Month: September 2017

Book Bills / Rental
Once again thanks to all who have paid. Any refunds due to parents who qualify for the book grant will be paid in the coming weeks.

Infants
Our new infants have settled in well and are now remaining in school until 2 pm.  The children now line up at the back of the school with the other classes; another milestone reached! Please remember that the bell goes at 9.15 am and remember some extra lunch, but not too much!

Homework Club
The club is now ongoing and it is great to see the enthusiasm.

Tin Whistle
Classes have resumed for this term. If you have any queries please contact the school.

Football
Cumann na mBunscol competitions are now in full swing. The girls played well but lost to Abbeyleix last Thursday and will hope for better luck when they make the short trip to Ballyadams this week. The boys got off to a good start with a fine win in Mountmellick last week and had a one point win over Clonaghadoo this week. They will host Gaelscoil Phortlaoise next week. Congratulations to Ballylinan footballers on their championship wins so far and best of luck in the semi-final against Portarlington from all in the school!

School Calendar 2018
Our Parents Association has produced a school calendar in recent years and it has proved to be very successful not only as a fund-raiser but also as a keep-sake. We will be taking photographs of class groups in the coming weeks.

Junior Cert
Congratulations to all our past pupils who received their Junior Cert results last week.

Athy College
Children from 5^th and 6^th class will visit Athy College this Friday. The College is holding an Open Evening on Thursday 21^st September for parents and students who are interested in enrolling for Sept 2018 or if you would just like to visit.  All are welcome between 6 pm and 7:45 pm. Parents of children in 5^th Class should now be making plans for their child’s secondary education.

Class Visits
From time to time during the year children will leave the school grounds to visit locations such as St. Anne’s Hall, Ballylinan G.A.A. pitch, St. Anne’s soccer pitch, “The Park”, St. Anne’s Church, the old school, the cemetery, etc.  It may not be always possible to inform you in advance that these “trips” will be taking place as they will be weather dependent but children will always be back to school by collection times.

Book Rental/School Contribution (Costs)
Thanks to everyone who has paid. Through the book rental scheme we try to keep costs as low as possible. The benefit to families is often greater in the senior classes. As previously explained the school contribution pays for the services provided for your children such as materials for art/science, assessment tests, photocopying, 24 hour personal accident insurance, etc. As we have to pay many of these costs in advance we would appreciate payment as soon as possible please.

Book Grant
Families who qualify for the “Back to School Clothing Allowance” are also eligible for the book grant.  Please let us know.

School Tracksuits
Tracksuits ordered during the summer are now overdue for collection.

Cumann na mBunscol Football League
Competitions begin next week, we will let the children know the fixtures as soon as we have them!

Girls U12 Football
Very hard luck to Ballylinan girls who lost by the narrowest of margins to Graiguecullen last week. They were naturally disappointed but there will be other opportunities in the future!

Parking
A reminder to parents that the junior playground is open for parking after school (3pm).

Healthy Lunch
As part of our policy we are asking that parents do not send sweets, crisps (and similar snacks), chocolate, fizzy or energy drinks to school please. We would also ask you to be careful about the quantity of food sent in as children may feel they need to finish everything and that is not always the case.

Homework Club (1^st to 6^th Class)
Starts back Monday September 11^th.

Tin Whistle
Starts back next week. Details to follow.

Swimming
Swimming starts this week (and next) for 1^st and 2^nd Classes. Please see details from class teachers.

Positive Parenting Programme
Triple P programme courses are free and are available to parents with children aged 2-15 years of age, living in Laois. Triple P helps you to

• raise happy, confident children,
• encourage behaviour you like,
• manage misbehaviour so everyone in the family enjoys life more,
• set rules and routines that everyone respects and
• take care of yourself as a parent.

For further information, phone (090) 64 47111 or email  triplep.midlands@hse.ie . Their autumn schedule is now available.