Category: Newsletters

Book Bills / Rental
Once again thanks to all who have paid. If you have not yet done so, please pay as soon as possible. If you have any queries re. payment, please contact the school.

Infants
Our new infants have settled in well and from tomorrow (Thursday) will remain in school until 2 pm.

Homework Club
Recommences in Ballylinan National School this month. The club provides children with the opportunity to complete their written homework under the supervision of qualified teachers. The club will run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons directly after school, from 3 to 4pm. Children are welcome to attend as many evenings as they wish during any given week.The following fees will apply (which include the cost of insurance, light/heat, etc):

• €4 per day or
• €15 per week or
• €55 per 4-week block

Tin Whistle
Tin whistle this Thursday 12th for all past playing members. Beginners will start on Wednesday 18th Sept from 3-4p.m. All welcome from 1st class upwards.

Football
Cumann na mBunscol competitions are now in full swing. Thanks to the teachers involved in coaching and bringing the boys and girls to matches. We get great support from the local clubs too!

School Calendar 2020
Our Parents Association has produced a school calendar in recent years and it has proved to be very successful not only as a fund-raiser but also as a keepsake. We will be taking photographs of class groups in the coming weeks.

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.

School Closure
Further to last week’s calendar (available at www.ballylinannationalschool.com) we have been informed that the school will also be closed for inservice on Wednesday, 23^rdOctober.

Community News
St. Annes F.C are back into their soccer season. Boys and girls all welcome.
U13s Wednesdays 7-8pm
U12s Thursdays 7-8pm
U11s Tuesdays 7-8pm (starting 17^thSept.)
U8s academy- to be confirmed.
Registration €30, new players need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

Change of Address, Phone Number?
If there has been a change in the past year or two, please make sure that we have been informed. Thank you.

Car Parking
Thank you for your consideration in parking in an orderly manner at the school and allowing plenty of time. Please ensure that you leave staff car spaces free in the mornings. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Book Rental/School Contribution (Costs)
Thanks to everyone who has paid. Through the book rental scheme we try hard to keep costs as low as possible. The school contribution pays for the services provided for your children such as materials for art/science, assessment tests, photocopying, 24 hour personal accident insurance, etc. As we have to pay many of these costs in advance we would appreciate prompt payment. If you wish to discuss payment please contact the school in confidence. Thank you.

Book Grant
Families who qualify for the “Back to School Clothing Allowance” are also eligible for the book grant.  Please let us know.

School Tracksuits
Tracksuits ordered during the summer are now overdue for collection. No further orders can be accepted.

Parking
A reminder to parents that the junior playground is open for parking before 3 p.m. to facilitate collection. Please remember that the drop-off area is only for that purpose in the mornings; no double parking in that area is allowed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Healthy Lunch
We encourage the eating of healthy lunches. We ask you not send sweets, crisps (and similar snacks), chocolate, fizzy or energy drinks to school please. We also ask you to be careful about the quantity of food as children may feel they need to finish everything; that is not always the case.

Homework Club (1^st to 6^th Class)
Begins again on Monday September 9^th. Details to follow; any queries please contact the school.

Tin Whistle
Starts back next week. Details to follow.

Swimming
Swimming starts this week for Mr. Dowling’s class. All other classes will have sessions throughout the year.

FearLess Talk
Parents (or anyone interested) who have indicated in the recent past that their child is unusually anxious may be interested in a free talk for parents of children aged 6-12 years. Wednesday, 11th September at 7 p.m. in Ballylinan N.S. Booking is essential. All welcome. Please email  sinead.higgins@tusla.ie .

Welcome
A big welcome back to all our parents and a special welcome to our new ones! Along with the dedicated staff of the school, I look forward to working with with you to help all our children to learn, grow and journey together.

Parking at the School
It is very important to park in an orderly fashion at the school. Please remember that the drop-off area is only for that purpose; no double parking in that area is allowed because then children have to walk between cars which can be dangerous. Please allow plenty of time, particularly on a wet morning. Thank you for your cooperation.

Arrival Time
9:15 a.m. for all children.
(For the first two weeksJunior Infants go directly to their classroom via the back middle door).

Departure Times

• Junior Infants finish at 12.30 p.m. each day (up to and including Wednesday September 11^th). Parents wait at the junior play area.
• Senior Infants finish at 2 p.m. as usual. All other classes finish at 3 p.m.
• The overflow car park at the junior play area will be open at 3 p.m. each day.
• A reminder that parking outside the main gate is only on the left side of the road facing awayfrom the school.

School Tracksuits
Tracksuits ordered during the summer are ready for collection and payment.

Book Rental/School Expenses
Please use the envelope provided with the school report (one envelope per child please).  This will help us to provide receipts and keep an accurate record of payments.

Attendance & Punctuality
It is important to use the ‘Record of Absence’ notes towards the back of the Student Journal if your child has been absent or is going to be absent from school. This is the best way to inform your child’s teacher who needs to know the reason for any absence. Please ensure that your child is on time for school in the mornings and if s/he needs to leave early do let us know in advance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mobile Phones
These are not necessary for children during the day. In exceptional circumstances if they need to be brought, they must be turned off and handed to the class teacher in the morning.

Medical issues
If your child has any allergies, uses an inhaler or there any other medical issues, please ensure that we have been made aware. If you are in any doubt, please let us know.

Our Pupil Jaydn
We are extremely saddened at the recent passing of Jaydn Kelly. Fr. Shelley led us in some quiet prayers in the school this morning. The children were so respectful and understanding. His teachers and all in the school community dearly wish some comfort for his family and friends at this time.
If your child is particularly affected please let us know and we can offer some helpful advice.

The school will be closed tomorrow (Friday 30^thAugust) as a mark of respect. We will reopen as normal on Monday 2^ndSeptember.

Teachers 2019/20
Junior Infants                       Mrs.        M. Kavanagh
Senior Infants                       Ms.          S. Twomey
Snr. Infants / 1^stClass       Ms.          L. Cunningham
2^ndClass                                   Ms.          F. Brennan
2^nd/ 3^rdClass                         Ms.          T. Donnelly
3^rd/ 4^thClass                          Ms.          M.E. Goff
4^thClass                                    Ms.          C. Hogan
5^thClass                                    to be confirmed
5^th/ 6^thClass                          Ms.          E. Julian  (Ms. E. Lacey)
6^thClass                                    Mrs.        A. Hurley  (Mrs. T. Sukprasert)

Special Education Teachers
Mrs.        C. Browne
Mrs.        P. Connolly
Ms.          C. Cotter
Ms.          G. Curran
Ms.          E. Hayden & Ms. B. Kiernan  (job sharing)
Mrs.        S. Moriarty

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.

Community News
Ballylinan GAA Club are organising a clothes collection. Bags of clothing can be dropped off at the clubhouse during juvenile training on Friday 28th June or Friday 5th July. Alternatively contact Walter 087 – 973 6244 to arrange collection.

Summer Arrangements
Remember school closes on Friday, 28^thJune for the summer holidays (12:20 for Infants and 12:30 for all others). We reopen for all pupils on Thursday, 29^th August.

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. I especially want to thank the staff for their hard work and for all the dedication and the exceptional care and attention that they give to your children. I hope that during the summer you all find some time for yourselves to rest and relax.

John Threadgold
Principal

Emergency Medicine Day
We would like to thank Clare Julian, the staff of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and the paramedics who came to the school on the day and helped us to learn lots! It was really enjoyable despite the serious subject matter.

Super Troopers Summer Camp
Fun-filled activity camp will take place from Monday – Friday (1^st– 5^th) July.

School Outings Season
6^thClass travelled to Glendalough recently for their retreat. We had a peaceful day in beautiful surroundings! Infants had their tour last week and other classes are looking forward to theirs in the coming days.

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. Thank you all for your contributions during the year.

6^thClass Graduation
Graduation ceremony for 6^th Class will be held in the Dunne Sourke Hall next Wednesday, June 26^that 7.30 pm. We would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of our departing pupils well for the rest of their schooldays and the rest of their lives.

End of Year Reports
Your child’s report will be posted tomorrow. The envelope will include:
School Report 2018/19
Leaflet with explanation of standardised tests (1^st– 6^thclasses)
Please note that the test is not an examination and it is unfair to make direct comparisons. Teachers gather information about your child’s learning all the time and this is part of the process. It is an indication of your child’s achievement in English (reading) and Maths. Please read the last paragraph of the leaflet carefully.
2019/2020 Book List
Receipt for voluntary contribution 18/19
Book rental/school payment envelope.
Your child’s report is an official document, please keep it safely.

Community News
The Youth Club will be finishing for summer break next week, so if any new children wish to join next September there will be some spaces available.  Children must be aged 12-15 yrs. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer in the Ballylinan Youth Club can you please contact Rebecca at 087 – 415 5161.

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
Any overdue orders please contact the school immediately.

Summer Arrangements
School will close for summer holidays on Friday, 28^thJune (half-day) and reopen for all pupils on Thursday, 29^thAugust.