Christmas Mass
On the afternoon of Monday 19December the Ursuline Secondary School celebrated mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption with Chaplin Fr Jim Purcell. It was a festive feast of prayer, song and music in anticipation of the Christmas season and the birth of the baby Jesus. Students from all year groups participated in the liturgy. Chamber Choir and Cecelian Choir sang a variety of seasonal hymns that lifted the hearts and spirits of the congregation, including Go Tell it on the Mountain, Jerusalem and Oh Holy Night. The First Years, spread out throughout the aisles of the Cathedral and on the steps of the altar, did a lovely slow movement with candles to the strains of Silent Night. Music, provided by Senior Orchestra, added sweetness and harmony to the occasion. Fr Jim thanked all those involved in the mass preparation and service and gave a thoughtful reflection on the true meaning of Christmas which is to welcome Jesus into our lives and to remember His name, Emmanuel, means God is with us. He left the congregation with a final wish that everyone would be open to hearing and seeing Jesus in their homes and in the business of their daily lives.
Ursuline Christmas X-Factor
The students and staff of the Ursuline gathered in the Sr Ursula Memorial Hall on the last day of term for the Ursuline Christmas X-Factor, a chance for everyone to let their hair down, dance, sing, perform comedy sketches, entertain and be entertained before breaking up for the Christmas holidays. Proceedings kicked off with a Trad group performance including very talented Irish dancers who got everyone in a buoyant mood. There were comedy sketches from First Year classes and Third Year Classes with Ms Egan’s First Year poem on the characteristics of the various year groups scooping the Junior category prize, impressing the judges with their acting and the originality of their script. The Twelve Days of Christmas was sung by a selection of staff members and students with Ms Flanagan directing the performance. Ms Kelly, Mr Murphy and Tarcelina put in star guest appearances with the help of the Sixth Years with everyone thoroughly enjoying their hidden talents. There was a very funny skit of some teachers’ visiting Santa’s Grotto to discuss their special Christmas wish list. Well done to the Sixth Year students who acted their roles with an uncanny likeness and had the place in stitches. They were deserved winners of the Senior prize. The Fifth Years did an great job organising the event, putting together a varied programme along with the Senior Year Heads Ms Carroll and Ms Frend. It was a very enjoyable, fun finish to the first term.
Christmas Hockey
Thanks to the Hockey coaches and the Sixth Year Hockey players who organised Christmas Hockey for all players on Wednesday 14 December. There were prizes for the best Christmas outfits and most festively decorated hockey sticks. Plenty of belly laughing moments were had and everyone enjoyed the fun despite having to move indoors because of the rain. It was a brilliant way to finish up the term, with players making a huge effort to get into the Christmas spirit.
Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking
Congratulations to Hannah Murphy, TY, who won an IPad in the Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition. She impressed the judges with her speech and delivery on the question of whether Europe is listening to its young people. Thanks to Ms Quinn, who prepared all entrants for this competition.
Christmas Door Decorations
Well done to all students and teachers who got involved in the Fifth Year competition to decorate a door for Christmas. There was a big uptake among the staff with classes helping their tutors to release their inner Yuletide cheer. Congrats to Ms Downey and her Second Year Class, 2B who came first with their ‘Turkey on the Town’ door which gave everyone a good giggle.
