Sunday, January 30, 2011

School note January 27th 2011

Dear parents,
Last Friday, pupils from First to Sixth Classes attended Music in the Classroom in the Concert Hall. As usual, it was a great success and the reaction of children and teachers was extremely positive. Thanks to the teachers for preparing the children so that they were able to participate fully.
This week, Clan Cluana Theatre Company visited the school and staged a production of the story of Cuchulainn for children from 2nd to 6th classes.
Catholic Schools Week begins next Monday. There will be a range of activities throughout the school to mark Lá le Bríde (St Bridget's Day) on Tuesday and Grandparents' Day on Wednesday..
The deadline to place your child's name on the list of Applicants for Enrolment in Junior Infants in September 2011 is 3 p.m. tomorrow Friday 28th January.
Well done to the Ballybrown NS team who took part in the Community Games Quiz last Saturday and qualified for the County Final. The team consisted of Cian O Dea, Michael Kelly, Caoimhe Mooney and Cian Griffin.
I wish to remind parents that it is necessary to contact the school if your child is absent from school. A note to the Class teacher or a phone call to the office will suffice. As Principal, I am obliged to inform the National Education Welfare Board of any child who is absent from school for 20 days in a school year.
If any parent wishes to meet a teacher, it is essential that you make an appointment. This allows the teacher to give you his/her full attention and to minimise disruption for the rest of the class. Your co-operation in this matter is appreciated.
The next meeting of the school's Parents' Association will take place on Thursday February 3rd at 8.30 p.m.
Gach dea-ghuí,

____________________ 
J. Lyons
Principal

Monday, January 24, 2011

School note January 20th 2011

Dear parents,
I wish to bring the following to your attention.
All pupils from First to Sixth Class will attend Music in the Classroom tomorrow in the Concert Hall at UL.
As traffic is very heavy at the moment due to poor weather conditions etc., I appeal to all pupils to try to be at school by 9.10 a.m. so that buses can depart at 9.15 a.m. The children have been practising the songs for the performance and it promises to be a great occasion. At €12 per child, the school has no profit margin as this  barely covers the cost of the performance and the transport.  All classes will be accompanied by their teacher.
Clan Cluana Theatre Company will visit the school on Tuesday next January 25th to stage a performance of  the story of Cuchulainn for pupils from Second to Sixth Class inclusive . Cost is €3 per child.
In last week's note, I explained how the school is conscious of financial demands made on families at the moment. Having spoken with the Parents' Association, it   was decided to ballot all families in the school on preference for school tours. A polling form has been issued to every family today. Please return the form to the school by 3 p.m. on Monday January 24th.
The closing date for application for enrolment in the Junior Infant class for September 2011 is 3 p.m.  on Friday January 28th.
Since we returned after Christmas holidays,  I have noticed a variety of  pants with multicoloured logos and stripes being worn. These are not part of the uniform and should not be worn to school. Plain blue pants/ tracksuit pants please.
Best wishes to the quiz teams representing the school in the Community Games on Sunday next. The quiz will now start at 1.30 p.m.
Gach dea-ghuí
_______________
J. Lyons
Principal

Thursday, January 13, 2011

School note January 13th 2011

Dear parents,
I wish to bring the following to your attention.
Music in the Classroom takes place next Friday January 21st in the University Concert Hall. All pupils form First to Sixth Classes will attend this excellent event. Buses will depart at 9.15 a.m. sharp. Monies to be paid to your child's teacher.  The cost including bus, concert etc is €12 per child.
.School will close at 12.30 p.m. tomorrow Friday January 14th to facilitate a teachers' meeting.
First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday May 14th  at 11a.m. in Ballybrown Church.
The school is now taking applications for enrolment in Junior Infants in September 2011. If you have not received an application form, please contact the school. Closing date for applications is Friday January 28th at 3 p.m.
We in the school are acutely aware of the difficult financial situation facing many parents and the changed circumstances that prevail compared to a few years ago. One of the biggest expense facing parents is the annual school tour, especially if there are a number of children in the family. Having consulted with the Parents Association, the school will issue a ballot paper next week to all parents seeking their opinion on whether to hold tours annually or biennially i.e.. every second year 2012, 2014 etc 
Ballybrown Camogie club has asked me to inform you that unwanted clothes, bedlinen etc may be dropped at the clubhouse on Sunday January 23rd as part of their fundraising drive. Mobile phones will be accepted separately. Further information from Marion  Mulqueen.
During the cold snap in late December, the school suffered extensive water damage due to burst pipes. I would like to thank Mike Mc Gregor of Clarina Construction for his speedy response on December 27th. Also our caretaker Frank whose vigilance averted more serious damage.

Gach dea-ghuí,
 __________________ 
J. Lyons
Principal