Dear Parents, Colleagues, and Board Members,

 

Enrolment

Our mainstream enrolment window has now closed. I kindly ask that those who have received Form 2 return it, along with any required documentation, by 1st April. The school will continue to accept applications for the ASD Class until 8th April. For further information, please visit our website and select the enrolment tab: https://www.ballymacns.com/enrolment/

 

Family Quiz

We held our Family Quiz last night, with 23 tables participating—an excellent turnout, especially on a match night. It was a very enjoyable evening for both young and old. Congratulations to our winners:

• 1st place: The Horgan family (Glasha) (88/90)
• 2nd place: The Burke family (Nire Road), after two tie-breaker rounds
• 3rd place: The Wall family (Castlereagh)

Sincere thanks to the Community Centre for the use of its facilities, and to the Parents’ Association for their support, including organising the raffle and providing refreshments. I would also like to thank our staff members who assisted with distributing and collecting answer sheets, marking responses, and keeping score. We are very grateful to the following businesses and individuals for their generous spot prize donations:

• O’Halloran Plant Sales, Ballymacarbry
• The Beauty Spot, Ballymacarbry
• Alexandra Whelan Photography
• Barry Horgan Total Care Pharmacy, Clonmel
• Carmel Armstrong, (Parent)
• Niamh Brown (Waterford adult teams prizes)

Finally, thank you to all the families who participated, helped make the event such a success, and assisted with tidying the hall afterwards. Photos of the winning teams are available on our social media pages.

 

Carambola HSM Survey

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Carambola survey regarding the Hot School Meals (HSM) programme. Approximately 75% of families engaged, and this valuable feedback has been shared with our assigned Key Account Manager.

She confirmed that updated Food Safety Authority regulations introduced last term affected all providers, limiting menu options and resulting in the removal of certain items. Carambola implemented these changes fully in compliance with the regulations. This may help explain the survey results:

• Portion Size – 60%
• Quality – 44%
• Choice – 46%
• Taste – 44%

A revised menu has now been introduced, offering greater variety, as Carambola has had time to adapt to the new regulations. I encourage you to review this menu over the Easter break. Carambola has also agreed to host a tasting session for pupils next term to showcase the improved options.

While it was noted from the survey that 40% of families still log in only once per term or not at all, Carambola noters that it is encouraging to see increased engagement with the parent portal, rising from 37% last term to 63% this term. Please remember to log in and register your child’s meals for Term 3 by Friday, 10th April.

 

Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan Award for Term 2 is awarded to Tara Morrison (Senior Infants) Tara has been commended and indeed selected for always being kind, considerate and inclusive in her thoughts, words and actions.

 

Comhghairdeas

Congrats to Gavin Flynn (Rg 6) who, following soccer trials got selected as a member of the Ireland East team to travel to Barcelona in late April and compete with other regions.

Áine Horgan who will represent our school in the ‘Primary Game’ during the Waterford and Tipperary Senior Football match in Fraher Field on April 12th

Saorlaith Ryan (Rg 6) who will again represent us in the ‘Primary Game’ during the Clare V Waterford Senior Hurling match in Ennis on April 19^th. Staff member, Miss Denmead is also a selector on the primary Game team.

 

Buíochas

As we conclude Term 2, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributes to the running of our school and the education of our pupils in so many ways.

 

Summer Time

A reminder that summertime begins this weekend, with clocks going forward early on Sunday morning.

 

Return to School

School will resume for all pupils on Monday, 13th April. Wishing our entire school community, a happy and holy Easter. Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh go léir.

 

Is mise,
Michael J. O’Ryan
Principal