, read, read every day during the holidays (and a little IXL also!) And so – I bid a fond farewell for the holidays. It is truly a joy to work in such a happy and motivated school community but now it is time for us all to down tools for a while, to relax and to re-charge the batteries. I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday time. I hope you enjoy happy days with your wonderful children and that you cherish each precious moment.
2016