Category: News

Dance Workshop: Thank you to Isobel Brady from Shooting Stars Stage School Athy for volunteering her time for our dance workshop on Monday last. Thank you for your generous support of the event, a fantastic day was had by all.

Chicken pox: We have been advised of several cases of chicken pox across the school. Follow the link for information from the HSE.

Rainbows: Athy Community Family Resource Centre have advised of their intention to run the Rainbows programme in the near future.  Rainbows is a free, voluntary service for children and young people experiencing loss following bereavement and parental separation.

Rainbows is a programme run by trained volunteers, it is not a professional counselling or therapy service.

If this is something that might interest your family, you may log your interest via this link. You may contact the centre on 059 8632899 or info@athycfrc.ie for more information.

Lego afterschool workshop: There was very positive feedback from yesterday’s afterschool Lego Club arranged by our Parents Association. There are a just a few places available for the remaining sessions. Contact Kealan ktyrrell@bricks4kidz.ie for more information.

County Photos: The deadline for placing your order to avail of free delivery to the school has been extended to Monday 22^nd April. Orders placed after this date will be subject to a delivery charge.

St. Abban’s Athletics Club Student Games: The St. Abban’s AC student games take place on Friday 26^th April at 5pm. This is always a fantastic event and a great opportunity for local children to “dip their toes” in the world of athletics. More details here.

First Holy Communion:  Takes place on Saturday 27^th April at 11am in St. Anne’s Church.

Instagram: Keep up to date with our Instagram account @ballylinanns

Board of Management: The BOM held a meeting on Monday 8^th April. Please see the “agreed report” on the BOM section of our webpage.

Lost Property: An old phone was found in the school hall after the school book fair. Contact the school for more information.

Aviva Stadium Visit: Our 6^th class had an early start this morning and had a fantastic day at the Aldi Play Rugby National Festival at the Aviva Stadium today. Well done to supporters and players alike.

Dance Workshop: Isobel Brady from Shooting Stars in Athy has volunteered to run a dance workshop for all our children on Monday next 15^th April, in support of the Oskars Fundraising drive for the new walking track at Ballylinan GAA. The children will learn a new dance routine throughout the day and perform for parents on the school yard at 1:50pm and 2:50pm Monday. There is no specific charge for the workshop but parents are invited to send a donation to the school if possible. It promises to be a great occasion. Children can wear school tracksuits on the day.

FAI Five aside soccer: Congratulations to our girls five a side soccer team who reached the final at Wednesday’s fixture in Killeshin. They girls played with unbelievable spirit and determination and were fantastic ambassadors for our school.

Hot School Meals: There was great excitement when our first delivery arrived on Monday last. It is anticipated that children will try the various options over the coming weeks and will then be in a position to make an informed choice as to their preferred meals going forward.

We really appreciate your support in encouraging your children to try the various options available and to recognise the value of eating a healthy balanced diet.

If you encounter any difficulties with ordering please contact Bradbury’s directly. Children will still require a small healthy snack for little break and a drink.

Aviva Stadium: Sixth class have been offered an amazing opportunity to visit the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 17^th April. Details in separate communication to parents.

Swimming: Swimming begins for junior infants on Tuesday April 23^rd & senior infants on Wednesday April 24^th. More information to follow from class teachers.

Autism Class: Our autism class is now accepting applications for enrolment for September 2024. Children seeking enrolment must have a diagnosis of autism and a recommendation to be educated specifically in an autism class. See our Admission Policy for further details. Applications can be made via our website www.ballylinannationalschool.com

Lego afterschool workshop: There was a significant interest in next Tuesday’s afterschool club. If you have already submitted an expression of interest, please check your email today for further communication form Bricks4Kidz.

County Photos: A gentle reminder to place your order.

GAA Training: U7’s football training and Go Games for 2024 has commenced and all boys and girls are very welcome to take part. Parents are also welcome to be involved in any capacity. For further details please contact PJ Leonard 0871857556 or Mary Kealy 0876347967

Upcoming school closures: May 6th to May 10^th – May bank holiday

School calendar: The 2024 / 2025 school calendar will issue shortly.

Thank you for your continued support of all that we do.

Cake sale: There was great excitement as 6^th class hosted our Confirmation Challenge Cake sale on Friday last. Thank you to all who donated items for the cake sale and for your generosity in purchasing baked goods and raffle tickets on the day. €1379.89 was raised on the day. Well done everyone.

First Penance: Best wishes to our children in 2^nd class who will receive the sacrament of First Penance this evening 27^th February. Children and their families are welcome to the school for refreshments afterwards. Thank you to our Parents Association for facilitating this.

Travelling Book Fair: The Celtic Travelling Book Fair arrives tomorrow 28^th February. The book fair will be open to parents from 1:45pm to 2:15 and from 2:45 to 3:15 on Thursday 29^th, Friday 1^st and Tuesday 5^th. There is a broad range of books to choose from and a percentage of the sales made will go to the school in the form of additional books for class libraries. Payment by cash is preferable.

Confirmation Retreat: Our confirmation retreat takes place at the De la Salle Retreat Centre in Castletown, Co. Laois on Tuesday 5^th March. Bus leaves the school at 9:15am sharp. This is a whole Parish event and children from Arles and Killeen will attend also. Children should wear their school tracksuit and bring a packed lunch. Payment for the bus via Aladdin please.

World Book Day: World Book Day, takes place on Thursday 7th March. Children are invited to dress up as a character from their favourite book on the day.

Peace Proms: Fourth, fifth and sixth class will take part in the Peace Proms Concert in SETU Waterford on Saturday March 9^th. The children and their teachers have put tremendous work into preparing for this occasion and it promises to be a fantastic experience. Bus leaves the school at 9:30am and returns at 7pm. Payment for the bus and food via Aladdin please.

School Photos: County photos will return on Thursday March 14^th to facilitate the taking of photos of children who may have been absent last week. We also hope to take class photos on the day.

Board of Management: A meeting of the School Board of Management took place on Monday 12^th February. Please see the agreed report for some exciting developments for our school.

This is an exceptionally busy time of year. While we endeavour to give your children a vast range of rich learning experiences, we are aware that this comes at a cost. We are conscious of the challenges this may pose for you as parents / guardians, we appreciate your ongoing support and thank you for your understanding.

School Closures:

Maths Curriculum Day: The school will close on Monday 4^th March to facilitate teachers’ attendance at a professional learning day to introduce the new Primary Maths Curriculum.

Referendum: School will be closed on Friday March 8th to facilitate the Referendum on the Thirty-Ninth and Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution.