A trip to Dublin
An article by Hannah Keogh, 5th Class

n the 30th of November 5th and 6th class went to the National Concert Hall and the General Post Office. We left on the bus at 9 o’ clock and headed for Dublin. When we reached the Concert Hall, a staff member escorted us to our seats upstairs on the balcony. From our seats, we could see the whole orchestra. When we first arrived, they were tuning their instruments. The first piece they played was  “ Infernal Dance “ from the “ Firebird “. The conductor was called “ Gavin Maloney”. The piece was beautiful. Next, they played Beethovens famous “ First movement : The fifth symphony”. It was very impressive. The  presenters name was Tom Redmond ; he is a horn player aswell as a presenter.The third piece the orchestra  played was “In The Hall Of The Mountain King “from Peer 
Gynt.It was a thrilling piece.The following piece was “Gallop” from the  Overture to William Tell.The piece made us feel like we were riding horses into battle.Tom came out  with an apple,pillow case and a bow and arrow. He gave the apple to the conductor and told him to put it on his head.Tom put the pillow case over his head.Then he got the bow and arrow ready to shoot the apple off Gavin's head. Before he got the chance Gavin ran back stage. The children told Tom that Gavin was gone from the stage.He invited a girl up to conduct the next song.The song was “Across the Stars” from Star Wars:Attack of the Clones. The composers name is John Williams. The second last piece was “In 
the Fairy Garden” from  Mother Goose. It was a lullaby. The final piece was “Berceuse and Finale” from The Firebird. This piece was brilliant. 
We left the Concert Hall, and went to the GPO. When we went inside  there were two historians  who told us facts about the history of the GPO. The Post Office gave us some school utensils, and took a class photo. Then we left the GPO, and we were surprised to hear our teacher say we were going to Mc Donalds. Everyone bought their choice of food, and we enjoyed our meal. After, we headed back to school.

A trip to Malahide Castle
An article by
​Kirsty Green, 1st Class

First and second class went to Malahide Castle on our school trip. Ms. Ronan said we all had to give a fact about famous buildings before she told us about the castle. We went on a big white bus to get to Malahide Castle. Before we went into the castle we played outside. We played tag and while we were playing we saw a giant flood. Our guide was called Jane. The first room we went into was the heart of the building. Jane told us that a man called Oliver Cromwell took 
over the castle. When he took over the castle, mysteriously a carving in the wall disappeared. No one knew why it did, but when the Talbots took back the castle it came back again.We went into the hall. There was a picture of Rose Talbot. The picture was ninety -two years old.  Jane said if you keep your eyes on her eyes she will follow you. When we went into Mylo Talbot's room we saw an arc. Jane said the children in the castle were only allowed play with it on a Sunday. In the Great Hall we saw a picture of the Battle of the Boyne. There was a door in the hall. This was said to be owned by a ghost called Puck. 
After all that we got a hot chocolate and a flake in the café. We went home at two o clock on the bus. We had a lovely day.

The Christmas Fair
Articles by David Ryan, 3rd Class and Caoimhe Cassidy, 4th Class

St Andrew’s annual Christmas fair to raise funds for the school took place on 29/11/15 in the school hall. It was on straight after 11:30 mass in the nearby church. There were lots of stalls including cakes, crafts, books, plants decorations and Christmas Cards, bric-a-brac and tombola. Other activities included the very popular Santa’s Grotto, face painting and balloon modelling. There was a raffle with lots of prizes.Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and hot dogs were also available and enjoyed  by many.

Our Christmas fair is one of the highlights on the school calendar every year. It is usually held on the last Sunday of November.
It always begins with a special mass that the children can participate in by reading prayers and presenting gifts and also singing in our school choir.
After mass the entire parish fill our school hall which is transformed into a winter market with stalls full of plants, flowers, cakes, breads and jams. It's also a chance for everyone to catch up over a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. All the children can visit Santa in his grotto, it is a magical experience for all children and when they are finished they can have their face painted.Raffle tickets are sold to everyone to be in with a chance to win wonderful prizes.You also have the opportunity to buy our beautiful school Christmas cards
that we each produce a Christmas picture for.It is a great event and I am looking forward to next years Christmas fair already!!!!

The Christmas Liturgy
An article by Jamie Fewer
5th Class

On the 17th of December 2015, 3rd to 6th class held the Annual 
Christmas Liturgy.  Considerable time was put into the preparation 
by both students and teachers. We began practising in early 
November, two or three times a week. This year’s Liturgy was 
different to previous years as at the end of the Liturgy we had some 
pupils act as a Syrian Refugee family fleeing from Syria and trying to 
find a country to live in. This was to symbolise the parallel with Mary and Joseph in the Nativity trying to find a place to stay.  One of the pupils spoke about how life is for the Syrian children since the war has started.  
There was also music, singing and playing the bodhran along to the 
tune of “Little Drummer Boy”.  Not only was the acting good but the 
singing was amazing with children singing solo, some duets, the 
school choir and then songs for all the children to take part in. The 
school has an annual tradition of the Liturgy which is always a huge 
success. The Liturgy is open to the families of the students and the 
entire community of Curragha, all are welcomed to this very special 
occasion.

The Infants Christmas Play
An article by
​Emma McMahon

The Infant's Christmas play was about the birth of Jesus. The main
character's were Mary, played by Rachel, Joseph, played by Jamie and Jesus, played by a doll. The music was played by Miss Horgan and Miss Gilligan organised the actors. The story was narrated by Gina, Daisy and Tara. Mary and Joseph were travelling to Bethlehem on a donkey. The stars, played by my sister Aisling, Caoimhe, Orlagh and Ciara B, showed them the way. The innkeepers Ciara M and Juliette said that there was no room at any of the inns because Caesar Augustus, played by James had a census. Maggie, the innkeeper gave them room in a stable. Baby Jesus was born. The shepherds,played by Philip, Conor W and Ross brought presents to baby Jesus. The Wise men played by Tigh and Conor R brought basket of gold,myrrh and frankincense.The play was funny and entertaining. The acting skills of the infants were
very good, and the singing was amazing. I really loved it.

1st and 2nd Class Christmas Play
An article by Lara Parsons

My friends, sister and I did a play based on baby Jesus. The play was a musical. We all had a part.
There were three kings, three shepherds, King Herod, Caesar Augustus, the Roman soliders, Mary, Joseph, the angels, Jesus and two narrators. Everyone had a line  and we all sang our lines.
My part was a King and I made my own crown. My mum made my outfit. 1st class and 2nd class took part in the play. The teacher who helped us was Ms Ronan.
She did a great job and we all loved our parts. We all had a great time and lots of fun.