Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

 

Danny Norris R.I.P. On Monday last we buried our class / school mate Danny Norris. The family and the entire community afforded him the send-off deserving of a boy who battled all the way to the end. We are proud to have played a part and thank this great community in its assistance to the Norris family in their time of immense grief.

We thank all our colleagues on present and past staffs and our pupils, their parents and family members for their cooperation, our chaplain Fr Michael, Theresa and Hannah from NEPS, Aoife & Aine from the Parents’ Association and Johnny O’Brien, Busdriver. We thank those who called to the school, offering messages of support and indeed Lisa and Lar themselves along with Charlie who called on Saturday. We are thankful for the time afforded to us, with Danny, by the Norris family at their home afterwards.

Since Thursday last, we have had many a visit from robins. (It could be the same one) I’ve no doubt that the symbolism Fr Michael spoke of in his eulogy manifests itself through nature and more particularly through a robin after a bereavement, as we know ‘Robins appear when loved ones are near.’ We as a school will endeavour to assist Charlie, Shay and all our pupils in their grieving and in time organise a more meaningful legacy to Danny’s memory.

 

Jubilee Concert – Collectively our staff has made the decision to defer our school show until Monday 23^rd & Tuesday 24^th January next. Please keep your Monday and Tuesday tickets in a safe place. Upon our return in January, we will release tickets to those who expressed the wish for an additional allocation.

 

‘Confirming Our Children’ – The next round of masses for Rang 6 pupils making their confirmation next spring, will take place on Sunday in Fourmilewater during the 9am mass. Please follow instructions as outlined by Mrs Byrne to her class this week.

 

Education for Persons with Special Education Needs (ESPEN) – The Department of Education has commenced a review of the legislation that provides for education for children and young persons aged under 18 years with special educational needs. As part of the review process, a public consultation is taking place. This consultation will seek the views of a wide range of organisations and individuals. The Department is asking us to share the information about the public consultation and the link to the survey with our school community (www.gov.ie/epsenreview). When the survey process is completed, the Department will produce a consultation paper, and will run further consultation events. If you would like to be invited to a consultation event, please contact the Department on epsen@education.gov.ie. Many thanks for your assistance.

 

Advent – (Week 4 Peace) On Monday we will light the fourth candle. The final Advent candle marks the beginning of the final week before Christmas and is a time of prayer. This candle represents peace and reminds us of the importance of Peace as the true saviour of the world is coming.

 

Christmas Break – The school will close for Christmas holidays on Wednesday next 21^st December @ 12:30 pm. The last bus will leave at 1pm.Children are given the opportunity of wearing Christmas themed outfits to school in supported of West Waterford Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal. All donations on the day are gratefully accepted and will be passed onto the group to purchase Christmas hampers for local people.

 

Breakfast Club & After School Service – Helena and Staff inform us that their service will be open on Wednesday next for anyone who wishes to avail it after our 12:30 pm closing time. Please contact 083 2028749 for further information.

 

Christmas Gifts – For those who may have intended on giving a Christmas gift to their teacher, staff has suggested that perhaps instead, a contribution be made to Crumlin Children’s hospital in loving memory of our dearly departed pupil Danny.

 

Date for Your Diary. – Don’t forget Ballymacarbry Community Centre is hosting a Free Christmas Funday on Sunday 18^th December between 3-6pm which includes a visit from S.C. himself. All are welcome.

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’ Ryan – Principal.