Christmas in MeánScoil Mhuire Longford

Students and teachers are approaching their Christmas Holidays with glee. School has been a very different experience for the whole school community since September.  Once we adjusted to our new normal and our new surroundings our school spirit shone through more strongly than ever.

We have always prided ourselves in the care we have shown to those who are in need.  From our newest students to our senior students a message of compassion and caring was sent to the vulnerable this Christmas.

Ms McGuires’s First Year English class generously made Christmas present boxes for the residents of Saint Joseph’s Nursing Home. They also wrote Christmas cards for residents. Hopefully, the class’s kindness will bring joy to the heart of the nursing home.

Over the past week Mr Dennigan’s 6th year Religion class have been busy wrapping Christmas shoeboxes for the Simon Community. Homelessness is a huge issue that has been worsening in the midlands over the past number of years so the girls wanted to try spread some Christmas cheer during these dark days. After their shopping spree, the girls had time for a hot chocolate provided by Mr Dennigan.

Our Student Council have been spreading cheer among the school by running a Christmas Decorating Competition for all classrooms. This brought great delight to our young ladies who had worked so hard during their Winter exams. What better way to herald Christmas than to decorate our classrooms.

As tradition in our school, the 8^th of December was a special day. One where we all took the time to pause, be still and listen to the beautiful mass from St. Mel’s Cathedral. It was different this year as we watched it as a live broadcast rather than in the Cathedral, but none-the-less it was a beautiful mass that really began the festivities for our school community.

In collaboration with Mullingar Credit Union, we held our first Annual Credit Union Quiz.  Our TY students hosted the quiz for 1^st and 2^nd years virtually utilising Microsoft 365 to digitally collect the rounds. A virtual leader board for the year group was also on show throughout. Such a wonderful and exciting experience for our 1^st and 2^nd years!

Our Student Council are also planning a fundraiser Pyjama/Christmas Jumper Day to raise funds for St. Vincent De Paul. Again, this is another tradition that is firmly rooted in the ethos of the school.  Contributing to the two St. Vincent De Paul Hostels in Longford allows more toys and gifts for the young children who are resident over Christmas.

Our school spirit of community shines through each and every one of us. We have lifted each other and carried each other through the uncertainty of 2020.  We are grateful for the wealth of generosity and caring shown by our students and teachers.  We look forward to the beauty of Spring and the wonder of new beginnings for 2021.