We may have to stay safe at home for a little while yet, but we can still head off on an adventure … all we need is a comfy chair and a good book!

To celebrate World Book Day this year you could:

• Design and make a bookmark.
• Write a postcard to your favourite character.
• Listen to an audiobook at https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories/
• Visit https://www.librariesni.org.uk/ and check out their range of eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers or arrange to book and collect from your local library by ordering online or by phone in advance.
• Have a look at https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/fun-at-home-with-authors-and-illustrators/ to have a go at one of their quizzes or even try one of their book-themed recipes… yum!
• Check out Pobble365’s non-screen activities @ https://blog.pobble.com/non-screen-activities-for-book-lovers
• Google your favourite author and see if they have a website. 
• Cast the movie version of your favourite book – who would you get to play the main characters?  You could even do a storyboard of how the movie might look.
• Get some tips from the experts at https://www.worldbookday.com/online-masterclasses/
• Most importantly pick up a book and have a read!

Please find below updated information on the arrangements for awarding grade for summer 2021 as of 13/2/21.

It is the time of year that Year 10 pupils would be considering their subject choices for next year. A year 10 google classroom has been set up for all pupils to provide them with information on the options available to them and presentations by different subjects explaining what is involved in their courses. Please find below the Year 10 options booklet which also provides all subject information. If your child has any questions please don't hesitate to contact their subject teacher.

Please find below two letters from Peter Weir, Minister of Education on the clarification and communication on the 6th January announcement on the cancellation of examinations.

If your child has been locked out of their email account/ My school/ Google drive, please email the school office on info@ballyclaresec.ballyclare.ni.sch.uk stating that you need a password reset and provide your child's username. You will then be contacted with a new password for your child's school account.

Please find below a letter from the acting Head of Pastoral Care, Mr Cowden and some information that you might find helpful at this time.

Our Virtual Open Evening Tour is now live. Click on the link below to get an insight into all the aspects of school life and meet some of our wonderful pupils.

We hope you enjoy the tour and if you have any further questions please contact the school office on 02893322610 or email info@ballyclaresec.ballyclare.ni.sch.uk

6^th January 2021

Dear Parent/Carer,

Unfortunately, we are going to have to cancel the planned revision classes for Year 11 and Year 12 pupils on Thursday and Friday of this week. Apologies for the short notice. As it stands there has been no confirmation from the Department of Education that the exams will go ahead on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th January 2021.

We are still planning for the exams to go ahead and will keep parents and pupils updated with regards to this.

Information will be posted on the school website and on SIMS Parent App.

Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Kind regards

Mrs Bell

Dear parent/carer,

On Tuesday 5th January 2021, as directed by DE, we move to online learning for all pupils in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. This decision has been taken to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and keep pupils and staff safe. Mr Weir, Minister of Education, has requested that schools provide supervised learning for children of key workers and for vulnerable children within our school community.

To facilitate this please read the attached information and complete the application form if relevant. Once we are in receipt of your application form, we will confirm details of our supervised provision which we hope will be up and running for Wednesday 6th January 2021 and will run to Friday 29th January 2021. (Subject to review by DE)

.Kind regards

Mrs K Bell