Dear Parents, Staff & Board members.

I hope all pupils and families are enjoying the summer break and getting an opportunity to relax and recharge. I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on some important developments and preparations taking place in Ballymacarbry National School ahead of the new school year.

Special Education Classroom Development
Tenders have been received in relation to repurposing our existing classroom into a new special education classroom. The consultant is evaluating all tendering documents in the hope of the project commencing shortly.

Teaching Appointment
Interviews are taking place this week for our 4th/5th Class teaching position. We hope to complete this process next week.

Special Needs Assistant Appointments
Interviews for Special Needs Assistant positions for our new Special Education Class have taken place and appointments have now been finalised. We look forward to welcoming our new SNAs to Ballymacarbry N.S.

School Transport Bus Escort Vacancy
The Board of Management is seeking to appoint a School Transport Bus Escort for 10 hours per week, due to commence on 26th August 2026. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th August 2026. Further information is available through EducationPosts.ie. Please pass this onto those who may be interested in applying.

NCSE Parents Notify Process – September 2027

Parents/Guardians of children who may require a place in a Special Class or Special School for September 2027 are asked to note that the NCSE Parents Notify Process is now open. We have attached an information letter outlining the process, key dates and how to apply for an eligibility letter. Even if you are unsure of your child’s future educational needs, we encourage you to read the attached information carefully, as applying for an eligibility letter now will help keep future options open. https://www.ncse.ie/parents/current-application-processes/parents-notify-special-class-special-school-placement/parents-notify-form/

Traffic Calming Scheme – R671
The deadline to make submissions on this proposed project adjacent to our school is this evening at 5 pm. Please use the following link to make a Section 38 submission. https://consult.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/consultation/section-38-traffic-calming-scheme-ballymacarbry The Board of Management continues to engage with landowners in an effort to improve parking arrangements at the school. We are also working with the relevant authorities regarding improvements to the R671 to enhance safety for all road users and members of our school community. Temporary arrangements may need to be put in place while these discussions and road safety improvements progress. We ask for the patience, understanding and cooperation of all parents and guardians during this period.

Clothes Collection                                                                                                                      Thanks to those who contributed towards the collection today. Thanks also to the members of the Parents’ Association who organised it.

Hot School Meals
Our Hot School Meals Programme will commence on Thursday 27th August (not the first day back) Junior Infant pupils will receive their usernames and passwords on their first day back at school. They will not receive meals until parents fully register their children. Juniors will finish at 1 pm for the first two full weeks.

Stationery Lists & Uniform
Class stationery lists for the coming school year are available on our school website. Parents/Guardians are asked to check the list relevant to their child’s class and also in terms of clothing; what is and what is not permitted as school uniform. https://www.ballymacns.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Stationery-Lists-Sept-2026.pdf

Thank you for your continued support. We hope that everyone enjoys the remainder of the summer holidays and we look forward to welcoming all pupils and families back to Ballymacarbry NS on August 26^th next

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Members of the Board of Management,

Deireadh na Bliana Scoile

This week, we concluded the 2025/2026 academic year. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the life and work of our school throughout the year. Our gratitude extends to the Board of Management, the Parents’ Association, our dedicated staff, Special Needs Assistants, Fr. Michael, secretary, cleaners, caretakers, supervisors, bus drivers, coaches, parents,  those involved in the Breakfast Club, After School Club and Hot School Meals programme. Míle buíochas to you all for your commitment and support.

The cycle begins again on Wednesday, 26th August, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting school year.

At this juncture, we say goodbye to Miss Laura Duggan, Miss Kayleigh Condon and Miss Kellie Roche, who have worked with us for much of the year as classroom and Special Education teachers. We sincerely thank them for their dedication and wish each of them every success as they seek employment for the year ahead.

Work will continue in the school throughout the summer with the recruitment of a teacher, SNAs and bus escorts. Alongside the usual maintenance programme, preparations will also take place for the opening of our additional Special Education class, which is scheduled to commence in late August.

Class Stationery

Teachers have compiled the stationery requirements for their respective classes, and these lists are now available on the school website Stationery-Lists-Sept-2026.pdf Please note that all schoolbooks, workbooks and copies will be supplied by the school.

Uniform Exchange

The Parents’ Association is organising a Uniform Exchange and Clothes Collection in the school this July. Please see the attached posters for further information. We thank the Parents’ Association for these excellent initiatives.

School Uniform

We would appreciate families purchasing unbranded navy knee-length shorts and unbranded navy PE tracksuit bottoms in advance of the new school year. These provide comfortable options for warmer school days while remaining in keeping with our school uniform.

Summer Stars Reading Programme

As I do each June, I would like to encourage all of our pupils to take part in the Summer Stars Reading Programme.

Summer Stars is the free national reading programme for children, available through all public libraries and online during the summer months. It runs from 2nd June to 31st August 2026, and participation is an excellent way to maintain reading skills over the school holidays. The programme is currently running in both of our local libraries. https://www.librariesireland.ie/services/right-to-read/summer-stars

Children who complete the programme receive a certificate from their local library at the end of the summer.

Frank Serafini reminds us:

“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.”

Bígí Slán

I wish all our pupils, families and staff a safe, enjoyable and restful summer break. Thank you once again for your support throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you all in late August.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Members of the Board of Management,

Condolences

Our sincere condolences to bus driver Johnny O’Brien and his family on the death of his mother, Philomena O’Brien, late of Mountain View, Clogheen. Philomena was laid to rest in Shanrahan Cemetery. May she rest in peace. Johnny, through McCarra’s Transport, has provided outstanding service to our school over many years, transporting pupils and staff to and from school events, matches, swimming lessons and school tours. We extend our sympathy and support to him and his family at this sad time.

School Reports

We hope that all families have been able to access the school reports, which were released last Friday via Aladdin Connect. Special Education Reports were released on Monday. If you have been unable to access your child’s report, please contact the school office.

Active Week

This week was Active Week in our school. The children enjoyed a varied programme of activities to supplement their regular in-class activity. Events included nature walks, teddy bear picnics, swimming, class races, gymnastics with Ms Walsh, small-ball games, soccer finals, an inflatables day and a modified Sports Day on Friday. Many thanks to all staff members for facilitating these events and to the Parents’ Association for their collaboration and sponsorship of the inflatables and ice cream cones for all pupils on Thursday. Although the weather deteriorated later in the week, it certainly did not prevent the children from enjoying a wonderful and active week. Some memories of the week can be seen on our social media page.

Sixth Class Graduation

Our Rg 6 pupils completed their primary school journey today. In advance of this milestone, we held a graduation ceremony last night. The evening began with Mass celebrated by Fr Toomey in Fourmilewater Church, followed by refreshments in the school hall. Thank you to everyone who helped make the occasion so special, including Fr Toomey, Mrs Byrne, Miss Denmead, Rose, members of the Parents’ Association who provided refreshments, and all who attended to celebrate this memorable occasion. We wish all twenty pupils every success, happiness and fulfilment as they begin the next chapter of their education and lives. They have been a wonderful group of young people and have made a tremendous contribution to our school community over the past eight years. As they move on to new beginnings, we look forward to welcoming twenty-eight new Junior Infants in late August.

Junior Achievement Ireland Initiative

Rg 5 had a fantastic day on Wednesday attending the Junior Achievement Ireland Young Entrepreneurs Leapfrog Presentation at SETU, Waterford. Over the past two months, the children have worked incredibly hard to develop their business ideas, establish their enterprises and prepare their business plan presentations. While all groups performed exceptionally well, we were absolutely delighted when one of our teams, The Paw Walkers, won the Best Business Plan Award. This wonderful achievement reflects their dedication, creativity and teamwork. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to April O’Gorman for her guidance, support and involvement throughout the programme. Her encouragement and expertise were greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Miss Duggan and Miss Roche.

Curious Minds Award

Once again, our school has been proudly awarded the Curious Minds Gold Science Award, recognising our commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning. This achievement celebrates the creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm of our pupils and teachers as they explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics through engaging and innovative projects.

“Congratulations to everyone at Ballymacarbry NS on your award! Your submission clearly shows that there was a huge amount of STEM work done in the school this year. It’s clear that Ballymacarbry NS is full of budding scientists! The garden in the school is very impressive; well done to all for growing seeds and maintaining such a wonderful space. The Science Showcase and the Science Show and Tell look like they were a great success, with a wide variety of investigations demonstrated. It’s great to see pupils sharing their work. Keep up the fantastic work and well done on your award! It is a real credit to the pupils, teachers and the whole school community.”

Special thanks to Miss Denmead and Fourth Class for spearheading this initiative throughout the school.

New SEN Classroom

Work is progressing on the design and layout of our repurposed SEN classroom and associated accommodation. The project is expected to proceed to tender within the next two weeks. Subject to all stages progressing according to schedule, construction work is expected to commence in late July or early August 2026. Any builder or building firm interested in tendering for this project is invited to contact the school at 052 6136349 or ballymacns@gmail.com for further information.

Summer Holidays

The school will close for the summer holidays on Tuesday next at 12:30 p.m. The After-School Club will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on that day. Please ensure that anyone collecting your child is aware of these arrangements.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan
Principal

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Members of the Board of Management,

School Reports

Please note that your child’s Annual School Report was released this afternoon and can be accessed through Aladdin Connect. Follow-up reports from members of the Special Education Team will issue after the weekend. Thanks to the staff for compiling these in June.

Primary School Survey

The Department of Education and Youth has begun sharing the results of the recent Primary School Survey with schools nationwide. The survey examined issues such as patronage, language medium and the educational status of schools. I have attached both the survey results and an explanatory document to assist in interpreting the findings. Thank you for our high percentage participation rate of 66%.

Deirdre O’ Ryan Memorial Tournament

Our Sixth-Class pupils enjoyed a fantastic day at the Deirdre O’Ryan Memorial Tournament in Newcastle NS on Thursday. Both our boys’ and girls’ teams reached their respective finals.

The girls defeated Ardfinnan to retain the Shield, while the boys were narrowly defeated by a strong Grangemockler side, after extra time in a thrilling final. At the presentation ceremony, Deirdre’s daughter, Sinéad, presented the Shield to our captains, Áine and Clodagh, and medals to our boys’ team. Congratulations to all involved for representing the school with such skill, determination and sportsmanship. A sincere word of thanks also to the coaches, helpers and our bus driver, Johnny.

Children’s Bike Skills Day

On Sunday morning, a professional instructor from Raysports will be in attendance at Ballymacarbry Community Centre to facilitate a Children’s Bike Skills Day, which will also include a cycling safety workshop. Participants will need to bring their own bicycle and helmet.

This event forms part of the ‘Cycle Against Suicide Spinathon’ being organised by Danny O’Rourke and Tony Condon. A coffee morning will also take place in the Community Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please come along to show your support for this worthy cause while helping your child to develop their cycling skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Garda Síochána Visit

We extend our thanks to Sergeant Mick Dempsey, Garda O’Callaghan and Garda Kelly, who visited our Infant Classes during the week. They emphasised the importance of personal road safety in advance of the summer holidays. The children greatly enjoyed meeting the Gardaí and learning more about the important role they play in our community.

Active Week

Next week is Active Week in Ballymacarbry NS. Each class will participate in a different activity every day, making it a fun-filled and energetic week for all. Highlights include Inflatables Day on Thursday and Sports Day on Friday, along with a range of exciting internal and external activities throughout the week. We look forward to sharing reports and photographs from the various events on our social media platforms and in next week’s newsletter.

Graduation

Our Rg 6 pupils will complete their primary school journey next Friday. Prior to this, they will celebrate their Graduation Ceremony in Fourmilewater Church on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., followed by refreshments in the School Halla. We wish all twenty pupils every success, happiness and fulfilment as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their education and life. They have been a wonderful group of young people and have made a tremendous contribution to our school community over the past eight years.

Summer Holidays

Our school will close for summer holidays on Tuesday, 23rd June, at 12:30 p.m. The After-School Club will remain open until 6 pm on that day. Please inform those who collect your child /child of this announcement.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal.

Dear Parents, Colleagues and Members of the Board of Management,

School Tours
Over the past eight days, all of our school tours for 2026 have taken place. Pupils travelled to Middleton, Cobh, Kilkenny and Limerick, and we hope they enjoyed the experience and will have many lasting memories of the occasion. Sincere thanks to everyone who helped in any way with organising the tours and ensuring that the children travelled safely to and from each venue. We also acknowledge the parents and guardians whose support made these excursions possible.

Open Afternoon
Last Wednesday, our incoming pupils and their parents visited the school, met their future classmates and were introduced to their teachers. This is our largest intake since before the Covid period, and we look forward to welcoming all of the new pupils officially on Wednesday, 26^th August next.

Parents’ Association Collection
Thank you to everyone who contributed to last weekend’s Parents’ Association Church Gate collections at both the Nire and Fourmilewater churches. The P.A. is currently assisting with a number of end-of-year events and is also organising a school uniform exchange in July. Further information to follow.

New Class Update
An architect has now been appointed and a classroom identified as our new class. Works are scheduled to begin over the summer, and, all going well, we are hopeful that the class will be ready to open on 26^th August. Some external works may need to continue after that date.

Traffic Calming Update
We are awaiting plans from Waterford City & County Council regarding the proposed redesign of the R671 adjacent to the school. Once the design is finalised, it will be placed on public display, after which submissions may be made and the planning process will proceed. Realistically, we do not expect any construction work to commence before autumn 2026.

Visitors to the School
Over the past week, our Rg 6 pupils, who will complete their primary education in a fortnight’s time, benefited from a number of valuable visits. Parent and paramedic Alan Walsh introduced the pupils to CPR and essential lifesaving skills. Today, as part of our RSE programme, Edel Burke facilitated sessions on relationships and sexuality education, an important element of the SPHE curriculum and pupil wellbeing. We also thank Fr Michael, who recently hosted an “Ask Father” session in the church for pupils who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in March.

Primary School Survey
The Department of Education and Youth has begun sharing the results of the recent Primary School Survey with schools nationwide. The survey addressed issues such as patronage, language medium and the educational status of schools. We hope to circulate our school’s results to parents and guardians with next week’s newsletter. Thanks to all who participated.

School Reports
Annual standardised testing is now almost complete, and teachers are finalising individual pupil reports. We will provide an update next week regarding their obtainability online through Aladdin Connect.

FMW Hurling Club

Best wishes to our local hurling Club who will unveil their newly commissioned centenary jersey at a special event in the Community Centre on Tuesday next at 6:30 pm. This marks the first of a series of events by the club to celebrate 100 years in existence. Teas and coffee served and all are welcome.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal