June 2021 Newsletter

Important dates for your diary
18th June 2021 – 12 noon: School closes for Summer holidays
26th August 2021 – School reopens for new school year.

Dear Parents/Gardians,
A word of sincere thanks to all of you for your support during this unprecedented year! We were presented with many challenges during the year but with your unwavering support, we have come through! Hopefully better things are in store for us in the next school year. All staff members wish you and all of your families a very happy Summer and hopefully we will all stay healthy.

Kathleen McCaffrey’s retirement
Kathleen is due to retire this month from Ballaghameehan N.S. As a tribute to her work, a Mass has been organised in the local church for 12.30pm on Wednesday the 16th June. It will be attended by all children, school staff and members of the Board of Management. A small number of Kathleen’s family will also be in attendance. Presentations will be made at the end of Mass. Light refreshments will be served in the school afterwards. The function will follow current health guidelines.

Sacraments

First Confession and First Holy Communion
Children in 2nd class made their First Confession in the school yesterday, 8th June. It is hoped that Caoimhe Murphy, Naomi Keaney, Sophie Rooney, Logan Meehan and Keelan McGuiness will also make their First Holy Communion on 10th July in Ballaghameehan Church.

Confirmation
Confirmation will be held on Sunday 4th July at 12 noon in Kiltyclogher Church.

Testing

All testing has now finished in school and the report cards will be posted early next week.

Organic Centre

As part of our Active Schools Programme, all pupils and staff will enjoy a walk to the Organic Centre on Friday the 11th June. Pupils will be allowed to have their lunch at the centre on that day. It is hoped that the centre will facilitate a bug
finding and identification workshop for the children to enjoy, while they are at the centre. Please ensure that your children bring a coat and wear runners/walking shoes on Friday.

Peace IV
Digital Storytelling

Part of the Peace IV programme this year involved children creating stories digitally. These stories were based on “Share the Walk” challenge earlier in the year.

Aoife Pudney and Róisín Dolan created their stories using i movies, while Lewis Meehan created his digital story using adobe spark, with the aid of Rihanna Rooney. Three digital stories were also created in Masterson N.S. Both schools viewed the stories and provided feedback via zoom last week. This was our first attempt at creating such stories and the children are to be highly commended! Well done to all!

Pupils in the junior room will share photos from their virtual walk and pictures of outdoor activities which they took part in while the school was closed during lockdown. They will share these photos and pictures with Masterson NS and they will
also hear from the children of Masterson NS regarding their virtual walk and outdoor activities they were involved in during lockdown.

Sports’ Day
The school will hold its annual Sports’ Day in the school garden / playground on the morning of the 17th June.

Mr. Gallagher
Mr. Gallagher has been a member of our staff during the past year and he has proved to be a very valued member of staff. He covered for Mrs. Dolan’s weekly admin days. Children have thoroughly enjoyed his classes of Geography, Science and P.E. Unfortunately, Mr. Gallagher will be leaving at the end of this school year as he continues to develop his teaching career.

Goodbye to Sixth Class
We have to say goodbye to 6th class: Maryann Ferguson, Shay Feely, Luke Dolan and Shane Devenney. They have been a pleasure to teach and they each have served as good role models for the younger children. We wish them every happiness as they progress to St. Clare’s Comprehensive, Manorhamilton.