1. education
2. school

BALLYWALTER BULLETIN
24 April 2015
CASTLE ESPIE TRIP
Pupils from P1 and P2 enjoyed a wonderful day at Castle Espie on Tuesday. They learnt all
about looking after our birds and wildlife and had a great time exploring the wide open spaces
of Castle Espie.
WARNING
It has come to our attention that a number of pupils, particularly in Key Stage Two, have been
taking part in something called a ’99 challenge’. This involves scratching your arm 99 times to
break the skin. The pupils in Primary 5-7 have been spoken to and told that this self-harming
behaviour is inappropriate and needs to stop. We would ask parents to reinforce this message
at home and check your child’s arm for marks.
A VISITOR FOR P1 & P2
On Monday Mrs Kelly from the school office came to our classrooms to
tell us about a day in the life of a school secretary. Later in our play area
we pretended to answer telephones, make bookings for school trips and
took a note of how many children were having dinner that day.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS READING PROGRAMME
Members of the Board of Governors very kindly took the time to come
into school this week to read to each of the classes, (P2 will have theirs
rescheduled due to the Castle Espie trip). All the classes really enjoyed
having someone “new” in the classroom.
SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Our football team played in a 7 a-side football tournament organised by NDPSFA
(Newtownards and District Primary School Football Association), at the Dairy Hall playing
fields. They played against Regent House P.S. and won 3 – 1.
The team was: Luke Goldwater, Dylan Kelso Oliver, Aaron McVeigh, Dylan Graham, Sam
Skinner, Stephen Jest, Jonathan Shaw, Lewis Cromie, Dean Moore and Joe Hopes.
Well done boys! Keep up the great football. Thank you to the parents who drove the team
to and from the tournament.
ABSENCE NOTES
In order for your child’s attendance record to be accurate please ensure that a note is sent
to the class teacher if your child is absent for any reason. Please state the reason for the
absence and the date/s your child was absent.
2nd HEAT SUCCESS FOR JOE!
Congratulations to Joe Hopes (P7), winner of the 2nd heat of the Regional Finals of the
Schools Cross Country competition organised by the Education Authority, South Eastern
Region. Joe was competing against approximately 200 others in his group at the Billy Neill
playing fields near Comber.
HEAD LICE
It is often around this time of year that schools can have a problem with head lice. Please
remember to be vigilant and check your child’s hair regularly.
“CHANGE OF CLOTHES BOX”
We have no skirts, dresses, trousers or T shirts left in the “change of clothes” box. If your
child has borrowed any items could they please be returned or if you have some items that
your children have grown out of could you please send them in
DIARY DATES FOR MAY 2015
4 May 2015 – School closed for May Day Bank Holiday
5 May 2015 - School closed for School Development Day
7 May 2015 – School closed as it is being used as a Polling Station for General Election
25 May 2015 – School closed for Spring Bank Holiday
26 May 2015 – School closed for School Development Day
29 May 2015 – School Sports Day (weather permitting)
News From Beyond The School Gates
Link – Next Meeting 2 May
P1-P7 7.00pm - 8.00pm. We meet in the school assembly hall, where we have games, quizzes, bible
memory verses and exciting talks. Please come along and bring your friends!
Ballywalter Children’s Meetings
Come along every Friday 7.00pm – 8.00pm to the Orange Hall (except last Friday in month when it’s
6.15 – 7.15). Learn about Jesus through Bible stories, singing, arts and crafts. All ages very welcome.
Q: Why should you never give Elsa a balloon?
A: Because she’ll only Let It Go!
(Brilliant! Many thanks Betsy Andrews P2)
Killer whales (also known as Orcas) are actually a member of the dolphin family, In fact, they are the
largest member of the dolphin family, Delphinidae. Orcas are at the top of the food chain, so to speak,
even above Great White Sharks whom Orcas routinely kill and eat. The Orca has no known natural
predator above themselves; they are more or less the “kings of the ocean”.
(Special Reporter – Madison Upritchard P5)