Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member

Sympathies.

Condolences to Kitty O’Gorman and family, Lismore on the death of her husband Michael during the week. Kitty is a native of Ballymacarbry and was Deputy Principal at our school where she taught between 1972 – until the late 1990’s. Kitty also taught at the old Newtown School, prior to amalgamation in 1972. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Hectic Schedule.

Our final week was another busy week. We had our senior school tour on Monday to Spike Island and Mahon Point. We also had our final Cycle Right session for Rg 4. On Tuesday we had our RSE Day for Rg 6 and our third and fourth classes went to Airtastic Cork. Wednesday was graduation night, when the class of 2025 officially left us. Fr Toomey celebrated an end of year mass and we had a celebratory function in the school, followed by refreshments. The junior side of school had their Teddy Bear’s Picnic mid-week. We celebrated the flags we earned on Wednesday; our 5^th Green Flag for biodiversity, our Amber Flag for wellbeing, and going a long way towards getting our Gaelbhratach or Irish flag. We unveiled our new school crest on the day too. You can expect to see these flying at the school gate in the not-too-distant future. Thursday was Cake Sale Day, where an exceptional amount of money was raised for the Irish Cancer Society hosted by Mr. Coffey and his Rg 5. A pictorial review of some of these events can be seen on our Facebook page.

Class Stationery.

Teachers are compiling the requisites needed for their class at present. These will be put into one document and uploaded onto our website before the end of June. Please note that Books, workbooks and copies are being sourced by the school. I will inform you through the P.A. when this action is complete for people to view.

Uniform Exchange.

The P.A. will organise their final swap of the current academic year on Thursday 17^th & Friday 18^th July in the Community Centre. We would appreciate families organising unbranded knee length navy pants in advance of the return to school for the warmer school days in addition to navy pants and tracksuits.

Heating Upgrade.

The internal work we hope to complete over the summer, has now been published on E – Tenders for those who are interested or those willing to pass on to people in the plumbing and heating profession. https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/quickSearchAction.do

Summer Stars Reading Reminder.

Summer Stars is the free and it runs from the 3rd Jun – 30th Aug in both local town libraries. https://www.librariesireland.ie/services/right-to-read/summer-stars

Additional Caretaking Hours.

Ballymacarbry N.S in conjunction with The Tús Community Work Placement Initiative, is currently seeking someone to take up the additional hours in the role of caretaker. If you have been unemployed for over a year or know anyone who may wish to avail of this opportunity to take up the position you should contact: Mr Vincent Mernin Mobile no: 086 0206005 Or email: Mernin@WLP.ie Closing date for applications: 31^st July 2025. You may also contact the school or any staff member.

Míle Buíochas.

On behalf of management and staff, thanks to all who contributed in any way to make 2024/25 the successful year it was. Enjoy the ‘Laethannta Saoire’ Hopefully the good weather experienced in May, can be replicated into July and August. School will reopen for the new term on Thursday 28^th August 2025.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member

School Reports.

These are available on Aladdin Connect from this afternoon. SET Reports are also available via the normal Aladdin email service. All classes adopt a similar style report, except Rg 6, as schools are obliged to use the passport style layout for this class, to facilitate a smoother transition to secondary school. Please see the following link in relation to the standardised testing and reporting process. Info Note for Parents with Regards to Standardised Testing in Primary Schools Teachers can be emailed with the following details. https://www.ballymacns.com/contact/

Active Week

This week was a very busy week at our school. Thanks to all our staff, visitors, pupils and helpers alike. A special thanks to the coordinators and the Parents’ Association for sponsoring some of the events. Also, to our past pupils from 1^st year who offered their help and assistance all week. Some of the events participated in this week were; Gymnastics, Ballymacarbry Scouts, Nature Walks, Badminton, Rugby, Zumba, Deirdre O’Ryan memorial Tournament, Inflatables Day, Ice Cream van and Sports Day. For a pictorial review of the week, please see our Facebook page.

Senior School Tours 2025.

Our senior classes will travel to their respective destinations in Cork next week. The online payment link will remain open until tonight. Both of these tours will depart from and return to the Community Centre. Monday’s tour will depart at 8:15 am Sharp. Further info on both remaining tours will issue to families later this evening.

RSE Day.

Our Relationship & Sexuality Education Day will take place on Tuesday next for Rg 6. Thanks for completing the necessary paperwork.

Rg 6 Graduation

The Class of 2025 will graduate on Wednesday next with mass in Fourmilewater at 7pm followed by the traditional serving of refreshments in the School Hall.  

Draft Bí Cineálta Policy.

We have a draft policy in place should anyone wish to see it. This has been derived from consultation with pupils, staff and parents earlier this year. This policy replaces the Anti Bullying Procedures in all schools. Please feel free to comment and revert to us by Friday next. https://www.ballymacns.com/policies/ A student friendly version will be given to students in September.

Science Foundation Ireland.

Our school was proudly awarded the Curious Minds Gold Science Award, recognizing our commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning. This achievement celebrates the creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm of our students and teachers as they explored science, technology, engineering, and maths through fun, engaging projects. It’s a reflection of our dedication to nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in the classroom, and we’re excited to continue growing on our STEM journey. Thanks to Miss Denmead and Rg 4 for spearheading this initiative.

Corpus Christi Procession.

The Patron has asked us to publicise the above procession which will take place in the City on Sunday 22^nd June next. Those who made their Holy Communion recently may be especially interested. https://waterfordlismore.ie/corpus-christi-processions/

Heating Upgrade

I’m delighted to report that following an application I made to the Department in late April to update the old heating system, the school has been sanctioned for an upgrade. This is a substantial project which will future proof the system over the summer, please God. This will be the single biggest investment in the school, since its establishment in 1972 and for that we are very grateful. We are currently appointing a consultant and following this, the project will go live on E-tenders (later this month perhaps) for plumbers and heating contractors to express an interest. Please pass on the information to any such professionals, who you think may be interested.

Summer Stars Reading

Summer Stars is the free national reading programme for children that takes place in all public libraries and online each summer. It runs from the 3rd Jun – 30th Aug 2025. https://www.librariesireland.ie/services/right-to-read/summer-stars

Supervision Duties.

If anyone is interested in being considered for (circa 3 hrs per week pre and post school) supervision at our school on Monday and Friday mornings and evenings, please contact the school by Friday next – ballymacns@gmail.com.

Summer Holidays

School will close for summer holiday on Friday next 20^th June at 12:30 pm. As we sort out the books and copies for the new year, I ask that parents and pupils ensure that all books are returned to the school prior to Friday next, Wednesday in the case of Rg 6.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member,

School Reports.

These will be released online next week for any family who has downloaded the Aladdin Connect App, registered for the service and verified their mobile phone number. SET Reports will also issue next week via the normal Aladdin email service.

School Tours 2025.

Our four junior side of school classes, have all been on their school tour this week. Hopefully they all enjoyed trips to Ardmore and Cork respectively. Thanks to all our teachers and staff and indeed bus drivers. Our senior classes will travel to their respective destinations in Cork the week after next. Cash payments are accepted. The online payment link will stay open until today week. Both of these tours will depart from and return to the Community Centre. More details to follow next week.

Open Afternoon.

It was lovely to meet our new pupils and their parents at our annual Open Afternoon last Wednesday. In less than twelve weeks’ time, they will come to ‘big school’ to embark on another educational journey of eight years.

RSA Talk.

Rosanna from the RSA (Road Safety Authority) visited school on Thursday to talk to all children about road safety. She reminded everyone about the importance of wearing high-visibility jackets when walking on or near the road. The children were also advised to be vigilant and not to assume that drivers would see them. Stay safe over the holidays and always!

Bees About.

Walter from Clonmel Beekeeper’s Society called to our school and gave a fabulous talk to all of our classes on Thursday. The pupils were mesmerised by the bees and some even got to taste the delicious local honey. There are over 100 species of honey bee native to Ireland. This all ties in with our Green Schools work; highlighting and protecting our local environment. It’s worth reminding that “anyone who thinks they’re too small to make a difference has never met the honey bee.” – Anon.  As usual photos in relation to school activities can be seen on our Facebook page.

Bus Tickets.

The deadline for paying for new tickets is today. Please see the following links for further information.

School Transport Payment Information – Dept of Education

School Bus Transport Bus Eireann Portal Login

Back to School Allowance.

This scheme is open for those interested in applying over the summer. Please use the following link.            

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2025

RSE Day.

If you have a child in Rg 6, please complete and return the RSE envelope sent home recently, without delay.

School Crest.

The children from our school took part in a crest design competition, sharing their creative ideas and artistic talents. Each pupil brought a unique perspective and we were thrilled to see such enthusiasm and imagination. After gathering and combining the best elements from the entries, an amazing new school crest was created. Well done to Clodagh Flynn, Lucy Long, Áine Horgan, Annabel O’Gorman and Róisín Morkan, whose designs were chosen as the final winning entries. This crest will be unveiled on social media soon flown at the entrance soon.

Collection.

Thanks to all who contributed to the Parents’ Association Church Gate collection last weekend. A figure of €414 was collected from both local churches. Thanks also to those who took up either or both collections. This money will work its way back to the betterment of the school and its pupils.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member

Medal Presentation.

On Monday we presented medals to the victorious hurlers who won the Roinn ‘A’ Western Plate Final recently when overcoming Cappoquin N S. They competed the double in also winning the football earlier this year.

Garda Visit.

Today Sergeant Mick Dempsey and Garda Fergal O’Callaghan called to our infants. They showed us the tools of their trade, even bringing along the infamous ‘Paddy Wagon’ We thank them for their time and interaction with our infant pupils.

School Reports.

These will only be available online this year for any family who has downloaded the Aladdin Connect App, registered for the service and verified their mobile phone number. Please contact the school if you are unsure. School reports will be available to download in less than two weeks.

School Tours 2025.

Our school tour programme commences on Wednesday next with Rg 1/2 travelling to Cork and on Friday with Juniors and Seniors travelling to Ardmore. The class teachers involved will be sending out emails this evening at 6 pm with further details. The link on Aladdin Connect will remain open for online payments. Cash payments can be made to the office. All school tours except infants will depart from and arrive back to the Comm. Centre.

PE Uniform.

As is tradition for the month of June, children can wear their PE uniform which comprises of blue polo shirt, navy jumper, unbranded navy tracksuit or unbranded knee length shorts.

1. The staff has made a collective decision for pupils not to wear branded shorts or togs. Knee length navy pants are available in many outlets locally.

Rg 6 are encouraged to wear their class hoodies. Please label all belongings. The PA informs me that there will be another Uniform Exchange at the Comm Centre in July.

Class & Teacher Allocation.

The teacher and class allocations have been decided for Sept 2025. An e-mail will circulate this evening to all classes except Rg 6.

Open Afternoon.

Our annual Open Afternoon will take place on Wednesday next from 1 pm for new junior infant pupils and their parents.

Bus Tickets

The deadline for paying for new tickets for the upcoming academic year is Friday 6^th June. Please see the following links for further information.

School Transport Payment Information – Dept of Education

School Bus Transport Bus Eireann Portal Login

Collection.

Our Parents Association will hold a Church Gate collection at both local masses this Sunday morning; 9am FMW, 11 am in the Nire. Please give generously if you can. We are blessed to have such an active PA which constantly supports the school and its pupils in so many ways. They will be very much to the fore again during Active Week.

Bank Holiday Weekend

Enjoy the June Bank Holiday weekend. School will reopen on Tuesday next at 9:20 am.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member

Holy Communion.

Congratulations to our boys and girls from Rg 2 who received their First Communion in the Nire on Sunday last. Thanks to Fr Michael who officiated, Mrs Coffey and Miss O’Keeffe, class teachers, Miss Kelly, members of the Banna Ceoil and the Nire Church Choir who helped with the music, all members of staff who helped out in any way including Rose and Patsy, not forgetting Enya and Lucy the altar servers, Martha the Parish / School Coordinator and Nora the sacristan. The families put on lovely refreshments in the Nire Hall afterwards in what is a lovely annual tradition.

ESB Science Blast Limerick 2025.

Rg 5 had a great day out at the ESB Science Blast in University of Limerick on Tuesday. They presented their research on ‘Comparing Ultra-Processed and Genetically Engineered Foods to their Natural Alternatives’. They received an award and were praised by judges for their thorough research and presentation skills and were encouraged to keep up their interest in STEM. It was a very interesting research piece and hopefully the children and their parents took valuable lessons from this study.

Bike Lessons.

Our Rg 4 are benefitting from cycling lessons in May / June in a collaboration between the school and Waterford City & County Council, entitled Safe Cycling Programme. Donal Jacob brings bikes for the children to learn or develop this essential skill. Rg 4 children are asked to bring their helmets again on Monday for this.

Boston Scientific.

A huge thank you to past pupil Francise Fenton who invited our Green School Committee to Boston Scientific today to showcase all of their hard work in attaining the Bio-diversity Flag work over these last two years. They were even treated to lunch in the sunroom of the plant.

Cumann na mBunscol.

Congrats to our boys who won the Western A Plate Final on Wednesday night when we beat Cappoquin NS in Dungarvan. It was a close, competitive and enjoyable match. Hard luck to our girls who lost out to Abbeyside NS also in the Plate Final earlier in the evening. It was an achievement in itself reaching a final in their second camogie season. Thanks to all mentors and supporters on the evening. Some have played their final match for the school, but have the memory of collecting two trophies in their graduating year. Congrats to Kalvin Madigan who represented the school on Sunday last in Thurles for the Primary Game match between Waterford and Tipperary. Conor Prendergast GAA coach will be along again next Wednesday, please bring hurleys and helmets.

Standardised Testing / School Reports.

We have commenced our annual tests in the lead up to completing our School Reports. These will only be available online this year for any family who has downloaded the Aladdin Connect App, registered for the service and verified their mobile phone number. Please contact the school if you are unsure. School reports will be available to download from early June. More about this in future issues.

BOM Sub Committee.

Thanks to all who completed the recent survey. An amount of relevant information was garnered from it. The Treasurer has already analysed the findings and presented to the subcommittee. There are worthwhile external projects identified which will improve the grounds / facilities and these will be costed and prioritised on a short- and medium-term basis. Funding will need to be addressed in the realisation of these projects.

School Tours 2025.

School tour monies are being collected in cash and online through Aladdin Connect. The link will remain open for the month of May. If paying by cash, please put family name, number and amount in an envelope and present to Teacher / Secretary.

Reminder.

Please get your child / children to label all belongings especially jumpers as they are very prone to being mislaid at this time of year. Also, can we ask that parents constantly update their child’s Carambola preferences each Friday, if needs be. We are noticing that some children are not eating their hot lunches leading to unnecessary wastage.

Please check our Facebook page for photos associated with the week.

Le gach dea ghuí.

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal