‘Letters of Festive Cheer’ To Beechwood’s senior residents from St. Joseph’s Boys

Students from St. Joseph’s Boys School brought Christmas Cheer to Beechwood Residential Home on Friday by writing letters to the residents and hand-delivering them along with scones, tea, biscuits and sweets.

Organised by Mrs. Carla McCay, Head of English Department, who got the boys to pen letters telling the reader about themselves, share some festive cheer, explain what Christmas is about for them and wish the reader a Happy and Holy Christmas with messages such as ‘Wishing you happiness, good health and peace this Christmas, and may the year ahead bring you joy and many wonderful memories. . . ‘

Mrs. McCay said: ‘We came up with the idea to spread some joy among those of senior years in our community and what better way than to get the boys to pen their feelings and Christmas thoughts while wishing someone in the community happiness in this festive period.

‘We plan to keep the connections within the local community, keeping them connected during the different seasons of the year. Furthermore, we would like to expand our connections by engaging with a variety of local residential and care homes. Next Christmas we hope to join forces with our school choir to spread the Christmas spirit.’

The boys, both senior and junior, donned Christmas hats, brought their letters, scones, biscuits and sweets and shared time with the residents at Beechwood Court.

IN PICTURES: Derry students deliver Christmas cheer and comfort to Beechwood residents

St. Joseph’s Boys pupils wrote letters to the residents of Beechwood Residential Home and hand-delivered them along with scones, tea, biscuits and sweets

Resident Kathleen McMonagle said she was almost tearful receiving such a beautiful letter written by a student called Oisin.

‘This is the loveliest and caring letter I’ve ever received. Something I will cherish. Oisin told me about himself, his feeling around Christmas and took time at the end to wish me and all here the happiest of Christmases and even wishes for a healthy and happy future. Purely lovely!’

Manager at Beechwood, Mrs. Cathy McCallion said it was a lovely gesture from the pupils at St. Joseph’s. ‘It was super to see so many faces lit up today when Mrs. McCay and the student came through the doors. Great credit to Mrs. Deane and all the staff and pupils from St. Joseph’s Boys School for the work they do in the community, and especially at Christmas. Thank you to you all.’

Also praising Mrs. McCay and the students from the English department, Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane said it was a lovely thing what the students took time to do. Writing letters in this way and seeing the cheer on faces of those who received and read them was heartfelt. Our boys never let us down and go the extra mile to help the local community. It goes with the Catholic ethos of the school and epitomises what the Christmas season is all about.’

The students spent an hour at Beechwood on Friday before heading off on their Christmas holidays which will see the school open again on Monday, 5th January, 2026.