Friday, April 29, 2016

Camogie news

                    Ballybrown NS under 13 camogie team play Monaleen  NS in the City Cumann na mBunscol semi -final on Friday, May 13th.  Venue: Old Christians GAA club, Rathbane. Throw-in  is at 1 p.m. It is hoped to leave school at 12.20 p.m. and to be back at school before 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

School note April 28th

Dear parents,

                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                    On Tuesday, all classes from Third to Sixth took part in workshops provided by Maths Lab, who travelled from Cork. The children moved from station to station to pit their wits at a range of activities. As part of our ongoing Numeracy strategy, it was a most worthwhile and enjoyable event.

                Also on the topic of Numeracy, Numero leagues have been running this week in classes from Second to Sixth inclusive.

                   Congratulations to the school's camogie team, winners of the County title in the INTO Mini Sevens in UL yesterday. Having overcome South champions Bruree NS ands West champions Gaelscoil Ó Dóghair from Newcastle West, the outcome rested on the final game with Doon Girls N.S. Playing into the teeth of a gale in the second half, Ballybrown NS emerged as winners by 2-1 to 1-0. Well done to captain Alex Connole  and her team. Special thanks to Ms Hayes and Ms Keyes whose work on the training pitch was rewarded.

                 School transport: Tomorrow, Friday April 29th., is the closing date for applications for school transport for school year 2016-2017.   Applications may be made online at www.buseireann.ie.

                 School is closed on Monday May 2nd due to the Bank Holiday.

                Parking:  I would like to thank all parents who avail of the parking area available in the Resource Centre and in the Church grounds. Please keep the Staff parking area and the bus areas free. Please do not obstruct traffic or park in the yellow box at the gate. Safety of children is our only priority.        

        Parents Association news:Communion - 2nd class make their First Holy Communion on Saturday May 14th at 11am.  Light refreshments are served in the community centre after and the Parents Association are looking for volunteers to help out from approx. 11.30-1pm.  Please contact Susan MacNamara on 087 2257625 if available.

                                Cake Sale - The Parents Association will host a Cake Sale on Sunday May 15th after 10am Mass to support the new Literacy Lift Off Program in Ballybrown School. This program is part of a national strategy to improve literacy standards among children.  As part of the cake sale we are also running a "Bake Off" competition for 3rd to 6th class for all budding bakers – details will be provided to the relevant classes early next week. Finally there will be a raffle to close out what is sure to be an enjoyable morning. Light refreshments will be served also. Your support would be greatly appreciated so get those baking bowls out!

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

School note April 21st

21-4-2016.

Dear parents,

                      I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                      Yesterday, all the children in Junior Infants walked to Kiely's farm in Carrig where they saw donkeys, horses, pigs, cows, peacocks and chickens as well as getting the opportunity to collect freshly-laid eggs. We are grateful to Joe and Miriam Kiely for their generosity and hospitality in making this a day to remember.

                      Congratulations to Amy Gee, Róisín Leahy and Hannah Cliffe Byrnes from Sixth Class who travelled to Trinity College, Dublin last Saturday to take part in the Pangea Maths Competition organised by the Educational Society of Ireland.  The Ballybrown trio were among 120 children from all parts of the country who qualified for the final.  Over 5,000 children took part in the qualifying section.

                       Well done to the school under 13 camogie team who maintained their great form when they defeated an Mhodh Scoil yesterday.  The girls have now qualified for the semi final of the Limerick City Cumann na mBunscol league. The team will also play in the County final of the INTO Mini Sevens camogie blitz in UL on Wednesday 27th. Thanks to Ms. Keyes and Ms Hayes for all their efforts.

                      Tomorrow, the boys and girls in Sixth Class will take part in a day-long workshop on transition to post-primary school run by two facilitators. Thanks to the school's Parents Association for organising and paying the cost of this most worthwhile venture.

                        Our school is committed to encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle among all our pupils. Parents interested in the Great Limerick Run for children aged 4-12 are advised that this will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday April 30th. in UL. Registration closes tomorrow! More information on www.greatlimerickrun.com

Gach dea- ghuí,

 


J. Lyons

Principal

 

Community Games: A Community Games bulletin from Pauline Lowe has been posted on the school website www.ballybrownns.ie                   

Ballybrown GAA: To celebrate the anniversary of the 1916 Rising, BALLYBROWN GAA CLUB will hold a ceremony on Sunday April 24th  at 4.00pm.We would like to issue an open invitation to All Past, Present and Future members of our club to attend. 
We will begin the day with the Feile A final between Ballybrown and Mungret in Claughaun at 1.15 p.m.
At 4.00 in the Club house Field we shall have the raising of the  Irish flag, the singing of the National Anthem and the reading of the Proclamation. This will be done by the oldest and youngest members of our club. 
After this there will be a match played by the U6,U8 and U10 teams. One side will be 16 minutes long and one side 19 minutes...We would love to see as many people as possible come out on the day wearing their club jersey and colours to support the U14Feile team and attend this ceremony....

 

Community Games notes

BALLYBROWN/CLARINA COMMUNITY GAMES

 

SPORTS EVENING

Our Sports evening will take place on Friday 6th May in Breska Soccer Field. Registration will take place at 6.30pm and event will start at 7pm sharp. We will have events for all children from U5, U7, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and also adult's races. The first 3 in each event can go forward to represent us in the County Finals which will be held in Mungret on the 10th, 11th & 12th of June.

The cost is €3.00 per child.

We would love to see as many children as possible come along for an evening of fun.

 

Community Games Cross Country

This is being held in Rathkeale on Wednesday 27th April, can all children registered to run please be there at 6.00pm, this event will start promptly at 6.30pm. If there are any children still interested in taking part, please contact Pauline Lowe.

 

Skittles

Ballybrown have a long tradition of taking part in Skittles, we plan on entering teams in U12, U14 & U16, if interested please contact Pauline Lowe.

 

Throwball Rounders U11 – County Only event

Limerick Community Games plan on bringing this event back with the hope that it will become a National event. Michael Sheehan from Community games will run a demonstration day for teams to explain the rules and play some practice matches. We need to know if there is interest in Ballybrown in this event so please let Pauline Lowe know if your child is interested.

 

Rounders U13 Boys & Girls

This has proven to be very popular over the last few years and its back again this year. Training starts next Monday 25th April in Breska Soccer Field at 3.15pm until 4.15pm and also on Saturday evenings at 5.30pm in Ballybrown National School field.

Diane Curren has agreed to do the training again this year and we are so thankful to her for giving up her time.  We are always on the lookout for parents to help out so if your free don't be shy let us know. Also if any passed rounder's players are around at training times we would love if they came along to show the younger kids how to play this fast and fun game.

 

Community Games Swimming competition is Sunday 29th May 3pm in Askeaton Pool.

Boys & Girls U/8 Over 6 1 length Freestyle

Boys & Girls U/10 1 length Freestyle or Backstroke

Boys & Girls U/12 2 lengths Freestyle or Backstroke or Breaststroke

Boys & Girls U/14 2 lengths Freestyle or Backstroke or Breaststroke or Butterfly

Boys & Girls U/16 2 lengths Freestyle or Backstroke or Butterfly

Boys & Girls U/13 over 10 Relay 4x1 length freestyle

Boys & Girls U/16 over 13 Relay 4 x 50m medley order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly &Freestyle.

You can only choose 1 individual event and 1 relay event.  (1 length = 25meters)

 

As you can see we try to have events that will interest all children in the area. If you would like your child to take part in any event, we would be delighted if they came along. Please check out our Ballybrown Community Games Facebook page, you can also contact Pauline Lowe on

087 8365545 for further details.

If any adults out there would like to help we would be thrilled.

If anybody knows anyone that would be prepared to help us out with sponsorship, we would love to talk to you as our funds are running low.

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

School note April 14th

14-4-2016.

Dear parents,

                      I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                       On Tuesday, 65 boys and girls from Fifth and Sixth classes were Confirmed by Bishop Brendan Leahy. The elements were kind to us as the glorious sunshine added to a wonderful occasion for the entire school community. I want to thank all the teachers involved for the hours and weeks of work that went into art, music, singing and readings. Thanks to Fr Cussen and his team and to all the children who worked so hard.

                    Tomorrow, Friday, our Under 13 camogie team play St Nessan's NS, Mungret. We have a game with An Mhodh Scoil on Wednesday April 20th. Both matches in Clarina. I appreciate the help we receive from Ballybrown GAA club at all times.

               On Friday last , all children from First to Sixth classes sampled a taste of golf. Thanks to Mr Hodnett for organising this.

                As we reach the end of another school term, please ensure that you inform the school of the reason for any absences. Notes were provided for this purpose at the beginning of the school year. The school has a statutory obligation to make a report to Túsla in the case of every child who is absent for twenty days or more in any school year. It is vital that you furnish the school with a reason for any absences.

                    Already, Lost Property contains a number of school uniform fleeces. Please ensure your child's name is on every item of clothing.

                    Our school is committed to encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle among all our pupils. Parents interested in the Great Limerick Run for children aged 4-12 are advised that this will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday April 30th. in UL. More information on www.greatlimerickrun.com

         Parking: Please use the Resource Centre Car park or the Church grounds. Please do not park near the school gate. Children will have to walk in front of traffic if you do this. Safety is the top priority.

 

Gach dea- ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

Thursday, April 7, 2016

School note April 7th 2016

7-4-2016

Dear parents,

                    We have reached the final term of the school year. It promises to be a busy time. As this school year draws to an end, it is time to look ahead to next year. The school calendar for 2016-2017  has been posted on the school website.

                     Parents are reminded that the school cannot accept responsibility for children who are at school before 9 a.m.  The school provides morning supervision for 15 minutes from 9 a.m. daily to facilitate parents.

                   On Tuesday next, April 12th, 65 boys and girls from Fifth and Sixth Classes will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Brendan Leahy. Months of preparation have gone into preparing for this. Fr Cussen has asked me to point out that there will be a video link in operation so that members of the extended family will be able to watch in comfort in the Resource Centre. With 65 children to be confirmed, 130 parents,  plus members of the choir, and teachers, space will be extremely limited. Parents are requested to arrive in good time. Confirmation is due to begin at 10 a.m.

                Best of luck to the Ballybrown NS team who travel to Nenagh CBS today for the interschools debating competition.

               School Tours: All classes go on school tour on Thursday June 16th.           

               Cumann na mBunscol: The school Gaelic Games season is in full swing. On Tuesday, we played Patrickswell NS in the Olo Cup hurling. Yesterday our Under 13 camogie team played St Bridget's while  all of the Fourth Class girls took part in a non-competitive football blitz in Mary I. Today, our Under 13 hurling team play Milford NS in Clarina at 3 p.m.  Thanks to all teachers who give so generously of their time and expertise.

Golf: As part of our Active School commitment,  LD golf will visit the school tomorrow Friday April 8th, to give a taster golf workshop to all classes from 1st to 6th class. The workshop will be presented at a very reasonable discounted price of €1 per child.

Parents Association news: Internet Safety Training took place on Monday March 14th. Thank you to those who attended. Brief summary notes have been compiled based on the data on the night – please see school website for further details – www.ballybrownns.ie and click on the tab 'Tips for Parents'.

Recycling Day: There is a Recycling day planned for tomorrow morning Friday April 8th.  Please have your bags of unwanted clothes, handbags, paired shoes etc in bags at the school by 9.15am that morning.  No phones or duvets, please. Please leave bags by the main gate on that morning.

Ballybrown Camogie: Under 12's train every Tuesday at the Clubhouse Pitch 6pm-7pm, Contact Marguerite Quinn 086 8655071 Under 8's and 10's train every Wednesday at the Clubhouse Pitch 6pm-7pm, Contact Michael O Keeffe 086 1727811. New Players Always Welcome!

 

Gach dea- ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal