Christmas Best Wishes from Mr. Duffy

The end of the calendar year is nearly upon us and as we head into the  Christmas season and school holidays, it is a good time to reflect on the  past few months in CBC and beyond. The Covid-19 global pandemic  continues apace in all its various guises and this has presented immense  challenges for many in our society. In true CBC spirit, the school community  has managed, with your fantastic support, to maintain a level of ‘normality’ in these challenging times. The past few months have displayed, once  again, our firm belief that all schools are much more than places where information is passed on. Schools are about relationships, connections and  experiences. Our students, staff, parents and the wider school community  have collectively galvanised their efforts to ensure that teaching, learning  and student well-being is very much at the core of all things in CBC.  

We wish to take this opportunity to thank and remember in our prayers all  those among our parent/guardian body who are helping on the frontline, be  they in healthcare or other important services. We ask that all of our CBC  boys show leadership and responsibility and help out at home and be kind  to one another. At times like this, we remember the school’s motto, Certa  Bonum Certamen = Do the Right Thing. 
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We also remember that some families in our school community are  mourning the loss of loved ones in recent months from the COVID-19 virus.  Go ndéana Dia trócaire orthu.
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These weeks of the Advent Season are given to us as a time of waiting and  preparing for Christmas. As followers of Jesus Christ, the Advent invitation  is extended to each of us to take time to get to know Jesus afresh and give  time to genuine prayer. 

Over the Christmas period, we have time to reflect on our lives and ask  ourselves where we need to make adjustments or indeed initiate fresh  beginnings. Christmas is a time like no other time in the year – it brings  out the best in a lot of people. It generates a fabulous spirit and force for  goodwill and generosity. As a staff in CBC, we feel so proud when we see  our students, your sons, exhibit their reserves of generosity in helping  those who are less fortunate in our society. This year, once again, we have  witnessed the depths of compassion, commitment and character of our  CBC students, your sons, who put together a fabulous array of Christmas Gift Hampers for the students of Francis Street CBS, in the heart of the  Liberties in Dublin 8. Our students, your sons, can never forget that each  of them can make a difference for the better in our world. It’s during moments like these that we are aware that we are truly part of something  special here in CBC. Your sons continue to inspire, motivate and encourage  us all to be the very best that we can be and it is always a privilege for us  to welcome them to CBC each day.  
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I hope that you and your families have a safe, peaceful and restful  Christmas. Please take time out to reconnect, to restore and to relax (watch some of those Christmas Film classics like The Great Escape and  Where Eagles Dare or listen to the glorious Christmas carol, O Holy Night as sung by Martina McBride!). Le cúnamh Dé, 2022 will bring in a real sense  of hope for us all. We look forward to welcoming you back to CBC on  Thursday January 6th. Beir Bua agus Beannacht! 

Gerry Duffy, School Principal.