Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Water Update.

The Boil Water Notice continues at our school.

Enrolment.

Enrolment opened on Tuesday last for our September 2025 intake. Form 1 needs to be completed for those wishing to apply. Your input and assistance would be greatly appreciated in spreading the word. I attach the link here. Admission Application – Form 1

GAA.

Our boys and girls played three matches each on Tuesday last in Cappoquin and Lismore respectively. Our girls qualified for the Roinn A Semi-final while our boys qualified for the Roinn A Plate Semi-final. Our girls will play Scoil Gharbháin next Tuesday, while the boys will play Garranbane N.S. on the same day at the Dungarvan Club GAA Grounds. Thanks to our teachers and coaches who help promote sports in our school and develop the skills of our pupils.

Ethos.

Our patron, Bishop Cullinan called to the school on Thursday evening, while here he visited the staff and pupils of the After School Club. We thank him for his interest in all things educational at schools throughout the diocese. Rg 6 will begin their Confirmation preparation this Sunday at the 9am FMW mass. Rg 2 will begin their Communion preparation on Sunday 20^th October also at the 9 am FMW mass. While the Holy Communion dates are known for the parishes, the confirmation dates will be forwarded from the Diocesan Office later this term. Please press this link to activate all dates from our website. Sacramental Programme 2024/25.

Swimming.

Swimming recommenced again for Rg 3/4 today. Last Friday’s missed session will be made up upon completion. Money is currently being collected from Rg 5/6 who will commence their block immediately afterwards.

Athletics.

This week we held trials to see who would represent us at the Clonmel Athletic Club Primary Schools Cross Country Race on Wednesday 16^th October at the TUS Sports Hub, Clonmel. The athletes have been informed. Well done to all who took part.

Summer Stars Reading.

Sarah from Dungarvan Library called today with medals and certificates for our pupils who participated in this programme at Dungarvan Library over the summer, well done to Harry, Saorlaith, Gavin, Jack, Jake and Holly.

Updating details

We update family details on an annual basis. If any of your details changed in the past year, please complete the following link for our records. Examples of changes may include moving address, new phone / email contact details, changes to emergency contact personnel, update on health information, allergies etc., to name but a few. Family Information Update Survey

Dates for your Diary.

Maths In-service.

The school will close on Friday 8^th November to facilitate staff training. As of now there hasn’t been enough interest from families to justify running the Breakfast Club & After School Service. If you are interested, please contact Helen immediately on 083 2028749. They will make a call on its viability soon.

P.T.M.

The Parent Teacher meetings will take place on Wednesday & Thursday 27^th & 28^th November between 3-5 pm. More about this directly after Halloween.

School Concert.

Our biennial School Concert is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12^th & Thursday 13^th December in Ballymacarbry Community Centre.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Water Update.

The Boil Water Notice continues at our school.

P.A. AGM

Congratulations to the officer board of Aoife Fenlon McCarthy, Caroline Bourke and Kathryn Tulk-Williams who were returned at Monday night’s AGM. Katie Ryan was elected as vice Chairperson. A very good account of last year’s activities was given and a programme of work decided upon for the year ahead. We thank the P.A. for its assistance towards our school and wish them well in the year ahead.

SNA Day.

Thursday 26^th September marked the first ever Special Needs Assistant Appreciation Day. We have two SNA’s working at our school; Patsy & Kay. We thank them for the work they do for your children / our pupils and the school in general.

Hot School Meals.

An amount of work has been carried out on this project during September. We are currently in the Electronic Tendering stage.

Swimming.

Swimming today was cancelled by Clonmel pool due to a mechanical breakdown issue on site. An extra week will be added to the schedule. They will keep us posted on the repair works. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Money is being collected for Block B i.e. Rg 5/6.

Enrolment.

Next Tuesday, October 1^st will mark the opening of enrolment for the 2025/’26 school year. Families can contact the school for an initial application form (Form 1) from this date. We hope to do a visible campaign to entice as many families as possible to enroll their children at our school in 2025 and beyond. Your input and assistance would be greatly appreciated in spreading the word and conveying any ideas you may have.

Tables & Chairs.

We have a selection of old school tables and chairs available, ranging in size from junior infants to 4th class. They’re still in good condition and perfect for anyone who could use them! Looking to give them away for free to a good home. If you’re interested or know someone who might be, just contact Rose in the school. 052 6136349.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Water Update.

The Boil Water Notice continues at our school.

Ethos.

Thanks to Fr Toomey who celebrated our Start of Year Mass on Wednesday. Thanks also to all who helped prepare, participate in and attend on the morning.

Clean Up.

Thanks to all who completed the painting on Monday night, members of staff, spouses, staff, pupils, parents, grandparents, relatives and friends; Míle Buíochas, one and all.

School Meals.

We are in the middle of a tendering process to comply with the procurement of this scheme. The closing date for this is 25^th October 2025.

Maths In-Service Day.

We have been notified by the Dept that our school will close on Fri 8^th Nov to facilitate staff in-service for the new Maths Curriculum. Ballymacarbry Breakfast Club & After School Service is interested in hearing from those who may be interested in availing of their service, subject to sufficient demand. Contact Helen on 083 2028749 without delay.

Scoláireacht Uí Chadhla / Scholarship

We as a school, have been invited to participate in a Scholarship to Ring College in July 2025 (two pupils for two weeks, as day students) The value of the scholarship is €640, where the successful family will only have to pay €300. We will open this to pupils currently in Rg 5&6. We plan to schedule a competition if oversubscribed. Please register your interest by completing this short survey. https://forms.gle/1JaTucX5oqy8mVa18

Sight and Hearing Screening.

The HSE nurse completed the screening of our junior infant pupils today. Thanks for your cooperation in this regard.

Swimming

Block A continues for Rg 3/4. Monies are now being taken for Block B, which will commence on Friday 18^th October. (€45)

Insurance.

Could I again ask that all families, pay the insurance fee to ensure 24/7 cover for all. Feel free to speak with Rose or myself if necessary.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

P.S. Please don’t reply to this email as it is generic in nature.

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Water Update.

The Boil Water Notice continues at our school.

Ethos.

The Sacramental Programme for pupils in Rg 2 and Rg 6 has been decided with Fr. Michael this week. It is available for viewing here. Sacramental Programme 2024/25 While the Holy Communion dates are known for the parishes, the confirmation dates will be forwarded from the Diocesan Office later this term.

Fr Toomey will celebrate a Start of Year Mass for us on Wed 18^th Sept. in FMW Church. This will coincide with the weekly 10 am service at the venue.

Please see below our patron’s message to students regarding the upcoming Visit of the Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes to our Diocese. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7hy6hz1ysTk&feature=shared

Clean Up.

Thanks to all who gave of their time, expertise and resources in what can be only described as a massive effort this week at our school. Indeed, some put preparatory work into getting the place ready the week before. The school grounds are power washed, 80% painted, boundary hedges are trimmed and the playing area is extended. We plan to go again on Monday night next from 5 pm to complete the task, weather permitting. Thanks to Mrs McGrath for coordinating. Please see our Facebook page for updates, as we progress.

Coaching.

Football has commenced at our school for these next week weeks while swimming lessons continue. We thank our local coaches for their help.

Secondary School Visits.

These visits are coming thick and fast for our Rg 6 pupils. Please familiarise yourself with deadline dates and Open Night details for you and your child’s chosen school.

Sight and Hearing Screening.

Could I please ask that Junior Infant families return the HSE forms distributed earlier this week by Monday next.

Infant Home Time.

From Monday 16^th the Junior Infant school day will finish at 2 pm. Parents can collect them at this time or avail of the onsite after school facility if they are not on a bus servicing the school.

Policy Review.

We plan on reviewing our Child Safeguarding Statement review before Mid-term Break. We will also update our Admissions Policy, prior to the application process opening on 1^st October next.

Insurance.

Could I again ask that all families, pay the insurance / arts & crafts fee for the current academic year.

We await the last few payments. Feel free to contact me at your convenience, for whatever reason, in this regard.

Best wishes

To the Panda Playground Committee on their official opening this Saturday between 12-3 pm. Our Rg 6 pupils were invited to take part in the Today FM “Our Town Radio Show” in advance of this opening. More to follow.

Also, to the organisers of the Colm Ryan Memorial Walk / Run / Jog taking place from Touraneena Community Centre on Sunday from 11 am.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Water Update.

As you may be aware, there is currently a boil water notice in operation in the greater Ballymacarbry area. Please ensure that your child has adequate refreshments coming to school.

Insurance.

Thanks to those who have paid the Insurance / Arts & Crafts / Photocopying fee for the year. Could I kindly ask that outstanding monies be forwarded to the school next week.

School meals.

We have begun the process of meeting potential suppliers and receiving samples of their produce. Thanks to those parents who completed the survey arming us with suitable questions for these providers. We will put them to each provider in due course.

Swimming.

Swimming lessons commenced today for those in Rg 3/4. These will continue for the next 5 Fridays before Block B commences with Rg 5/6 on Friday 18^th October.

Clean Up.

Calling all parents, guardians, grandparents and extended friends of Ballymac NS. We need your help for a school clean-up evening on Monday, Sept 9^th, starting at 5 pm. (weather permitting) Whether you can wield a paintbrush, roller, or scraper, your skills and enthusiasm will make a huge difference. Bring them along and anything else you can think of, especially in a painting sense. Let’s come together as a community to spruce up our school and improve the environment for our children. As ever, thanks to Jim for his continued work and those who have done some excellent preparatory work this week in the lead up to Monday’s event. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. We hope to see you there. Ní neart go cur or chéile.

P.A. AGM.

Due to proposed cleanups on each of the next two Monday evenings, this AGM has been rescheduled for Monday 23^rd September at 7 pm.

Start of Year Mass.

Fr Toomey will celebrate a start of year mass for us on Wednesday 18^th September next in Fourmilewater Church. This will coincide with the weekly 10 am mass at the venue.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal