Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

 

Nature All Around Us.

Seeing the Nature Table (Bord Dulra) in the Junior Hall, reminds us of the changing of the seasons. Autumn is a lovely time of year, especially when the weather is good and that was certainly the case this last week. It brings me back to my time here as a pupil. In a world of constant change, people will always marvel at nature, its beauty and its transience and yet its consistency, year in year out. Thanks to Miss O’Keeffe and her class for ensuring that it is full of nature and colour at this time.

 

Ethos.

Fr Toomey has written to parents of pupils wishing to receive the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation in 2026. We distributed these on Monday last to those in Rg 2 & Rg 6. I include links to them here Sacramental Programme Letters 2025/26

Rg 6 will have their first preparatory mass in Fourmilewater on Sunday 5^th October at 9 am while Rg 2 will commence on Sunday 19^th October also in Fourmilewater at the same time. We as a school will participate in the public mass on Wednesday next at 10 am to mark the start of a new school year.

 

SNA Appreciation Day.

Yesterday was SNA appreciation day. We as a staff appreciate the work Patsy and Kay do at our school. We thank them on your behalf, on behalf of the pupils and indeed our own behalf as work colleagues at Ballymacarbry N.S.

 

CPSMA Capitation Campaign 

We would ask you to assist us in completing the following link which will be sent to Teachta Dála (TDs) in our constituency. This is in advance of the upcoming budget, seeking an increase in capitation, to address the many financial challenges currently facing schools. All you need do is fill in your details and select the relevant TD(s) from our constituency. This initiative is promoted by our patron Body, the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) “Hopefully, by working together, we can increase the pressure on our government to provide adequate funding for our schools.” Capitation Campaign Link 

 

Plastic Bottle and Can Collection.

The P.A. has initiated a drive to raise funds from the collection of cans and plastic bottles with the return logo. This will take place on Saturday 25^th October 9-12 noon. Bags can be dropped off at the school during this time but can also be brought to school anytime from Monday 20^th, if you cannot make it on the actual morning. Thank you in advance for your support! Please see poster on our social media page. Thanks to the P.A. who sponsored plastic footballs for the school recently.

 

Hurling Success.

Our past pupils who were part of the successful U-16 and Minor Hurling teams (FMW) called into us this morning to share with us their excitement on recent successes. They brought along the U-16 Shield and the Minor Cup. They took questions from the pupils and I must say gave sound advice, complimenting their mentors in the process. The principal took the opportunity to congratulate them and thank mentors Michael, Eamon, Joe, Louise and Cody for their dedication and hard work, the staff at Ballymacarbry NS who look after teams and sport in general and he also named the club coaches who help the school throughout the year. Caisleán Cuanach abú!

 

Upcoming Dates.

Enrolment 2025/26 – Opening Wednesday 1^st October

Photography. – Thursday 9^th October (All classes)

Please return slips to class teacher or Rose

Vision & Hearing Screening. – Mon 13^th & Tues 14^th October (Junior Infants)

Please return envelopes with completed forms to Rose or myself

Running – Wednesday 15^th October (Selected from Rg 3 – Rg 6)

 

Placenames Roadshow

Waterford City & County Council will host the above, tomorrow (Saturday) in the Community Centre between 2-4 pm. If you are interested in local placenames, or able to give any information on same, this might be right up your townsland! Please pass on to grandparents, neighbours etc. “Refreshments will be served and music and stories heard.”

 

Is mise,

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal