Christmas cheer at Barefield N.S.
The spirit of Christmas shone brightly in Barefield National School in the run up to the Holy and Festive season.
Teachers, pupils and parents had decorated the school with great imagination and colour. Windows were painted, Christmas trees lit up the classrooms and the traditional crib with straw and holly took centre-stage in the school foyer. Christmas ceremonies in the school Hall began with a beautiful Mass with Father Jerry to mark the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.On Sunday December 18th the school choir together with the parish choir entertained a packed Barefield church at 5.30.p.m. with a selection of well known Christmas carols together with few more rare but beautiful ones. Once again the event was co-ordinated by Breda Loughnane. On Monday December 19th the Sacrament of Reconciliation was conducted for the children by Fr. Jerry and Canon Caimin O’ Carroll in the school hall. On Tuesday December 20th a whole school Christmas assembly took place where Mr. Burns took the children through the Christmas story and gave an insight into the significance of St. Joseph in the Christmas message using a power-point presentation. It was a celebratory occasion with all classes providing, song and music together with a collection of French carols. The Barefield teams who captured the Clare Schools titles in both boys’ and girls’ football were presented with their medals by the teachers who trained them. There were many other events and activities to add to this special time of year in the life of the school and the Parish. The generosity of parents and friends of the school was absolutely outstanding as they responded to The School Christmas Appeal for food, clothes, toys and household items for St. Vincent de Paul, Clarecare and Clare Haven. The students’ Council co-ordinated this charitable activity and produced hundreds of lovely hampers.The Parents’ Association added greatly to the Christmas wonder by accompanying a thoroughly believable and bountiful Santa Claus on his visit to each classroom. The Parents’ Association also produced a colourful Christmas calendar containing all classes and packed with useful “dates for your diary”. Other events included the senior infant Nativity Play which entertained all the classes, the Christmas ceili band welcoming visitors and parents each morning. Sixth class pupils concluded the term by producing the “Christmas Newsletter 2011” which was presented to all parents. The Board of Management, Parents’ Association, The Principal and the teachers and staff wish everybody a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.