As the Christmas holidays approach and with exams finally over, Bower students have been getting into the festive spirit. Last week the religion department organised a prayer and carol service in the school hall, giving students the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Many thanks to Fr. Turlough for his contribution in leading the service during one of his busiest periods of the year.
Transition year students are selling Christmas gifts for the LSU missions in the Third World. Last year Bower girls bought 525 children’s meals, 112 textbooks, 56 malaria treatments, 41 school uniforms and paid for one year’s education for 24 children. Mindful that this can be a very stressful time for some Irish families, the St Vincent de Paul Society in the school held a table quiz for all students to raise money for a worthy cause.
The sixth years headed off to Dublin on Friday, 9 December for their traditional day out on the ice. This year they skated at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. They were accompanied by their year head, Mr Sean Browne, and three other staff members, who were happy to report that there were no injuries.
On Tuesday, 13 December, the twenty adult participants in the national Log On, Learn initiative received their certificates for completing the course. Some retired persons who attended the course have found that learning how to use a computer gives them a new skill, essential nowadays. This eight-module programme took the older person’s initial skill level, learning pace, interests and hobbies into account and aimed to build confidence and have fun surfing the net, booking holidays and organising their finances from the comfort of their own homes. All enjoyed the one-to-one lessons held in the computer room in the school. The thirty student tutors also received certificates in recognition of their contribution.
Finally congratulations to fifth year student Dearbhail Ni Cathain who has won the competition to design this year’s Bower Christmas card. All families will receive a copy of the card with their daughter’s report.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Bower families, past and present.