Month: October 2017

Football News
Our boys will play in this year’s Cumann na mBunscol Roinn 3 final against Clonaghadoo. The match will be played this Wednesday 25^th in O’Moore Park with throw-in at 12:30. All 6^th Class (boys and girls) will travel to the match by bus. Because we’ll be treating them to refreshments afterwards, 6^th Class probably won’t be back at the school till 3:30 on the day. If you wish to travel separately, you’re welcome to come and support us. Admission will be adults €4, OAPs and students €3, children free. If you wish to bring a child from school, please let the teacher know in advance. The boys have played really well this year whatever the result, though naturally we’d like to finish with a win. Best of luck lads!

Aistear Programme for Infants
Our Infant Classes will soon be starting the Aistear programme. Aistear is an initiative for learning through play. Many resources will be required to implement it correctly. We will want to collect a variety of toys and other resources in good condition for use within the programme. Please note that we will not be asking for new toys but items that you may have at home that are no longer required. Please do not send in anything yet but do keep an eye out for what can be donated. Further details to follow after Halloween.

 Voluntary Envelope Collection
The envelope collection is our main means of fundraising and allows us to provide better facilities, equipment and services for your children. The envelopes are being sent home every week with the oldest child in each family. You are reminded that your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year. Your support is much appreciated.

Halloween
We are “dressing up” for Halloween again this year this Friday October 27th. As in previous years we are asking for a contribution of €2 per child or €3 per family.  Any funds raised will go to the Parents Association. No masks please and no “one piece” costumes for infants!!

Lost Property
Remember that we have amassed a collection of school jumpers, jackets, scarves, tracksuit tops etc. Please come and see if your lost property is here before we donate it.

Change of Contact Details?
A reminder to please make sure we have up-to-date contact details for you. This is important, particularly if we need to contact you in an emergency. If there has been a change, please ring us at 059 – 862 5195.

Community News
There will be a tribute concert for Angela and John Joe Brennan on Friday, 3^rd November at 8 pm in St. Anne’s Hall, Ballylinan. Tickets €5. Please phone Margaret 086 – 325 4931.

Attendance & Punctuality
Your child’s attendance at school is vital to their education. It is important to use the ‘Record of Absence’ notes towards the back of the Student Journal if your child has been absent or is going to be absent from school. This is the best way to inform your child’s teacher who needs to know the reason for any absence. Please ensure that your child is on time for school in the mornings and if s/he needs to leave early do let us know in advance . Thank you for your cooperation.

School Closures
Remember that school closes on Friday October 27^th at the usual times and re-opens on Monday November 6^th. Remember too that all teachers are required to attend inservice so school will be closed for pupils on Tuesday, 14^th November.

Thank You
Thank you once again for the big welcome I have received since my arrival in Ballylinan. I also particularly want to thank the staff of the school for being so great to work with, on my own behalf but more importantly on behalf of your children

Football News
Our Cumann na mBunscol group stages are drawing to a close. It was a challenging year for the girls this year but they played their hearts out as always and we hope for better luck next year. A huge thanks to the girls and also to mentors Mrs. Hurley, Mrs. Connolly (and Ms. Farrell) for all their help. Our boys’ journey continues – they have reached the final this year which will be played (probably) on Wed. 25^th or Thurs. 26^th October. Details to follow as soon as we know them. Well done lads!

Up Ballylinan!
Our best wishes go to Ballylinan footballers who will play Portlaoise on Sunday in their first county final in 30 years! Everyone in the school will be rooting for them. We are organising a “big cheer” in the school at 1:15 tomorrow (Friday 13^th). Pupils are welcome to wear the Ballylinan colours if they have them. If not, school tracksuit is to be worn. If you’re anywhere nearby, keep an ear out at that time!

Aistear Programme for Infants
Our Infant Classes will soon be starting the Aistear programme. Aistear is an initiative for learning through play. Many resources will be required to implement it correctly. We will want to collect a variety of toys and other resources in good condition for use within the programme. Please note that we will not be asking for new toys but items that you may have at home that are no longer required. Please do not send in anything yet but do keep an eye out for what can be donated. Further details to follow in the coming weeks.

Book Bills / Rental
Some book rental/school contribution fees are overdue. Please contact the school to make payment arrangements. Thank you.

 Voluntary Envelope Collection
The envelope collection is our main means of fundraising and allows us to provide better facilities, equipment and services for your children. The envelopes will be sent home every week with the oldest child in each family. You are reminded that your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year. Your support is much appreciated.

Halloween
As in previous years we will be dressing up for Halloween on Friday October 27^th.  This is a fund-raiser for our Parents Association.  More details to follow.

Lost Property
We have amassed a collection of school jumpers, jackets, scarves, tracksuit tops etc. Please come and see if your lost property is here before we donate it.

Stay Safe Programme
This is a personal safety skills programme for primary schools. Its objective is to prevent child abuse and other forms of child victimization. It is implemented within the broader context of Social, personal and health education. SPHE fosters the development of the human being both as an individual and as a member of society. “It includes areas of education ranging from self-awareness and self-esteem to issues concerning health, nutrition, substance use and misuse, the prevention of child abuse, relationships, sexuality and citizenship”. In common with other strands of the SPHE curriculum the implementation of the Stay Safe programme is a collaborative process which involves parents, teachers, Boards of Management, and the wider community taking a co-ordinated approach to child protection and child abuse prevention through safety skills education. The annual programme will be implemented across the school in the coming weeks.

Change of Contact Details?
Please make sure we have up-to-date contact details for you. This is important, particularly if we need to contact you in an emergency.

Whole School Evaluation
Our Whole School Evaluation (WSE) is ongoing. Inspectors from the Department of Education and Skills have met with the teachers, the Parents Association and the Board of Management. They will visit all classrooms next week. Please note that if you received a questionnaire and have not yet returned it, do complete it and return it to the school immediately. Thank you. They will not be accepted after tomorrow, Friday 13^th.

School Closures
School closes on Friday October 27^th at the usual times and re-opens on Monday November 6^th. Advance notice that all teachers are required to attend inservice so school will be closed for pupils on Tuesday, 14^th November.

Thank You
For your support as always.