Dear Parents, Colleagues and Members of the Board of Management,

School Reports

Please note that your child’s Annual School Report was released this afternoon and can be accessed through Aladdin Connect. Follow-up reports from members of the Special Education Team will issue after the weekend. Thanks to the staff for compiling these in June.

Primary School Survey

The Department of Education and Youth has begun sharing the results of the recent Primary School Survey with schools nationwide. The survey examined issues such as patronage, language medium and the educational status of schools. I have attached both the survey results and an explanatory document to assist in interpreting the findings. Thank you for our high percentage participation rate of 66%.

Deirdre O’ Ryan Memorial Tournament

Our Sixth-Class pupils enjoyed a fantastic day at the Deirdre O’Ryan Memorial Tournament in Newcastle NS on Thursday. Both our boys’ and girls’ teams reached their respective finals.

The girls defeated Ardfinnan to retain the Shield, while the boys were narrowly defeated by a strong Grangemockler side, after extra time in a thrilling final. At the presentation ceremony, Deirdre’s daughter, Sinéad, presented the Shield to our captains, Áine and Clodagh, and medals to our boys’ team. Congratulations to all involved for representing the school with such skill, determination and sportsmanship. A sincere word of thanks also to the coaches, helpers and our bus driver, Johnny.

Children’s Bike Skills Day

On Sunday morning, a professional instructor from Raysports will be in attendance at Ballymacarbry Community Centre to facilitate a Children’s Bike Skills Day, which will also include a cycling safety workshop. Participants will need to bring their own bicycle and helmet.

This event forms part of the ‘Cycle Against Suicide Spinathon’ being organised by Danny O’Rourke and Tony Condon. A coffee morning will also take place in the Community Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please come along to show your support for this worthy cause while helping your child to develop their cycling skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Garda Síochána Visit

We extend our thanks to Sergeant Mick Dempsey, Garda O’Callaghan and Garda Kelly, who visited our Infant Classes during the week. They emphasised the importance of personal road safety in advance of the summer holidays. The children greatly enjoyed meeting the Gardaí and learning more about the important role they play in our community.

Active Week

Next week is Active Week in Ballymacarbry NS. Each class will participate in a different activity every day, making it a fun-filled and energetic week for all. Highlights include Inflatables Day on Thursday and Sports Day on Friday, along with a range of exciting internal and external activities throughout the week. We look forward to sharing reports and photographs from the various events on our social media platforms and in next week’s newsletter.

Graduation

Our Rg 6 pupils will complete their primary school journey next Friday. Prior to this, they will celebrate their Graduation Ceremony in Fourmilewater Church on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., followed by refreshments in the School Halla. We wish all twenty pupils every success, happiness and fulfilment as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their education and life. They have been a wonderful group of young people and have made a tremendous contribution to our school community over the past eight years.

Summer Holidays

Our school will close for summer holidays on Tuesday, 23rd June, at 12:30 p.m. The After-School Club will remain open until 6 pm on that day. Please inform those who collect your child /child of this announcement.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan
Principal.