Christmas is always a wonderful time in St Brendan’s and there is a great atmosphere in the school. As Christmas approached we had our Advent Ceremonies. Our wonderful Crib was visited by all classes and the Jesse Tree stands as a reminder of what Christmas is about. Christmas trees can be seen throughout the school with beautiful art work decorating both inside the classrooms and in the main display areas. Hallelujah Concert,  Christmas Plays ,Santa Letters, Christmas Logs, Cribs, Santa Stockings, Snowmen and Christmas pictures were all done to celebrate the festive season. We celebrated a Christmas Mass with the Mercy Convent School and the boys sang Christmas Carols in the Sandymount Nursing Unit. Santa’s arrival by motorbike caused great excitment in the school and he visited all classrooms with gifts. Many thanks to our Parents’ Association for this project. At our Christmas Assembly the boys sang songs and paid tribute to Mrs. De Forge for her long and dedicated service to the school. We would like to wish our whole school community a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Mr. Kennedy’s class performed a wonderful play for Christmas. The pupils dressed up in costumes and performed in the play which gave a very funny insight into the very popular show The X Factor. The play was colourful, funny and they performed it in front of a school audience in the gym.

Sixth Class visited the Sandymount Nursing Unit and sang carols, played music and brought Christmas cheer to the residents. Well done to all involved for spreading some Christmas cheer.

Fourth class have just completed a Maths for Fun session. Thanks to Mrs. Margaret Fitzgerald for all the organising and to the many parents who help out in the classrooms. The pupils really enjoyed the Maths games.

As Christmas approaches we began our Advent Ceremonies in the school. The boys lit the candles on the Advent Wreath and read prayers with great clarity and confidence. We all sang Christmas Carols and Mr. Crofton spoke about the meaning and origin of the Advent Wreath. Many classes also visited our Jesse Tree and our School Crib.

Our Junior classes visited the Oxmantown Theatre to see the Christmas  show “Rudolph”. They enjoyed this festive production telling the story of Santa’s favourite reindeer.

Two teams of athletes travelled to Tullamore to compete in the Sports Hall Athletics Competition. They performed very well on the day bringing home the Silver Medals in both competitions.

For the first time ever a group of pupils from sixth class sang in the Hallelujah Concert in the Simmonscourt Arena in the R.D.S. The concert involves the largest childrens choir in Europe involving more than 270 schools from all over Ireland. Our pupils had the opportunity to be backing vocals for various national and international acts including The High Kings and The Billy Barry Dancers. The choir was conducted by Gearóid Grant conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra. It was a wonderful experience for our pupils. Thanks to our boys, Majella, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Crofton, Mrs Kelly and Mr. McCann who were all involved in the project.

Two teams from sixth class participated in a Rugby Blitz held in Birr Rugby Grounds. The teams were judged on fair play, encouragement, honesty of effort co-operation and how they related to their team mates and their opponents. It was a great day enjoyed by all.

Many classes visited the church to commemorate St. Brendan’s Day. The boys sang, played and read prayers in honour of this great saint’s feast day.