Year: 2018

No Presents Needed
While teachers like to receive presents at Christmas and children like to give them there is absolutely no need and no one should feel under any pressure in this regard. Working that little bit better in school would be a great present though, a gift that would keep on giving not only to the receiver but also to the giver! As has been the custom in recent years we also ask children to refrain from giving cards to classmates as the volume of cards and envelopes generated is extraordinary. They may give one to their ‘Advent Friend’ under the guidance of the class teacher.

Christmas Carol Service & “Wriggly Nativity”
Well done to all who took part. The singing was lovely and we hope that you had an enjoyable time!

Homework Club
Homework Club will resume in the new year.

Tin Whistle
Following this week’s concert, tin whistle will resume as normal in the new year.

School Calendar
On sale at the school office and Centra, price €8. This is a nice keepsake and looking back at previous calendars it is fun to see how much the children have grown!

Green Schools News
Please note that when we return in the new year, all children will be required to take home in their lunchboxes any lunch wastethat they may have. This will include any food waste and wrappers etc. and will also give you an indication whether the amount of lunch provided is appropriate for your child. If there is too much food it may be reduced, a ‘proper’ lunchbox may be reused and some wrappings may be recycled. As a green school, we aim to reduce, reuse and recycle (in that order), and encourage people to be responsible for the waste that we produce.

Fear Less
Are you concerned about your child experiencing anxiety? Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) are holding a free talk for parents on Monday 21^stJanuary from 7 to 9 p.m. in Scoil Mhuire National School, Abbeyleix. Topics include:
Understanding anxiety
Parents as models
Thinking flexibly & realistically
Avoidance and exposure
Constructive coping and problem solving
If you are interested, please contact Sinéad at sinead.higgins@tusla.ie

School Uniform
Please note that the school uniform requires plain bottoms (no logos), not leggings.

Parish News
Christmas Eve Mass in Ballylinan
Parents who would like to have their children involved in the 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass are asked to text the following info; to 086 3254931 before 5pm on Wednesday 19th Dec;
Parent’s Name & Tel; No. , Children’s Names and Ages.
Practice takes place on Friday 21st of December from 7 to 7:45 p.m.

Nollaig Shona
Before things get too hectic I would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody associated with the school – but especially you the parents – a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We think of some especially difficult family circumstances and will be keeping you in our prayers, particularly at this time.

The school will close for the Christmas holidays at 12:20 for Infants and 12:30 for all others this Friday 21^stDecember. The children don’t have to wear their uniform on that day; they may wear something ‘Christmassy’ if they wish. We will re-open on Monday, 7^thJanuary 2019. Other planned closures are detailed on the school website.

 Thank you for your support as always. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.

Ballylinan N.S. Food Appeal
Thank you all very much for your generous donations, it is much appreciated.

Homework Club
Homework Club will resume in the new year.

Nativity Story
Junior and Senior Infants will be taking part in ‘A Wriggly Nativity’ this Thursday 13^that 12 noon in the school.

Tin Whistle
Both groups will be on Thursdays until after Christmas because they are practising for their Christmas concert tomorrow week (18^th) at 1:30 p.m. in the school. All welcome.

School Calendar
Will soon be on sale at the school office and Centra, price €8. This is a nice keepsake and looking back at previous calendars it is interesting to note how much the children have changed over the years.

No Presents Needed
While teachers like to receive presents at Christmas and children like to give them there is absolutely no need and no one should feel under any pressure in this regard. Working that little bit better in school would be a great present though, a gift that would keep on giving not only to the receiver but also to the giver! As has been the custom in recent years we also ask children to refrain from giving cards to classmates as the volume of cards and envelopes generated is extraordinary. They may give one to their ‘Advent Friend’ under the guidance of the class teacher.

Reminder: Christmas Carol Service
Pupils from 1^st– 6^thClasses will be taking part in a Carol Service in Ballylinan Church tomorrow night (Tuesday 11^th) and on Wednesday night. Please note:

• The service will begin at 7:30 and should finish a little after 8 p.m.
• Pupils are to wear proper school uniform on the night. To make sure that uniforms are clean and ready, pupils may wear tracksuits today, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Each family will be issued with 3 tickets @ €3 per ticket. These are available from class teachers. Please do not request tickets from the office.
• Seating on the night will be first come, first served.
• As children enter the church with you, please remove and hold on to their coats (if worn). This will make it easier for them to move to and from the altar.

Thank you for your support as always.