Thursday, May 31, 2018

School note May 31st

Dear parents, 

                      The Special Olympics Ireland Games take place in Dublin from June 14th- 17th. The Special Olympics Torch will visit this school on Monday June 11th. The torch is expected to arrive at 1.35p.m. and they hope to leave at 2.15 pm.  The Torch will be carried by members of the Special Olympics teams from Ballybrown church to the school. People from the community are invited to line the road to the school to cheer on the athletes. This promises to be a memorable occasion not just for this school but for the entire community.

As the event runs until 2.15 p.m., children in Infant classes will go home at 2.30 p.m. on that day. 

                   Reminder:  School is  closed from Tuesday June 5th to Friday June 8th and reopens on Monday June 11th.  

                                 The boys and girls in Sixth Class are working on the 2018 school magazine. If you wish to purchase an advertisement in this publication for a bargain price of €25, please contact the school office.

               End of year School Reports will issue to all families before the end of term.  Please supply the school with a stamped addressed envelope, minimum DL size (22cm x 11 cm) as soon as possible. Separate envelopes required for each pupil.

                Parents Association news: Colours Day (Purple) - Thank you to all who wore purple on the day and for your generous contributions. We appreciate all your support for such a worthy cause - half of monies collected will be donated to Milford with the balance for the Parents Association fund supporting school items.

               First Communion: Just to say a word of thanks to the parents who volunteered for the teas/coffees in the community centre after the Communion Mass.

Community News: Community Celebration. Saturday June 16th, in  Ballybrown/Clarina Resource Centre 2 to 5 pm. Meet the neighbours. Barbeque, music, games.

                 We have recently enjoyed a spell of very fine weather.  Pupils may wear plain navy shorts to school if they wish. No denim, stripes or logos. PLEASE write your child's name on all fleeces, polo shirts etc!!!

           Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie or follow us on Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news.

Gach dea-ghuí,
    

 J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, May 24, 2018

School Note May 24th

Dear parents, 

                      The sun shone brightly and everything went perfectly at First Holy Communion last Saturday in Ballybrown Church.   Thanks to all teachers and staff for their efforts and to Fr. Cussen, Fr Fitzgibbon and Monsignor Lane. Unfortunately, Ms Day was unable to attend due to illness but she was delighted to hear everything went so well. A special thanks to Mrs Rosaleen Donovan who stepped in at short notice as Choir Mistress and did a superb job. Over 90 children give up their Saturday morning to sing in the Choir. Thanks to each and every one of them.

                    Ballybrown NS will be a stopover for the Special Olympics Torch on Monday June 11th. This is a very special occasion for the school community.                  

            The school's Under 13 hurling and camogie teams made their own piece of history in the Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday. The boys retained the Olo Cup when they defeated neighbours St Nessan's by 2-7 to 1-5.  Ballybrown NS girls won the Under 13 B Camogie title, defeating An Mhodh Scoil.  All children who played were a credit to the school, their families and themselves. We are fortunate to have coaches such as Ms Hayes, Ms Keyes, Mr Lordan and Mr Barry to share their expertise and give so generously of their time. A special thanks to the supporters who attended.

               5th and 6th class students will hold a Bake Sale next Thursday 31st May to raise funds for Bóthar. Bóthar is an Irish charity that enables families and communities worldwide to overcome hunger and poverty. The children in 5th and 6th class recently had a visit from a representative of the charity to explain the excellent work that they do in poor countries around the world. Every child in the school will have an opportunity to visit the bake sale in the Halla next Thursday. All proceeds from the bake sale will go to Bóthar. 

             We are currently enjoying a spell of very fine weather.  Pupils may wear plain navy shorts to school if they wish. No denim, stripes or logos. Please ensure your child's name is on fleeces, cardigans etc.                                             

              Reminder: The school is in use as a polling station tomorrow Friday.  School is also closed from Monday June 4th to Friday June 8th.          

            Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie or follow us on Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news.

        

Gach dea-ghuí, 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Parents Association: Colours Day

               Parents Association: Colours Day All of us know somebody who has availed of the excellent services provided by Milford Hospice.  Sadly our own school community has lost two young mothers in recent years.  To honour their memory, the Parents Association would again like to run a Colours Day on Thursday 24th May.  If everyone (pupils & staff) can wear something purple  (a sock, Hair clip, Tshirt etc,) that would be great but the suggested donation of €2 is what really matters and last year we were delighted to present Milford Hospice with €300.  Monies collected are divided equally between the Hospice and the Parents Association. Thank you all for your continued support.


Monday, May 21, 2018

Hurling and Camogie Finals tomorrow

Ballybrown NS play in the City Cumann na mBunscol Under 13 hurling and camogie finals in the Gaelic Grounds tomorrow Tuesday   May 22nd. This is a great achievement for the players and their teachers who have prepared them for the GAA season.  Throw-in is at 1.55 p.m. for the camogie final. The Olo Cup hurling final is timed to start at 3 p.m. All players will go to the game on the team bus. However, players will not be back in school in time for the usual school bus at 3 p.m. McElligott's  have a smaller bus available for the return journey. Children are free to go home with their parents provided they inform the teachers in charge of the team.  €3 per child towards the cost of the bus.

 


Thursday, May 17, 2018

School note May 17th

Dear parents, 

                      Preparations are almost complete for First Holy Communion which takes place on Saturday in Ballybrown Church at 11 a.m.  The Art work on display is a credit to all the boys and girls who have worked so hard for this special day. Thanks to all teachers and staff for their efforts and to Fr. Cussen who takes a great interest in the school.

                       The school received great news this week when Ms Gibbons was informed that Ballybrown NS will be a stopover for the Special Olympics Torch on Monday June 11th. This is a very special occasion for the school community.                  

            The school's Under 13 hurling and camogie teams have qualified for the semi finals of the Limerick City Cumann na mBunscol leagues. The camogie semi-final takes place today at 12.30 p.m. while the hurling semi final goes ahead at 1.30 p.m.  Both games in Old Christians GAA club.

                     Best wishes to Emer Conroy, Rang a Sé,  who will line out for Limerick in the Primary Game camogie match  played at half-time of the Limerick v Tipperary game in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday            

            Ms Gibbons' Fifth class are participating in research by Mary Immaculate College into a new framework for teaching Physical Education at primary level. Yesterday, Ms Chloe Beattie visited the school. She was very impressed with the skills, fitness and team ethic of the children.

               Parents Association: Colours Day All of us know somebody who has availed of the excellent services provided by Milford Hospice.  Sadly our own school community has lost two young mothers in recent years.  To honour their memory, the Parents Association would again like to run a Colours Day on Thursday 24th May.  If everyone (pupils & staff) can wear something purple  (a sock, Hair clip, Tshirt etc,) that would be great but the suggested donation of €2 is what really matters and last year we were delighted to present Milford Hospice with €300.  Monies collected are divided equally between the Hospice and the Parents Association. Thank you all for your continued support.

                     Spring Clean: The Green Schools Committee coordinated a Spring Clean in the school and its environs today as part of the An Taisce Spring Clean.

                         Reminder: School will close at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday May 24th to allow teachers take part in Inservice on Child Protection. The school is being used as a polling station on Friday May 25th.           

            Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie or follow us on Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news.        

Gach dea-ghuí, 

J. Lyons

Principal

 

 


Thursday, May 10, 2018

School note May 10th

 

10-5-2018

Dear parents,

                        There are a little over 30 days remaining in this school year. Teachers are continuing with the programme of work set out for the year. It is vital that children carry on working diligently until the end of term. Please continue to monitor your child's homework and sign homework journals.

                Attendance: In the event of any pupil reaching a total of 20 days absence from school in a school year, the school is required by law to make a report to Tusla,  the National Education Welfare Board. Parents are advised to be aware of this and to be mindful of their child's attendance record. It is school policy to contact parents after a child has reached a total of 15 days absence so that parents are  conscious of their child's attendance record.  

              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.    Please advise minders and others who collect children of this. 

           This week, Matt from Munster Rugby visited the school to teach the skills of Tag Rugby to the children in Third and Fourth classes.

           Best wishes to the school's Under 13 hurling team who play Kildimo NS in the semi final of the Olo Cup on Monday 14th in Old Christians GAA club.  The under 13 camogie team play Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh in Old Christians   on Thursday 17th May.                                                                                                                                  

          The Parents Association are still looking for volunteers from First Class to help with refreshments after the First Holy Communion on May 19th. Please text Susan MacNamara on 087 2257625 if you are available.

        Junior Entrepreneur: Mr Barry's class would like to thank Shirley Coughlan and Yvonne Deegan for visiting school last week to work with Sixth class as part of the Junior Entrepreneur programme.

         School Tours: All classes are on school tour on Thursday June 21st. All monies to be paid to your child's teacher by Thursday May 24th in order to confirm numbers. 

           Reminder: School will close at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday May 24th to allow teachers take part in Inservice on Child Protection. The school is being used as a polling station on Friday May 25th.              

                  Please check the school website www.ballybrownns.ie or follow us on Twitter @BallybrownNS to keep yourself informed on school news. 

           

Gach dea- ghuí,


J. Lyons

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, May 3, 2018

School note May 3rd


 

3-5-2018

Dear parents,

                   I wish to bring the following to your attention.                   

                 First Holy Communion:  Preparations are well underway for First Holy Communion.  The choir will be practising on a daily basis. It is vital that all children in the choir turn up on the day. First Holy Communion takes place on Saturday May 19th at 11 a.m.  In order to alleviate overcrowding, the ceremony is streamed to the Resource Centre. 

             All classes will be on school tour on Thursday June 21st. Many children have already paid for their school tour. If your child is not going on tour, please let the school know as we need to confirm numbers as soon as possible.

              Well done to Paul O Neill, Peter Kiely and Barry Toomey, all members of the Limerick City hurling squad who played in the Mackey Cup in the Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday. City were narrowly defeated in the final after extra time.  Best of luck to Emer Conroy and Sarah O Sullivan who line out for the City in the Neville Cup camogie competition.  

           Parents Association:   There was a good turnout at the Parents Association Meeting last Tuesday where the following topics were discussed - 
1. Feedback on Ger Brick workshop (School & Parents ) 2. Building works update (Ms. Hayes)   3. Policy when children are sick or injured at school  4.  Kidisco - end of term    5. Colours day for Milford Hospice  6. Update from School (Ms Hayes) 7. Reaction to proposals re all weather area around pitch/extendable roof from last meeting  8. Resignation of Chair & Secretary. 9. AOB (including BusyBodies programme and Communion)

The Parents Association are also looking for volunteers from First Class to provide refreshments after the First Holy Communion on May 19th.  If those who have already volunteered can please reconfirm with Lorraine 087/3139005.

Fantastic result from the last Recycling Day, thank you to everyone.

             Reminder:  School will be in use as a polling station on Friday May 25th. School will end for all pupils at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday May 24th as teachers will be attending Inservice on Child Protection.

 

Gach dea- ghuí,

J. Lyons

Principal

 

BALLYBROWN/CLARINA COMMUNITY GAMES:

Our Sports Evening is on this Friday 4th May in the Ballybrown Community Field.

Registrations will take place on the evening from 5.30pm with events to start at 6.00 pm sharp. We will have sprint events, middle distance events and field events.

The cost is €4.00 per child of €10.00 per family. This is always a great evening so we would like to see as many of you as possible come along and take part. 

Please check out our Facebook page for further details.

https://www.facebook.com/ballybrownclarinacommunitygames/