Selskar College Newsletter December 23

ho ho holiday DECEMBER SELSKAR SOCI AL

First Year JCSP Christmas Celebration by Conor Walsh Last Friday some of the first-year classes celebrated with a talent show for their parent and some were awarded with certificates of achievements. Antonio Sandu was the MC who introduced all the acts and made sure the parents felt welcomed to the show. Ms. Byrne’s music class performed two Christmas songs which where “Jingle bell rock and Rocking around the Christmas”. Ms. Allen’s Irish Class performed a Christmas song in Irish. Ms. Rossiter’s French class performed “Let it snow” in French. Along with all this wonderful joyful acts we had a couple of solo acts and group acts that were all so fantastic to watch. A special mention to Ms. Foley who organised the event and monitored the production of the show.

Thank you to Mr. Shore for being the DJ, and sorting the music. Meitheal leaders had a blast as backup singers in the music class performance. Certificates for attendance were handed out by Mr. Connolly. Furthermore, reading certificates were distributed. Christmas hats were given out to students who participated.

After the amazing performance parents and first year students went up to the parents room to grab something to eat and spend some quality time together.

Top 10 Christmas movies on Disney and Netflix this year!

Top 10 Disney Christmas films: 1. Home Alone 2. The Nightmare before Christmas 3. The Muppet Christmas Carol 4. The Santa Clause 5. Miracle on 34th Street 6. Frozen 7. A Christmas Carol 8. Babes in Toyland 9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 10. I’ll be home for Christmas Top 10 Netflix Christmas films: 1.The Grinch 2.Love Hard 3.Scrooge 4.The Noel Diary 5.Falling for Christmas 6.Klaus 7.The Christmas Chronicles 8.A Boy Called Christmas 9.Jingle Jangle 10.The Family Switch

Schools of Sanctuary December Update by Joseph Oluwabiyi

Sustainable Christmas Shopping by Emma Cullen and Maya Ozga Shopping sustainably for Christmas is a great way to make a positive impact. Here’s a quick guide to to help you out:

December is a month filled with joy and celebrations. Many of us celebrate Christmas, however some students in our school also celebrate other days or festivals. On the 8th of December we celebrated Bodhi day. A day of enlightenment and remembrance for some Buddhist sects. The winter solstice occurs on the 21st of December. It is the shortest and darkest day of the year, and many cultures celebrate welcoming brighter days into their lives. It was traditionally celebrated in Pagan Ireland and some people still celebrate this today as part of Yule. Chinese people celebrate their Dongzhi festival on this day.

Some countries, such as Afghanistan and Iran celebrate Yalda night on this night as the longest night of the year.

Monday the 18th of December is International Migrants’ day and this will be marked in school by students engaging in different activities based around migration and refugees.

The 2 Emerald class will be celebrating St Nicholas day, which is big in the Ukrainian culture, with our families in the Family room on the 19th of December.

The Schools of Sanctuary committee wishes everyone a happy and peaceful break.

Make a list: Before you start shopping, make a list of the people you want to buy gifts for. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

Support local businesses: Look for local shops and artisans in your area, like the markets in the bullring.

Buying local not only supports your community but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping.

Choose eco-friendly materials: Opt for gifts made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo or recycled materials. Avoid products with excessive packaging.

Consider second-hand gifts: Thrift stores and online marketplaces are treasure troves for unique and affordable gifts. Give preloved items a second life and reduce waste.

Give experiences: Instead of physical gifts, consider giving experiences like concert tickets, spa vouchers or cooking classes. Experiences create lasting memories and have a smaller environmental impact.

DIY Gifts: Get creative and make personalised gifts.

Choose sustainable brands: Look for brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices.

Wrap consciously: Use recycled or reusable gift wrap or get creative with fabric, newspaper or even old maps.

Give the gift of Charity: Consider donating to a meaningful cause in someone’s name. This way you’re making a difference while honoring them.

Spread the word: Encourage your friends and family to shop sustainable too. Share your knowledge and inspire others to make eco-friendly choices.

Remember, its the thought that counts so don’t stress too much about finding the perfect gift. Enjoy the process and have a sustainable holiday season!