Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Child Protection Procedures 2025.

Having recently received training on child protection, we are currently reviewing our Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS) and all that it entails during the month of October. Our current statement is on our website and once reviewed, the updated version will be uploaded before mid-term.

 

Ethos.

Last Wednesday we participated in the 10 am mass to celebrate the new academic year. Thanks to Fr Michael and all who participated including Mrs Byrne / Miss Duggan who coordinated our participation. Rg 6 will participate in the 9 am Sunday mass in FMW this weekend to commence the Confirmation Preparation Programme. Fr Michael has distributed altar server forms to those in Rg3-Rg6. Please return, if interested.

 

Enrolment.

Our enrolment process opened on Wednesday 1^st October. The initial application form or Form 1 can be accessed from our website. Plass pass onto any family interested in enrolling a child at our school. https://www.ballymacns.com/enrolment/ It is our intention to hold our Open Afternoon on Wednesday 3^rd June 2026.

Please be mindful that secondary school applications are also now open. Closing dates may differ in the various schools. Please abreast of application deadlines if your child is currently in Rg 6.

 

Inspector Visit

This week we had an incidental visit from our Cigire. It was focused on the entire area of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Child Protection. This followed on from a recent review of the SEN area led by our designated Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) Thanks to Ms Franey who coordinates the provision of SEN at our school and indeed all teachers and SNA’s who play their part in the delivery of this service on a day-to-day basis.

 

INTO GAA.

The Cumann na mBunscol campaign starts on Monday next. Our boys and girls will play teams from Cappoquin, Lismore and An Rinn in a blitz format from 10:15 am in the Cappoquin venue. Those selected for inclusion are asked to be togged off, (PE uniform) and ready to leave at 9:20 am, complete with €5 fee. (not forgetting gum shields)

 

PA Christmas Fundraiser.

The Parents’ Association has organised for the printing of individual pupil Christmas cards later this year. These will be completed in school in the coming weeks and a sample card for each child will be sent home. Parents will have the opportunity to purchase a pack of these cards if they wish to do so. Packs will be 10 cards at €10/pack, € 15/2 packs. Parents are under no obligation to purchase. All orders will be taken before midterm. A participation slip will be sent home in the coming days. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form and return it to the school.

 

Photography.

Reminder – Ray Power will take class, family and individual photos on Thursday next 9^th October in the school hall. Please return the permission slips by Monday next if you haven’t done so already.

 

Arts & Crafts etc.

Thanks to all who have contributed towards the Arts / Crafts / Insurance fund. If you haven’t done so, you can do so by using cash or electronically through Aladdin Connect.

 

Ballymac Abú!

Best wishes to Ballymacarbry Ladies Footballers, including all our past pupils who play Comeragh Rangers in the Waterford Ladies Senior Football County Final at Fraher Field Dungarvan this evening. Throw in is at 7:30 pm. Our pupils came together this week to lend support to their efforts.  

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal