Scoil Fhionáin spreads the Christmas message of giving

Scoil Fhionáin spreads Christmas message of giving. Sixth Class boys carrying shoeboxes to the truck.

Scoil Fhionáin in Kilfinane, County Limerick has been focusing on the message of giving this Christmas time

Over the last number of months, Scoil Fhionáin primary school in Kilfinane has been working hard to support the most vulnerable over the festive period.

During November, the school took part in the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal, donating a massive 161 shoeboxes to children. These boxes were filled with toys, treats, stationary and gifts to bring joy to those less fortunate.

The Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign where thousands of people across Ireland donate shoeboxes filled with gifts for children affected by poverty in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe.

It is an opportunity to share a little joy and excitement with children who live in circumstances where these can often be in short supply, and Scoil Fhionáin are proud to donate such a large number of shoeboxes again this year and thanked all those who contributed.

Furthermore, with a deep sense of community and empathy, the Sixth Class students at Scoil Fhionáin have crafted heartfelt Christmas letters and cards addressed to residents of two nursing homes in County Limerick.

The initiative aims to connect generations and bring a touch of warmth and festive cheer to those who may be spending their holidays away from their families. The pupils wrote to the residents of both Abbot Close Care Centre in Askeaton as well as Killeline Care Centre in Newcastle West.

The students poured their creativity and genuine sentiments into each letter, expressing well-wishes, sharing holiday stories, and reminding the nursing home residents that they are cherished members of the community.

Sixth Class teacher David Walsh said, “At Scoil Fhionáin, we believe in instilling values of kindness and compassion in our students. This Christmas letter-writing project not only showcases the creativity of our Sixth Class but also fosters a sense of connection and understanding within our community. We are immensely proud of our students for embracing this initiative with open hearts.”

Last month, Sixth Class wrote letters to Sixth Class from St. Brigid’s & St. Patrick’s N.S., Drogheda, County Louth.

Today, we were delighted to receive our replies!

Each pupil received the letter from their penpal along with a map of Drogheda. pic.twitter.com/oDxg2NELRN— Scoil Fhionáin Kilfinane (@ScoilFhionain) December 14, 2023

The letters, adorned with festive decorations, will be delivered to the selected nursing homes just in time for the holiday season. The school hopes that these messages will bring smiles to the faces of the elderly residents and create a sense of togetherness during a time that can be challenging for some.

Scoil Fhionáin remains committed to nurturing a spirit of community involvement and compassion among its students. This Christmas letter initiative is just one of the many ways in which the school continues to contribute positively to the local community.

“It’s good to show people in nursing homes that they are supported and loved at this special time,” said Sixth Class pupil Tom, and “There’s no price on kindness” added another pupil, Séan.

On Tuesday, 19th of December, Third to Sixth Class sang Christmas carols on the streets of Kilfinane in the hope of raising money for University Hospital Limerick’s Children’s Ark. The money will go to great use supporting children visiting hospital over Christmas.

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