Dear Parent / Colleague / Board Member,

 

Aladdin Connect Update.

We have all but 17 families registered for Aladdin connect. Please do so if you haven’t already done so. A further link will be sent this evening at 6pm to those families. Aladdin Connect Sign Up For those who have, please check our contact and emergency details for you, to ensure the school is up to date.

 

Family Quiz.

8 family have pre-registered for our family quiz provisionally scheduled for Friday 28^th March. If we can attract 20 tables, we plan to proceed. https://forms.gle/tS9Y7Gq3iNFYeuij9  Pupils love quizzes, and this fact is borne out in the successes we have each year. Kudos to our Rg 6 team who came 3^rd in the Clonmel Credit Union Quiz last weekend.

 

Safer Internet Day.

On Tuesday we did some work with pupils around Safer Internet Day. Later this year we hope to do some more formal lessons, especially with the senior end of the school.

 

Traffic Issues (R671)

Following several discussions with staff of WC&CC these last few years, we have been informed that a submission has been made by council to help alleviate road traffic problems at our junction. In December the Parking & Traffic Committee had its latest meeting with council officials in school, where comprehensive plans were outlined by council. This was a welcome development, following many representations from us and meetings with them over time.

Prior to Christmas we held a meeting with newly elected TD Conor McGuinness who is Dungarvan based and has close ties to the school. He said that he would work with his colleagues across the constituency to push the application. While there is no guarantee that this funding is assured; discussions have taken place, plans have been drawn, a submission has been made and the monies have been sought. What it proves is, that the council is in agreement with us and is willing to act.

For both meetings, we invited members of the newly formed Ballymacarbry Road Action Group (BRAG) along following a commitment given to them upon formation to work together on common areas. I’m lead to believe that the item has been brought up on the floor of the Dáil this week. Thanks to my colleagues on the sub-committee, namely Ned Moore and Brendan O’Brien and indeed, current and previous Boards of management members involved in the process. This is separate to our parking issue, which we still await further guidance on from council.

 

Green Schools.

Work is stepping up in the school in earnest in anticipation of another Green Flag. Our current Flags are on display on the gable end and signs depicting trees and birds have been erected on both sides of the main entrance, they are a nice addition to the school and have been acquired through the STEM grant successfully applied for last year. Have a look out for them upon entry.

 

Bí Cineálta Survey.

As part of the new Anti-Bullying Policy to be rolled out nationally for September, all schools are collating the thoughts of pupils, staff, parents and others to formulate their new Bí Cineálta Policy. During February we plan to issue these surveys to stakeholders, to guide our new policy in conjunction with national guidelines. We would appreciate your help in this regard by activating the link when it is sent to you and by completing the survey. Míle buíochas in advance.

 

Mid-term Break.

Then school and associated Breakfast / Homework Club will close on Thursday and Friday next for mid-term. The school will reopen Monday 24^th February.

 

St Valentine’s Day.

For the day that’s in it, Happy St. Valentine’s Day. Our uniform was red today in honour of the saint with Irish connections.

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.