Kindness and Joy: Ballycastle School Wins Fibrus Christmas Magic

Festive cheer recently reached new heights for the pupils of Ballycastle Integrated Primary School, thanks to a heartwarming initiative from Fibrus, a full-fibre broadband provider dedicated to connecting communities across Northern Ireland.

The school's Primary One class was crowned the winner of the Fibrus ‘Christmas Classroom’ competition, earning them an unforgettable surprise right in their classroom. The excitement was palpable as Papa Elf and the Fibrus Tinsel Team made a grand entrance, laden with a sack full of presents for every single pupil. Papa Elf, a beloved festive figure known for spreading joy for over two decades, arrived in his traditional attire, accompanied by Fibrus's elves, ready to deliver the gifts.

Adding to the magic, the children were treated to a very special video call directly from Santa Claus himself. Santa extended his congratulations to the young learners, praising their exceptional behaviour and their spirit of mutual support throughout the year, sharing a touching message of pride for their kindness and teamwork.

Mrs. McCloskey’s Primary One class truly embodies the Christmas spirit. They have been diligently focusing on lessons of kindness, respect, and generosity, especially towards those less fortunate. Their efforts culminated in their own delightful Christmas show, which beautifully emphasized that the true essence of Christmas lies in sharing, caring, and collaborating to bring happiness to others. These special four and five-year-olds are also set to continue their festive mission by visiting a local nursing home in Ballycastle to share carols with the residents.

For Fibrus, this initiative underscores their deep commitment to community. As they continue their mission to bridge the digital divide with full-fibre broadband rollout across rural and regional Northern Ireland, they also understand the profound importance of meaningful connections, particularly during the holiday season. Their work helps keep families and communities linked, both digitally and through shared experiences like this.

Dominic Kearns, CEO of Fibrus, shared his delight: “We are thrilled to bring this magical experience to Ballycastle Integrated Primary School. The dedication and spirit shown by these children and their teacher is inspiring. At Fibrus, community is at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative is about giving back and creating moments that matter. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces reminds us why these connections are so important.”

Mrs. Donna McCloskey, the dedicated Primary One teacher at Ballycastle Integrated Primary School, also expressed her gratitude: “Our class has worked so hard since September, and this visit was truly magical. The children joined our school this year from not only different pre-school settings, but also from different countries. They have come together to form one happy and caring group, and we are so proud at how they have adapted to school life, which is such a big step for them all. This surprise from Fibrus and Santa is a wonderful reward for their efforts and something they will never forget. Thank you so much to Fibrus, who have made Christmas dreams come true.”