NOLLAIG 2020

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lios Mor, Co. Phort Lairge. Ph. / Fax No 058 – 54685. E – Mail [email protected] Page 1 By Jack Buckley 6th Class

National Science Week Gymnastics Science Week was celebrated in Bunscoil Bhóthar na Naomh from Over the last eight weeks, children from Third to Sixth class have November 8th to 15th. Children received instruction from DKAM Sports in gymnastics. This is a were actively involved in science specialised area of the P.E. curriculum and we are very grateful to experiments in their classrooms as the Parents Council for subsidising the cost of these lessons. A fee of

every teacher prioritised Science €5.70 makes it very affordable for all. There is great progression in the lessons from one year to the next as both Kenny and Mikey that week. know the pupils by name and can tailor the pace of the lesson to the ability of the children. By lesson eight, the children perform a sequence on the floor incorporating rolls, tumbles, hand stands and cartwheels.

Sixth Class gave a display of all their gymnastic skills by creating their own floor sequences. Junior Infants to Second Class can look forward to their lessons after Christmas.

Santa Sale Our Parents Council held their annual Santa sale on Friday 18th of December. The children eagerly await the arrival of this day with the expectation of purchasing the ideal present for their parents. We are very grateful to the members of the Parents’ Council for organising this event this year. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Parents’ Council had to devise new ways of hosting this important shopping experience for our pupils. Children went shopping in groups of fifteen, and all gifts were displayed outside the Drama room, where the children could make their choice before entering the building. Once inside, shopping was very brisk as the gifts were pre-wrapped. Our compliments to the Parents’ Council for organising this wonderful shopping experience and we really appreciate all the extra effort it entailed.

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Blue and White Day Our school is looking resplendent in its sea of blue and white. There is a festive atmosphere in the air as we all prepared for Waterford’s participation in the All Ireland Senior Final. Flags and bunting decorate all available spaces in the yard. The Christmas Tree decorated in blue and white, festooned with baubles featuring the faces of our four past pupils , , and Iarlaith Daly is a lovely addition. Friday 11th was a wonderful day in school. All pupils dressed in blue and white and contributed €576 to Club Déise. Inside the school, the corridors and display boards were full of art and craft associated with Waterford. The senior classes did projects based on County Waterford and even on the 1959 All Ireland final! Our thanks to TQS who donated two signed jerseys. The jerseys were signed by most of the Waterford team. A raffle for the jerseys was held during small break and the winners were Joe Bolger (Senior Infants) and Freya Bracegirdle (Third Class). We were lucky to be one of the schools chosen to participate in the “Fans in the Stand” initiative by Centra. The children were delighted to make the cardboard cut outs Waterford fans. They were all unique and a lovely gesture to compensate for not being able to attend the match.

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Communion and Christmas Class Mass and Sacrament of New Pupil Confirmation 2021 Reconciliation We welcome Mr Prendergast and Father Cullinan invited the children down to the church for ten o’clock mass. Each Jakub O’Byrne to Father Cullinan are Third Class in discussing dates for both class went down separately and were seated in a socially distanced manner. Bunscoil Bhóthar Holy Communion and During mass, Father Cullinan gave the na Naomh. Jakub Confirmation in 2021. children general absolution. We are very joined us two Parents will be notified grateful to him for his regular visits to the weeks ago and is of the dates early in the school and for the thoughtful manner in which he administers the sacraments already making New Year. within the current restrictions. lots of new friends.

Mrs Kennefick Retires Farewell We are very sorry to announce the retirement of Mrs Déirdre Kennefick on November 26th. Mrs Kennefick began We wish Cara (Junior her teaching career in 1982 teaching First Class in infants) & Ollie Presentation Convent, Lismore. She gave thirty-eight years Simmons (Fourth of devoted service to the children of Lismore both as a Class) the best of luck as their family teacher and a principal for many years. For the last two decades, Mrs Kennefick was Special Education Needs Co- will emigrate after ordinator. She was very fulfilled in this role, helping Christmas. Best students with special needs and supporting both parents wishes to both Cara, and staff alike. We will miss her dearly but wish her well in Ollie and his older the next chapter of her life. brother Jack.

Winter Solstice Darkness into Light Fundraiser The Amber Flag Committee held a novel fundraiser for Pieta House on December 21st. They chose the symbolic Winter Solstice to remember that there are brighter days ahead. Pieta House support people who are experiencing problems with mental health and they provide a safe haven of support. The Amber Flag Committee adopted the theme of “HOPE” for this day. Hope for a brighter future after such a challenging year for us all.

The children from Third to Sixth Class gathered in the school grounds at 8am. They collected their candles and then formed a human heart shape around the illuminated letters “HOPE”. This was a magnificent sight and the mood music playing in the background added to the ambience. It was an important event to “shine a light” on the plight of people in need of help. Children wore Christmas jumpers and we raised over €700 for Pieta House.

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By Joe Cliffe, Senior Infants

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lios Mor, Co. Phort Lairge. Ph. / Fax No 058 – 54685. E – Mail [email protected] y Daria FPagealcaru, 5 3rd Class Ella O’ Gorman, 2nd Class

Merry Christmas Mr. Roberts, By Nora Kate Mercier “Ooh! A holly-jolly Christmas to you Mr. Roberts!” Called Angela cheerily as she was closing up the shop for the evening. “What a draining lady!” Mr. Roberts chuckled to himself, “C’mon Charlie, boy! I’ve had enough of this Christmas lark for today!” The german shepherd plodded along gamely behind his master, stopping occasionally to sniff at falling snowflakes or to scratch his side. They were getting on in years, and as they trudged down the snow-covered lanes, Mr. Roberts wrinkled and limping, his companion grey and scrawny, they both wondered if this would be their last Christmas together. When they arrived at their dwelling – if you could call it that; it was more of a hut or a ‘wee abode’ as Mr. Roberts’ late wife Sheila would have called it – Mr. Roberts jiggled the key in the lock, stepped inside and doffed his boots. Charlie shook himself off and lay down on the ground for a well earned sleep, mouth hanging open. “Silly ol’ boy!” Mr. Roberts said, with a grin on his face, which was replaced with a frown as a drop of water fell on his head and he gazed up to the ceiling to find a large hole in the thatch. “Blast it! Not another one!” He grumbled, before heaving a rusty metal bucket under the damaged roof. Mr. Roberts sighed and collapsed onto his bed as there was no longer a couch – he’d had to sell it last week to get food for Charlie. Still, I suppose, he thought, I’ve got it better than some folks, at least I got bread on the table and a roof over me ‘ead. A sharp rap on the door startled Mr. Roberts, and reluctantly he stood up and limped over to the door, which, he now noticed, was falling into disrepair. Just like the rest of this ruddy ‘ouse he mused, as he opened it. Infront of him lay a note, but no–one was in sight. Perplexed, Mr. Roberts leaned down a picked up the slip of paper. It read: I have empathy but you need no sympathy As you are poor, and my job is to lure. So, follow the trail I have sent in the mail, Then you will see, how to find me. “What in the name of creation?” Mr. Roberts muttered. He made his was over to the wooden postbox, cleared the cobwebs off and opened the lid. Inside lay a bright, glittery, red envelope which was simply addressed: to Jeremy Roberts, from anonymous. “It’s been awhile since someone’s called me that – Jeremy. Hasn’t it laddy…” He addressed towards Charlie, who had joined him in front of the house. Charlie barked enthusiastically and Mr. Roberts chortled. He turned the envelope over to find a green seal fastening it together, which he peeled off and shoved in his coat pocket, he then pulled a scrap of paper, also green, out of the glittery pouch. To his confusion, on it was some sort of a map. It was hand drawn and messy, and Mr. Roberts could make out tiny inscriptions beside each location upon it. “Jeremy’s house”, he read aloud from the map, “Village shop, mountains and –“ he faltered before he read the next, “ UCEC.” Each of these were scrawled next to a picture of what it described. Mr. Roberts guessed that ‘Jeremy’s house’ and ‘Village shop’ were exactly what they said, and ‘mountains’ must refer to the Mort-main Mountains about a mile away from the town but what ‘UCEC’ meant, he had no idea. A dotted line made its way past all the locations on the map, leading from ‘Jeremy’s house’ to the mysterious ‘UCEC’. “Looks like we’ve got a bit of an adventure Charlie, lad! It’ll do us no ‘arm s’pose. Even if it is just some kids havin’ a laugh at an awld fella!” Charlie licked his master’s hand, and they made their way off toward the village shop. When they reached the village square and the shop, multicolored Christmas lights decorated the lamp posts and a colossal Christmas tree stood infront of the bakery, covered in red and green baubles. “Maybe we’ll get one next year Charlie!” Mr. Roberts sighed. He had had the choice of; pay the electricity bills or buy a Christmas tree and, unfortunately, sensible decisions had had to be made. He pushed the thought aside and strode over to the shop, who’s lights were out as it was late at night. Nothing stirred inside and there didn’t seem to be any more notes nearby. “S’pose we just head off to the next place, eh laddy?” Charlie gave an enthusiastic ‘ruff’, which Mr. Roberts took as a yes. He really didn’t think he could go much further though, but Charlie was already making his way down the road, bounding along without a care in the world, so begrudgingly, he followed suit. Despite their best efforts, both Mr. Roberts and Charlie were panting uncontrollably after only a short amount of time. Mr. Roberts’ bad leg was aching, and the snow was turning to sludge; all hope seemed to have been lost. Just as Mr. Roberts was heaving himself onto a nearby gate to rest and Charlie was trying his best to get comfy on a patch of damp grass, a bright light appeared in the sky. At first, Mr. Roberts assumed it must be a star, but it grew brighter and brighter and came closer and closer until Mr. Roberts was blocking his eyes in agony and Charlie was cowering behind him like a helpless puppy. A tremendous crashing noise caused Mr. Roberts to jump backwards, nearly tripping over Charlie, and to uncover his eyes. Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw next; infront of him and Charlie stood a twenty-foot tall, spaceship-resembling, well, he couldn’t thing any word to describe it, other than; thing. It was glossy red and detailed with green and white stripes – utterly hideous, but standing infront of it was the most astounding thing of all. An old man with a fluffy white beard and hair, who was accompanied by several little creatures all with tremendously large ears protruding from their heads was making his way towards the duo. He was dressed from head to toe in bright red lycra. “By God! Old St. Nic! You’re a bit thinner around the middle then I expected, mind you! And that suit of yours ain’t like the pictures!” Mr. Robert exclaimed as the man stopped infront of him. “Yes! Tis I! St. Nicholas! And thank you for noticing my figure! I’ve been working out, you know, cookie fat!” He replied jovially. “What’s you doin’ over ‘ere on Christmas Eve? And who are these little blokes?” He asked, referring to the big-eared creatures. “These are my Elf’s! They’re the back-bone of my present factory; UCEC! That’s why I’m here on Christmas Eve, good man! I need your help, so I sent Buddy here on a mission” He pointed to a little elf with ears even larger than the others who beamed with apparent pride, “He delivered the map to you, but I journeyed in my Christmoblie after you as I expected you to give up!” “I’m old an’ frail Nic! What can you expect!” Mr. Roberts said, drearily. “That is the point Jeremy! That is why you and your friend Charlie need to come with me and help at UCEC!” Mr. Roberts was utterly perplexed. “Me and Charlie come an’ help at your factory? But Why?” “Because, Jeremy, you are an Elf! You have been, all along! When you were an infant the humans took you away to take care of you, but Elfs

cannot survive in the real world! Oh no, they are destined to be unsuccessful and poor!” Mr. Roberts stood stock still and took all this in. He bent down and stroked Charlie, to comfort himself mostly. Was what he was hearing Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lios Mor, Co. Phort Lairge. Ph. / Fax No 058 – 54685. E – Mail [email protected] Page 6 really true? Could it be that all of his life, he was destined to fail, and if he joined his new friend and his Elfs, he would be happy again? He stood up and turned towards St. Nic.

“If – if me and Charlie join you and your buddys at this UCEC place, will I be ‘appy?” Mr. Roberts stuttered. “I certainly hope you will be! After all, UCEC stands for United Congress of Elfish Christmas! You shall be right at home!”

Mr. Roberts then turned to Charlie and declared: “Alright laddy, let’s start anew shall we?”

A Christmas to Remember Santa Paws by Aoife Coleman Alexi Nibble loved cheese. It was his favourite thing in the world. As he woke up behind the skirting board in the sitting room, he smelled it. Alexi was fast, smart and scared of just about everything. He rushed through the radiator pipes to the mouse hole. “Bye” he called over his shoulder. There is a dog called Santa Paws, “Be back soon” shouted Mrs Nibble. “It’s Christmas Eve tonight!” Alexi raced between the legs of the couch over the carpet and out the door His owner is the one, Santa Claus. onto the hall. And there it was, sitting on an odd piece of metal and wood. “A block of cheddar all for me!”, Alexi thought greedily. Santa Claus is very jolly, He then heard booming footsteps coming down the stairs. Alexi hastily went to grab the cheese. As soon as Alexi grabbed the cheese (which was And decorates his hall with holly. big), the metal sprang up and down missing Alexi by millimetres! It was a mouse trap! Alexi got such a fright that he ran through a door off to the right, then in Santa Paws likes to play in the snow, and out of doors. After two minutes of getting his breath back, he realized he was lost. He was in a large room with tiled floors. There seemed to be And he loves to have bubbles to blow. lots of mountains in the room and a big empty lake. He started climbing up one with some dental floss he had found. When he reached the summit, He loves Santa very much, he lost his balance. He fell backwards and landed in some water. He was

stuck in the sink! But the Christmas presents he can’t touch. How Alexi got out I don’t know and neither does he. He fell asleep and when he woke up he was out, in front of the fire and wrapped in a sock. He wriggled out of the sock and he froze! What he saw sent a shiver down his spine. Santa Claus was about three feet away from him. Santa Claus was the family cat. She was getting closer by the second. Then Santa Paws, the family dog came in. Santa Claus and Santa Paws started fighting. Alexi’s nose twitched. He smelled cheese. Hoping it was safe, he followed his nose. Then he noticed the mouse hole. He ran in, went through the pipes and into bed. From that day on Alexi was always wary! By Liam Meany (Fourth Class)

By Lena Kowalcze 6th Class

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lios Mor, Co. Phort Lairge. Ph. / Fax No 058 – 54685. E – Mail [email protected] Page 7 By Liliana Foley 6th class

Parents Council Voluntary Contribution

This year we had to change the way we do things in lots of different ways and the way we collect the contribution is one of them. We would like to thank everyone who have contributed so far. The suggested amount every year is €50 per family. We are doing 5 collection days this year, and parents can give €10 on each collection if they wish.

We have two done and our next one will hopefully be in February. Thanks again to all parents for their continued support

We the Parents’ council would like to wish Mrs. Kennefick all the best in here retirement. Mrs. Kennefick has been in the school for many years and will be greatly missed by the pupils and staff.

Our Christmas card fundraiser was great success, big “THANK YOU” to parents for supporting this. We

hopefully will have our sponsored walk in the new year . We would like to wish all pupils their parents and staff a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New

year.

Boys GAA 2020 Girls Primary School Sports 2020 has been a strange year so far due to Covid-19 spreading The girls in 5th and 6th class have worldwide. We have now been back in school for almost 4 been playing camogie and football months and are continuing to train hard down in the field with down the field, by following the the two Mr. Prendergast’s, Mr. Phelan and Mr. Fitzgerald. We Covid 19 rules, with our coach Mr. are all trying our best to comply with the Covid regulations Smith. Sometimes we do drills, and such as marking/training with someone in our own class and staying in our designated areas while getting changed, but there sometimes matches, with the teams is still great competition in our intense daily league matches we selected. We have great fun and we hope we can continue to do so. switching between hurling and football every second week. We have begun Friday morning trainings again with both girls and We’ve also started early trainings on boys. Both the students and trainers are hoping to be able to a Friday morning, with the boys in play against other schools in the New Year. We would like to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class. All the girls

congratulate the Waterford panel for reaching the All-Ireland are very excited to continue our final although things didn’t go their way. It was still a great trainings after Christmas, and achievement getting there especially with past pupils from this hopefully play some matches school on the team. Please keep following the suggested against other schools. guidelines to help stop the spread of Covid-19. By Maya Rossa and Ruby

By Iarlaith Meagher and Hugo Quann Walsh

Happy Christmas

and a Happy and

Healthy New

Year! By Liana O’ Brien Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lios Mor, Co. Phort Lairge. Ph. / Fax No 058 – 54685. E – Mail [email protected] Page 8 SI By Fia Kearney, 3rd class By Kitty Moore Rafferty, 5th class

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