News Update – 26/11/2021
Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,
Covid-19 Update – I want to give you an up to date position re Covid at our school. We have been informed of 22 active cases among pupils as of 2:30 pm today. These break down as follows and have been given to the HSE. (We await further advice.)
Mrs Kelly’s Classroom =1
Ms Dunlea’s Classroom =3
Mr Earley’s Classroom =2
Mrs Coffey’s Classroom =8
Miss Denmead’s Classroom =2
Mrs McGrath’s Classroom = 4
Mr Brunnock’s Classroom = 2
In addition there are currently 3 cases among staff. Our attendance rate for the week has gone from 72% on Monday to 54% on Friday. These are people who have Covid, are deemed close contacts, are awaiting test results or indeed absent due to other reasons. It is very fluid in nature but all you can do is remain vigilant and inform the principal asap of any Covid cases by ringing us at 052 6136349 or emailing principal@ballymacns.com. Please do not send in children who display any symptoms whatsoever. We will have to contact the home immediately.
Chickenpox – We have also been informed of an incident of chickenpox in Rg 3 who combine with Rg 2 boys in class. Please refer to handout already sent to parents 2 weeks ago.
HSE Guidance – I include the latest HSE guidance for those up to 13 years of age. https://www.hpsc.ie/az/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/factsheetsandresources/Isolation%20quick%20guide%20under%2013s.pdf
In the interest of adults within the family, I also include the adult version for anyone over 13 yrs of age.
Antigen Testing from Mon 29th Nov. – I will email all parents on Monday morning with a letter from DES outlining new system.
Parent Teacher Meetings – It is still our intention to hold PTM’s commencing next week. Available teachers will contact respective parents from Monday 29th November. We are incorporating Zoom and telephone calls. Apologies in advance for the incidental nature of these, but it is outside of our control.
Go Fund Me – I include the link to Danny’s Recovery fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/dream-for-danny-help-danny-beat-cancer for those of you who want to contribute. Maith Sibh to Mrs McGrath and all her Rg 5 pupils in putting packs of sweets together for Friday’s Late Late Toy Show. The proceeds of which all go towards “Dream for Danny” Mrs McGrath and the O’Gorman family sponsored the sweets and we thank them for this.
Sport – It was great to see the Nire GAA Club visit us on Monday, following their very successful season. Officers, mentors, captains and players brought with them the Senior, Junior and Minor Cups. It was held outdoors and kept as brief as possible. It was great for our current pupils to see their heroes who were all past pupils at our school. The club organised treats for our pupils and no homework too. There are some photos of this on our Facebook account.
Bain taitneamh as an Late Late Show anocht agus ná dean dearmad ar an litir chuig Daidí na Nollag.
Is mise,
Michael J. O’ Ryan – Principal