Wednesday, December 21, 2011

School note Dec 21st 2011


21-12-2011.
Dear parents,
                   I wish to bring the following to your attention.
'The Xmas Factor', our Christmas show played to a packed house on Monday night. Angels, shepherds, soldiers were just some of the huge cast who put on a wonderful performance. Thank you to everybody who helped out. A special word of thanks to Mrs Dillon and Ms McCarthy who once again worked miracles with tinsel, tea towels and tinfoil to stage a memorable performance. I am also most grateful to Pat Gallagher, Parish Clerk, who was so courteous and helpful at all times.
                  The collection for the Fr Gerry Daly Fund raised €215.47.
Thank you all the parents who spent time bagpacking in Tesco last Monday. Giving of your time to help the school is much appreciated.
All pupils will attend Mass at 10 a.m. in Ballybrown Church tomorrow, Thursday 22nd to mark Mrs Allen's retirement. Parents are most welcome to attend this Mass.
We are all sad to see Mrs Allen leave after 32 years service in this school. We wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Tomorrow, we also say goodbye to Mrs Mary Hayes, who teaches the other Fourth Class group. Mrs Hayes will take up her new post as Principal of Granagh National School in January. I would like to wish Mrs Hayes well in her new appointment. She has been a great asset to this school over the last 16 months.
School will end for all pupils at 12.30 p.m. tomorrow and will reopen on Monday January 9th. 2012.
On behalf of the Board of Management and staff of the school, I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas. I look forward to seeing you all in 2012.
Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.

________________

J. Lyons
Principal

--
Joe Lyons


Thursday, December 15, 2011

School note Dec 15th 2011

15-12-2011.
Dear parents,
                  I wish to bring the following to your attention.
This is a particularly busy time in school as preparations are well underway for the Christmas show, The Xmas Factor, which will take place on Monday December 19th. at 7 p.m. sharp. Carols for the show are on the school website www.ballybrownns.ie for families to access.
I am aware of the financial pressures that all families face at this time of year. The Parents Association has asked me to inform you that, as was the case for the last few years, they will donate a gift to the staff on behalf of all parents. Teachers do not expect a gift from children. If children would like to give something personal they could perhaps make their own card as a gift to their teacher.  If you would like to make a donation to charity, there will be a collection for the Fr Gerry Daly Fund in the church on Monday night.
In order to help parents to plan ahead, I have uploaded a list of monies needed between now and June 2012. This covers such areas as school tours, swimming, Music in the Classroom.
I would like to express my appreciation of the work of the Parents Association throughout the year. On Monday next, the Parents Association are taking part in bagpacking in Tesco in Dooradoyle from 9.15 a.m.
All pupils will attend Mass at 10 a.m. in Ballybrown Church on Thursday 22nd to mark Mrs Allen's retirement. Parents are most welcome to attend this Mass. Afterwards, children return to school. After morning sos, there will be a ceremony in the Halla. Unfortunately, space is extremely limited. Pupils from Fourth to Sixth will attend.
The new Board of Management met for the first time last night. There are challenging times ahead.
School will end for all pupils at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday next, December 22nd.

Gach dea-ghui

__________________
Joe Lyons
Principal


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Upcoming events Decemer 2011

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

All pupils will attend at Mass on Thursday December 8th in Ballybrown Church at 11 a.m.

 

Monday December 19th: Christmas pageant in Ballybrown Church at 7 p.m.

 

Tuesday December 20th: Confessions in school at 11.15 a.m. for Third to Sixth Classes

 

Tuesday December 20th. Christmas quiz for 4th. 5th. & Sixth classes 1.30 p.m.

 

Wednesday December 21st. Ms Day will take part Drama Games with Mrs Allen's class from 11.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

 

Thursday December 22nd; Mass in Ballybrown Church at 10 a.m. to mark the retirement of Mrs Allen from her post in the school

 

School will close for Christmas break on Thursday December 22nd at 12.30 p.m.

 

School will reopen on Monday January 9th. 2012

 

 

 

 



Thursday, December 1, 2011

School note Dec 1st 2011


1-12-2011

Dear parents,

                     I wish to bring the following to your attention.

The new Board of Management takes up duties today. The term of office is for four years i.e. until November 30th. 2015.

The members of the Board are:

Chairman: Christy Ryan. Patron's representative: Fr. O Connor P.P.

Parents' nominees: Ann Curtin & John Hannon

Teachers' nominees: Joe Lyons & Sarah Keyes

Community representatives: Helen Kennedy & Annette Noonan.

 

I would like to express my appreciation to the Parents Association who recently presented the school with a cheque for €1150. This has been used in part to buy musical equipment. It is intended to put the rest towards Testing Materials for English and Maths and also towards a folding stage for Drama. All educational resources tend to be very expensive and the efforts of the Parents Association are most welcome.

 

As part of our Green School policy, each family has today received a cardboard box for used batteries. When the box is full, drop the batteries to the school and we will take it from there. Thanks to Mrs Hodgins and the Green School Committee for their Trojan work in litter picking, energy conservation and so many other areas.

 

On Wednesday December 7th., West Midlands Theatre company will visit the school to put on a performance of Aladdin, for pupils from First  to 4th class. Cost per child is €3, to be given to the Class teacher.

 

I have made all families in the school aware of the threat to this school if the pupil-teacher-ratio is raised in the Budget. This school already lost a teacher in September 2011. If the Pupil –teacher ratio is raised, we will probably lose another, resulting in split and multi-grade classes, while Special Needs allocations have been reduced since last June. Many parents have returned postcards to the school which I will forward to local T.D.'s. I urge parents to make your concerns known as soon as possible.

 

Gach dea-ghuí

 

___________

J.Lyons

Principal

Thursday, November 24, 2011

School note Nov 24th

24-11-2011.

Dear parents,

                      I wish to bring the following to your attention.

The Book Fair was a great success last week. Total takings amounted to €2455.77.

I would like to thank the members of the Parents Association who helped in different ways with the running of the Fair.

Once again, I appeal to parents to observe good practice in the car parking area. Many parents have expressed concern about driver behaviour. I especially ask you to speak to people other than parents who may be collecting your children and may not be aware of the safety hazards. Many drivers have taken to parking in the Staff parking areas and this can lead to small children walking through the parking area. This is very dangerous as they may not be visible from tall vehicles. With winter approaching, visibility is an even greater problem.

Accidents occur every week of the year in the vicinity of schools. I earnestly hope this can be prevented in Ballybrown.

MPCC Credit Union has been in touch to announce the winners of their Art Competition.

7 Years & Under: 1st            Aisling Murphy  3rd           Danielle Kelly

8 – 10 years ( a clean sweep!): 1st            Eoin Corby,   2nd          Harry Hannan,  3rd    Ella Shanahan

Well done to all.

 Community Games Draughts:  training will commence for U10, U12 and U14 next Monday 28th at 7:30pm in the school Hall. All are welcome. Registration is  €5 for all events throughout the year.

It appears that Education will be hit very severely in the forthcoming Budget. I will be in touch with the school's Parents Association to keep them informed of consequences for the school of predicted rises in the pupil-teacher ratio. This will inevitably lead to larger classes and loss of teaching posts in Ballybrown NS. I would urge parents who are concerned about this to speak to public representatives, as I intend to do.

 

Gach dea-ghui,

 

_____________

 

J. Lyons

Principal



Wednesday, October 26, 2011

School note October 27th

26-10-2011.

Dear parents,

                   I wish to bring the following to your attention.

Every family in the school this week received a letter from the Chairman of the Board of Management concerning arrangements for the election of parent nominees to the new Board which will take up office on December 1st .2011. If you did not receive such a letter, please contact the school on Friday. The meeting will take place on Wednesday December 9th. at 8.45 p.m.

Due to the school being used as a polling station tomorrow, the Halloween fancy dress celebrations went ahead today. There was wonderful colour and pageantry in evidence. Well done to the boys and girls in Sixth Class who decorated the Halla and restored it to its original state so that everything is in readiness for polling tomorrow.

On Friday October 28th, the pupils from First to Sixth classes will participate in World Board Games Day from 1 to 3 p.m.  It is surprising the number of pupils who do not know how to play Ludo, Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Draughts etc. At the moment Mrs Dillon teaches Board Games to interested children during lunch break. In order to build up our stock of Board Games we would ask each child in the participating classes to bring €2 on Friday to be used to buy additional sets.

Maths Week was a great success last week. I would like to thank all the teachers for their work in this area.

Our Under 13 football final which was scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to the waterlogged pitch. It will now be played on either November 9th. or 10th. , weather permitting.

School reopens after midterm break on Monday November 7th.

Yours,

____________

J. Lyons

Principal.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Problem of the Day Friday

Problem of the Day Friday

 

Mary, Cian and Paul went picking apples.  Mary picked twice as many as Paul. Cian picked 10 more than Mary. Paul picked 40 apples.

How many apples did Cian pick?

How many apples did Mary pick?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

School note Oct 20th

20-10-2011.

Dear parents,

                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.

The Recycling Day in aid of the Parents Association will go ahead tomorrow, Friday. Clothes, shoes etc to be dropped into the Halla by 10 a.m. Old mobile phones also accepted.

                   I wish to remind parents once again that the school will be closed for all pupils on Thursday next October 27th as the school is required as a polling station.

As a result of this, the Hallowe'en fancy dress will go ahead on Wednesday next October 26th. Sixth Class decorate the hall on the previous day.

                 The term of office of the current Board of Management expires on November 30th.2011. Please note that all families will receive a letter by post next week with information re the election of parent nominees to the new Board.

                Parking is still an issue. Some parents/ minders are parking in the area between the Car Park and the Staff Car Park, especially on wet days. This means that children on their way to the Car Park have to walk around cars moving in all directions. Safety of pupils is my only concern. 

             Third Class pupils have just finished a 6 week programme with John Clancy of Cycling Safety Ireland. Every child in the class is now able to cycle and has received training in road safety. This is an excellent programme and we are lucky to have Mr Clancy's expertise at our disposal.

            Well done to the Under 13 girls football team who reached the semi-final of the City Cumann na mBunscol league. Best wishes to the boys Under 13 team who play the Model School tomorrow in their semi final. Training for 3rd and 4th class boys continues with Mr Sheehy.

Maths Week is proving a great success. Pupils in all classes are busy doing Maths trails while the Problem of the Day is providing a challenge for all. The Problem of the Day may be seen on www.ballybrownns.ie

 

Gach dea ghuí,

 

_________________ 

 

J. Lyons

Principal.

Problem of the Day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Problem of the Day  Monday

 

A toy and a comic cost a total of €5. The toy costs € 4 more than the comic.

 

How much does the comic cost? 
 
 
 

Problem of the Day Tuesday

 

One orange and 2 apples cost 50 c.

 

One apple and 2 oranges cost 40 c.

 

How much does an apple cost?

 

Problem of the Day Wednesday

 

How much are 3 magazines worth if 2 magazines are worth as much as 5 comics, and a comic costs 30 cent?

 

 

 

Problem of the Day Thursday

 

Whenever Mr Lyons has visitors everybody shakes hands with everybody else.

Yesterday, Mrs Green, Mr. Browne and Mr. White arrived to meet him at 3 p.m.

 

How many handshakes were made?

 

Friday, October 7, 2011

School note Oct 6th 2011

6-10-2011.

Dear Parents,

Second Class travelled to Currachase yesterday as part of tree Week activities. A busy morning collecting leaves, acorns etc was greatly enjoyed by all. The highlight was a sighting of a squirrel in the woods.

The Parents Association will be holding their next recycling day on Fri Oct 21st, all old clothes, shoes, bed linen are accepted. Bags will be issued next week.  Any old mobile phones will also be accepted.

Please note that the school will be required as a polling station on Thursday October 27th.  and will be closed to pupils as a result.

Some families have not returned permission slips for school related outings such as Music in the Classroom, Limerick City Sports etc. Please check in case you did not receive a form.

Today, Ms Margaret Walsh visited the school to introduce the 'Pitch for Shane' project, in memory of the late Shane Geoghegan. Shane was a pupil in this school. Margaret delivered bags of clay which will be used to make figures to be displayed along with thousands of others in Limerick City Hall in November. All children from Third to Sixth classes will get an opportunity to make a clay figure.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

_________________

J. Lyons

Principal.

 

 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

School note September 29th. 2011

Dear parents,
                     I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Fr. O Connor has informed me that First Holy Communion for this school will take place on Saturday May 19th.  2012 at 11 a.m. in St Joseph's Church, Ballybrown.
Today, we welcome Fr. Muiris to the school for a Mass for the opening of the school year.
John Clancy of Cycling School Ireland has been conducting cycling safety lessons with Third Class for the past 3 weeks. The lessons have been a great success.
Our school teams are very busy on the playing fields at the moment. Tomorrow, Mrs Mulroe will bring a team from the school to Mary Immaculate College to play in a Football Blitz for fourth Class girls. Last week, Ms Hayes and Ms Keyes were in charge of our team that played in the camogie blitz. A most enjoyable day was had by all. Today, Pat Gavin from Ballybrown GAA begins hurling coaching with Second Class. This has been very successful for the last couple of years.
Thank you to all the families who have paid the Art & Craft/ Photocopying contribution. If you have not paid yet, please drop contributions to the school office.
Mr Dermot Lambe from Limerick County Council will visit the school today as part of our efforts to alleviate the parking problems that arise from time to time. Patrickswell gardaí have also visited the school to observe the difficulties that occur. Safety of pupils is foremost in all our actions in this regard.
The next meeting of the school's Parents Association will take place in the school next Monday October 3rd. at 8.30 p.m.
Gach dea-ghuí,

_______________
J. Lyons
Principal

Thursday, September 22, 2011

School note Sept 22nd 2011

Dear parents,

This week, Tim Toomey and John Looney of Ballybrown Tidy Towns Committee visited the school. They met the Green Schools Committee and presented us with two bird houses, a hedgehog box and a bat box. The school grounds contain many habitats and we are fortunate to be located in such a beautiful rural environment.  Any adults interested in joining a local Wildlife Committee should contact John or Tim.

The school's Under 13 Girls Football team has been busy on the playing front. Last week, Mrs. Mulroe's charges defeated an Mhodh Scoil and yesterday Milford NS were the opponents. The Under 13 boys team, trained by Mr Lordan, has played one game so far this season while Mr Sheehy's 3rd & 4th class team play Lisnagry tomorrow.

Staying on a sporting theme, we would like to wish Ballybrown hurlers the best of luck in the county intermediate hurling final on Sunday.

With the county final in mind, the school's Parents Association is holding a Green and White Colours Day tomorrow Friday. All funds to the Parents Association.  €1 per child.

Clarina Thursday Club will hold a Cake Sale in the School Hall on Sunday September 25th after 11 o'clock Mass.  There will be a 'cup cake' competition for children under 14 years of age.

If you need to meet with any of the teaching staff, please contact the school to make an appointment. If you have concerns about your child, please arrange to meet the class teacher as the first step.

Gach dea-ghuí,

Thursday, September 15, 2011

School note Sept 15th 2011

15-9-2011.
Dear parents,
                    Please note that school will be closed for all pupils on Thursday October 27th. as the school is used as a polling station for the Presidential election on that day.
The final date to avail of Allianz Pupil Personal Insurance is tomorrow Friday September 16th. Monies to Rosemary in the School Office. This scheme is entirely optional.
MPCC Credit Union will return to the school tomorrow and every Friday from now on. This is an ideal opportunity for all children to learn the habit of saving.
                 John Clancy of Cycling Safety Ireland yesterday began a six week module with Third Class. This is an excellent opportunity for all pupils.
                   Well done to the boys who played in the Ard Scoil Rís Hurling Blitz last Saturday morning. A special thanks to Mr Lordan and all the parents who attended and helped out on the day. Today, our Under 13 girls football team will play their first match of the season against An Mhodh Scoil.
Shaw's of the Crescent Shopping Centre have been in touch to say there will be 20% off all stock, including Ballybrown NS uniforms, next Wednesday September 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
                     Have we got your up-to date-contact details? Did you move house or change your mobile number during the summer? It is vital that the school can contact parents quickly in the event of an accident etc. Please notify the school if your contact details have changed. Mobile numbers are needed for the Text a Parent Service.
Gach dea-ghuí,

_________________
J. Lyons
Principal


Thursday, September 8, 2011

School note Spetember 8th 2011

8-9-2011.

Dear parents,

                    The perennial issue of parking and safety is always with us. Parents who are new to the school may not be aware of parking arrangements for morning and afternoon. . There has been some confusion about entrance/ exit procedures.  Please note that traffic enters near Fr O Connor's house and exits near to the school.

 

Safety of pupils is at all times our first concern. I would ask parents not to park or drop off children near the area reserved for buses or the staff car park. Children should not walk through the staff car park. Children using Mc Elligott's or Madigan's buses must enter and exit at the gate near the oil tank. This is to avoid the risk of children walking in front of parked buses or oncoming traffic.

MPCC Credit Union will return to the school on Friday September 16th and every Friday from then on.

The AGM of the school's Parents Association will take place in the school on Monday September 12th. at 8.30 p.m. All parents are welcome.

    I would like to express my gratitude to all the families for their Art & Craft/Photocopying contributions. If you have not yet paid this money, you can give it to Rosemary in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m.

Best of luck to our hurling team who will take part in the Ard Scoil Rís Blitz on Saturday morning.

Allianz Pupil Personal Insurance: Should you decide to avail of this insurance, please hand monies to the School Office by Friday September 16th.

Yours,

 

______________

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

Thursday, June 16, 2011

School note June 16th 2011

16-6-2011
Dear Parents,

Rags & Phone Day in aid of the Parents Association will take place tomorrow Friday June 17th, bags can be brought to the Halla up to 10am on Friday. You can use the bags already provided earlier in the week, or if you wish to drop off more than one bag you can also use standard refuse bags.  Please note any unwanted clothes, shoes, bed linen, towels etc can be included in the bags.
Also mentioned previously new school jumpers will be available to purchase from Shaws Dept Store from July 1st.  If you wish to purchase jumpers with the old crest at the reduced price of €15 there are a small number still available for further information please contact Cora Harty at 087 4185586.

Report Cards: Please give a stamped addressed envelope to your child's teacher at your earliest convenience. One envelope per child, please.
Standardised Tests: All pupils from First to Sixth have done the Drumcondra Reading Test in English  and Sigms T in Maths.  Results of these tests will be included in your child's report for all classes who did the test. An explanatory note on interpreting results will be included also.
School Sports: The Annual School Sports will take place on Wednesday June 22nd.. weather permitting.
School will close at 2 p.m. for all pupils on Friday June 24th as the Graduation Mass and launch of school magazine will take place at 2.30 p.m.
Booklists are on the back of today's note. They will also be sent to O Mahony's Bookshop if you wish to order online from them.
Our Lost Property section is growing. Please ensure your child's name is on all items of clothing.
Gach dea-ghuí,

__________________ 
J. Lyons
Principal

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

School note June 1st 2011

1-6-2011.
Dear parents.
                 I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Tomorrow, Thursday June 2nd. sees the unveiling of our first Green Flag which was earned following a concerted effort to reduce our litter output and save energy. Much work has gone into this over the course of the last two years. Mr Richard Butler, Chairman of Limerick County Council, who are responsible for Green Flag and related environmental issues, will be among the guests. Parents are most welcome to attend the ceremony but with 250 children, 20 adult staff and also guests including Board of Management, Parents' Association and others, it will be standing room only.
Heartiest congratulations to the Green School Committee members and coordinators Mrs Hodgins and Ms Mc Carthy. Starting time 1 p.m.
             There will be a Colours Day on Friday June 3rd in aid of the Parents Association. Pupils are asked to wear Green on the day. €1 per child is requested.
In keeping with the Green theme, Eco Environmental will run a Recycling Day on Friday June 17th.  They accept all types of clothes, bed linen, shoes etc., and recycling bags will be issued on Monday the 13th  
       Reminder:  School will close on Friday June 3rd. at 3 p.m. and reopen on Monday June 13th.
Gach dea-ghuí,

____________
J. Lyons
Principal

Friday, May 27, 2011

School note May 27th 2011

27-5-2011.
Dear parents,
                     I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Yesterday all classes in the school went on school tour. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. . As usual, staffs in the various venues were most complimentary about the behaviour of our pupils Thanks to all the teachers and Special Needs Assistants who had a long and busy day.
               Next Thursday June 2nd will see the official raising of our long-awaited Green Flag. A lot of hard work has gone into earning the Green Flag so we look forward to a great day.
           School Uniform: Please see the note re Uniforms on the reverse of this note.
The school's Parents Association is having a Colours Day on Friday next June 3rd. €1 per child is suggested. In keeping with the green theme, and as Limerick are playing on the following two weekends, I would suggest a Green Colours Day.
                Parents are reminded that school will be closed for the week June 7th -10th inclusive.
              Conratulations to Ruth Hannon, First Class, who won the GR8 Saver competition run by MPCC Credit Union.

Gach dea-ghuí,

_______________
J. Lyons
Principal.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

School note May 19th 2011

Dear parents,
I wish to bring the following to your attention:
Last Saturday saw 32 Second Class pupils receive their First Holy Communion. Everything went off without a hitch. Well done to all concerned. A special word of thanks for the girls and boys who sang in the Choir. Their presence on the day was really appreciated. Thanks also to the ladies of the Parents Association who provided tea and coffee for families afterwards. As we have come to expect, the ceremony itself went without a hitch. Míle buíochas do Mrs Dillon and Ms Mc Carthy.
The next meeting of the Parents Association will take place on Monday next May 23rd at 8.30 p.m. in the Halla.
All classes will be on school tour next Thursday May 26th.All teachers will be accompanying classes so school will not be open to receive pupils.
Preparations are well underway for the raising of the school's first Green Flag. Final details will be confirmed in next week's note.
Well done to Alan Gavin who has been chosen on Limerick City schools hurling panel for the Mackey Cup in the Gaelic Grounds today and to Caileigh O Reilly and Shannon Gillane who played for the Limerick City camogie team in the Eithne Neville Cup on Monday.
Gach dea-ghuí

_______________
J. Lyons
Ptincipal

Sunday, May 15, 2011

School note May 12th, 2011

Dear parents,
                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.
First Holy Communion will take place in St Joseph's Church next Saturday May 14th. at 11 a.m. Final preparations are under way.
Congratulations to James Corneille, Sixth Class, who designed the winning poster in the Green Schools Anti-Litter competition. James' poster, with the slogan 'Park Your Car, Not Your Litter' has been used as the basis for 2 permanent signs which may be seen in the Car Park in front of the school.
Almost fifty boys and girls from Ballybrown National School took part in the Limerick City primary School Sports at the University of Limerick yesterday. A great day was enjoyed by all. A special word of thanks to Ms Fitzgerald and Ms O Dea who accompanied the teams and to Maura O Connor who volunteered to act as a steward for the day.
Ballybrown Junior Church Choir has asked me to inform all members that there will be no choir rehearsal on next Wednesday May 18th. Rehearsals resume on Wednesday May 25th.
Ballybrown/ Clarina Community Games wish to announce that their
 annual Sports Day will take place on Sunday 22nd May 2011 starting at 2pm. Events will include sprints and longer races for all age groups from U5 to U16 and there will also be a long puck, high jump, ball throw and more. All are welcome.

Yours,

_______________
J. Lyons
Principal

Thursday, May 5, 2011

School note May 5th 2011

Dear parents,
Word reached the school this week that Ballybrown NS has been awarded its first Green Flag. This is the culmination of 18 months hard work by everybody, children, teachers, ancillary staff and the entire school community. The amount of work that went into this was quite staggering while there was also great emphasis on recording and monitoring all the initiatives that were involved. Mrs Hodgins, who co-ordinated the Green School initiative, and Ms Mc Carthy deserve special mention as do all the children who served on the Green School Committee. The Green Flag will be presented at a special ceremony in Thomond Park on May 20th.  while plans are already in train for the raising of the Green Flag here in the school before the end of the school year.
During the Easter break, the alarm system in the school was extended to cover the entire building. The heating system received a major overhaul while work was carried out to bring our electrical system in line with current standards.
Limerick City Sports take place in UL next Wednesday May 11th. Weather has hampered our trials this week but all trials will be completed by tomorrow.
Our own School Sports will take place on Wednesday June 22nd., weather permitting.
School tours for all classes take place on Thursday May 26th. All details are on the back of this page and on the school website. All monies to be in by May 20th.
School will close for midterm break from Tuesday June 7th to Friday June 11th. inclusive.
Graduation for Sixth Class will take place on Friday June 24th.
A very limited number of vacancies exists for Junior Infants class in September 2011. All enquiries to the school as soon as possible.
Gach dea-ghui,

______________
J. Lyons
Principal

Thursday, April 14, 2011

School note April 14th 2011

14-4-2011

Dear parents,
I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Well done to Ms Day's Class who were Highly Commended at the Limerick Primary Schools Drama Festival this week. The class performed 'Wife Swap' on Monday in Our Lady of Lourdes School in Rosbrien and the production came in for favourable comment from the adjudicators. Well done to the entire cast and Ms Day. You did the school proud.
The Under 13 hurling team has been playing in the Limerick City Leagues and the Under 13 camogie team plays its first match of the season v St Paul's today. Special thanks to Mr Lordan, Ms Hayes and Ms Keyes for putting so much time and effort into coaching the teams.
Gardai from Patrickswell Station visited the school yesterday evening on foot of a request from the Board of Management who are very concerned about safety of pupils at school opening and closing times. Safety of pupils is our only concern. Co-operation is essential from all drivers. Disabled parking areas, yellow boxes etc are being ignored by a minority of drivers.
Please note that school will close for the Easter break tomorrow Friday April 15th. at 12.30 p.m. and will reopen on Tuesday  May 3rd .
Gach dea-ghuí,

_________________ 
J. Lyons
Principal


Monday, April 4, 2011

School note March 31st 2011


Dear parents,
                 I wish to bring the following to your attention.
The local Tidy Towns Committee presented the school with three Mountain Ash trees in support of our Green School efforts. Tim Toomey visited the school and assisted the members of the Green Schools Committee with the tree planting ceremony.

Wassa Wassa African Drums company visited the school last Thursday to conduct drumming workshops with all classes from Junior Infants to Sixth. It was a wonderful experience enjoyed by all.

Evelyn Adams and Captain Hugh Conlon from Shannon Foynes Port Company were very welcome visitors to Fifth Class when they dropped in to present prizes to the winners of the essay competition run in conjunction with the class's visit to Foynes. Captain Conlon was most impressed with the high standard. The results of the essay competition were 1st: Mairead Hannon. 2nd. Kevin Leahy & 3rd. April O Neill.

The name of Kate Healy, Third Class, was inadvertently omitted from the list of prizewinners in the Community Games Art and Handwriting competitions last week.  Kate won Third prize in the Girls competition. Well done Kate.

Gach dea-ghuí,

_________________
J.Lyons
Principal

Thursday, March 24, 2011

School note March 24th 2011

Dear parents,
                 I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Third Class enjoyed a bus tour of Historic Limerick this week, courtesy of Red Viking tours. It was a most enjoyable experience and we are indebted to Mike Mc Elligott  and his team at Carrig Coaches who organised the event at no charge to the school.
Mary Corby has been in touch to notify us of results of the Community Games Art and Handwriting competitions. Roisín Musgrave, Second Class, won first prize in Handwriting (Girls Section) while Ethan Keyes and Aidan O Connor came second and fourth respectively in the Boys Section.
Cliodhna Hall won fourth prize in the Girls Under 10 Art competition while Harry Hannan  achieved second  place in the boys under 12 section. Well done to all involved. Róisín will now be invited to take part in the All-Ireland final in Athlone.
Martine Dooley asks if children would bring daffodils to school on Friday morning March 25th to help in her fundraising for Daffodil Day. Martine will collect them before school on the day. This is a most worthy cause.
The camogie season starts this Friday with a Fifth Class indoor blitz in Old Christians, Rathbane.
Parents intending to avail of School transport in September 2011 are reminded to return forms to School Transport office, Colbert Station before March 31st.
Our thoughts this week are with the Arrigan family, Clounanna on the death last Friday of  P.J., father of Hannah in Junior Infants and husband of Deirdre.  Go ndéana Dia trocaire ar a anam.
Gach dea-ghuí,

__________________
J. Lyons
Principal

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

School note March 16th 2011

16-3-2011

 

Dear Parents,

I wish to bring the following to your attention.

School will be closed tomorrow Thursday and also on Friday 18th.

Parents who wish to avail of school transport in the school year beginning  September 2011 are required to apply to the School Transport Office, Colbert Station  before March 31st. Forms are available from the school, from www.education.ie  and from www.buseireann.ie .Please do not return forms to the school.

Well done to the girls from 3rd. and 4th. classes who took part in a Girls Football Blitz last Friday in Mary Immaculate College.

Congratulations to Aoife Quinn, Sixth Class, who won the First Prize of a scooter in the Limerick Racecourse Colouring Competition.

Recently, Fifth Class enjoyed a visit to the Harbour in Foynes and received a tour of the Harbour Office and a trip through the Dock area. The Shannon Foynes Port Company invited the children to enter an essay competition called 'Energy: How is Foynes Useful?' The winning entries were announced yesterday. First Place: Mairead Hannon, Second Place: Kevin Leahy. Third Place: April O Neill. Well done to all and a special Thank You to Evelyn Adams who co-ordinated the visit.

I would like to remind parents that it is essential to contact the school if your child is absent, stating the reason. The school has a statutory obligation to inform the National Education Welfare Board when a child has been absent for 20 days in a school year, stating the reasons for the absences. Returns are made at the end of every quarter.

A meeting of the Parents Association will take place on Monday week March 21st. at 8.30 p.m. in the school.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

________________

J. Lyons

Principal

 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

School note March 10th 2011

Dear parents,

I wish to bring the following to your attention.
All classes have now received details of forthcoming school tours scheduled for Thursday May 26th. The details have also been posted on the school website www.ballybrownns.ie
Artist Leonora O Sullivan has finished her spell in the school. She worked with all classes and covered several areas of the Art curriculum including Fabric and Fibre, Clay, Painting and Construction. It was a very enjoyable experience for the children. The work was on display in the Halla yesterday from 2 to 4 p.m. and the reaction was extremely positive.
School will be closed next Thursday  and Friday March 17th and 18th.
Well done to Caoimhe Browne and Cathal Locke in Sixth Class who represented Dooneen AC in an international athletics meeting in Glasgow last weekend with great success.
Sixth Class girls had their first basketball fixture of the season yesterday when they played Limerick East Educate Together NS here in Ballybrown.
Tomorrow, a team of girls from Third and Fourth Classes will play in a Girls Football blitz in Mary I. Ms Fitzgerald will look after the team.
A meeting of the Parents Association will take place on Monday week March 21st. at 8.30 p.m.
Now that the weather is improving, children are likely to take off their fleeces and jackets when playing. Please ensure your child's name is on every garment.  Our Lost property section will be swelling with every week that passes.

Gach dea-ghui,

__________________
J. Lyons
Principal

Monday, March 7, 2011

Art Exhibition in School

Artist Leonora O Sullivan has been working with every class in the school. A display of children's work will take place in the Halla on Wednesday March 9th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
We are grateful to the Parents Association who sponsored this project
All are welcome

Friday, March 4, 2011

School note March 3rd 2011

Dear parents,.
It has been brought to my attention that the parking situation is unsatisfactory at the moment. Some parents are parking in the Disabled Parking area and in the Staff parking area.  If parents park in the Staff parking area, those children then have to walk through an area where cars are entering and exiting. This is obviously dangerous and I appeal to drivers to be aware of this. The reasons why the Disabled Parking area must be kept clear are self-evident and require no explanation.
The Parents' Association has tried stewarding the Car Park but has met with limited success through no fault of their own.  The Chairman of the Board of Management has written to the Superintendent at Roxboro Garda station for advice. As I have stated repeatedly, my only concern is the safety of children.

Congratulations to Shannon Gillane and Amy Neville Day from Sixth Class who played on the Limerick City girls Football team that won the Larkin Shield under lights at the Gaelic Grounds last night. Congratulations also to their teacher Sinead Fitzgerald who was a selector with the team.
All school tours will take place on Thursday May 26th.  All classes will receive details next week.
Community Games News: Registration for Community Games Cross Country is March 7th. Please text Damien 0860504083 if you are interested. Events are U9 300m (county), U11 600m (county), U12 mixed distance relay 400m/600m, U13 1200m U14 relay 600m/800m, U17 1000m (county).
  The Ballybrown/Clarina Community Council are holding a fund raising night for the Community Resource Centre at the Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 19th March at 7:30 pm. Tickets are €10 each and a great night is guaranteed. Children are free. This includes door prizes of 2 Mini Laptops and lots of other spot prizes.  Please purchase tickets from a committee rep. as funds go directly to Community Resource Centre Fund. The committee welcome sponsorship for races. Contact Ann  0872122842 or Mary 087 6330673.

Gach dea-ghuí,


_____________________ 
J. Lyons
Principal