Bishop Deenihan visits new Sacred Heart School

Shortly before Christmas, a visit from Bishop Tom Deenihan to Sacred Heart School in Mullingar brought to a successful conclusion a series of seasonal events before the end of term.

Earlier in December, second year students from neighbouring St Finian’s College following a collaboration between their teacher Emma Morris and Sacred Heart principal Anne-Marie Connolly on a project that allowed them learn about each other’s interests and strengths. The St Finian’s second year students had chosen a Christmas gift and card for their new friends at Sacred Heart, and they sat together after to enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by Uisneach Catering.

Ms Connolly expressed thanks to the St Finian’s management team, principal John McHale and deputy principals Aisling Ryan and Emma Carey for their ongoing support to her school community. Staff and students and both schools look forward to building on integrative and inclusive experiences like the Christmas one, though which they can learn from each other and build friendships.

On December 12 last, guests from Muiríosa and St Mary’s in Delvin, Ss Ann and Kathleen joined Fr Norman Allred to celebrate a Christmas Prayer Service and Nativity drama in the new school hall, which is designed for musical, artistic and community moments of celebration and prayer. The students worked hard to get their artwork, costumes, drama and music just right for what was their inaugural Christmas show at the new Sacred Heart School.

Santa Claus also appeared as December progressed, and there was Christmas art event for which parents came into the classrooms with their children and they created art pieces together.

The Christmas events came to a finale the school patron, Bishop Tom Deenihan, visited. "It was an honour to show him around the new school and we are grateful for his ongoing support for the Sacred Heart community," said Ms Connolly.