Month: April 2014

GREEN SCHOOLS: We have just been notified that our school has been awarded the green flag for water. This is great news and a tribute to the wonderful work done by the green schools committees over the last two years. The flag will be presented to the school at a ceremony in Athlone on May 22nd.

PUNCTUALITY: A reminder that the first chime sounds at 9.15 am and children are collected by their teacher and brought to class. The second chime at 9.20 am indicates that school has commenced. Children should be in their line by 9.15 am. It is important for all children to be on time, but especially so for younger children who are getting used to school routine.

OFFICIAL OPENING: The official opening of our new school will take place on Thursday June 12th at 2 pm. More details to follow.

DRAINAGE: We have had an on-going problem with drainage at the front and side of the school. A “french drain” was put in over the holiday period which will hopefully solve that problem. However, we are now left with visible stones which are very “tempting” for young children. We are asking parents collecting children, especially at 3pm not to allow pre-schoolers access to that area.

5 A-SIDE SOCCER: Two boys teams and two girls teams from 6th class took part in the annual Aviva competition held in Portlaoise yesterday. There were some excellent matches with our teams narrowly missing out qualifying for the next round. However, the two local derby matches ended in draws so everybody went home happy!

FIRST EUCHARIST:   Preparations are well under way for Sunday May 18th. More details over the coming weeks.

LITERACY/NUMERACY:  As we have mentioned before we have introduced new strategies to improve and promote literacy and numeracy in school.  This may involve your children taking part in a variety of activities with other teachers and classes.

SCHOOL CLOSURES:
* Monday May 5th Bank Holiday
* Friday May 23rd Local/European Elections
* Friday May 30th Holiday
* Monday June 2nd Bank Holiday
* Tuesday June 3rd Holiday

CUMANN NA mBUNSCOL:
Lisa Walsh and Adam Lynskey (6th Class) represented the school at the skills competition held recently in Stradbally.  Lisa has been chosen to play in an exhibition match at Croke Park later in the year.  Adam will play at a Laois championship match during the summer.  Well done!

COMMUNITY NOTICES:
Your Move Health and Fitness: (based at Ballylinan G.A.A. Club House).  Offers available – contact Marc 086 3114395 or marcandgarrett@gmail.com

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

CONFIRMATION:
Congratulations to the children in 6th class who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last Saturday. Special thanks to Mrs. Connolly for all her work in preparing the class and to the school staff and “others” for making the day remarkable. Well done to the children in the choir for their support and beautiful singing.

I.N.T.O. / Cumann na mBunscol Football Skills:
Lisa Walsh and Adam Lynskey from 6th Class will represent the school today in Stradbally at the annual football competition.

EASTER HOLIDAYS:
School closes on Friday April 11th @ 12.30 pm. (please note time). The Junior Play area will be open for parking to avoid congestion. School re-opens Monday April 28th @ 9.15 am.

REMINDER – ‘SUPER STARS’ EASTER CAMP: (some places still available)
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th April – 10am – 2pm.

Prices: €40 – 1 child; Family Rate – €70 – 2 children; €90 – 3 children.
Please return forms by tomorrow, Friday.

PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWS:
Prize winners:
1st Prize – (iPad mini) – Sharon Logue, Kilmeague, Kildare.
2nd Prize – €50 East Hamper – Josephine Reddy, The Crescent, Ballylinan.
3rd Prize (€25 Petitt’s voucher) – Claire Murphy, 6th Class.
4th Prize (Wine/Easter hamper) – Katie Harrington (past pupil).
5th Prize Lily O’Brien Easter egg – Abigail Eustace (past pupil).

Thanks to our sponsors – Dineen Sales for the iPad mini, Pettitt’s for the €50 hamper and €25 voucher.

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”
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CONFIRMATION:
Our best wishes go to the children from 6th Class who will receive their Confirmation on Saturday next, April 5th in St. Anne’s Church at 11.30 am. Further details will be given to the class later in the week.
CHOIR:  Children from 4th and 5th classes will provide the choir for the ceremony and should be in their places by 11.20 am.

CEREMONY OF LIGHT:
Fr. Brian has informed us that the preparation ceremony for 6th Class will be celebrated in the church tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30 pm.

DENTAL SERVICE FOR 6TH CLASS:
The H.S.E. has indicated that 6th children may not be seen before the summer due to staff shortages. However, they have assured us that the children will be called before the end of the year. Parents requiring emergency treatment for any child can ring 057 86 92625 any morning at 9.30 am and they will be directed to the nearest clinic.

‘SUPER STARS’ EASTER CAMP (Junior Infants – 6th Class):
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th April – 10am – 2pm – €40 per child. For more details contact: Ms Goff, Ms. Brennan, Ms. Mulhare or Mrs. Connolly. See flyer attached to newsletter sent home with your child.

OFFICE UNATTENDED:
Please note that the admin. office is unattended from –
10.45am – 11am and 12.15 – 12.45 pm each day.

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS:
Easter Raffle – please return your tickets to the school on or before this Friday April 4th. Extra tickets can be got from the admin. office.  Draw takes place in the school on Monday 7th.
Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”