The festive spirit could be felt in all the corridors and rooms of John the Baptist Community School in the last school week of the 2012. The holiday season was marked by a number of events, including the erection of an impressive tree on the upper level, greeting visitors, staff and students daily. The school bank held “Deal or No Deal” for its lucky customers. A fantastic Christmas Carol concert was staged by an array of students from First Year to Sixth Year, organised wonderfully by Ms. Rhoda Cleary and Ms. Aine Smith. Performers spread a little Christmas cheer with a selection of songs, stories, poems and instrumental pieces. The concert was also performed in the Hospital Family Resource Centre, linking the school to the local community. All classes attended the event in the school, adding to the Christmas excitement around the school.
This enthusiasm reached fever pitch on Thursday when the staff had a Christmas Jumper day in aid of Milford Hospice. Teachers sported an array of colourful pieces, some of their own creation, incorporating everything from lights to glitter to actual tree clippings, and donated to this very worthy cause. Over €250 was raised, as well as providing students with some strange sights around the halls! A great day was had by all!
In keeping with this spirit of giving and not forgetting those struggling at this time of year, the school was also a huge contributor to the annual Fr. Daly Food Appeal. Boxes of packets, jars, tins and luxury items were packed into the school bus after four weeks of collecting by students across the school, coordinated by Ms. Geraldine McNulty. Teachers too got in on the act, with a very tasty coffee morning, with all items created by Ms. Norita Ring, members of the Home Economics Department and many other talented bakers from around the staff room. Raffles too among the staff and students raised over €250 for the cause, with again many teachers donating items to be raffled off, including a Christmas cake made by Ms. Catherine Woods and hampers beautifully presented by Ms. Norita Ring. Many others helped out in many ways, including a large number who helped to make up the hamper boxes to be sent to families and individuals in need all around Limerick and the local community. Well done to all for the hard work.
John the Baptist Community School would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their commitment to the school over the past year and wish students, teachers, their families, and indeed all those connected with the school in any way, a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful, happy New Year.