Dear Parent / Guardian, Colleague & Board Member,   

Covid 19 Update – This is the first week in quite a while, that we currently have no notification of any Covid cases within the school community. Admittedly, some are still restricting movements but the attendance rate has increased to 91% for the four days this week. Our average attendance would range between 94-95% annually. In total, I would have been notified of 77 people who contracted Covid. We await further guidance from governing authorities in relation to easing of restrictions and mask wearing. We may have this to hand next week. Please note that if a child has had Covid since 1^st December last, they do not need to restrict movements, if named as a close contact and asymptomatic.

Storm Eunice – We received notification from the Dept of Education & Skills on Thursday evening that schools in Co. Waterford would close today as the county was classified as Code Red for the duration of the morning.

Congratulations – A warm congratulations to our colleague Ms Sarah Blain and her husband Seán on the birth of baby Harry at the weekend. Harry is a brother for Charlie.

Admissions – Our closing date for applications is 1^st March next. We will be writing to all applicants after this date with enrollment forms. We have to go through these applications first.  Families can still apply after this date and we will be in touch in due course. If you are aware of anyone who has not applied for enrollment as of yet, please let them know this procedure and the fact that they can still apply beyond 1^st March but as soon as possible preferably.

Sacraments – Now that all sacramental dates are known for spring / summer 2022, please refer to Tables A or B

A.      Rang 2 – Communion Class				B.      Rang 6 – Confirmation Class
First Penance	FMW	Wed 9/3 @ 7pm		Commitment	FMW	Wed 6/4 @ 7pm
Holy Comm.	FMW	Sat 14/5 @ 11am		Confirmation	FMW	Tues 21/6 @ 2pm
Holy Comm.	NIRE	Sun 22/5 @ 11am		Confirmation	NIRE	Tues 21/6 @ 4pm

Altar Servers – Fr. Toomey has distributed a rota to our 15 altar servers. It commences on Sunday morning at 9am mass in FMW. Thanks to all those who volunteered. St. Declan group will commence proceedings this Sunday. Congratulations to Mia McCarthy Rg 6, whose art work has been copied to a banner and will drape from the ambo/lectern in FMW church for the remainder of the year. To view it and neighbouring winners in the parish, follow Fr Toomey’s link here. https://www.abgnfparish.ie/newsletter-19th-20th-february-2022  We also acknowledge Rocco Cuddy Rg 6 and Jack Norris Rg 5 as runners up.

Mid Term Break – Reminder that the school will close on Thursday 24^th and Friday 25^th February 2022.

Golden Jubilee – On 30/8/2022 next, the school will be 50 years in existence.  If anyone has any old photos or articles in relation to the school or indeed the Nire, Bennett’s Church, Croughclooney, Russellstown or Newtown NS please feel free to get in touch at 052 6136349 or ballymacns@gmail.com

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan.

Principal.