Dear Parent / Guardian / Colleague / Board Member,

Rest in Peace: This week we said goodbye to a lady who taught at our school for 30 years and in this locality for 36, Miss O’Brien. Catherine deputised as principal from 1999-2002 and also served as DP. Miss O’Brien will be remembered largely as an infant teacher with a strong link to nature, farming and religion. Even though small in stature, she had a larger than life presence and will be remembered by all who attended Newtown NS and Ballymacarbry Central. She was very fond of this area and kept an avid interest in the lives of her past pupils. She was buried in Ballylooby Cemetery on Thursday. Catherine now joins her former teaching colleagues. May she rest in peace.

Attendance:  As is to be expected there are more tummy bugs, sniffles and coughs about at this time of year. Attendance however is high at 95.35%. Please keep erring on the side of caution if children present with any of the four symptoms. Monitor temperature readings and know that your GP is well placed to answer any queries you may have.

PTM’s:  Our Senior side of school PTM’s have concluded this week but our junior side had to be restructured due to above bereavement. Some parents have been contacted towards the end of this week. Remaining meetings will take place on Monday and Tuesday next between 3pm-5pm. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Thanks to all parents for facilitating these calls and teachers for their preparation.

Covid-19 Inspection: We have received official confirmation from the inspectorate and Department of Education and Skills that all was in order at our recent Covid-19 Inspection last week. We are happy to be compliant with the 34 checks and to receive no further recommendations. The report will go to our next Board Meeting. Well done to all and sundry.

Sacraments: The dates have been released for next year’s Holy Communion in both parishes. They are;

Nire                                 Sunday                 9^th         May       2021       at        11am

Fourmilewater           Saturday              15^th        May       2021       at        11am

Hopefully early in the New Year, we will have dates for confirmation in both parishes, but nothing as of yet.

Christmas Mass: In advance of Christmas and during the season of Advent, Fr. Toomey has invited our 5^th and 6^th Classes to attend mass at Fourmilewater on Wednesday 16^th December for 11am. Classes will be kept in their class bubbles and asked to sit in their pods in the church. All schools are availing of this service with Fr Toomey that particular week.

Ned O’Shea: Last Friday was the last day at Ballymacarbry N.S. for Ned O’Shea, bus driver. The news was a shock to us and a shock to the pupils. Ned had worked for Bernard Kavanagh and drove the “Nire bus” for these last 5 years. Ned has moved on to the Local Link route between Tallow and Fermoy. We wish him well and thank him for his time with us and care for our pupils. John McCarra and Company will now serve the Nire Bus route.

Jersey Day: We plan on doing another Blue/White Jersey Day next Friday to celebrate our school’s involvement in the Hurling All Ireland. We would appreciate donations towards the Annual West Waterford Christmas Hamper Appeal. We fundraise annually for this local worthwhile project.

Christmas Holidays: With over two weeks to go in term, it is opportune to remind you of Christmas closing details. We will break for Christmas on Tuesday 22^nd December at 12:30pm. An Academic Calendar can be found on our website as well as being sent home earlier this term. Please display in a prominent place.

Regards

Michael J. O’Ryan – Principal.