Author: School

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Best of luck to the boys who will play The Heath in the semi-final tomorrow (Thursday) in Rathleague (new G.A.A. pitch, Portlaoise) at 12.30pm.

TAG-RUGBY BLITZ:
Children from 6^th Class will travel to Athy on Friday to take part in a blitz at Athy Rugby Club.

W.O.W:
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone from our Green Schools Committee for the massive turnout this morning.  It was a wonderful occasion.  Photos on school website – www.ballylinannationalschool.com

STAFF CHANGE:
After Halloween Ms. Cotter will be moving into Learning Support/Resource and Ms. Farrell will be taking over in 1^st/2^nd Class.

REMINDER:
All infants (Juniors & Seniors) finish tomorrow (Thursday) at 1.30 pm.

W.O.W:
A reminder that we are “Walking on Wednesday” tomorrow and we are hoping for a big turnout.  The “Walking Bus” will depart from the old petrol station (Kilkenny Road) at 8.50 am. and will pick up passengers at “The Village”, Centra and St. Anne’s Church along the way.

 HALLOWEEN:
We are “dressing up” again for Halloween this year on Friday October 23rd.  As in previous years we are asking for a contribution of €2 per child or €3 per family.  Any funds raised will go to charity.  No masks please and no “one piece” costumes for infants!!

 FOOTBALL:
The girls completed their matches last Friday in Portarlington.  Playing a division 1 this year was a challenge but a great experience to be playing at the highest level.  Already looking forward to next year!  Thanks to Ms. Hayden and Ms. Farrell for looking after the team so well and being so generous with their time.

SECONDARY SCHOOL:
Parents of children in 5^th class should now be looking seriously at enrolment for secondary school.  We will keep you updated as information becomes available.

Ardscoil na Tríonóide:        Open Day in November (date not yet available).

Athy College:
September 2016 (current 6^th class):  Closing date for applications –

Friday October 23^rd.
Incoming Parents evening (6^th Class) Thursday Nov 12^th 7pm – 8pm.
September 2017 (current 5^th class): Now open for applications.
Enrolment forms for September 2016 & September 2017 can be
downloaded from the website  athycollege.ie

Knockbeg College:        Open Day – Friday 6^th November 4 – 7pm.

BOOK RENTAL, ETC:
Thanks to a number of parents who have paid their bills in the last two weeks.

EARLY FINISH:
School will finish at 2pm on Thursday October 22^nd for all pupils.  More details in next newsletter.

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.

 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 Tuesday with the oldest child in each family.

Your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year.

Flag/Proclamation Presentation:
Take a look at our website “ballylinannationalschool.com” to see some lovely photographs of the recent presentation.  It was a very meaningful ceremony and thanks to Fergal Murphy (6th Class) and Samia Khalelullah (Junior Infants) who accepted the flag and proclamation on behalf of the school.  Thanks also to Ms. Brennan who provided music for the occasion.

Football News:
Congratulations to our past pupils who played key roles for Ballylinan and Barrowhouse clubs in the two big matches at the weekend.  On the school front the boys play Ballyadams today and with both teams on full points the winning team will go straight to the final.  The girls travel to Portarlington on Friday to complete their fixtures.

Infant Classes: (Mrs. Kavanagh, Ms. Twomey, Ms. Goff)
As teachers will be attending in-service on Thursday Oct 15^th, all infants will finish school at 1.30 pm.

Community News:
“Discover Music” – music, singing and piano – beginner grades in piano and singing available with the Victoria College of Music.  Classes given from 5 years+.  Qualifications:  BA Honours Degree in Commercial Modern Music.  For more information contact Carol-Ann Haskins, Athy – 085 7179963.