Ballakermeen High School Association

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Newsletter

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our recent A.G.M. It was heartening to see so many new parents there and we hope that this is a trend that will continue.

As the newly elected Chairman I am delighted to invite you to join the parents to work in partnership with the staff for the benefit of our children.

Ballakermeen High School Association (BHSA for short!) meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Open Learning Centre. Meetings are rarely longer than an hour and you are guaranteed a warm welcome. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 6th February at 6.30 pm. and we look forward to seeing you there.

One of our main functions is as a fund raising committee, but we also meet to discuss ways of working with the school to improve the educational facilities for our children. I hope you will enjoy reading this newsletter which outlines some of our past and future events. 

Ian Powley,    Chairman

Other members of the committee with new roles include:

Mrs Debbie Schuster, Treasurer

Mrs Cathy Radcliffe, Secretary

Special thanks should be given to Mr Dennis McAdam who has held the role of Treasurer for a number of years and leaves the finances in a very healthy state.

Earlier this year we held two evening sessions on ‘The Internet for Parents.’ Participants worked in two groups – one for absolute beginners, the other for those who had some knowledge of the internet. Two parents ran the sessions (one is also a teacher at the school) and we were very pleased with the response. We hope to repeat this very successful venture this academic year. Please let us know if you would be interested in attending.

Tour of the Sixth Form Centre and Multi-Purpose Hall

Committee members were treated to a sneak preview of the school’s latest facilities at a recent meeting. After many years of our children complaining about the cramped conditions of the old canteen, it was pleasing to see the magnificent new hall and ‘high tech’ serving areas.

Lunch times are very busy and Mr Masterton explained about some minor adjustments to the serving areas in order to reduce queueing times. However, we all agreed that teething problems were likely to be experienced when a new system, catering for over 1,300 children is introduced.

At present, our children opt for a ‘Fast Food’ Bar, a Hot Food menu, or baked potatoes, sandwiches and baguettes. Special meals can be purchased from any of the till areas. The most recent being a ‘Hallowe’en Hotpot’, drink and chocolate pumpkin, all for £1.80.

Parents were also glad that students who eat packed lunches were now able to do so with their friends. Large tables for children to gather round for a leisurely lunch and pop music playing certainly leads to a more conducive environment!

We have a number of ways in which you might like to become involved in offering further support towards the education of our children, details of two of them are given overleaf.

If you would like to suggest or organise a future event the committee will be very receptive!

This very popular event is open to parents of the school and their friends. This year we are using South Douglas Old Friend’s Club as a venue. Tickets cost £4 and include a hot pot supper. For those of you unfamiliar with Race Nights, we can guarantee a fun-filled evening. A series of horse races will be shown on a screen and guests are invited to place bets on the outcome. A bar is available.

All profits from the evening will be used for the benefit of our children. If you would like to order tickets please send in your requests to Mrs Burnett, Deputy Head. (Cheques should be made payable to Ballakermeen High School Association)

If you are unable to attend on the night perhaps you, or your company would like to sponsor a race, or own a horse or jockey. Further details are available from Mrs Burnett.

Our very successful 300 Club has proved to be extremely popular and provides a steady income. For £6 a quarter, you can be entered into our monthly prize draw. You will note from the list of prizewinners overleaf that the rewards are significant. Even better, all profits go directly to the school to be used solely for the benefit of our children.

Thank you to those parents who are already members. Occasionally, cicumstances change. If you have moved address, or your name has altered, please inform the Treasurer c/o school.

For those of you who are not yet members and wish to join, an application form is enclosed. This should be returned to the Treasurer via school.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. Don’t forget you are welcome to attend any Ballakermeen High School Association committee meeting at 6.30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month.

Home                            BHS Association Internet Resources Pages prepared by Enda Collins 

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