Chalk Talk: St Oliver Plunkett NS spreads Christmas joy to Woodlands House Nursing Home
St Oliver Plunkett NS Spreads Christmas Joy to Woodlands House Nursing Home
St Oliver Plunkett NS Navan has been spreading a little extra Christmas magic this week, as pupils made personalised Christmas cards for every resident in Woodlands House Nursing Home on the Trim Road.
The idea came straight from the Student Council, who wanted to bring a little kindness into the community this Christmas - and they absolutely delivered! Each card was handmade, with pupils hoping to bring a smile to the 32 residents who will be spending this Christmas in Woodlands.
4th Class pupil Katie Monaghan presented the cards and chocolates to staff and residents. Katie’s late grand-aunt Margaret had once lived in Woodlands, and Katie had been a regular visitor over the years.
As she handed over the bundle of Christmas wishes, Katie said:
“My grand-aunt Margaret loved getting cards, especially the ones people made themselves. So when we were making these, I was thinking of her. It felt like giving a little bit of that kindness back to everyone here.”
Staff at Woodlands were genuinely moved by the gesture.
Geraldine Cassin, Activities Coordinator, shared how meaningful these moments can be:
“The residents love knowing the children are thinking of them. It really does brighten their day.”
Christina Mondy also reflected on how important community connection becomes at this time of year:
“Many of our residents are here for Christmas and don’t have family to visit them. Small gestures, a visit, a homemade card - can make a world of difference. It reminds them they’re valued and seen.”
Woodlands House Nursing Home, led by Director of Nursing Gireesh Nair, has always prided itself on being a warm, home-from-home setting with strong links to the local community. The kindness shown by St Oliver Plunkett NS slots naturally into that ethos, a perfect example of the community looking after its own.
The entire project was a beautiful show of compassion and leadership from the Student Council and the wider school, proving once again that the smallest acts of kindness can mean the most.
More uplifting school stories will feature in next week’s Chalk Talk.
If your school has something lovely happening, we’d love to hear from you: schools@meathchronicle.ie.