21-1-2016
Dear parents,
Next week is Catholic Schools Week. A wide range of activities will take place in classes throughout the school. Confirmation takes place on April 12th. First Holy Communion is on May 14th. Thanks to the Committee of parents of children in Second Class who are involved in the Do This In Memory programme.
Ballybrown NS is a Health Promoting School. Our Healthy Eating Policy is a great success. The RTE programme Operation Transformation has recently announced the launch of Operation Healthy Lunchbox for primary schools. Next Tuesday January 26th is the day when we will be trying to find the healthiest lunches in the school. Photos of the winning lunchboxes will be uploaded onto the programme's website.
Thanks to Analog Devices for their recent donation to school funds.
Clan Cluana Theatre Company visit the school on Tuesday January 26th to stage a performance of 'Deirdre of the Sorrows' for children from Second to Sixth Class inclusive. Cost €3 per child.
Eileen Cunningham from the Road Safety Association will visit all classes in the school on Monday next January 25th to raise awareness of Road Safety.
Almost 20 children have had to leave school early due to illness this week, some before 10 a.m. I would appeal to parents not to send children to school if they are unwell.
Yesterday, five teachers from this school attended training from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for 'Literacy Lift Off' in Limerick Education Centre. This was the first of several workshops held to upskill teachers. Ballybrown NS will begin this programme after Easter in an attempt to further improve literacy levels, initially in Infant classes.
Fourth Class had the first of six swimming classes yesterday in Askeaton Leisure Centre.
Attendance: In the event of any pupil reaching a total of twenty days absence from school in a school year, the school is required by law to make a report to the National Education Welfare Board. Parents are advised to be aware of this and to be mindful of their child's attendance record.
The school's broadband service is quite unreliable. Last week it was not possible to send the Thursday bulletin by e mail. Parents are advised that this bulletin is posted weekly on the school website www.ballybrownns.ie
Gach dea-ghuí,
J. Lyons
Principal
