Month: June 2021

Covid Update
We have almost reached the end of an extraordinary year. School has been so different for us all with our procedures and practices having been turned upside down. I want to thank parents in particular for being vigilant in relation to the virus. Because of your care and cooperation with our procedures, we have managed so far without the need for engagement with public health and further disruption to an already disrupted year. Thank you all so much. The advice from the Department of Education is that we are to continue in September as we finished this year, i.e. sanitising, mask wearing for adults, children being in class ‘bubbles’ etc. We all fervently hope that we will be able to return to ‘normal’ at some stage during the coming year if we can continue our progress in containing the virus.

Booklists, Classes etc.
This year’s school reports are available on Aladdin. Booklists for next year are listed on the school homepage .

School Uniform Reminder
Green jumper/cardigan, white shirt, grey trousers/skirt/pinafore.
School tracksuit is available through the school and is to be worn with a white polo shirt on P.E. days only. Replacement navy legs (plain only) may be purchased in any shop. In warm weather, plain navy shorts of an appropriate length may be worn. We recommend practical footwear, preferably in a dark colour.

Tracksuits
If you have not already ordered, please do so immediately.

Farewell
Ms. Cotter retires this week after 42 years in Ballylinan. We celebrated with a picnic for the whole school yesterday. Presentations are being made on behalf of the Board of Management, pupils, the Parents Association and her colleagues. The Claire Cotter Library has been developed in the school and was opened this week. On behalf of us all we thank Ms. Cotter for her decades of service to the community in Ballylinan and we wish her a long and happy retirement. Our virtual Zim Day has been a great success. If you wish to make a donation you’re welcome to do so.

Staff News
Mrs. Hurley has been appointed to the role of Deputy Principal when Ms. Cotter retires. The Board of Management has appointed Mr. Danny Curry to take up Ms. Cotter’s teaching duties.

Summer Arrangements
Remember that school closes this Friday, 25th June for the summer holidays (12:15 for Infants and 12:30 for all others). We reopen for all pupils on Friday, 27th August. See our 2021/22 Calendar.

End of Year
As we approach the end of another year I would like to thank all those who help to keep the school running so well including those who volunteer their time and efforts in many ways, members of the Board of Management and the Parents Association. In particular I want to thank all of the staff in the school for helping to keep you and your children safe by following our Covid procedures. I hope that during the summer you all find some time for yourselves to rest and relax.

John Threadgold
Principal

Virus Update
Thank you for your continuing cooperation with public health measures. We are almost at the end of a very difficult school year for everybody. We expect that some measures will remain in place in September, but we may not know what they will be until nearer the time.

Tracksuit Orders
School tracksuit orders are now being taken online. Orders must be placed by Friday June 18th. There is no payment required at this point.  Place your order.

School Reports
Reports will be made available as we approach the end of the school year. The Department of Education required that standardised tests be carried out as normal and this has been done recently. Given the extraordinary disruption during this and last year, it will not be too surprising if the children’s test scores have fallen a little. Your child’s teacher may be in contact with you if they think there is a particular concern, but if schools can have a more normal year in the coming year, we expect that any ground lost can be recovered over time.

2021 Home Based Summer Programme
This programme is aimed at all students in special schools and special classes as well as students in mainstream classes in primary schools who are accessing the highest level of the continuum of support (Student Support Plus/for a few). This includes students with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities who were identified for the supplementary programme earlier this year.

Please contact the school if you think your child may be eligible and we can provide the necessary documentation and endeavour to put you in touch with a teacher who is available to carry out the programme.

More information.

6th Class Graduation
This will take place on the evening of 23rd June with Covid restrictions applying. Details will be issued to parents of 6th Classes next week.

Cúl Camp
Please note this will take place in Ballylinan GAA Club from 19th – 23rd July. Register here.

Condolences
Our condolences to Mrs. Donnelly on the recent death of her father, Jimmy Farrell. May he rest in peace.