Tuesday, September 30, 2014

GAA matches this week

Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh matches this week

 

Wednesday October 1st.

 

Girls football v Gaelscoil an Ráithín in Mungret at 1 p.m. Leave school at 12.40 p.m.

 

Under 13 boys football v St Patrick’s BNS in St Patrick’s GAA club in Rhebogue at 1.45 p.m. Leave school at 1.15 p.m.

 

 

Thursday October 2nd:

 

Under 11 boys football v Our Lady Queen of Peace NS in Old Christians GAA club, Rathbane at 1.30 p.m. Leave school at 1.10 p.m.

 

 

Friday October 3rd.

 

Under 11 boys football v Patrickswell NS in School field, Ballybrown at 2 p.m.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Report on Numeracy work undertaken as part of our School Improvement Plan

Sept.'14-Numeracy Report: End of Year 2 of our 3 Year Numeracy Strategy

 

At the end of Year 1 we prioritised the following : Problem Solving, Tables and Mental Maths, development of a maths-rich environment, implementation of a paired maths game project, review of Drumcondra Test of Early Numeracy, supplementary maths programmes, provision of maths websites to parents.

 

·    Standardised Testing Results: At the end of Year 1 the school average percentage correct score for Solving Word Problems was 52%. At the end of Year 2 this has risen to 56%. This means we have already achieved our 3 year target in our School Improvement Plan. In fact, the average score  in each skill area and each strand area has increased. The largest gain was in the strand area of Data. This rose by 6% to 67%. The smallest gain was in the Strand area of Measure which rose by 2% to 62%.

 

· A dedicated Dropbox Numeracy folder was set up. Ms. Hayes attended all relevant Numeracy meetings and seminars. All ideas and resources were shared in the Dropbox folder.

 

·       Tables and Mental Maths: We introduced the Ballard Westwood Timed Tables test in classes from 1st -6th. A  successful 'Table Toppers' competition was organised from 1st -6th class. All teachers used the first ten minutes of each Maths lesson for Tables and Mental Maths work. Numero was played from 2nd-6th and a 'Numero' league was organised. New Software ('Flying High' and 'The Great Maths Challenge') was purchased and is in use in classrooms and L.S rooms.

 

·   'Mata sa Ranga' :Both Mr. Sheehy and Ms. Day were trained in this. Great use was made of the methodologies and resources in their classes.

 

·   'Mata le Chéile' a paired maths game project for Senior Infants and their parents was used in the last term. This drew many positive comments from parents and the children greatly enjoyed it.

 

·   The school took part in lots of Maths week activities last October. One of the highlights was the daily problem from Mr. Lyons.

 

·   The full version of 'Manga High'( an online games based Maths project) was available during Maths week. An account for all  children from 3rd -6th class was created. A limited free version was available after Maths Week and some children continued to use it.

 

·   Khan Academy was used by some of the Senior classes to great success.

 

·   The Junior Infant teachers successfully ran a Maths games station teaching initiative with some of the Learning Support teachers.

·   The Junior infant teachers adopted a more concrete, hands on approach to the teaching of Maths. This is based on the 'Ready, Set, Go, Maths 'programme.

 

·   Posters showing the agreed Problem Solving strategy to be used and also the RUDE strategy were created and displayed in each classroom.

 

·   'Brainsnack' problem solving cards continued to be used in classes from 3rd-6th

 

·   Senior classes took part in 'Mathletes'-the world wide challenge for 5th and 6th classes. One of our 6th class girls made it to the final 500 in Munster. The school achieved a reward for its high scores.

 

·   Teachers supplied a list of suitable websites for use by parents at home to support their children. This is to be found on the school website.

 

·   4th Class also trialled a Station teaching model involving the class teacher and two L.S teachers. An emphasis was placed on problem solving and mental maths/tables. This was very much enjoyed by both children and adults. It has been extended to 3rd class this year.

 

·   The Drumcondra Test of Early Numeracy was reviewed by the Senior Infant Teacher and L.S teacher. It was decided to use it again. Children were picked up for Learning Support in 1st class based on its results and teacher observation.

 

·   A particular week was dedicated to Maths displays and these were created for the school corridors.

 

 

 

 

Literacy report for the school community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Joseph's N.S.

Ballybrown

Clarina

Co-Limerick

19272O

 

 

 

 

 

 

School self-evaluation summary report for school community

 

 

 

 

Evaluation period: June 2013 to June 2014

 

Report issue date: September 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary School Self-Evaluation Report

 

 

1. Introduction

Our school has its own context.  There are 15 teachers and 271 pupils in the school.  We have a number of programmes operating in the school including Shared Reading, Peer Tutoring, Buddy Reading and also Early Intervention for Infants. Our attendance levels are excellent. Our pupils' behaviour is excellent .For more information on how we intend to improve our pupils' learning, please see our website / newsletter. 

 

1.1        The focus of the evaluation

 

We undertook a school self-evaluation of teaching and learning during the year. We evaluated Literacy.  We chose this because we felt that our pupils could improve their learning outcomes in this area. 

 

This report summarises the strengths that were identified and the areas that have been prioritised for improvement.

 

2. Summary of school self-evaluation findings

 

We collected information from parents, pupils and teachers in preparing this report.  We looked at how well our pupils were doing in Literacy. We also looked at our Standardised \test results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1 We found that our school has strengths in the following areas:

 

Strengths

.

·      49.8% of pupils are performing above the national  average compared with 25% nationally.

·      The school's average score in the Drumcondra Primary Reading Test is 110.4 which is well ahead  of the national average of 100.

·      76% of Infants liked reading.72% of pupils surveyed in the middle classes liked reading while 74% of the senior pupils did so.

·      89% of parents surveyed reported that their children enjoyed reading and 94% thought their children were succeeding at reading. 62% said their children enjoyed writing stories and 77% enjoyed learning spellings.

·      Teachers report that they use a variety of teaching approaches in the teaching of Literacy.

·      Early Intervention to support children with difficulties is in place.

·      There is a library of reading books in each classroom.

·      Shared Reading is used from Junior Infants to 2nd class.

·      A Peer Tutoring reading project takes place in 3rd class.

·      Buddy reading takes place in 1st and 6th classes.

 

 

We know these are our strengths because of the information yielded from surveys of parents teachers, children and also from test results.

 

 

 

2.2 We have decided to prioritise the following areas for development:

  

 

Areas for development

·      Comprehension

·      Oral Language Development

·      Writing

 

 

 

 

 

School note September 26th 2014

26-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                     Yesterday, we had our first Assembly of the school year. The two Junior Infant classes performed some of the rhymes and poems they have learnt since starting school. All the children have settled in extremely well and I am sure they will enjoy school life to the full over the next eight years.

                In the course of this, our first assembly of the school year, we also reminded the children of the importance of a good diet. Parents have the most influential role to play in this. Your ongoing co-operation is appreciated. I am grateful to Fiona Treacy of the HSE who provided me with the following link. I urge all parents to check this out. This will be useful in terms of lunch boxes with some very good posters giving information on calories for bars, crisps etc – see link

http://www.safefood.eu/Childhood-Obesity/Lets-Say-No/How-Many-Calories-In.aspx

 

                    Please check your child's Homework Diary every night, Monday to Thursday. It is a good idea to sign the Homework Diary and check that homework is being done properly.

           The school has been engaged in putting in place many initiatives in Literacy & Numeracy over the course of the last two years. The results have been exceptional. Any parent who attended the AGM of the Parents' Association on Monday will have been fully informed of all these matters. It is intended to put a summary of these reports on the school website in the next week.

                        Well done to Rory Murphy, Second class, who won First prize in the essay competition, 'My Favourite Cake' run by Ballybrown Community Council. Congratulations also to runner-up Sarah Jane Mulqueen.

Gach dea –ghuí,

____________

J. Lyons

Principal

School note September 26th.2014

26-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                     Yesterday, we had our first Assembly of the school year. The two Junior Infant classes performed some of the rhymes and poems they have learnt since starting school. All the children have settled in extremely well and I am sure they will enjoy school life to the full over the next eight years.

                In the course of this, our first assembly of the school year, we also reminded the children of the importance of a good diet. Parents have the most influential role to play in this. Your ongoing co-operation is appreciated. I am grateful to Fiona Treacy of the HSE who provided me with the following link. I urge all parents to check this out. This will be useful in terms of lunch boxes with some very good posters giving information on calories for bars, crisps etc – see link

http://www.safefood.eu/Childhood-Obesity/Lets-Say-No/How-Many-Calories-In.aspx

 

                    Please check your child's Homework Diary every night, Monday to Thursday. It is a good idea to sign the Homework Diary and check that homework is being done properly.

           The school has been engaged in putting in place many initiatives in Literacy & Numeracy over the course of the last two years. The results have been exceptional. Any parent who attended the AGM of the Parents' Association on Monday will have been fully informed of all these matters. It is intended to put a summary of these reports on the school website in the next week.

                        Well done to Rory Murphy, Second class, who won First prize in the essay competition, 'My Favourite Cake' run by Ballybrown Community Council. Congratulations also to runner-up Sarah Jane Mulqueen.

Gach dea –ghuí,

____________

J. Lyons

Principal

Thursday, September 18, 2014

School note September 18th. 2014

18-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                     I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                    Parking: Parking is a constant problem. There are now six buses or mini buses servicing the school. All the area to the left of the main gate as one enters the school is now designated Bus Parking only, apart from one disabled spot. Parents must not park there. The area to the right of the school gate is Staff Parking only. Parents are requested to use the Resource Centre carpark and the Church carpark.

                 Lost and found: We are already halfway through September and our Lost Property section is growing. Please ensure there are tags on all items of clothing.

               Homework: Please check your child's Homework Diary every night, Monday to Thursday. It is a good idea to sign the Homework Diary and check that homework is being done properly.

               MPCC Credit Union returns to school tomorrow Friday September 19th.

               C losing date for Allianz Pupil Insurance is tomorrow, Friday Sept.19th.  

               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 Rosemarie in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m. €35 per child or €60 per family.

             Community Council: The Community Council will hold a Cake Sale after 10 a.m. Mass on   Sunday September 21st. The winner of the essay competition on 'My Favourite Cake' will be  announced at the Cake Sale.        

                    Parents Association:  The AGM of the school's Parents' Association will take place on Monday September 22nd. at 8.30 p.m.  in the school. All parents are welcome to attend.

                  Ladybirds: Joint registration night for Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides will be on Thursday 18th September at 7.30 p.m. in the School Halla.

              Cub scouts: We are delighted to announce we have resumed after a three year break and are open to new members. Boys and girls aged 9-11 looking to join are

invited to attend the meetings at the resource centre from 7.30-8.30pm on Monday nights. Please text queries to 0860316244 or email clarinacubs@gmail.com

 

Gach dea ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

School note September 18th.

18-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                     I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                    Parking: Parking is a constant problem. There are now six buses or mini buses servicing the school. All the area to the left of the main gate as one enters the school is now designated Bus Parking only, apart from one disabled spot. Parents must not park there. The area to the right of the school gate is Staff Parking only. Parents are requested to use the Resource Centre carpark and the Church carpark.

                 Lost and found: We are already halfway through September and our Lost Property section is growing. Please ensure there are tags on all items of clothing.

               Homework: Please check your child's Homework Diary every night, Monday to Thursday. It is a good idea to sign the Homework Diary and check that homework is being done properly.

               MPCC Credit Union returns to school tomorrow Friday September 19th.

               C losing date for Allianz Pupil Insurance is tomorrow, Friday Sept.19th.  

               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 Rosemarie in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m. €35 per child or €60 per family.

             Community Council: The Community Council will hold a Cake Sale after 10 a.m. Mass on   Sunday September 21st. The winner of the essay competition on 'My Favourite Cake' will be  announced at the Cake Sale.        

                    Parents Association:  The AGM of the school's Parents' Association will take place on Monday September 22nd. at 8.30 p.m.  in the school. All parents are welcome to attend.

                  Ladybirds: Joint registration night for Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides will be on Thursday 18th September at 7.30 p.m. in the School Halla.

              Cub scouts: We are delighted to announce we have resumed after a three year break and are open to new members. Boys and girls aged 9-11 looking to join are

invited to attend the meetings at the resource centre from 7.30-8.30pm on Monday nights. Please text queries to 0860316244 or email clarinacubs@gmail.com

 

Gach dea ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

Friday, September 12, 2014

Healthy Living for children

Way to Go Kids! 

 

 

Healthy Body Happy Body!

The Way to Go Kids is a fun programme supporting and encouraging kids  (ages 9 -12 yrs) to live healthy lives every day by eating healthy foods and being active to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight and healthy body.

 

The course will be facilitated by Senior Dietitians and qualified Sports Officers

Programme starts on September 17th (runs every Wednesday for 9 weeks)

Venue: Mungret St Pauls GAA Club

Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Cost: €20 per child

As this is a family based programme a parent/guardian is expected to attend all sessions and participate in classes.

 

If you are interested to find out more about Way to Go Kids and see if your child is eligible for this programme please contact: Sinead on 061 483437 or Maria on 069 61412

 

 

This is a joint initiative by HSE Health Promotion and Community Dietetics, Limerick Local Sports Partnership, Get BaCk Challenge and Mungret St Pauls GAA club                       

 

 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

School note September 11th.

 

 

 

 

 

11-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                     Children in Junior Infants will attend for the full infant day from Monday September 15th. Parents collect them from the Senior Yard at 2 p.m. Prompt collection is vital as children may become anxious if not collected on time.

                   Yesterday, the boys and girls in Third Class began classes in Cycling Safety with Mr. John Clancy of Cycling Safety Ireland.

                    Tomorrow, Friday, the Fifth and Sixth Class pupils will begin a ten- week ICT course in the Resource Centre run by a company called Whizzkids. The Resource Centre is a great asset to the school and we appreciate the co- operation of the staff.

                               All families today received forms for Allianz Pupil Personal Insurance. There are two types: school day cover (€6) or all-year-round (€9). This is entirely voluntary but has proven very popular with parents in the past. Should you decide to avail of this insurance, please hand monies to the School Office by Friday September 19th.

                         Next week, the Cumann na mBunscol football season begins. This school will enter teams in boys and girls football. We are lucky to have so many teachers who give generously of their time and expertise.

                              MPCC Credit Union returns to the school on Friday September 19th.

                            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 Rosemarie in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m. €35 per child or €60 per family.

                        Please ensure that the school has up to date contact details for phone, Text a Parent and e mail.

                      If your child is absent, please fill in an Absence note to be given to the class teacher on your child's return to school.

            Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie for relevant information.

                    Parents Association:  The AGM of the school's Parents' Association will take place on Monday September 22nd. at 8.30 p.m.  in the school. All parents are welcome to attend.

                  Ladybirds: Joint registration night for Laybirds, Brownies and Guides will be on Thursday 18th September at 7.30 p.m. in the School Halla. Limited places available in Brownies and Guides ONLY. If you are not there on the 18th we will assume you are not coming and your place will not be kept.

              Zumba: Zumba classes take place in the Resource Centre on Thursdays at 9.15 p.m.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

School note September 11th.

11-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                     Children in Junior Infants will attend for the full infant day from Monday September 15th. Parents collect them from the Senior Yard at 2 p.m. Prompt collection is vital as children may become anxious if not collected on time.

                   Yesterday, the boys and girls in Third Class began classes in Cycling Safety with Mr. John Clancy of Cycling Safety Ireland.

                    Tomorrow, Friday, the Fifth and Sixth Class pupils will begin a ten- week ICT course in the Resource Centre run by a company called Whizzkids. The Resource Centre is a great asset to the school and we appreciate the co- operation of the staff.

                               All families today received forms for Allianz Pupil Personal Insurance. There are two types: school day cover (€6) or all-year-round (€9). This is entirely voluntary but has proven very popular with parents in the past. Should you decide to avail of this insurance, please hand monies to the School Office by Friday September 19th.

                         Next week, the Cumann na mBunscol football season begins. This school will enter teams in boys and girls football. We are lucky to have so many teachers who give generously of their time and expertise.

                              MPCC Credit Union returns to the school on Friday September 19th.

                            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 Rosemarie in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m. €35 per child or €60 per family.

                        Please ensure that the school has up to date contact details for phone, Text a Parent and e mail.

                      If your child is absent, please fill in an Absence note to be given to the class teacher on your child's return to school.

            Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie for relevant information.

                    Parents Association:  The AGM of the school's Parents' Association will take place on Monday September 22nd. at 8.30 p.m.  in the school. All parents are welcome to attend.

                  Ladybirds: Joint registration night for Ladybirds, Brownies and Guides will be on Thursday 18th September at 7.30 p.m. in the School Halla. Limited places available in Brownies and Guides ONLY. If you are not there on the 18th we will assume you are not coming and your place will not be kept.

              Zumba: Zumba classes take place in the Resource Centre on Thursdays at 9.15 p.m.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

____________

J. Lyons

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

School note September 4th. 2014

4-9-2014.

Dear parents,

                   The new school year is in full swing. Please note the following.

                   All children will attend Mass for the start of the new school year tomorrow morning, Friday September 5th.,  in Ballybrown Church at 9.30 a.m.

                    Children are supervised from 9 a.m. each morning. The school cannot be responsible for pupils arriving at school before 9 a.m.

                Homework: Start as you mean to continue. Check your child's homework diary every night. Only sign off on homework if you are happy it has been completed satisfactorily.

               Healthy Eating: The merits of a Healthy eating policy are self evident. Fruit, sandwich and water or milk are all a child needs. No fizzy drinks, 'health bars,'  chocolate  or sweets.

                              The Cumann na mBunscol Gaelic Football season will start shortly. All children, boys and girls, are required to wear a mouthguard /gumshield when playing Gaelic Football. This applies to all training sessions also. Children without a mouthguard will not be allowed to play or train. This is a legal requirement and Allianz, the school insurers have stated that the wearing of gumshields is compulsory.                                                               

                      Parking: I would appreciate if parents used the Resource Centre and Church grounds car parks. Children should not walk through the staff car park. They should enter via the gate nearest to the Resource Centre. Safety of children is paramount.  Please do not park in Staff parking areas or in Bus berths.

                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 Rosemarie in the school office any day between 9a.m. and 2p.m. €35 per child or €60 per family.

                   Website: All information relating to the school, school calendar, booklists, etc  is on the website www.balllybrownns.ie

 

                   Comhaltas: Classes in traditional music resume shortly. Registration tonight for children of all ages in the Resource Centre from 7 -9 p.m.

                   Ballybrown Juvenile Club : Hurling training for U6, U8 & U10's every Friday from 5:45 – 6:45pm in Clubhouse Field. Hurling, helmet & shin guards required & new players always welcome.

               As the end of the sporting season is approaching, O'Sullivan Centra, Ballybrown GAA & Camogie Clubs are inviting you all to a Family Fun Day on Saturday next 6th Sept from 3pm.  Fun & Games for all the family including hurling simulators, skills competitions, Obstacle Course, BBQ, DJ & Karaoke. Parents Novelty Football match will add to the surprise of the day.Throw- in at 6pm.  ALL WELCOME.            

 

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

_____________

J. Lyons

Principal