Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Covid Update.    Thankfully all connected with Rg 5 were back in school by Tuesday at latest. Practically all had returned by Monday having received two negative tests. Thank you for your cooperation on this important matter.

Active Week.    We had a very successful Active Week this week. Thanks to all who played their part including Mrs Kelly for coordinating and indeed all staff. Thanks also to the Parents’ Association for sponsoring ‘Inflatables Day’ on Wednesday and especially its Chair, Aoife Fenlon who helped out on the day despite being on crutches – get well soon Aoife. Photos from the week’s activities are published on our facebook page.

Class Splits.  Owing to the loss of a teacher, the following are the arrangements for classes & teachers from Sept ‘21

Teacher	Class
Mrs Ann Kelly	Junior Infants
Miss Emma Dunlea	Senior Infants & Rang 1 Boys
Mr Stephen Earley	Rang 1 Girls & Rang 2 Girls
Mrs Jackie Coffey	Rang 2 Boys & all Rang 3
Ms Sarah Blain	Rang 4
Mrs Michelle McGrath	Rang 5
Mr Paul Brunnock	Rang 6

By this method we are keeping as many classes as possible as single units. We are also giving priority to our new junior infants and those from Rang 4-6 inclusive. Furthermore, we are moving entire groups of boys or girls instead of dividing by age or ability. While no system is perfect, this makes the most sense. Due to high numbers leaving these last two years and fewer new entrants, class splits will be the new normal at Ballymacarbry N.S.

School Reports. Following the completion of the standardised tests, the school reports for each family have been posted this week. Most should have reached their destination today and if not by Monday.

Rg 6 Departure.  We begin to say farewell to Rang 6. We have planned some events to mark their last week with us. An e-mail was sent to all relevant families on Wednesday last circa 3pm. Please familiarise yourself with its content.

Booklists. Booklists are currently being compiled and will be distributed next week. They will also be emailed and uploaded to our website www.ballymacns.com Please pay particular attention this year as Miss Dunlea, Mr Earley & Mrs Coffey will have two separate booklists each.

Virtual Open Day. We will host a Zoom session for parents of new junior infants / new entrants next Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Those concerned will receive a link on Monday / Tuesday. Questions you may have will be answered at this information evening. Also, we will stage an Open Evening for new infant pupils and their parents in late August at the school. Parents will be e-mailed about this in advance. The junior infant booklist will be forwarded on Monday next and elaborated upon at the aforementioned Zoom meeting.

Final School Tour. Rang 2 and their teacher will travel to Parson’s Green, Clogheen on Tuesday 22^nd June next. This had initially been planned earlier this summer but was postponed. More details to follow from Mrs Coffey on Monday.

Summer Holidays. As per our Academic Calendar, the school will close on Fri 25^th June next at 12:30 pm. Parents are asked to collect their children at this time if not availing of a bus service. For your information school will open for pupils on Tues 31st Aug 2021.

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal