Winter
News 2 0 1 6
I hope as you are reading this Newsletter that you are sitting with a mince pie and a glass of good cheer in hand– and have a little Christmas time to relax and enjoy the pages within! Our Christmas Newsletter tells the story of school life in the Junior School in 2016 – and what a happy, joyful and learning-filled picture the stories and photos conjure up for us! It makes it all the more interesting then to read Mrs. Deirdre Carlos’ and Ms. Catrina Rodgers’ pieces below! Deirdre – who is teaching Standard 1 this year – is the longest-serving member on our staff and has taught in our Junior School for 36 years! I know you will agree that her reminiscences on days
gone by on in St. Gerard’s are quite simply fascinating! And then to Catrina, who teaches Standard 6 this year, and who - in just her fourth year in St. Gerard’s – is the youngest member of our staff team! She shares her thoughts on teaching in St. Gerard’s and some Christmas memories! For me, Christmas is a time for family and friends, for long walks on crisp Winter days and for tucking up afterwards with good food, good wine, good company or a good book! It is a time to relax and recharge......a time to unwind and to make resolutions. But most of all – it is a time to pause and to be thankful for all the good things in our lives and to look forward with joy to the year ahead. I wish all of our families in the Junior School blessings in abundance during this holy season and happy times aplenty with your wonderful girls and boys! I look forward to seeing you all again in 2017!
Deirdre Carlos recalls St. Gerard’s in the 1980s............. 1980 – the era of blackboards and chalk! Coloured chalk was reserved for special occasions as it was considered an extravagance! Many teachers, mainly the men, wore gowns to protect their clothing from the chalk-dust. A typical punishment for misdemeanours was 100 lines! Junior and Senior school teachers shared a communal staffroom. It was located where the front office is now in Thornhill House. The upstairs of Thornhill House was where the boarders – boys only at the time – resided. Many staff, both teaching and other, lived on the school premises – one big happy family! There was an outdoor swimming pool beside the tennis courts. All PE lessons in
Thank You I want to take this corner to say a very special thank you to Stephanie – who not only runs our extremely busy Junior School Office with efficiency, effectiveness and kindness – but also heads up our Newsletter Team of Standard 6 pupils. They have, in the early mornings and late evenings, written and produced this wonderful chronicle of the past term. So thank you to Ben Havenga, Ally Finnegan Quirke, Christian Higgins, Adah Lynch, Jack Loughran, Sarah Murphy, Laura McCarney, Victor Cullen, Ben Malone, Keeley O’Brien and Peter Catterson from Std. 6 - budding journalists one and all!
the Summer Term took place in the pool – no matter what the weather! There were lunch time swims too – I’m sure Julie would approve! The green hand-sewn blazer was “de rigour” for all Junior School pupils. Only the First Communion boys wear it now – and just for the day. How times change. Cricket was played at the front of the House, where the car-park is now. All whites at all times! There was a small theatre/gym and dining room where the Atrium is now located. The Art Room was located in the older part of the school too. All pupils had lunch at school. There was a choice – you ate what you were given! - soup, main and old-fashioned pudding (usually drowning in custard!). Lunch “slops” were collected by a local farmer who arrived in his tractor to collect each day. I am not sure what the school got from the deal – probably had something to do with “fry ups” from the wellfattened farmer’s pigs! There was a full-time Chaplain living in the school. During Lent, Mass was celebrated in the school Chapel every morning at 8am for boarders and parents and day pupils who wished to attend. Christmas Eve Mass was celebrated at MIDNIGHT, followed by mince pies in the Georgian Room. Too much to say – not enough space but hopefully you get the picture! Happy days indeed!
The newsletter team sat down for a chat with Ms. Catrina Rodgers and this is what she had to say...... Why did you decide to be a teacher and was there somebody who influenced you? I have always wanted to be a teacher! When I was three, my granny bought me a blackboard teacher set and ever since, I have dreamed of working with children. My mum has been my biggest influence! Even though she is not a teacher, she has always been there to encourage me!
What is the best thing about working in St. Gerard’s?
That’s a tough one!...I know how blessed I am as there are so many amazing things about working in St. Gerard’s. Firstly, our sense of community spirit is phenomenal! I love the way that everybody knows each other and really cares about one another. Also, it is fantastic that every class has something to look forward to from Christmas plays and the robotics competition to the ski trip and the communion or confirmation, we are always kept busy! But, of course, the best thing has to be getting to work with such fabulous children every day!
What is your favourite Christmas memory?
My favourite Christmas memory has to be when I was eight. My dad, brother, uncle and I built an igloo! We packed snow into basins and stacked them like bricks. We even had a porch and everything! It was the best day!
What is your favourite thing to do at Christmas time?
On Christmas Eve, my dad and I spend the day delivering presents and buying last minute gifts. It is such a special day for me as I get to spend quality time with my dad who is so much fun! After we are finished, we meet my mum and the rest of my family in Westport to soak up the festivities and magic of Christmas!