NEWSLETTER 04/03/14

GREEN SCHOOLS:
The awarding of Green Schools flags is administered by An Taisce. The area representative spent last Wednesday at the school to see the work that had been done with the theme “Water”. She was extremely impressed by all she witnessed and was particularly complimentary of the children on the Green Schools Committee. She described their knowledge, enthusiasm and their ability to speak on the topic as “wonderful !”. Congratulations to all the staff and children who worked so hard especially over the last few weeks.

Green School Committee: Ms. Cotter, Ms. Mulhare,
Ms. Twomey, Mrs. Kenna, Claire Murphy/Jonathan Day (6th), Ella Jeffares/Rhys Burke (5th), Emma Hickey/Lorcan Page (4th), Aoibheann Buckley/Jesse McEvoy (3rd), Ciara Kay/John Clarke (2nd).

SCHOOL UNIFORM:
The Minister for Education and Skills has directed that schools should consult with parents in relation to school uniforms. Please complete the attached questionnaire and return to the school by Thursday March 6th.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING:
We have mentioned this issue before in relation to the pedestrian crossing on the Main Street at the church. Children had a narrow escape last week when a van traveling from Athy failed to stop on a red light. We have explained to children about the danger of crossing even when the “green man” is showing. We also informed Gardaí and Laois County Council of our concerns.

FRIDAY FOOTBALL COACHING:
A very successful first day last Friday. Children are asked to wear mouth guards when training and the football club will distribute mouth guards this Thursday (free of charge) to children attending who do not have one already. Parents may need to adjust them for Friday.

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

School Uniform Questionnaire

1. Should our school have a uniform?   Yes/No

2. Should the school jumper be crested?   Yes/No

3. Are you in favour of a school track-suit?  Yes/No

4. Should the school track-suit be crested?  Yes/No

NEWSLETTER 25/02/14

CONFIRMATION MEETING:
A reminder that the next meeting will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday) in the A.B.K. Centre at 7 pm.

FRIDAY FOOTBALL COACHING:
Ballylinan G.A.A. will commence coaching this Friday, February 28th at the school (playground) from 3.15 – 4.15 for 1st to 5th classes. No football boots required as coaching will take place on tarmac. Children taking part can wear their school track suit on Fridays. Should it be necessary to cancel due to bad weather parents will be contacted by text message.

HEALTHY EATING:
We would like to remind parents not to include sweets, chocolate, crisps (including Pringles!) or fizzy drinks in their children’s lunch. We had made great progress – let’s keep up the good work.

GREEN SCHOOLS:
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Water Action Day last Wednesday. It was a marvellous success. Well done to our Green School’s Committee for all their work. See our website for some great photos – www.ballylinannationalschool.com. We will have a visit from An Taisce this Thursday to see all the progress we have made on our current theme of “Water”.

PANTO DVDS:
Last orders now being taken for dvds this week.
Please pay as your order – €10 each or 2 for €15.

COMMUNITY NOTICE:
People Parenting Alone Programme will commence in March at Ardrew Community Hall, Athy. Details from Noreen (059 86 32277).
Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

NEWSLETTER 18/02/14

MID-TERM: 
School closes tomorrow (Wednesday) at normal time and re-opens Monday February 24th at 9.20 am.

CALENDAR UPDATE: 
As advised we held back a number of holidays in case we had closures over the winter period. We hope it is now safe to announce the full calendar for the rest of the school year!
Additional School Holidays:
* Friday March 14th
* Friday May 30th
* Tuesday June 3rd

WATER ACTION DAY:
Our “Green Schools Committee” has been very busy. A “Water Action Day” involving a variety of activities (experiments, water themed fashion show, quiz, poster competition, songs, etc) will be held tomorrow (Wednesday).
Children are encouraged to wear blue for the day.

FRIDAY FOOTBALL COACHING:
will commence on Friday February 28th
(3 pm – 4.15 pm) for children from 1st – 5th classes.

COMMUNITY NOTICES:
* Ballylinan Walking/Running Group – meet every – Monday (7pm), Wednesday (6.45 pm) and Thursday (7pm) at the cottage beside the playground in Ballylinan. New members are always welcome!
No experience necessary. Don’t be shy, give it a try!

* Ballylinan GAA Club Handball coaching will take place this Thursday 20th Feb @ 5pm. All boys & girls and their parents are welcome to attend and take part. For more details contact Walter Hovenden on 087-9736244.
* Ballylinan Ladies Football Club are looking for clothes, shoes, belts and bags (in good wearable condition).
Collections at – Baby Gear Shop Fri 28th 1.30 – 3.30 pm;
St. Anne’s Hall Sat 1st March 11am – 1 pm.

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”