On Tuesday December 13th Tallaght Community School burst into the Christmas spirit with a day of Carols, Christmas Jumpers, and Christmas dinner!
Students and staff came together to bring to life the preparations for Christmas as part of the advent season as well as expressing the joy and the message of Christmas itself, a message of hope, joy, love and outreach to others.
The theme for the Carol celebration was light in the darkness, so as well as lighting our Advent wreath, we also carried the light from our gathering at school and the greater community to welcome the stranger and wanderer, we read from both religious and secular texts, sang Carols and songs and celebrated the light of who we all are in the school community.
Mr. Lynch, our school Principal spoke to all gathered in St. Aengus’ Church about how special this time of year is and the strength of helping each other, how a kind word or moment shared is a wonderful gift to give (as well as the shiny ones!). The student choir and teachers treated us to beautiful renditions of Christmas Carols, Fr Ben from the Parish shared with us his deep spirituality, Mr. Mullally our School Chaplain reflected on the symbolism of the empty manger and how it speaks to people of all faiths and none. Ms. Martin our School Wellbeing coordinator along with 6th year student Marvelous read for us the first account of the Christmas story. Students shared their wishes and staff told us what Christmas means to them.
Overall, throughout the celebration and afterwards, the message of Christmas given was one of a light in the darkness, hope in times of despair, love in trials and outreach to those in need.
A central part of our preparation and celebrations was giving to a local charity. We decided to have donations appeal the weeks previously for the local Society of the St. Vincent de Paul society. For a few weeks before the Carol celebration the school community contributed non-perishable foods to the initiative and in the end, we had collected boxes of food that would go to much needed causes. The Christmas Jumper day raised over €800 for Crumlin Childrens Hospital.
To top off this festive fun our students are treated to a beautiful Christmas dinner in the school canteen.
Season’s greetings and best wishes to the community for 2023 from all at Tallaght CS.
By Eddie Grimes