StGerard’s School

FIFTH YEAR RETREAT

86 fifth year students attended Glenstal Abbey for their annual Retreat on January 15 and 16. This is a spiritually rewarding experience for all of the students who take part. It also offers a rare insight into Monastic life in the Abbey.

We look forward to developing many years of interaction and contact with Glenstal Abbey on spiritual occasions such as these in the tradition of St Benedict. Many thanks to our Religion Department for accompanying our students to Glenstal Abbey and for ensuring the uniqueness of this valuable opportunity for them.

SPORTING PRESS

In early January St Gerard’s School took on Glenstal Abbey in our annual O’Reilly (SCT) and McGrath Cup (JCT) challenge games. Two very competitive fixtures played in tremendous spirit. On this occasion St Gerard’s SCT were beaten 10-20 while our JCT overcame the might of Munster winning 33-12.

In the run up to Christmas St Gerard’s School took on Gonzaga College in the Leinster Senior League Final in Donnybrook. To say this was a nail biting experience would be an understatement. With St Gerard’s very much in the ascendancy in the first half it wasn’t long before Gonzaga found their stride and were winning the game 11-13. In what was literally the 70th minute Cormac Foley found his way through the Gonzaga defence to score a last gasp try for St Gerard’s School. With the try converted we won the tie 18-13 in what can only be described as a truly memorable occasion. Well done St Gerard’s SCT.

In golf we congratulate Bandon St John, who won the Junior Honda Classic on the Fazio Course at the PGA National in Florida. Playing in the 14-15 age group with scores round 1-78, round 2-72, total 150 gave him a one shot win on the 6650 yard, par 72 course.

SCHOOL BAZAAR 2017.

Our annual Christmas Bazaar took place in the last week’s of December with all of the proceeds from the event being donated to local charities. The Bazaar is always a great success which is due in no small part to the unconditional support from pupils, staff, parents and friends of the St Gerard’s School community. We gratefully acknowledge the help and continued support of all concerned for their generous donations to the auction, tombola, raffles, the various stands, stalls and fun carnival activities.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Another pre-Christmas activity of note is the St Vincent de Paul School Conference effort in coordinating, packing and delivery of Christmas Hampers to our local St Vincent de Paul. With the assistance of our Transition Years the hampers are packed and delivered with great dedication and the endeavor is a truly uplifting experience for all concerned.