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