The CBS annual First Year bonding trip to Cork took place on Wednesday 29th November, with the students enjoying bowling, the cinema and some retail therapy in Mahon Point. Many thanks to all who organised this as the students looked like they had a ball!
CBS acknowledge the passing of John White
Nathaniel Hawthorne once said that “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind”, a sentiment no more relevant than when it comes to the passing of someone in our lives who was a staple in our daily existence. When someone close to us passes, the physical absence is replaced by the long-lasting influences, influences that make the loss seem as surreal as it does heartbreaking, where time has passed and yet it doesn’t seem to have passed at all. This was the case for us here in the CBS Secondary School with the loss of our colleague and friend John White on 26th October this year. Like so many groups in the town, from Park Utd to T.O. Park, we want to acknowledge a staff member who was so involved in so much of school life, to coincide with his month’s mind mass this Friday, 8th December.
John was an SNA in the school with nearly two decades and in this capacity was an elemental body in so many of the activities that make up school life: at the door in the morning with a friendly welcome for the students; at the locker room for lads that needed a bit of help, or who were running a bit late; in the class in his role as an SNA, helping and guiding; in the bus with the students for the many extra-curricular events that he supported and was actively involved in, from debating to soccer; in the corridor with either students or staff, laughing and joking; in the training sessions after school, coaching and encouraging; in the corridors after school, setting up for evening events; in the various parts of the school, taking pictures of events, year groups and taking the individual photos for First and Sixth Years. These are just some of the times you would see John, hear his voice, and feel his presence, a member of the school community that always went above and beyond.
The last month has been a difficult one for many of us here in the school, where the shadow of John’s legacy is both grieved and appreciated. Time will pass, but his shadow will forever be felt and appreciated.