Dear Parents and friends,
Last Friday was such a happy day here as we celebrated our 160th birthday...160 years of education under the Arch in Marlborough Street! We had a really busy lead up to the big day. Maria's beautiful banner was stitched and hung, the bunting fluttered in the breeze as we all held our breath and prayed it wouldn't rain on our outdoor celebration. Hopscotches were chalked, skipping ropes twirled, balls bounced as we played the games that previous generations played in the yard before us. First class were visited by a lady from the past (she looked very like Ms. Lyons) and took part in a great history lesson. Life was much harder in the tenements of Dublin 1 than it is now.
We had a colouring competition designing birthday cards for our lovely school and we are still admiring the amazing artwork done by the older girls and boys in the Senior School. Old registers were dug out and Ms. Bennett's photos covered a whole wall. We had great fun watching videos of some of our parents when they were little junior infants.
Rebecca made the most amazing cake and Glanmore very kindly donated lots of goodies. Our brilliant secretary, Valerie made sure everyone got a cup of tea and the goody bag fairies on our staff sent every child home with a little present.
Ms.Wimsey's Dad carved a beautiful granite stone over in Mayo and her Mam brought it up on the train! It hangs proudly under the arch and celebrates our two schools "ag bláthú le chéile"(blossoming together). We all stood in the sunshine while the new Central Model Schools choir sang loud and clear and lifted all our hearts. We hope this new choir will grow and grow and that soon we’ll be joined by some of you parents.
Finally, we couldn't leave until the Minister for Education over in his office, heard the sweet sound of our whole school singing our favourite "Molly Malone", "This little light of mine" and of course "Happy birthday dear Central Model School".
Thank you everyone for being part of the history and future of our school. I am so looking forward to the day when our bright, intelligent, multilingual pupils come back here as teachers and celebrate the next big birthday!
Have a happy Halloween break,
Stay safe and well....
Catherine Groves