Summer Message 2026
Dear All,
I can’t quite believe that we are here again at the end of another school year. The school has seen a cross- section of events across a broad spectrum with much being accomplished. So much happens in school on a daily basis but I think it is worth noting a few changes and developments that we have seen this year. We look forward to seeing some of these developments coming to fruition in the near future.
As ever, the Erasmus project in school goes from strength to strength. In May, there was a staff trip to Bari in southern Italy which allowed our staff to see Special Education practice in this part of Europe. In October, plans are being finalized to take a group of students to Stockholm and in May 2027, another group will travel to Tarragona in Spain. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to see how other schools in different countries function and compare and contrast with their own experience of school life.
We are very excited about our sensory garden and utilizing it not only in school but in the wider community too. RTE came to school this week to film the pupils singing their own musical creation in celebration of the garden to be broadcast on NEW2day, a children’s programme. It is great to see our local initiatives being played out on the national media and we congratulate all those who have been and continue to be involved in this venture.
We were delighted too to hear that earlier in the year, the green light was given by the Department of Education for the school to provide a third SEN class. This is great news as it means that provision can be offered for specialist teaching where it is needed. As a consequence, we see a growing staff of 12 teachers and 10 special needs assistants. I commend Ms. Mc Carthy and all the staff who advocated for this funding and who put our case so strongly to those in the Department who hold the purse strings.
We look forward also to seeing the provision of after school care beginning in the new term. It is hoped that this service will meet the needs of those who need it.
On the subject of staffing, we wish Ms. Casey well as she takes a career break. We will miss her greatly and look forward to her return in due course. We wish all our 6th Year pupils too every success as they leave us for the new horizons of secondary school. It is a huge milestone and we all wish each pupil and their families well for the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Mc Carthy and all the staff for their unstinting and tireless efforts in making Ballymitty NS the vibrant, happy and productive place it is. I would also thank Helena, our secretary and the ancillary staff for their hard work in ensuring that the school functions efficiently. Everyone plays their part and I never fail to be cheered by the energy, good humour and friendship of staff and students alike.
On this positive note and on behalf of the Board of Management, I wish all families, carers, staff and pupils a very restful, safe and relaxing Summer break. May the Sun keep shining!
With best wishes,
Mary Hayward- Chair of the Board of Management.