CHRISTMAS WISHES

The Christmas edition of this newsletter gives you a flavour of the great variety of activities that are taking place in St. Aidan's. The strong commitment shown by the teaching staff together with the high level of support given by parents is greatly appreciated.

As we approach Christmas it is important that we find ways of showing our support for those less well off than ourselves by becoming involved in fundraising activities. Over the years the pupils of St. Aidan's have contributed very generously to a wide range of charities, both local, national and international. This year is no exception and I wish to thank all those who have contributed food items for Whitehall Social Services Centre, support the TY Mini Company by purchasing Christmas Cards, the proceeds of which go to four charities and to the pupils of 5East who collected money in Omni Park Shopping Centre for the homeless.

Finally, I wish all members of St. Aidan's School Community, parents, teachers and pupils a very joyful Christmas and a prosperous new year.

WHITEHALL SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL

Once again our school is collecting food for the Christmas food collection and we anticipate that our students and their families will be as generous as in past years. This collection brings home to us the true spirit of Christmas.

Ms. McQuaid's students made a banner for the G.P.A. which was decorated with balloons, photographs and posters by Ms Dunne and her fifth year students.

On Saturday 21st October students attended Darren Shan's Book Signing in Hughes and Hughes, Santry with Ms. Dunne and photographs were displayed in the G.P.A. On Monday 23rd a French Food Fair took place in the sports hall. Ms. Kirwan decorated the hall to create a cafe ambience and Ms. McQuaid's class presented art work in a gallery. On Tuesday 24th Ms. Reilly, Mr. Giblin and Mr. Humphreys organised a table quiz through Irish in the P.E. hall at lunch time. On Wednesday 25th, Second and Third Year students attended performances of "Scream" and "Smashed" presented by "Class Act" Theatre Group. Mr. Gill organised a concert in the P.E. Hall at lunch time that day. Three student bands from Second, Third and Sixth Year demonstrated their immense musical prowess to a large crowd. On Thursday 26th our Annual Halloween Library Reading, organised by Ms. McGrath was held in the Library. It was a huge success. Many students had their faces painted by Ms. Dunne and Ms. McQuaid. Mr. Keane took lots of photographs and generously made a movie of last year's reading which was shown during the interval when the judges were deliberating. Mr O'Neill was very well received in his debut performance as a rapper. Prizes included two autographed copies of Darren

Shan's latest book "Bee". On Friday 27th several teachers debated the motion "that censorship is good for children" in the Demonstration Room. It was very tense and dramatic, students were baying for blood. Despite the tough competition and quite convincing arguments presented by the proposition (Mr. Carmody and Ms. O'Sullivan) Ms. Dunne and Mr. O'Connor won! Friday was also a non-uniform day run by Students, Council. Apart from raising funds for their many activities this added significantly to the festive atmosphere in the school.

We hope Arts Week will become an annual event and would like to thank all the teachers and students who helped to make it such a success this year! Arising from the success of the Arts week, Ms. Kirwan and Mr. Gill have decided to set up a film society featuring films from around the world and across the ages!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

First, Second and Fifth year students can look forward to a well deserved rest after their exertions during the end of term exams. Hopefully everybody will enjoy Christmas and play their part in making it a happy and peaceful time for the whole family. Remember those that are less fortunate than ourselves.

Third and Sixth year students will sit their mock exams in early February. Make sufficient time available for the necessary study.To avoid negative feelings set yourself reasonable targets.

To all students and their families, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year