Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Retirement – This week we say “Slán” to Bean Uí Cheallaigh / Mrs Kelly who retires at Halloween after 21 years of service to our school. Ann is our only remaining link to the old school at Newtown, in the fact that she attended the school and was a pupil of our founding principal, Mr. Nyhan. Ann also worked in Ballyfermot, Dublin and St Oliver’s Clonmel, again meeting up with their principal, Seán Nyhan, in fact she has served under all principals of Ballymac N.S.

The Halpin family is synonymous with the school; hailing from the same townsland, her mother Josephine provided a mobile shop in by-gone days and indeed provided “secretarial duties” prior to the acquisition of a phone here.

Ann has many strings to her bow which she impressed upon many students down through the years. She has an immense grá for our native teanga and everything Irish, including folklore, local history, culture, music, song and dance which proved contagious to others, both young and old. Also, a great community activist; be it with the GAA, the walking group, or the choir to name but a few.

As a teacher, she will be a huge loss to both pupil and colleague alike and will be fondly remembered for, but not limited to, her work with her Banna Ceoil and music in general, her expertise in all things Gaeilge and P.E. incorporating Active Week and Sports Day, thus ensuring that her additional qualification as a P.E. instructor was put to good use. She will be best remembered however, for her work with the junior classes; the tús maith and the grá don Ghaeilge, she afforded them year on year.

The apple doesn’t far from the tree, in that Ann’s daughter Clodagh or “Miss Kelly” is now a qualified teacher and is currently with us on a temporary basis. – Briseann an dúchas, trí shúile an chait!

Ann is well travelled, having lived in England, Holland, Florida, Boston and Australia. She has many a story to tell on account of this – “An té a bhíonn siúlach, bíonn scéalach.” She now has the time to visit some of the other places she often spoke of in geography class and more family time with husband Leonard, children Cormac and Clodagh. Go n-éirí go geal leat a Áine! Maith Thú. The Board, Staff and Parents’ Associations all made presentations to Mrs Kelly on her departure this week.

Staff Return – A big welcome back to Mrs McGrath on her return to school this week – Fáilte romhat ar ais Michelle.

BOM Vacancy – At Monday night’s meeting, Jason Corbett of Clogheen, Ballymacarbry was elected as Parent Representative on the Board of Management for the duration of the current term. Jason is father of Rory in Junior Infants.

Athletics – We had great success on Wednesday last at Marlfield Cross County Athletics. We had 8 “Top 10” finishes, with Anna Walsh and Áine Horgan collecting podium medals. Please check our Facebook page for an update and photos. Our girls won the trophy for Best Large School.

Sacramental Preparation – Mrs. Byrne prepared Rang 6 for their Commitment Ceremony / Ceremony of light on Wednesday evening last. Fr. Michael officiated. The next Class Mass for those receiving Confirmation in FMW is Sun 18^th Dec. at 9am.

Graduations – Congratulations to current staff members and indeed past pupils, Miss Claudia O’Keeffe, Miss Clodagh Kelly and Miss Muireann Boyce who had recent graduations in their respective educational fields.

PTM Options – Thank you for the many responses we received in relation to preferred options for PTM’s. We have a 43% response rate. We will revert to parents immediately upon return after Halloween. The link is still open should you wish to express an option. PTM Survey

Jubilee Table Quiz. – Tables will be confined on the night depending on capacity limits of the Community Centre Committee. Please ensure your participation by completing the following Book a Table Form Thanks to those who have already done so. We will be sending home entry tickets for those registered, on our  return.

Shoebox Appeal – We have been granted a short extension on this so now families can prepare a shoe box to be dropped here on Monday 7^th Nov. Again, thanks to those who have already participated – Teamhope.ie Shoebox Appeal

Parents’ Association Disco – Don’t forget the Halloween Disco tonight between 7-9pm

Local Sport – Best wishes to the Nire Seniors in the County Final against Rathgormack this weekend and Ballymacarbry Lady Footballers the following Sunday in the Munster Club Final against the Banner of Clare.

Happy Halloween – Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31^st. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated Nov 1^st as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats. – (History.com)

Oíche Shamhna Shona Daoibh go Léir. Our school will reopen on Mon. 7^th Nov. at 9:20 am. Clocks “fall back” Saturday night into Sunday morning, meaning an extra hour’s sleep.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

BOM Vacancy – Reminder, we will hold an election to fill the position on the Board vacated by Andrew Ryan on Monday next 7:30pm at the school. All parents have a vote. The current Board term finishes on 30^th November 2023.

Maths Week – To mark this event, the children have been enjoying participating in maths trails, quizzes, online maths and games along with lots of problem-solving activities. The pupils were undoubtedly challenged to fulfil their mathematical abilities.

Commitment Ceremony – This Pre-Confirmation ceremony will take place on Wed 26^th Oct. in FMW at 7:30 pm. It is for all Rang 6 pupils hoping to receive the Sacrament. Children are asked to have their Baptismal Candles for the night.

Holy Communion Dates – It has just been announced that Holy Communion in the Nire will take place on Sunday 14^th May 2023. This is eight days after the FMW ceremony on Saturday 6^th May.

Girls GAA – The Plate Final which had been scheduled for tomorrow morning in Dungarvan has been postponed for the time being. We will notify you once we get a rescheduled fixture.

Marlfield Athletics – On Wednesday next we will bring runners from our senior classes to the Cross-Country Athletics at Marlfield. We had trials this week, Well done to all who participated. This is a fundraiser for both Clonmel & Carrick on Suir Athletics and supported by all local schools. There will be a cost to this of €4 transport along with €4 participation fee. The school has contributed to reduce this cost.

Quiz. – Our Golden Jubilee Quiz will take place on Friday 11^th November in the Community Centre at 7pm. Please book your table early, by using the following link. Book a Table Form. Thanks to those who have already done so.

Parent Teacher Meetings – Our PTM’s are scheduled for late Nov. I would appreciate if you could complete the following 5 question survey as to how you would like us to deliver these meetings this year. We will collate and reply to you in early November. PTM Survey

Shoe Box Appeal – Team Hope will be collecting shoeboxes in late October so we would ask participating families to please bring them to school before next Friday. For more information, please check Teamhope.ie Shoebox Appeal

Ireland’s Fittest Family – Well done to the Peters Family, who took part in Ireland’s Fittest Family recently. They did themselves and this community proud. Beidh lá eile ag an bPaorach.

Reminder – The school will close for Mid-Term on Friday next 28^th Oct. at 2/3pm and pupils will return on Monday 7^th Nov. The Parents Assoc. is organising a disco for Friday evening at the Community Centre.

Is mise,

Michael J.O’Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Creeslough Tragedy – Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families of Creeslough, Co. Donegal this week as they bury their dead a week on from last week’s terrible accident. One of the victims was 5-year-old, Shauna Flanagan Garwe, who attended the nearby St Mary’s Primary School.

BOM Vacancy (Ten Days’ Notice) – We will hold an election to fill the position on the Board vacated by Andrew Ryan on Monday 24^th October at the school. If you are a male parent and are interested in this role, please come along to this meeting, ensuring that you have someone to second your nomination. All parents who attend have a vote, both male and female. The meeting will take place at 7:30pm with one item on the agenda. The current Board term finishes on 30^th November 2023.

GAA – Our boys and girls both played semi-finals on Tuesday last in Cappoquin. The girls were successful in getting to the Plate Final with a win over St. Mary’s NS, while the boys were defeated by Scoil Gharbháin in their semi. Our girls will play Saturday 22^nd October in Dungarvan @ 9:30 am. Girls are asked to be at the Dungarvan Club grounds at 9:00 am. Thanks to mentors, Mrs Byrne & Mr. Murphy.

W.S.P. – We have liaised with Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) and I’m glad to report that in addition to receiving coaching last term, we will continue this for classes Rg1-Rg 4 with athletics coach Pat Power. We have also been selected for the Balance Bike Programme which will involve our Junior and Senior Infants. These two programmes, even though heavily subsidised, may involve a cost to the classes involved. We thank WSP for their assistance. Next week we will nominate athletes who will represent us at the upcoming Marlfield Meet later in October. Our swimming sessions for Rg 5-6 continue for another two Fridays.

Commitment Ceremony – This Pre-Confirmation ceremony will take place on Wednesday 26^th October in FMW at 7:30 pm. It is for all Rang 6 pupils hoping to receive the sacrament next spring. (Please refer to email sent on Wed last 12^th October, circa 3pm. – Rang 6 families only) Children are asked to have their Baptismal Candles for the night.

Quiz. – Our Golden Jubilee Quiz will take place on Friday 11^th November in the Community Centre at 7pm. Please book your table early, by using the following link. Book a Table Form

Shoe Box Appeal – Team Hope will be collecting shoeboxes in late October so we would ask participating families to please bring them to school before Friday 28^th October. Day of holidays. For more information, please check Teamhope.ie Shoebox Appeal

Reminder – The school will close for Mid-Term on Friday 28^th Oct. at 2/3pm and pupils will return on Monday 7^th Nov. The Parents Assoc. is organising a disco for that Friday evening at the Community Centre.

Is mise, Michael J. O’ Ryan – Principal

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Enrolment – Our enrolment process for Sept 2023 has already commenced and families applying for places at the school can consult our website our ring the school directly. At this juncture all they need to do is complete a basic Admission Form (Form 1) which is included under the Enrolment tab. https://www.ballymacns.com/

BOM Vacancy – During October, we will proceed to elect a new male Parents’ Representative the Board of Mgt, replacing Andrew Ryan. This position will run until 30/11/2023 when a new Board will be elected. We thank Andrew for his work and we will inform you of developments in this area very soon.

Vol Con. – Thanks to those who have already helped us in this regard, much appreciated.

Confirmation Preparation. – Pupils form Rang 6 who are due to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next spring are asked to be at FMW Mass this Sunday in advance of 9 am.

Quiz. – As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration, it is our intention to hold a Family Table Quiz at Ballymacarbry Comm. Centre on Friday 11^th November. The last time we held a Table Quiz was in 2015. We will publicise this closer to the event. You will be able to book your table with us in advance. Please put this in your diary.

Lady Footballers. – ‘Our 41 in a Row Heroes’ joined us today to celebrate their recent success in the County Final. The vast majority of the match day panel are past pupils of ours in addition to manager Mike Guiry and some of his backroom team. Eilis Cooney & Sadhbh Hallinan both spoke and thanked the pupils and their families for supporting the team in such great numbers and the importance of sport as part of a healthy lifestyle. All the pupils received goody bags. We wish the team well in their Munster Club exploits this Sunday in Mourne Abbey of Cork at 1pm. Our Boys will play their semi-final next Tuesday in Cappoquin while our girls will play the shield semi-final at the same venue. Best wishes to all teams and mentors.

Library Visits. – Pat Glavin from Clonmel library is visiting our school and has engaged with most of the classes already. Some of our pupils received their Summer Stars Certificates from Dungarvan library. Well done to Aimee, Ollie, Lucy, Donagh and Saorlaith. Our visitors presented these certificates to the children earlier today. Check facebook page for photos. We would encourage all our pupils to join either of the local libraries who provide a great service.

Best Wishes – To the Peters family Graignagour who compete in ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’ this year. Their first challenges are televised next weekend. Louise, Cody, Reece and Summers are all past pupils of our school and we wish them well in the series.

Le meas,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Attendance – I’m glad to report that we are back up to our expected attendance rate of 95% for September 2022.

Enrolment – Enrolment opens for all primary schools on October 1^st, which is tomorrow. If you know of anyone interested in applying for a place at our school, please ask them to contact us on 052-6136349 or ballymacns@gmail.com Further information will be posted on the enrolment tab of our website. https://www.ballymacns.com/

Budget 2023 – Main Feature of Budget 2023 from a Department of Education perspective is that “From September 2023, free school books and related classroom resources will be supplied to all pupils in recognised primary schools.” We will revert to families in due course, once further clarification is received.

Confirmation Preparation – Fr Toomey has distributed a note to those in Rang 6 who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next spring. Please check with your child for this as there are preparatory mass dates included, commencing Sunday 9^th October next.

Reminder – Many secondary principals have already called this past fortnight to explain their enrolment process. I ask Rang 6 parents to keep abreast of dates applicable to their preferred school(s) of choice.

Voluntary Contribution – Each October, we kindly ask if families are in a position to help the school. While we very much appreciate DES Grant funding, we have additional costs such as supervision, photocopying, curriculum resources and the fact that we also cover insurance costs for each and every child attending the school. We didn’t seek a contribution in 2020 and fundraising opportunities have been curtailed these last 2/3 years. A letter has been drafted and is due for distribution early next week This really helps us to operate and while there is no pressure, we are extremely grateful to anyone who feels they could contribute.

PTM’s – Our Parent Teacher Meetings are penciled in for the 23^rd & 24^th November. We will be in touch with you in late October to issue further details regarding same.

Sport – Both our Boys and Girls teams represented the school at football this week in Cappoquin. They both enjoyed one win. Swimming continues for Rang 5 & Rang 6 today and right up until Halloween holidays on Friday 28^th October.

Library visit – We look forward to a visit from Clonmel Library staff on Monday next. The Junior classes will tell you all about it later that evening.

Shoebox Appeal. We as a school get a great response to this appeal each and every year. Leaflets have been distributed to children and further information can be found on the website https://www.teamhope.ie/

Ladies Final – Best wishes to all our past pupils at Ballymacarbry Ladies Football Club this weekend’s Co. Senior Football Final when they go in search of 41 in a row. The match is scheduled for 4 pm at Dungarvan G.A.A. Club Grounds. Our pupils showed their support today by donning their blue & white. See class photos on our official Facebook page. Best wishes also to Miss Boyce who is a team member.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan – Príomh oide