11th December 2015

Christmas in the Quad

On Monday 7th December we held our annual Christmas Concert in school. A sold-out Arts Theatre was expertly led by the Performing Arts department in a concert of carols and readings, bringing to life once more the story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The school choir was joined by the staff choir, wind band, and young guitarists from local primary schools. Highlights included beautiful solo renditions of ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Ave Maria’, as well as a performance of ‘Away In a Manger’ in sign language.

At the end of the concert Dan, our school Chaplain, invited Fran D’Arcy from Nugent Care to speak to the audience about the work of our Advent charity. Our school is supporting Nugent Care throughout the season, collecting food, clothes, and items to start a new home for re-housed individuals and families on low income. The money that the school raises this will buy Christmas presents for many looked-after children, and those whose families cannot afford to celebrate Christmas this year.

After the concert, we held our inaugural “Christmas in the Quad” event. An alternative Christmas Market was set up in the Senior Dining Room, with festive refreshments including mulled wine and mince pies, doughnuts and German sausages cooked outside in the quad. There was also the opportunity to buy some Christmas presents from a number of stalls, including Fairtrade and Tradecraft, Wonder of Waste Bags (made in the Philippines from recycled drinks cartons), and pieces of work made in our Art Department. Some of the money raised also went to support our Year 7 charities. The entertainment continued in the Year 11 centre, where there was a dance showcase and the rock band and session band played some festive pop.

The representatives of Nugent Care were thrilled to see the school going to such effort to raise money for their charity, and all done in a spirit of community and togetherness. We will have an update in the New Year regarding a final total of money raised, but in the meantime, may we express our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and continued support.

For more information about Nugent Care, visit www.nugentcare.org