The annual Christmas market took place at Borrisokane Community College on the 16th December. Tipp Fm broadcasted the Carol Power show live from 3- 6 pm from the school. There were over 60 stalls with a range of artisan and high quality products made locally and by students at a very reasonable price. The stall holders were assisted efficiently in their set up by the superb mapping and organisation completed by Mr Mac Dara Mac Lochlainn and Mr James Mc Evoy. All monies raised from the stalls will fund the private counsellor which works in the school every Wednesday supporting the emotional needs of our students.
The Ballyhaden Bakery, a student run LCVP café once again proved a popular place. A mouth-watering range of enticing cakes, cookies and muffins were on offer in a fun and trendy atmosphere.
Laura Larkin, Kevin Oakley & Trixie Burke in LVCP Ballyhaden Café!
Santa’s Grotto was built and assembled by a number of students under the guidance of Mr Mac Lochlainn. Special moments with Santa were captured on camera and instantly sent to an email account. Children had great fun decorating lanterns, dressing up or getting their faces painted. Activities were provided by students supervised and helped by Ms Cornelia Walsh, Ms Jackie Hayes and Ms Elaine Linehan. Parent volunteers also helped assist in creating a lovely winter wonderland for children in the Grotto area. Ms Maura Coffey kept the market brilliantly promoted through social media in the weeks leading up to the event.
This year saw the opening of a new BT Young Scientist Cafe…where Science got savoury with warm and tasty wholesome snacks including tea or coffee. Ms Mary Brady, Ms Ann Marie Buckley and Ms Angela Butler steered a group of teachers and parents in creating another relaxed area for guests to get a bit to eat. They also held a Prize Raffle for a beautifully home baked Christmas cake. Guests were able to look at the January 2017 BT Young Scientist entry and ask questions of the student responsible for the project, Robert Guest. Over €500 was raised. Feedback on the market and café received included; Great to see teachers, parents and students working together in the one kitchen, Great food and service was great ,Great to see the Science dept., the SEN dept., parents and students working together for such a fantastic fundraiser – well done all! Tipp FM was great – great buzz about the place.
Students completing their Gaisce awards liaised with three local nursing homes as part of community involvement to bring them along to enjoy the festivities of the market. They organised transport and had treats and refreshments ready for them on their arrival. Students escorted them around the market, assisted them in purchasing presents and ensured their safe return back home. Students Jessica Reddan, Aisling Rafferty, Chloe Hayes, under the guidance of their teacher Ms Deirdre Kyne and Ms Eimear Cahalan were praised highly for their hard work in organising the event and the respectful and kind and caring manner shown on the day.
Ms Meta Darcy liaised with the parent body and organised help with the raffle, grotto, our elderly visitors and in the Café. A raffle for hampers made up of products donated generously from the stalls was held for St Vincent de Paul and close to €300 was raised. Food hampers filled with generous donations from students and staff have also been given to the local St Vincent de Paul offices in Nenagh. Students have been very eager to help those less fortunate at Christmas. The student council designed and sold Christmas cards and profits made were also given to St Vincent de Paul.
Tipp FM hugely added to the atmosphere with the radio show and festive music rippling out live through the corridors and market. Many students and stall holders representing local businesses chatted to Carol live on air. Students performed musical pieces live on air and throughout the show. The Christmas market was a thoroughly enjoyable event that went on late into the evening. Over 15 student stalls also reported back healthy profits and much business and life skill lessons were learnt from the event. Well done to all involved. Borrisokane Community College students and staff wish all in the community a happy and peaceful Christmas and 2017.
