(A) Friday 9th December

Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

 

On behalf of the entire School Community, I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the Norris Family of Glasha, Ballymacarbry on the death of their son and our pupil Danny. Danny died this morning at his family home following a prolonged illness.

 

Our sympathy and thoughts are with Danny’s family. His Mum Lisa, Dad Lar, brothers Charlie and Shay and extended family and friends. Danny was a pupil in Rang 1 and will be greatly missed by all who knew him including the staff who had the privilege of teaching him. Danny was a bubbly, kind hearted boy who loved school and socialising.  He will be always remembered for his sense of fun, his love of pandas, turtles and his many friends.

 

On hearing the sad news this morning, we contacted the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and liaised with our chaplain and parish priest, Fr Michael. Throughout the day we received help from psychologists, Theresa and Hannah along with Fr Michael with the primary aim of supporting our pupils and staff especially those closest to Danny.

 

Our psychologists have advised that “It is possible that your child may have some feelings and questions that they may like to discuss with you. It is important to give information that is age appropriate.

 

You can help your child by taking time to listen and by encouraging him/her to express feelings. All children are different and will express their feelings in different ways. It is not uncommon for children to have difficulty concentrating or be fearful, anxious, or irritable. They may become withdrawn, cry, complain of physical aches and pains, have difficulty sleeping or have nightmares. Some may not want to eat. These are generally short-term reaction. Over the course of the coming days, please keep an eye on your child and allow him/her to express their feelings without criticism. We have enclosed some information which you may find useful in helping your child through this difficult time.”

 

If you would like further advice or have any further questions, you may contact me at ballymacns@gmail.com.

 

As a mark of respect to Danny and in remembrance of him, our school will open tomorrow between 2-4 pm. for people to gather and share their stories and memories of Danny in the school he loved. Refreshments will be available and we would welcome everyone along.

 

As a further mark of respect and owing to the sadness of the entire school community, our planned Jubilee Concert will be postponed until the new year. Monday’s Board of Management meeting is also postponed.

 

Following the confirmation of funeral arrangements, I will contact you again with further details in relation to Danny’s funeral and our participation in it.

 

I Measc na n-Aingeal is na Naomh go Raibh Danny.

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal

 

(B) Saturday 10th December

Dear Parents, Colleagues & Board Members,

 

Following on from my email yesterday, our pupil Danny’s funeral arrangements have been confirmed.

 

These arrangements can be viewed at Danny’s Funeral Arrangements

 

On Monday 12^th December, school will remain open and it is our intention to bring all classes from Rg 1-6 inclusive to Fourmilewater church to form Guards of Honour for our school mate Danny, on his final journey to his place of rest. We will endeavour to bring Danny’s, Shay’s and Charlie’s friends into the church for the funeral service.

Rg 1 & Rg 2 Classmates will form the first Guard of Honour on arrival at the church door while Rg 3-6 will form the second Guard down through the cemetery.

 

Children will be brought to and from the church by school staff.

 

Parents who wish for their child / children not to attend on the day are asked to email their relevant teacher(s) before 9am Monday and these pupils will be accommodated by staff at the school. (Please see below.)

 

Students are asked to wear full uniform, but to bring along a Christmas jumper to wear as Danny loved Christmas. This was a special request of Danny’s family.

 

It is our intention to keep Junior & Senior infants at school. This plan is very much dependent on the weather and pupils are asked to wrap up well with extra layers and especially a coat and hat perhaps, as the weather is forecast to be very cold indeed.

 

Again, as a school community, our thoughts and prayers go out to Danny’s Mum & Dad Lisa & Lar, his brothers Charlie & Shay, his grandparents, great grandparent, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and friends, of which there are many at this school.

 

We thank all those who called to our school today, to share in the grief at this time for the Norris family and remember Danny in their own particular way. We thank Lisa and Lar themselves and family members who dropped by. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Thanks also to Aoife & Áine of the Parents’ Association who helped out with refreshments for all.

 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis agus leaba i measc na n-aingeal go raibh aige.

 

emma@ballymacns.com                  Junior Infants

Louise@ballymacns.com                 Senior Infants

claudia@ballymacns.com                Rg 1 / Rg 2

jackie@ballymacns.com                   Rg 2 / Rg 3

ciara@ballymacns.com                     Rg 3 / Rg 4

clodagh@ballymacns.com               Rang 5

claire@ballymacns.com                   Rang 6

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal