Thursday, December 20, 2018

School note Dec 20th

Dear parents,

                     Christmas has officially arrived in Ballybrown NS!  Every child in the school took part in our Christmas Carol Service today. There were two performances. The show was a credit to the children, teachers and staff. Thanks to Fr Cussen for facilitating us throughout the year.

                          Excitement levels were high last Friday as children in Junior and Senior Infants boarded the bus to see' Elfie Saves Christmas' in the Millennium Theatre in LIT. A great time was had by all.

            School will close for Christmas holidays tomorrow Friday December 21st at 12.30 p.m. Parents of children in Junior and Senior Infants are asked to collect children at 12.10 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion. 

            School will reopen on Monday January 7th at 9.15 a.m.             

          Colm Ryan from Stryker visited Ms Gibbons class, to teach a 5 week Junior Achievement programme. He covered a variety of topics including chromatography, periscopes and focused on carbon monoxide and the dangers it can have in our homes. He even brought in a sample knee replacement from his workplace and told us all about his work in Stryker. 

          All families with children in classes from Junior Infants to Fourth received a note yesterday informing them that the school has engaged  the services of School Fitness Ireland to provide a five week gymnastic programme from Tuesday January 8th to Tuesday February 9th inclusive to children from Junior Infants to 4th class.          

            GOAL MILE : CHRISTMAS DAY : 12 NOON. Help support the most vulnerable in our world. Run, walk or jog the GOAL MILE at Ballybrown/Clarina Community Resource Centre. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness the GOAL MILE is all about having fun and giving a little back this Christmas.

                A Christmas Eve Family Mass will be held on Christmas Eve,  Monday 24th December at 5p.m. in Ballybrown Church.

  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 2019.

Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.

 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 13, 2018

School note December 13th

 


13-12-2018

Dear parents,

                    Fifth and Sixth classes completed a ten week programme of IT classes with Whizzkids last Friday. As ever, it was very worthwhile.

                  The children in Fourth class completed their swimming lessons in Coral Leisure Centre yesterday. Third class will start lessons on Wednesday January 9th 2019. These will take place on six consecutive Wednesdays.

                 All children in Junior and Senior Infants are eagerly looking forward to their visit to the Millennium Theatre in LIT tomorrow to attend a performance of 'Elfie Saves Christmas.'

                Two former pupils of Ballybrown NS made headlines at the weekend when Eoin Corby of National Centre Limerick set a new junior record in the men's 200m. breaststroke at the Irish Short Course Swimming Championships. On Saturday, Eoin's older brother Alan, set a new senior standard in the 100m. individual medley. Well done to both lads.

                   El Gleeson from the Redemptorist Food Appeal will visit school this afternoon  to collect food handed in by children to help the needy at Christmas. There has been a great response to her request for non- perishable items. To mark the end of our 'Tour of Europe' we will have a Festive Run today. €1 per child if possible. All funds to Redemptorist Food Appeal.

                The  school Christmas Carol Service takes place in Ballybrown Church on Thursday 20th December at 10 a.m. for parents of children from Junior infants to Second Class  and 11.15 a.m. for parents of children from Third to Sixth classes.

               School will close for Christmas holidays on Friday December 21st at 12.30 p.m. Parents of children in Junior and Senior Infants are asked to collect children at 12.10 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion.                

            'Do This in Memory' Mass takes place this Sunday December 16th at 10 a.m.

                A Christmas Eve Family Mass will be held on Christmas EveMonday 24th December at 5p.m. in Ballybrown Church. There will be a practice for this Mass for those who wish to participate in the church on Monday 17th December from 6.30-7.45pm. All children are welcome to the practice or just come on Christmas Eve.        

The Community Centre Christmas Fair takes place on Sunday 16th at 10.45a.m.

         Santa will arrive at Ballybrown GAA Clubhouse on Sunday 16th at 2.30 p.m.          

Gach dea-ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 6, 2018

School note December 6th

6-12-2018

Dear parents,

                     The countdown to Christmas has begun.

                 This week, El Gleeson from the Redemptorist Christmas Hamper Appeal visited the school and spoke to the children in Fifth and Sixth classes. There is a box in the foyer if you wish to donate non-perishable food. It will be collected on Thursday December 13th.

Congratulations to Clara Neary, Junior Infants, who won a prize in an art competition run by the Children's Grief Centre. Well done, Clara.

                    Fourth class have one swimming lesson remaining of a six week module. Third class will begin lessons on Wednesday January 9th.

Today, West Midlands Theatre from Wolverhampton visited the school to stage a performance of 'Old King Cole' for children from First to 4th classes.

Pupils in Fifth and Sixth classes visited the Lime Tree Theatre today to attend a performance by the pupils of Copsewood College, Pallaskenry.

MPCC Credit Union will  be in school tomorrow Friday December 6th.

                    The Public Health team will visit the school on Monday next December 10th and Tuesday 11th to carry out vaccinations for MMR in the Junior Infant classes.

                   The  school Christmas Carol Service takes place in Ballybrown Church on Thursday 20th December at 10 a.m. for parents of children from Junior infants to Second Class  and 11.15 a.m. for parents of children from Third to Sixth classes.                  

                     Ballybrown GAA: On Sunday 16th December Santa will arrive at Ballybrown GAA Clubhouse at 2.30 p.m.

                    Website: All information relating to the school, school calendar, booklists, etc  is on the website www.ballybrownns.ie . Check in on  Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news.

 

Gach dea-ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

Thursday, November 29, 2018

School Note November 29th

29-11-2018

Dear parents,

                     Rory Collins Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST)  visited the school on Monday. He met with all class teachers and conducted workshops throughout the day with teachers from different class levels. Rory met the entire staff after school to discuss progress in the Primary Language Curriculum.

                    Next Thursday, December 6th, West Midlands Theatre Company from Wolverhampton pay their annual visit to the school to stage a performance of Old King Cole for children from First to Fourth classes. 

                   MPCC Credit Union will be back in school on Friday December 7th.

                   Tenders are currently being sought for our school extension. Work on the project will start early in the New Year.

                   The  school Christmas Carol Service takes place in Ballybrown Church on Thursday 20th December at 10 a.m. for parents of children from Junior infants to Second Class  and 11.15 a.m. for parents of children from Third to Sixth classes.                  

                     Ballybrown GAA: On Sunday 16th December Santa will arrive at Ballybrown GAA Clubhouse at 2.30. There will be a DJ in the hall, entertainments for the children, Christmas Raffle and of course we get to meet Santa.

                   Parents Association  News: We are going to have a green themed Colours Day tomorrow Friday 30thNovember. Each child to contribute €2 please.                      

                    Website: All information relating to the school, school calendar, booklists, etc  is on the website www.ballybrownns.ie . Check in on  Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

Thursday, November 22, 2018

School note November 22nd

22-11-2018

Dear parents,

                    I wish to bring the following to your attention.

                    Pat Hanrahan, former Director of Clare Education Centre, visited this school on Tuesday morning to demonstrate the Izak 9 Maths resource to pupils in 5th and 6th classes. It was a very interesting session with lots of collaborative work, discussion and hands-on group work.

                  Today, Rebecca Delee who is a member of the Limerick Ladies Football team that won the 2018 Junior All-Ireland title, came to Ballybrown NS to present medals to our girls football team who won the City Cumann na mBunscol competition. We were delighted to have Rebecca in attendance. She also presented medals to the children who won medals at the Limerick Cross Country Championships. Rebecca is currently undertaking a Masters in Maths in UL and she presented medals to children who achieved very high scores in the online Maths programme Manga High.

                 As part of our Active School activities, all classes are taking part in Run Around Europe.

                 Clarina Construction are working on a path from the Resource Centre to the school this week. The school is grateful to our neighbour Richard O Connell who has been most accommodating. The path will be of benefit from a safety point of view and ensuring children do not have to walk through puddles on their way to school.

             Book Fair: The Book Fair was very successful with sales totalling €2,700. The school is permitted to buy books to 60% of the total sales figure i.e. €1,620. Thanks to the parents who helped with the Book Fair last Thursday and Friday.

          Parents Association news: To celebrate Ireland's fantastic win over the All Blacks we are going to have a green themed colours day on Friday 30thNovember. Each child to contribute €2 please.   All proceeds to the Parents Association.

 

              Do This in Memory 2018-2019: Mass this Saturday November 24th at 8 p.m. for children making First Holy Communion in 2019.

             Parking: I appeal to parents, minders and grandparents to use the Church Car Park and Resource Centre for parking. Please do not park in the Bus Area or  in the yellow rectangle in front of the school gate. It is very dangerous for children to walk through the staff car park, especially in winter when visibility is poor.  I ask for your cooperation in this matter.

Gach dea-ghuí,

 

J. Lyons

Principal

Thursday, November 15, 2018

School note November 14th

Dear parents,

                      Yesterday, Sr Rose Miriam and Ms Veronica Behan from Limerick Diocesan Service came to  the school and visited all classes. They were very happy with the work going on at all  class levels.

                       On Tuesday Rachel from the Road Safety Authority conducted workshops with Third and Fourth classes. These were very worthwhile sessions as she dealt with Road Safety for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers.

                      On Monday, John Clancy from Cycle Right presented certificates to the boys and girls in Fifth Class who have completed a six-week programme on Cycling Safety. This programme included on-road lessons with John and his fellow instructor Kieran. It is subsidised by Limerick County Council.

                          Last Friday, Mr Barry's class went to the Hunt Museum to learn about the ILEN Project.  The Ilen is a 56-foot long wooden ketch designed in 1926 by one of the country's greatest sailors, Edward Conor O'Brien from Ardagh. The historic Ilen sailing boat, which first sailed along the Shannon Estuary over 92 years ago, has come home to Limerick docks after a restoration which has gone on for two decades.This project has a strong Ballybrown flavour as  Tommy Roberts, from Newtown,  worked with the crew on the boat sailing her back to Limerick.  

                       Come to our Book Fair and earn FREE books for our School

In the School Halla on: Thursday 15th November from 2p.m. to 4p.m. & 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

   Friday 16th November:08.50am to 09.15a.m. & 2 p.m. to 4p.m. Thanks to the members of the Parents Association who are giving of their time on both days.

Gach dea-ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

                       

 

Thursday, November 8, 2018

School Note November 8th 2018

8-11-2018

Dear parents,

                       There are now more children attending this school than ever before. In total, almost 300 children pass through the gate every morning. There is plentiful parking in the Church grounds as well as in the Resource Centre Car Park provided that parents do not delay unduly when bringing their children to school. Parents who linger in the school grounds are taking up valuable parking spaces. In the case of younger children, there is no need for parents to linger in the playground. Both play areas are supervised every morning from 9.a.m.  Children need to learn to play independently.  Please respect the need for Bus, Disabled and Staff parking.

                      Fourth class enjoyed the first of six swimming lessons in Askeaton Leisure Centre yesterday. The children in Third class will take swimming lessons when we return from Christmas holidays.

                 All families received Code of Conduct notes this week. Please read these with your children and sign the last page before returning the signed page to the school. Our motto in regard to good behaviour is summed up in four words: Be Nice To Everyone.

              The Parents Association met on Tuesday night in the school. Creena O' Connor, Secretary, has sent me an update on their activities which is printed below this note.

           Book Fair - The Book Fair will take place on Thursday November 15th and Friday November 16th this year. Books will be available for viewing by all classes on Thursday November 15th.

            Parent-teacher meetings: If there are any parents who were unable to attend parent-teacher meetings in October, please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

           MPCC Credit Union will visit the school tomorrow morning and the first Friday of each month.

 

Gach dea-ghuí, 

J. Lyons 

Principal


Parents Association News

 

The Parents Association met on Tuesday in the school.  

 

1              The annual Book Fair is taking place on the 15th and 16th November in the School Hall. The times are as detailed below. We are looking for volunteers to help with each time slot if you are available please emailcreena@seakel.ie or text 0872961007, your help would be appreciated.

 

Times:

Thursday 15th November

2pm to 4pm

7.30pm to 9pm

 

Friday 16th November

8.50am to 9.15am

2pm to 4pm

 

2              Please note contact details for your class representative, your class rep facilitates the social interaction among families in the school community:

 

Junior Infants

Daniel Hogan

danielhogan85@gmail.com

Seniors Infants

Caroline Sheehan

sheehancaroline9@gmail.com

1st Class

Simon Goble

mrsimongoble@icloud.com

2nd Class

Patricia Coughlan

patricia@oneperysquare.com

3rd Class

Christine Hennessy

chennessy79@gmail.com

4th Class

Deirdre Cantillon Mann

deirdre.cantillon@hotmail.com

5th Class

Ann O'Brien

anne.cronin97@gmail.com

6th Class

Carmel Kearney

ckearney114@gmail.com

 

3              A WhatsApp group is being set up for Junior Infants to help the parents to get to know each other and also to help with organising social events amongst the parents and children. If you are interested in joining please contact your class rep Daniel Hogan on 087-2643081

 

 

Regards and thanks

Creena O'Connor

Secretary Parents Association

 

            

 

 

Thursday, October 25, 2018

School note Thursday October 25th

25-10-2018

Dear parents,

                     Parent-teacher meetings took place on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. There was almost 100% attendance. Communication between home and school is a vital element of the education process.

                       The Halloween Fancy Dress is one of the most keenly anticipated dates in the school calendar. Today, the playground is a sea of colour. The range of costumes is breathtaking. Fifth and Sixth classes are coordinating the Disco and Active School circuits. No mean feat! Thanks to Ms Gibbons and Mr Barry for coordinating this.

                  Last week, our girls football team won the final of the Limerick City Cumann na mBunscol competition in the Gaelic Grounds. It was a thrilling game and the supporters added greatly to the atmosphere on a memorable day. Special thanks to team coaches Ms Gibbons and Ms Quane.

            Fifth Class children have completed a six-week programme with John and Kieran from Cycling Safety School. It was very worthwhile.

            Fourth class begin a six-week swimming module on Wednesday November 7th in Askeaton Leisure Centre. Third Class will have swimming lessons after Christmas.

                The school's Parents Association has donated €700 to the school to buy another level of books for  Literacy Lift Off. This is a very generous gesture and will be of great benefit to the school.

           Please remember to check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie or follow us on Twitter @BallybrownNS

School closes today at 3 p.m. for midterm and reopens on Monday November 5th.

 

Gach dea-ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

Friday, October 19, 2018

Problem of the Day

Problem of the Day

Friday October 18th. 2018

 

Rang a haon agus a dó:

 

Name 2 shapes that cannot roll.

 

A farmer had 24 cows in his herd on Monday. He bought 12 more at the mart on Tuesday, sold 10 on Wednesday and bought 5 more on Thursday. When he came home from the mart on Friday, he had 40 cows. How many did he buy on Friday?

 

 

Rang a trí agus a ceathar

 

Peter had €40. He spent a quarter of his money on toys and €12 on DVD's. How much money had he left?

 

The score in the 1971 Munster Final was:

Limerick 4-16: Tipperary 3-18.

 

Which team won? By how many points?

How many goals and points were scored in total?

How many years ago was 1971? If John was 9 years old in 1971, what age is he now?

 

 

Rang a cúig agus a sé

 

Mark has 6 coins. One third of his coins are 10c coins. The value of the 10c coins is equal to 1/8 of the total value of all the coins. What coins has he? How much money has he in total?

 

An orange and 2 apples cost €1. An apple and 2 oranges cost 80c. How much does an apple cost? How much does an orange cost?

 

 

 

A football team won two games more than it lost. If it won 3/5 of all its games, how many games did it play?

Thursday, October 18, 2018

School Note October 18th

18-10-2018.

Dear parents,

                     It has been a busy week on a range of fronts.

                    On Monday, Lifetime Labs from Cork were in the school from 9.15 a.m. as part of our Maths Week programme. Their Mobile Maths Workshop went down really well with the children from 3rd to 6th classes. There were many challenging activities which captivated the children. This was just one of the many activities for Maths Week. The Problem of the Day is on the school website.  Many children have availed of the Manga High website. Maths games are going ahead in all classes from Junior Infants up.

                   Yesterday, sixty children from the school took part in the Cross Country County Championships in Limerick Racecourse. It was a lovely autumn day for such a healthy activity. Thanks to Mr Sheehy and Ms Hanly, team managers, and to the parents who attended and helped in so many ways.

                 Today, the girls football team played in the City Cumann na mBunscol Final in the Gaelic Grounds. All classes from Third to Sixth  attended to support the team and encourage our younger players to become involved in team sports. Ballybrown NS emerged victorious on a scoreline of 3-3 to 1-6. It was a thrilling game and both sides were a credit to their schools. Special thanks to Ms Quane and Ms Gibbons who were coaches to the team. Theri hard work was rewarded.

Mr Barry  coached our hurling team who are playing in the Ard Scoil Hurling Academy blitz at 1 p.m. on the grounds of Ard Scoil Rís.

            Parent teacher meetings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. All families have received details of appointment times.

            The school is in use as a polling station on Friday October 26th so we close for midterm on Thursday 25th.

            There will be no Homework Club in operation next week due to Parent Teacher meetings.

            Community games draughts have started back upstairs in the Resource Centre on Wednesdays at 6 45pm for 1 hour - cost €2 per child or €5 per family 
Full training will be provided 

           Finally, I ask parents to ensure your child's name is on all coats and jackets. Our Lost Property section is expanding rapidly.

 

Gach dea- ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Problem of the Day Wednesday

Problem of the Day

 

                                                  Wednesday October 17th. 2018.

 

Rang a haon agus a dó

 

If a boy ate 6 grapes every morning, how many would he eat in a week?

 

A girl bought 3 apples for 20 cent each and 2 oranges for 30 cent each. She had 80 cent left. How much money had she when she entered the shop?

 

 

Third and Fourth Classes

 

A cup of tea costs €1. A latte costs €1.50. How much for two teas and two lattes? How much change would you have left if you started with €10.

Which is dearer 4 lattes or 5 teas?

 

 

Rang a Cúig agus a sé

 

75% of the children in Sixth Class have pets. 24 children have pets. How many children in the class?

Megan has 6 coins. One third of her coins are 10c coins. The value of the 10 cent coins is equal to 1/8 of the total value of all her coins. What coins has she?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Problem of the Day


Rang a cúig agus a sé


Three men have different weights. The heaviest person weighs 30 kg more than the middle person. 
The middle person weighs 50 kg more than the lightest person.
The total weight of the three people is 400 kg.
How much does each person weigh?
                                                                                                                                                                        Rang a trí agus a ceathar

How would you put 30 apples in 4 boxes so that each box contains an odd number of apples? (Is there more than one possible answer?)

                                                                                                                    Rang a haon agus a dó

What number comes next in these sequences?
2, 4, 6, 8, - ,-, -,

3, 6, 9, -,-,-,

20, 16, 12, -, -, -, 


Monday, October 15, 2018

Problem of the Day Monday

Problem of the Day

 

                                                  Monday October 15th. 2018.

 

Rang a haon agus a dó

 

Today is Monday October 15th.  2018. There are 7 days in a week.

 

What date was last Monday?

 

What date will next Monday be?

 

How many Mondays in October 2018?

 

 

 

 

 

Third and Fourth Classes

¼ of the animals on the farm are sheep. Half of the sheep have black faces. What fraction of the animals on the farm are black-faced sheep?

 

A farmer bought 7 bags of fertiliser for €42. How much would eleven bags cost?

 

Fifth & Sixth Classes

 

There are 210 marbles in a bag. There are twice as many blue marbles as red marbles. There are ten more yellow marbles than blue marbles.

How many marbles of each colour are in the bag?