Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

As we prepare to welcome everyone back for the 2026/27 school year, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on some of the work that has taken place over the summer and some of the plans and developments for the year ahead. As many of you will know, I have been granted leave and therefore this is an opportunity for me to wish you and your children well as you begin another school year.

One of the most significant developments is the addition of our SEN class, something which we have been seeking for a number of years. We are delighted that this has now become a reality and look forward to making it a positive and successful addition to our school community. While it is not fully ready, it will be in the coming weeks, and temporary provisions have been made to accommodate this.

There are also a number of improvements and developments taking place around the school and in the wider community. The Council is due to commence traffic-calming works at the junction later this autumn. Once these works are completed, the school will review and plan accordingly around the new arrangements. We are working on temporary staff parking arrangements for the duration of the road improvements and until a new system is in operation.

I would ask all parents and guardians who drop off or collect children to please fully cooperate with our one-way system and, most importantly, not to park on the main Clonmel–Dungarvan road. The safety of our children must remain our absolute priority, and I would greatly appreciate everyone’s continued cooperation in this regard.

I’m glad to report that we have been approved funding from the local Environmental Action Fund for Waterford towards the enhancement of our Sensory Garden. Thanks to Ellenora, our treasurer, who led this in collaboration with our local Tidy Towns Group. I am also hopeful that the Department of Education will look favourably on our application for improvements to the school roof, which was submitted a few years back. We hope that this important work may be sanctioned either later this year or in 2027. It would marry nicely with the heating upgrade of 2025.

Staffing

We are delighted to welcome back Miss Laura Duggan and Miss Kayleigh Condon. Miss Duggan has been appointed as our 4th/5th Class teacher, while Miss Condon will return to Junior Infant duties until Ms Dunlea returns after Halloween. We welcome Mary Williams and Emma Conroy to our staff, who will take up SNA duties in the school. Emma will also take on the role of school bus escort at morning and evening time.

Wellbeing Mural

During the summer, we also acquired the services of local artist and past pupil Áine Ryan, who has begun work on a wellbeing mural on the eastern side of the most recent school extension. The children will have an opportunity to become involved in completing the mural during Term 1. The central message of the mural is: “Ní neart go cur le chéile.” There is strength in unity. This mural also highlights the diversity of our school and the uniqueness of each individual child.

Hot School Meals (HSM)

Carambola will recommence deliveries nationally on Thursday next (not Wednesday, our first day back). Please ensure that you have logged in by tonight to make your selections for Thursday and Friday next.

New Junior Infant pupils will get details concerning this on their first day back. This class will finish at 1 pm for the first two weeks. Parents of Junior Infants will be notified as to when HSM commences for them.

Congratulations

Can I also take this opportunity to wish all our past pupils well on receiving their Leaving Certificate results today. It is a big day for them and their families. Hopefully, they will achieve their expectations in whatever they wish to do into the future.

Fourmilewater Hurling Club and all our past pupils, the very best of luck this weekend as they compete in a Junior County Final and a Senior Semi-Final. This is their centenary year, and what better way to celebrate it than with silverware! The minors are well on their way also. The GAA President will visit the locality on Saturday week to share in this achievement.

Fourmilewater Church is also celebrating an anniversary – 200 years, or its bicentenary.The Bishop will celebrate Mass on Tuesday, 8th September, and refreshments will be served in the Community Centre afterwards. The school will play its part in this celebration.

Looking Ahead

As I take my leave, Ms Franey will take the reins as Acting Principal, supported by her Deputy, Mrs Connolly. Things may be different, and naturally it will take some time for new members of the senior management team to settle into their roles and familiarise themselves fully with all aspects of school leadership. I would kindly ask people to give them your support, courtesy and respect – Bí cineálta. Please allow them the time and space to find their feet and to develop their individual approach to leading the school under the guidance of the Board.

I wish all our pupils a very happy return to school. I hope they have enjoyed their summer and are looking forward to seeing their friends, meeting their teachers and getting back into the routines of school life.

There is plenty to look forward to. The arrival of our SEN Class, the planned traffic-calming works, our ongoing efforts to improve our facilities, the wellbeing mural, the enhancement of the Sensory Garden and the many other initiatives planned for the year ahead all represent positive steps for Ballymacarbry National School.

It is a privilege to serve as Principal of Ballymacarbry National School, and while I recharge the batteries, I know the school is in safe hands. Have a wonderful academic year, and we will meet again in due course, le cúnamh Dé.

Slán tamall.

Michael J. O’Ryan
Principal.