Ballymurn News 26th MAY 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Finally summer has arrived! I hope you are all enjoying the nice weather and are looking forward to the long weekend in June. We have had a very busy month here at Ballymurn NS with Communion, Rackard League matches and standardised testing. The children have been working extremely hard and are looking forward to their final few weeks at school. We have many fun and exciting things to look forward to, Sports Day, School Tours, Health Promoting Schools Flag day, etc.

Our 2nd Class made their Holy Communion earlier this month under the guidance of their teacher Ms. Pitt and their parents. They had a very special day with their families. Sincere thanks to Ms. Pitt for all her hard work in preparing the class for this Sacrament.

School book lists for September 2016 have been issued. Payment is due to the school by Wednesday 8th June. Cost of €80 includes, book rental, annual fee and purchase of workbooks. We are dealing solely with Book Rental books from now on as per DES guidelines. Buying into the Book Rental scheme is optional, however, should you choose not participate; the onus is on the parent to purchase all the text books on your child’s booklist.

School Tours – letters have been sent home explaining the details of your child’s upcoming tour. Payment must be made by Friday 3rd June. If your child will not be going on their tour, please inform the office immediately, if you have not already done so.

School Reports – all reports shall be given to the eldest child in the family on Thursday 16th June. Please note that for children in 1st-6th class who recently completed their standardised English and Mathematics tests, their results shall be printed on their report. Your child’s ‘Reading Age’ shall also be written on their report.

School Calendar – for 2016/2017 is attached to this Newsletter. It is also available on our school website.

Split the Pot Winners – 1. Tracey O’Reilly - €60 on 10th May 2. Majella Gordon - €65 on 17th May 3. Niamh Lawlor - €65 on 24th May

Attendance – school attendance rates for April was 97.13%. As always, I encourage you as parents to try and have your child attend school as much as possible. Please note that on your child’s school report their attendance will be calculated out of 165 days as reports will be printed on 3rd June. For your information there are 183 school days in every academic year.

Is mise le meas,

Maria Brophy Principal 1 www.ballymurnns.ie Dates / Upcoming Events:

June Bank Holiday – school closed Monday 6th June Job Share Information Evening (current 2nd Class parents only) – Monday 13th June School Reports issued to parents – Thursday 16th June 5th and 6th Class – school tour 14th June Junior, Senior Infants and 1st Class – school tour 15th June 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class – school tour 16th June Sports Day – Tuesday 21st June (weather permitting). If raining Sports Day shall take place on Friday 24th June (again weather permitting). Cycle Training Safety Course – Wednesday 22nd June (Mr. O’Tiarnaigh’s Class/Ms. Pitt’s 3rd Class) Cycle Training Safety Course – Thursday 23rd June (Mr. Cleary’s Class) Garda Internet Safety/Drug Seminar – Monday 27th June (5th/6th Class) Graduation Service for 6th Class – Tuesday 28th June at 7pm in Ballymurn Church End of Year School Mass – Wednesday 29th June at 11.30am Summer holidays – school closed Thursday 30th June at 12.30pm for all children.

We have 5 mainstream classes with 2 SEN (Special Education Needs) teachers allocated for the academic year 2016/2017. These are as follows:

Junior/Senior Infants – Ms. Niamh Lawlor (Deputy Principal) 1st/2nd Class – Mr. Liam O’Tiarnaigh 3rd Class – Ms. Nicola Sheehan/Ms. Alison Ryan 4th/5th Class – Ms. Sarah Pitt 5th/6th Class - Mr. Willie Cleary SEN – Mrs. Maria Brophy SEN – Ms. Kate O’Callaghan (7.3 hours per week in Ballymurn NS)* SNA – Ms. Monica Nurney SNA – Ms. Katie Foley

*Based on current resource hour allocations, SEN teacher Ms. O’Callaghan shall be in Ballymurn NS for 7.3 hours per week. The remaining 17.7 hours shall be spent teaching in other schools. This is not the choice of the Board of Management, but rather the rules as set out by Dept. Education and Skills.

Communion - Congratulations to all the boys and girls in 2nd Class. A particular ‘Thank You’ to their teacher Ms. Pitt for the phenomenal amount of work she put into preparing the children. The artistic work on display in the church was fantastic and a credit to Ms. Pitt and all the Communion children. This month has been very busy for 2nd class. They worked very hard to prepare for their First Communion. On the morning of the Communion there was an air of excitement around the village and

2 www.ballymurnns.ie the sun even managed to make an appearance. The girls looked very pretty in their white dresses and not forgetting the boys who looked dashing in their finery!

The children read extremely well and we heard some beautiful singing from Emer Barry and Sophie Cummins. We saw a lot of nervous faces as they made their way to the altar to receive the Holy Bread. The children performed a wonderful song at the end of Mass which brought smiles of joy to all our faces. The day went extremely well and we would once again like to thank Fr Finn for all his hard work and helpfulness throughout the year. Well done again to all boys and girls! 

Our 3rd/4th class children did a wonderful job also in providing the choir for the service. Well done to all involved and to their very talented teacher Mr. O’Tiarnaigh.

Ms Lawlor’s Infants News Report In April we were very busy being gardeners in our classroom. Our role-play area was transformed into a garden centre and we were very lucky to have the help of our care taker Charlie to help us with our gardening. Each child sowed a sunflower. We sprinkled wild flower seeds on our new raised bed. We sowed a bean like Jack and the Beanstalk and as soon as it’s tall enough we will climb up to see if there’s a giant in the sky!! Many vegetables were planted such as carrots, turnips, lettuce and we’re most excited about the pumpkins sown up in the school garden. Fingers crossed we’ll have pumpkins for Halloween! Currently, our role-play area is TESCO supermarket where the children are practising their skills as cashier, shop assistant, manager and customers. Please see the school website for further news and photos.

Ms. Redmond’s Senior Infants/1st Class Report The Senior Infant and 1st Class pupils have had yet another busy month. We learned all about the Earth and what causes day and night. We experimented with the different ways we can make sounds, and the different types of sounds; the senior infant and first class pupils made their own musical instruments (shakers) which we use to accompany our singing during music lessons.

Senior Infants and 1st class are working really hard to try fill the class ‘marble jar’ with marbles (they get a marble for good behaviour and listening) when the marble jar is full we will have an ice- cream party as a reward for the whole class. We look forward to another new month of learning and fun and hopefully lots of sunshine in the Senior Infant and 1st Class room 

Ms. Pitt's 2nd/3rd Class Report Well done to the 2nd Class who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday April 30th. The children worked very hard preparing for the day; working on their art work, learning prayers and practising their jobs for the day. All of the children read well and sang beautifully on the day. I would like to say a big thank you to Mr. O’Tiarnaigh and the 3rd/4th Class choir who really added to the ceremony with their lovely music and singing on the day.

‘Our First Holy Communion’ by 2nd Class On Saturday April 30th we made our First Holy Communion. Firstly we did a procession into the church as the choir sang ‘Sing, Sing!’. Next Killian read about the ‘Symbols in our Lives’. Following that Oisín, Darragh and Gavin read the Penitential Rite. Then Keelin read the First Reading, Lucy and Muireann sang the psalm ‘Eat this Bread’ and Charlotte read the Second Reading.

3 www.ballymurnns.ie The choir then sang the ‘Alleluia’ and Fr. Finn read the Gospel. After that we had the prayers of the faithful read by Kayleigh, Rebecca, Amie, Jamie, Jasmine, Rachel, Mya and Laureann. Sandra then read the parents prayer. After that was the hymn ‘Here is Bread’. Following that it was time for the Offertory Procession where Pádraig and Ellie narrated and Kayleigh, Rebecca, Lucy and Muireann brought forward the gifts.

A while later James led the ‘Prayer before Communion’. Then we all came forward to receive our First Holy Communion as the choir song ‘I am the Vine’, ‘Glory to God’, ‘Give me Joy’ and ‘Go Tell Everyone’. Bríann and Isabel then led the class in the ‘Prayer after Communion’. Following that Teresa read the Communion Reflection ‘A Parent’s Blessing’.

Next we received our Communion certificates and baptismal candles. We then sang the song ‘If I were a Butterfly’ and we did the actions to go with it. Finally we did a procession out of the church as the choir sang ‘Sandyland’. Then we got our photographs taken and went to the hall with our friends and families. We all had a great day.

Here are the children’s reactions about their First Holy Communion day:

‘I read the prayer in Irish about people sick in hospital’ Mya ‘There were lots of people at the ceremony’ Killian ‘It was a really fun day’ Isabel ‘Everybody looked lovely’ Kayleigh ‘We sang the song ‘If I were a Butterfly’ Rachel ‘I liked it when we sang the song at the end’ Jasmine ‘We all had a great time receiving the holy bread’ Muireann ‘I didn’t like the taste of the holy bread’ Darragh ‘We all had a really nice day’ Ellie ‘We all got the holy bread’ Oisín ‘I was happy that I got the holy bread’ Gavin ‘I sang a song ‘Eat this Bread’’ Lucy ‘We said the prayers’ Amie ‘I enjoyed singing the song at the end of the Communion’ Rebecca ‘The holy bread tasted like cardboard!’ Pádraig ‘I liked when we went to the hall afterwards’ Laureann ‘I enjoyed my Communion’ Keelin ‘It was nice to spend time with our family and celebrate our Holy Communion’ Bríann ‘It was nice to spend time with God whilst celebrating our First Holy Communion’ Charlotte ‘I really liked the taste of the holy bread’ Jamie

Photographs of this event are on our school website 

Mr. O’Tiarnaigh’s 3rd/4th Class Report Our main topic this month has been the Ancient Egyptians. We’ve been learning all about the Pharaohs, the Pyramids and some off their ancient customs and rituals. The most popular aspect so far has been the Horrible Histories videos we have got to watch! In Art, we are making life sized Sarcophagus’ in groups which we hope to finish before the end of the month.

4 www.ballymurnns.ie Last week we had a really interesting talk from Gráinne at Zeeko. We talked about the importance of internet safety and to be careful about the amount of time we are spending on our devices. The main things we discussed were having Chat Buddies, what to do if a stranger contacts us on the internet and the dangers to our health of staying on our tablets too long or close to bed time. I myself was surprised by the amount of time and some of the apps and websites the class are spending time regularly on. I’d recommend that all parents speak to your children about the talk and make sure that you are monitoring what they are doing on the internet. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

We’ve done lots of great Art in the last month including mosaics, 3d building and Hieroglyphic names and hope to finish more before the June Bank Holiday. I’ll put up this month’s pictures next week after we finish our Egyptian displays. These will be found under my name on the school’s website.

Mr. Cleary’s 5th/6th Class Report Marathon Run On Wednesday 11th May, 30 children from 4th–6th class went over to to compete in a Marathon Challenge. Ms. Forde from Crossabeg NS organised the event where 6 local schools took part in conjunction with St Killian’s Athletics Club. The children started their run at 10.15 and finished up at 1.30. The children completed 66 laps altogether and had to work as a team in order to complete the course. It was a super day and a lot of tired bodies went home!

Rackard League Boys The boys Rackard League team has advanced to the Roinn B ¼ final vs NS. This game takes place on Monday 30th May. The lads had a fantastic win vs Kennedy park NS in Coolcots last week on a scoreline of 5-7 to 3-6. A big thanks to Matthew Bishop in 4th class for stepping into the goal for the day as our usual goalkeeper was injured. Hopefully we will have a semi final to look forward to in the coming weeks.

RSE (Relationships & Sexuality Education) – as our lessons in this subject continue, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting your child in their learning. This is a sensitive but extremely important part of our curriculum and your child benefits from their teacher and parents working as ‘partners in education’.

Thank You - from the Girls Féile U14 football team. The children in Ballymurn NS raised €208 towards their trip to Kerry to represent in the Féile. Well done everyone 

Jersey Friday Monies – as you know this weekly fundraiser is completely voluntary. However, we do rely heavily on your support and donations. If your child comes to school on Fridays wearing their ‘jersey’, they must donate €1 to the school. Again this is completely optional and your child may wear their normal PE uniform if you wish on Fridays.

Summer Uniform – hopefully this year we will have fabulous summer weather and in this event, children may wear their P.E. t-shirt with either navy or black shorts to school on the warm, sunny days. Reminder – children with long hair must tie it up in school for hygiene reasons.

NB!!! - Important Reminder – from 30th August 2016, your child’s school uniform shall be as follows: 1. Navy blue, crested, round neck jumper (available from SportSavers, Wexford)

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2. Polo shirts – light blue (available from Dunnes, Tesco, SportsSavers etc.) 3. Plain, navy blue tracksuit bottoms (available from Dunnes, Tesco, SportsSavers etc.)

It shall be compulsory for all children to wear this uniform if enrolled in our school. Parents are responsible for ensuring each item of clothing is clearly labelled with their child’s name.

SUPERVISION – Your Child’s Safety on School Premises Monday to Friday ------9.20am to 3.00pm Infants (Junior & Senior) ------9.20am to 2.00pm Outside of these times there is no supervision for children on the school premises.

The Parents Committee would like to congratulate all the children who made their First Holy Communion recently. A special ‘THANK YOU’ must be made to the following people who helped make the day run so smoothly:

Altar Servers: Kelly Anne Dempsey, Orla Redmond, Ciara Lawler and Annelies Doyle. Volunteers at the celebration in the Parish Hall:  Niamh Lawlor, Cathrina Murphy, Linzi Flanagan, Lisa Devlin, Sam Dooley, Sabrina Kehoe, Gina Réamonn, Mag O’Brien, Therese Finan, Laura Thompson, Kerry Kehoe, Minnie O’Connor, Zoe May Murray, Grace Flanagan and a variety of other little helpers 

Finally, thank you to everyone who donated sandwiches, cakes etc. to the event. Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated. We look forward to Sports Day on Tuesday 21st June. Weather permitting we shall be hosting a BBQ on the day. We shall be distributing the ‘Book Savings Scheme’ money from 29th May. If you have been saving with us, please come to the school to collect your money.

Congratulations and well done to all the pupils who took part in the Relay Marathon at the pitch in Crossabeg recently. The Parents Committee were delighted to reward all who took part on the day with an ice-cream 

Health Promoting News (HPS) - By Ms. O’Callaghan Application for Accreditation We are still waiting on official recognition as a Health Promoting School. We hope to hear back very soon.

BE ACTIVE BEFORE SCHOOL – as and from Wednesday 1st June, ‘Be Active’ will take place for all children in Jun. Infants to Second Class on Wednesdays only!! There will be no ‘Be Active’ sessions on

6 www.ballymurnns.ie Friday mornings as and from 3rd to 30th June inclusive. On dry mornings the session shall take place in the school yard and not the parish hall.

Active School Week We held our second annual Active School Week in March of this year. Pupils engaged in many different activities including, active stations, penalties, a whole school walk, a teacher v 6th class basketball match and a Fun Friday. We were blessed with fine weather for what proved to be a great week. Both staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed Active School Week 2016.

Pupils Report Active School Week was a fun week with loads of fun activities. 6th Class really enjoyed beating the teachers in a basketball match. It was a fun way to communicate with friends whilst also getting exercise. The whole school participated in a penalty shoot out with Tadhg English in goal.

Charlie McNicholas (Senior Infants) beat Tadhg each time and came out on top. The first day of Active School Week, the whole school took part in an obstacle course, and the junior end of the school really enjoyed this. Active School Week was a fun way of interacting with friends and becoming active.

By: Adam O’Brien and Hannah Byrne

Quotes from our pupils The week was full of fun activities –Micheál O’ Connor 6th Class I really enjoyed getting outside every day during class – Corey Canavan 6th Class The basketball match against the teachers was great fun- Annelies Doyle 6th Class It was great to do exercise and have fun at the same time- Jessie Byrne 6th Class I really enjoyed the week – Jamie Kealy Gregory 5th Class Active school was pretty cool –Charlie Canavan 4th Class I liked doing laps around the pitch –Conor O’Brien 4th Class I liked the active stations because there was lots of different things we could do Tara Bishop 4th Class I liked the goals and the laps- Zara Evans 3rd Class The basketball match was really cool to watch –Jennifer Réamonn 3rd Class I love the way everyone came together to get active-Jamie Green 2nd Class I love to exercise every day –Gavin Murphy 2nd Class We played sports and games and we had a lot of fun- Keira Carroll 1st Class Active School Week is good for our health –Oisín O’Connor 1st Class

Girls Rackard League Camogie by Ms Pitt: The girls are continuing to do well in the Rackard League Camogie competition. They won their match against the Mercy, St. John's Road. As a result of this win they topped their group in the Wexford District. The girls then went on to play Rosslare in the District Semi-Final on May 16th in Ballymurn. This was a very exciting and closely fought match against an evenly matched team which ended in a draw. The girls went on to play extra time in an effort to separate the two teams. However after

7 www.ballymurnns.ie further scores in the ten minutes of extra time this also ended in a draw. The girls then went on to play a replay on May 20th in . Again this was another very exciting and hard fought match, where the two teams were very close again.

However, Ballymurn pulled ahead to win the match in the end. We are very proud of how hard the girls worked together as a team and kept fighting until the final whistle. We are now looking forward to a District Final against Kilmore or Barntown. The girls are putting a great effort into the training and matches and they are playing very well together as a team.

Thank you to the parents for your continued support bringing the girls to and from the matches and training. Best of luck in the District Final girls!

The following girls are on the panel: Ciara Hennessy, Ciara Lawler, KellyAnne Dempsey, Orla Redmond, Hannah Byrne, Ellen O'Gorman, Annelies Doyle, Clodagh Cullen, Aisling Boylan, Emma Lawler, Chloe Murphy, Rebecca Carlyle and Holly Murray.

Green School Update

As part of the Global Citizenship theme, the Green School committee recently carried out a survey to find out if any the children or their parents come from another country. We discovered that there are children in our school that have family from New Zealand, England, Holland, Estonia, Wales, Tanzania and Spain. We will be looking forward to finding out more about these countries.

The whole school took part in National Walk to School week. Wednesday 18th May was National Walk to School day. Almost everyone met in the Anvil car park and walked to school together. Thanks to everyone for taking part! Each class monitored how the children travelled to school each day. Mr. Cleary’s class were the winners of the Golden Boot award for walking to school. Congratulations to them! Even though National Walk to School week is over, we would still encourage everyone to car pool, park and stride, walk or cycle to school, during the summer months especially.

Please remember to drop any batteries, smart phones or ink cartridges to the school for recycling. The committee recently sorted out a stock of these things and realised we have around 17 smart phones, which means we would only need three more to get an Ipad for our school.

Many thanks, Green School Committee

Mr. Cleary’s ‘Summer Camp’ shall run from 5th to 8th July, 2016 (inclusive). Time: 10:00 to 14:00. Further information and application forms shall be issued in the coming weeks. Contact: Mr. Cleary on 086 8962251. 8 www.ballymurnns.ie