4-12-2014.
Dear parents,
Today, over 130 children from the school, accompanied by their teachers, set off for Citywest to take part in the Hallelujah Chorus. All the weeks of practice have been worthwhile. I would like to thank Ms O Connor and Ms Day and all the teachers who have given so generously of their time and their talents. It is a once in a lifetime oportunity.
All children will attend 10 a.m. Mass in Ballybrown Church on Monday December 8th., the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Parent teacher meetings: Thank you to all parents who attended parent-teacher meetings last week and to the teachers who put a lot of work into preparation for these meetings. If for some reason, you were not in a position to attend, please contact the school as soon as possible.
During the course of parent-teacher meetings, some parents expressed a desire for their child to repeat a class. Under Department of Education rules governing this issue, Circular 19/2011 makes reference to Circular 32/03 concerning retention of children in same class-
Section 2.3 states: 'Under the Department's policy, children should only be allowed to repeat a year for educational reasons and in exceptional circumstances.'
Drama: West Midlands Theatre from Wolverhampton staged 'Sinbad the Jolly Sailor' for classes from First to Fourth on Tuesday.
Parents Association: The Ballybrown NS Parents' Association is holding its next meeting on Thursday the 11th of December at 8.30pm. There are a number of committee positions vacant which they hope could be filled pre-Christmas. The Parents' Association plays an important role in raising any concerns that parents may have and raises funds for the benefit of the school. They would be grateful if as many parents as possible could attend; in particular parents who are new to the school.
Community Games:Art Competition – this competition will take place on FRIDAY 12th December in Ballybrown Resource Centre from 3-5pm. This competition is open to Boys/Girls from U8's – U16's. A4 paper will be provided but children must bring whatever colouring media and accessories they want to do the competition with (crayons, markers, paints, charcoal etc.) No visual aids or pictures will be allowed. Kids get practising!
Handwriting – we would like to thank Mr Lyons for agreeing to hold this competition in the school during December. This year another age category had been added. Competition is open to Boys & Girls U10's & U12's. Here is a link to the community games website if you would like details and the rules on this competition. http://www.communitygames.ie/handwriting.html
Draughts - is up and running on Wednesdays nights from 6.45 to 7.45pm in the Community Centre.
Gach dea-ghuí,
___________________
J. Lyons
Principal
