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NEWSLETTER 26/09/14

CHILD PROTECTION:

The Board of Management wishes to inform the school community that the annual review of the school’s Child Protection Policy was completed at a meeting held last night (Sept. 25th). The review was conducted in accordance with the check list set out in Appendix 2 of the Department’s “Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools”.

ROAD SAFETY:
We have received a number of reports from parents about children using bicycles and flickers in a careless and dangerous manner, especially after school as they go down the hill. Please remind children travelling to school unsupervised, of the need to keep the rules of the road and other safety rules such as wearing a cycling helmet, etc.

PARKING/SET DOWN:
A reminder to motorists that if you are leaving your car to accompany your child into school in the morning please DO NOT park in the “drop off zone” area around the front of the school. This is causing a dangerous situation as children try to make their way through parked cars. The chains are in place to protect pedestrians as they cross. Please do not park in front of the chains at any time.
COMMUNITY NOTICES:

G.A.A. – U16 BOYS COUNTY FINAL:
The very best of luck to Ballylinan under 16 boys who are in the County B Final tomorrow in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise at 1.30 pm. Your support would be very much appreciated!!

 

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NEWSLETTER 17/09/14

RETREAT:
Fr. Brian began his visits to the classes this morning and will continue until Friday. Children from 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th classes will attend Mass at the church tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 10am.

MEETING:
A reminder for parents of 1st Communion and Confirmation classes that a meeting dealing with “faith and family” will be held in the Sports Hall at the school tomorrow Thursday September 18th at 8pm. The meeting is not confined to these classes and all are welcome.

FOOTBALL NEWS:
The season is up and running! The boys have played two matches so far and although no success to report there is great hope for the future as the performances have been very impressive. The girls had an excellent win in Killenard last Thursday and no match this week. Well done to all concerned.

DUBLIN MARATHON:
Thanks to Eamonn Baldwin who has offered to run the marathon on behalf of the school. The Parents Council is supporting this venture and sponsorship cards will be available shortly. The funds raised will go towards the development of additional land at the back of the school for sports activities.

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS:
Election of Officers for 2014/2015:

Chairperson:  Margaret Walsh
Secretary:  Isobel Brady
Treasurer:  Mary Moore

We would like to thank Deirdre Murphy for all her work with Parent Council over the last few years in the school.

Thanks to those who attended the AGM last Thursday September 11th in the school and for your fundraising suggestions. A big thank you to those who have offered to help out at various functions to be held in the school throughout the year.

COMMUNITY NOTICES:
BALLYLINAN LADIES G.A.A. CLUB are ordering pink jerseys if you would like to place an order. Cost: €21.00 which includes jersey and shorts and name and number on the back. Contact: Sabrina – 087 2777280.

IRISH SHURIKEN JUTSU FEDERATION Grand Master Daniel Rooney would like to welcome all his students back after their summer holidays and wish them all the best in the coming school year. New students and past students are always welcome. Training is from 6.15pm to 8.15pm, Thursdays in St. Anne’s Hall, Ballylinan.

 

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NEWSLETTER 10/09/14

SCHOOL PAYMENTS:
Thanks to all who have paid so promptly and to those who have been in touch with the school to make other arrangements.

PARENTS COUNCIL A.G.M.: (See Below)

JUNIOR INFANTS:
A reminder that Junior Infants will finish school from tomorrow (Thursday)
at 2pm.

FIRST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION:
Fr. Brian asked us to remind you of the meeting for parents of First Communion (2nd Class) and Confirmation (6th Class) to be held
next Thursday, June 18th @ 8pm. in the School Sports Hall.

RETREAT FOR CHILDREN:
Fr. Brian will be busy next week! On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday he will be providing a school based retreat for all classes.

JUNIOR CERT:
Best of luck to all our past pupils who received their Junior Cert results today!

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS:
Parent Council A.G.M. will be held at the school tomorrow, Thursday, September 11th @ 8pm.

This is an important meeting and every family should be represented.

Agenda
1.    Report on events and activities for 2013/2014
2.   Financial Report for 2013/2014
3.   Suggestions for events/fundraising 2014/2015
4.   School Tracksuit – Mr. Moloney
5.   Election of Officers
6.   AOB

 

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NEWSLETTER 03/09/14

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION:

Thanks to all who have paid and a reminder that the money is now due. Apart from personal insurance the money is used to purchase art materials, report books, assessment tests, etc. The book rental is used to provide the books for the scheme and is a considerable saving to parents.

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Competitions begin next week for boys and girls. Boys will play on Tuesdays and girls on Thursdays.

 

SWIMMING:
Last year for the first time all classes attended swimming lessons in either Athy or Portlaoise. It was a great success and will continue this year. Lessons for 5th and 6th classes start this week.

HOMEWORK CLUB: (see note attached)

COMMUNITY NOTICE:
Ballylinan Ladies U12’s are in The League A Final this Saturday @ 3.30 pm in Rathleague (new Portlaoise pitch). Wishing them the very best of luck. Your support would be appreciated!

SCHOOL CLOSURES 2014 / 2015

Oct 27th – Oct 31st Mid-Term.
(inclusive) Mon – Fri

Dec 22nd – Jan 5th Christmas Holidays
(inclusive) (school closes Friday Dec 19th at 12.30 p.m.,
re-opens Mon Jan 5th)

Feb 19th & Feb 20th Mid-Term
(Thurs/Fri)

March 16th (Monday) Holiday
March 17th (Tuesday) St. Patrick’s Day

March 30th – April 10th Easter Holidays
(inclusive) Mon – Fri (school closes Friday, March 27th at 12.30, re-opens Monday April 13th)

May 4th (Monday) Public Holiday
May 5th (Tuesday) Holiday

May 29th (Friday) Holiday
June 1st (Monday) Public Holiday
June 2nd (Tuesday) Holiday

Summer Holidays School closes Friday June 26th at
12.30 p.m.

 

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NEWSLETTER 28/08/14

Welcome back to everyone and a special word of welcome to our new junior infants and children who have joined us up through the school.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE:
The system in place for children arriving to school is working very well.
Children should not be in school before 9 a.m.
9.15 a.m. -FIRST BELL – CHILDREN BROUGHT TO CLASS BY TEACHER.
9.20 a.m. –SECOND BELL – SCHOOL OFFICIALLY BEGINS.
* All children enter by the Back Door.
* Children arriving late should also enter by the back door (not many we hope!)
* Departure time (particularly 3 p.m.) can be ‘busy’ and we ask for people’s patience and understanding for that 5 – 10 minute period.
* Parking Outside the main gates should only be on the left facing away from the school. No parking facing towards the school.

BOOK BILLS / SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION:
Thanks to everyone who has paid. We have endeavoured through the rental scheme to keep costs as low as possible. The school contribution also includes personal accident insurance (24 hour/365 days for all children through Allianz) so we would appreciate payment as soon as possible. Please enclose the correct amount of money in the envelope provided. Fill in the details and return to the class teachers. One envelope per child.

BOOK GRANT:
Families who qualify for the Back to School Clothing Allowance also qualify for the Book Grant. Please let us know if you are eligible.

NEW STAFF:
Welcome to Ms. Lynn Cunningham (3rd/4th) who joined the staff over the summer. Ms. Cunningham was teaching in Arles and Tullow (Co. Carlow) last year. We also welcome back Ms. Hayden and Ms. Farrell. Ms. Farrell will be replacing Mrs. Morris who unfortunately is unwell at present. We send Mrs. Morris our prayers and our good wishes for a speedy recovery.

CONGRATULATIONS:
The new teacher in Room 7 is not a new teacher! Ms. Aileen Brennan was married on July 25th and is now Mrs. Hurley. Congratulations to the happy couple!

HOMEWORK CLUB:
It is anticipated that the homework club will recommence on Monday September 8th.

CROKE PARK:
Best wishes to Lisa Walsh (last year’s 6th Class) who will represent Laois in an exhibition match in Croke Park next Sunday at the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Class Allocation 2014

Junior Infants:                   Mrs. M. Kavanagh (Room 6)

Jnr / Senior Infants:        Ms. S. Twomey (Room 5)

Snr Infs / 1st Class:          Ms. M. E. Goff (Room 4)

1st Class:                               Ms. F. Brennan (Room 2)

2nd Class:                              Ms. C. Cotter (Room 1)

3rd Class:                               Ms. A. Hurley (Room 7)

3rd / 4th Class:                     Ms. L. Cunningham (Room 9)

4th Class:                                 Ms. E. Mulhare (Room 8)

5th Class :                                 Ms. E. Hayden (Room 11)

6th Class:                                  Mrs. P. Connolly (Room 12)

Resource/Learning Support:    Ms. G. Curran
Ms. T. Farrell
Ms. C. Browne