News Update – 30/08/2024
Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,
We welcome back all our pupils and staff, especially our 18 new junior infants, their parents and families.
We wish the class of 2024 well on commencing their secondary education and congratulate this year’s Leaving Cert class on the completion of their cycle. Thanks to those who worked at our school during the summer, especially Tina our cleaner and Jim our caretaker. Thanks to Pat Cliffe & Family, Kilcooney Haulage Ltd, Ballinamult on his donation of timber seating for the sensory garden, a gesture we greatly appreciate.
We welcome back Miss Clodagh Kelly as class teacher, thanking both Miss Boyce and Miss Hanrahan who departed to ventures new over the summer. We also welcome Kay Ware as a permanent Special Needs Assistant, thanking Fiona O’Grady her many years of service at our school.
Apologies for the inconvenience of these last two days, but water supply is outside of our control. We don’t get any advance warning as and when the system was solely operated by the local council. The first day of outage is an inconvenience, but manageable; any subsequent days are problematic. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
We are glad to report that the Free Book Scheme is up and running and that all children have received their books for the year. We ask you as parents, to encourage your children to keep these books in good condition.
As previously stated, the School Meals Scheme will commence at our school during this academic year. The process has begun. As a first port of call, we would like to garner parent / guardian thoughts and questions to direct to potential providers. We will report back at regular intervals answering some as we proceed.. Please feel free to complete this 3-Question School Meals Programme Survey
Ballymacarbry Breakfast Club & After School Service is up and running again. If you have childcare needs for your school-going children, please contact Helen on 083 2028749.
Thanks to those families who have already paid the Insurance / Arts & Crafts monies for the year ahead. Among other things, this entitles your child to full 24/7 insurance cover for; in school, school related and outside school activities.
The swimming schedule for Term 1 will be sent to parents of those pupils in Rg 3-6 immediately after this email. Block A commences next Friday for Rg 3-4. Please read if this concerns you.
A hard copy of the Academic Calendar was distributed to all families today. I attach a link to it from our own website. Changes to this will be notified to parents as soon as possible. Academic Calendar 2024/25
I have been informed that the Parents’ Association AGM will take place on Monday 9th September in the school at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
Well done to the Panda Playground Committee on their great work during the summer. They have put in place a facility which will be enjoyed by many of our pupils and many more to come. They are hosting a free event to mark the official opening of the Playground, which is being held on Saturday 14th Sept, from 12pm - 3pm. This event is an opportunity for families to come along and enjoy the new playground, while enjoying some free treats and entertainment.
Is mise,
Michael J. O'Ryan - Principal