Out of all emails sent this week one in particular that had the name anonymous attached to the email probably had the most effect on me. It was addressed to the Principal by a selection of boys in Sixth Form. The message was clear - the most important people in the Junior school, the leaders have been forgotten. They are moving on to the next chapter in their lives and would like to look back on their journey through their school, but this chance is slowly fading away and they are powerless to stop it.
Young men I completely agree with all of your points contained in that email and more importantly I cannot imagine how you are feeling just now with not visiting friends, relatives and even going to the shops. Reflecting on my own children they are hesitant now to go outside our front door to play and this is something that I did not notice because we have all been so busy.
The young men of Sixth Form I only have three words – I am sorry.
However, I am delighted that all classes are each spending a week compiling thoughts and memories for the Willow Weekly. I have some of my own to share. In Fourth Form a young man in J4 Olibhear Fahy had a nasty fall in the yard at it was one of the most horrible mornings in November – Mr. And Mrs Clonan entered through the back gate with their dog Duke and this dog sat next to Olibhear till the ambulance arrived. Olibhear was covered in blankets and we had umbrellas shielding him from the rain, but Duke sat next to him with the rain falling sharing his own body heat and giving comfort. This was the first time as a school we were introduced to the charity Dogs for the Disabled.
Jump ahead and witness the phenomenal Musical The Greatest Toy with special performances from all of the boys in Fifth Form. However, due to the incident that happened in Fourth Form work was slowly being undertaken by Mr. Eddie Barron and our fantastic WPA to attempt a Guinness world record to raise funds for the Charity Dogs for the Disabled. Rossa Clonan in M6 and his brother Eoin were pivotal in spearheading this attempt and as you can see above the record was broken and we now have a dog called ‘Willow’.
To this year and the lasting memories I have is Jack O’Flaherty in M6 singing the responsorial psalm during our Confirmation service – it will stay with me forever. Jamie O’Nuallain, Mark Crowley and Alex Swan with his own Frosties bowl escorting our youngest boys in Junior Infants back to their classes after Breakfast Club. To this Saturday and Matthew Wyse and all the boys of J6 doing the Rugby Ball Run challenge. I look forward to watching all of your video clips completing this challenge and raising funds for PPE equipment for hospitals.
As a school, we have looked at how we can mark the end of your journey in the Junior school and the beginning of your time in Second level education. I feel that you are all too important to try and put together something remotely. I suggest that we hopefully come together in late August outside with the sun shining, having our Fifth form festival marquee set up and properly celebrate your time as leaders within your school.
Remember you are our Hope for The Future!