Dear Parent / Guardian, Colleague & Board Member,

This week:  Active Week took place this week and we enjoyed coaching from both Barry Dunne, hurling and Pat Power, athletics early in the week. Inflatables Day took place on Tuesday and this was kindly sponsored by a family from the school community. Thanks to Aoife from the PA who coordinated the day and all our helpers including past pupils from last year.

Our 3^rd and 4^th Classes went to Kilkenny on Wednesday and the remainder continued activities such as walking.

We also had a visit from First Responder Alan Walsh in teaching Rang 6 about CPR and First Aid.

Preparations also continued for next week’s Sacrament of Confirmation in both local churches.

Rg 4 got the opportunity to present business ideas to business personnel at the new South East Technological University (WIT) All reports back were positive and indeed they took an award home with them. Thanks to Miss Denmead, Patsy et al.

We had Small Ball Day on Thurs and all classes became involved. Maureen Purcell & pupils continued to upgrade mural.

Today we finished off with Sports Day – a fitting end to a very Active week. Thanks to all staff, pupils and helpers.

Cake Sale:  On Thursday, Ms Fitzgerald and Rg 5 hosted a Bake Sale in aid of Aisling Kennedy. Thanks to all who baked and purchased. A total of €1,760 was raised. Thanks also to Ella Morrissey (Past pupil) who donated the cake. The signed Waterford jersey was won by Charlie Norris and the cake by Ollie Connolly.

Newcastle NS Blitz:  Rg 6 Boys & Girls represented the school in the Blitz organised by our neighbours at Newcastle N.S.  to honour their dear departed colleague, Deirdre O’Ryan / McCarthy. Both our teams reached the final and Deirdre’s nephew Conor collected the boys trophy dedicated to her, ensuring it comes to Ballymacarbry NS for its inaugural year. Thanks to Mrs Byrne, Ms Keating & Mrs McGrath.

Next week:     

Hurling: Full steam ahead for next week. Barry Dunne calls again on Monday, so hurleys & helmets at the ready please.

Maureen Purcell: Maureen will continue upgrading our mural with the pupils.

Confirmation takes place on Tuesday; 2pm in Fourmilewater and 4 pm in the Nire. (One pew per family is advised.)

Open Afternoon.  Next Wednesday we will welcome our new cohort of juniors and their parents from 1:30pm.

Nire Lakes. Thursday will be busy for Rg 6 as we have the Annual Trip to the Nire Lakes.

Graduation Mass on Thursday evening. This will take place at 7:30pm and finish off with some refreshments at the school kindly sponsored by the Parents’ Association.

End of Year:

School Reports: These were posted yesterday so they should be delivered by post today or Monday.

Booklists: These will be emailed to families next week and will be published on our website along with the calendar.

Classes: Rg 1 – Rg 4 will be divided into 3 classes for the year ahead with age being the criterion. Juniors, seniors, Rg 5 and Rg 6 will be single unit classes. Families will be notified of classes and teachers as soon as possible.

School Holidays: The school will close on Friday next at 12:30pm. Please note that buses will run at the earlier time.

Reminder: The Boil Water Notice continues so it’s important that extra refreshments be brought to school daily.

Is mise – Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.