Category: Newsletters

PETER PAN:   Now that the dust has settled we can look back proudly on last week’s panto.  People have been very complimentary about the performances and our thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to making the shows so enjoyable.  To Mrs. Connolly, Ann Sourke and Bernie Dunne we say a huge “Thank You” !

SPOT PRIZES:  Thanks to everyone who donated spot prizes for the panto raffle.

DVD – Orders are now being taken before Christmas for delivery in the New Year.  The price is – one night – €10; two nights – €15 (two nights – single case).  Contact the school office.  Payment with order please.

TIN WHISTLE CONCERT:  Congratulations to Ms. Brennan and all her whistlers (and dancers) who entertained us so well yesterday.  It was a lovely occasion and has really put us in the Christmas mood!

SCHOOL CALENDAR:  Now on sale at the school office and Centra.  Price €7.  This is a nice keepsake and looking back at previous calendars it is interesting to note how much the children have changed in those 3/4 years.  Thanks to everyone who supported our calendar by placing an advertisement for their business.

NATIVITY/CRIB VISIT:  Children from all classes visited the church last Friday to take part in the nativity story.  Thanks to Margaret Brennan for all her help and well done to the children from the senior classes who “buddied up” for the trip with children from the junior classes.

NO UNIFORM / CHRISTMAS CLOTHING DAY:  A reminder that tomorrow (Thursday) is a no uniform day.  Contribution – €2 per child or €3 per family.  Funds raised will go to our Parents’ Association to cover the costs of various activities.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS:  School closes tomorrow (Thursday) at 12.30 pm. (infants available from 12.20).  This is a very busy “few minutes” as all the children will be leaving school at the same time.  Please avoid double parking and use the overflow car-park in the junior play area.  (Reverse in – drive out).

 
Happy Christmas

 

 

PANTO PHOTOS/VIDEO:
Schools have been advised that there are privacy issues in relation to photographs and videos at school events.  Material should not be uploaded to social media and should only be used for personal/family interest.

SCHOOL CALENDARS:
We are expecting the calendars to arrive in the next few days and will be available for purchase at the school office and from Centra, Ballylinan.

NATIVITY STORY:
We will be bringing all the children to St. Anne’s Church on Friday morning at 10.45 to hear the Nativity Story and see the crib.  If the weather is not good we will use the school sports hall.

“WHISTLERS”:
Ms. Brennan’s tin whistle  group will get us into the Christmas mood on Tuesday afternoon, December 20^th at 2.15 pm.  All are welcome and the concert will be over by home time at 3pm.  Parents collecting children will be able to bring them directly after the performance.

CHILDREN’S MASS:
The annual children’s Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated on Saturday evening, December 24^th at 6pm.  All children and parents are welcome and parents who would like their children to take an active part in the mass should ring Margaret Brennan on 086 3254931 before Sunday December 18^th.
Christmas Eve:  The Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 9pm.

FIRST COMMUNION:
Parents involved please note that for safety reasons the special Mass for First Communion families will take place on Sunday, December 11^th at 11.30 am.  (children should bring their own colours (pencils, etc.)

December 8th:
The school is open.  Due to a shortage of personnel there will be no school Mass this year.  Mass on Thursday in St. Anne’s Church at 7.30 pm.

Panto Helpers:
In the past some of our secondary school past pupils helped out on panto nights.  Unfortunately, due to a shortage of space, numbers this year will be limited.  If you are available and would like to help please contact the school 059 8625195 and we will let you know in advance if your help is required.

Homework Club:
The club ends this week (Thursday) and returns on Monday January 9^th.

Tin Whistle:
Double session this week!  All children are asked to attend both Thursday and Friday for Christmas practice.  Single payment only. (€4).

Parents Association Fund-Raiser:
No uniform – Christmas jumper/clothing on the last day, Thursday December 22^nd.  €2 per child or €3 per family.

Food Dudes:
Senior classes from Mrs. Julian’s upwards have now finished phase 1 of the scheme.  Please continue to encourage your children to “try”.  Phase 2 involves the children bringing in their own fruit/vegetables.

Community News: 

Ballylinan Juvenile G.A.A. Christmas Fair:

Reminder:  The annual Christmas Fair will take place this Sunday Dec. 11th @ 2 pm.

ADVENT FRIENDS:
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent.  Each child in the school has been allocated an “advent” or “special” friend in the lead up to Christmas.  Children should be particularly kind to the person without letting them know that they have been chosen.  No cards or gifts are necessary and should not be sent into school.

Confirmation:
A meeting for parents of children due to receive Confirmation in 2017 will be held in the school sports hall next Tuesday, December 6^th at 8pm.

Tuesday Dec. 13^th and Thursday Dec. 15^th
St. Anne’ Hall @ 7 pm.
Tickets will go on sale from Tuesday December 6^th for our annual panto.
Ticket sale times: 9.20 am / 1.40 pm / 2.40 pm daily from the school office.
Cost:  Adults €7; Children €3 (primary/post-primary) (pre-school children are free but must not take up a seat).

Your child/children will be on stage either Tuesday or Thursday night and due to space restrictions each family will be able to purchase only 2 tickets.  Should more tickets become available they will be offered by lottery.  If you require a 3^rd ticket please give your name at the school office.

Christmas Holidays:
School closes Thursday Dec. 22^nd at 12.30 pm. and re-opens Monday January 9^th.

Community News:

Ballylinan Juvenile G.A.A. Christmas Fair:
The annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday Dec. 11^th @ 2 pm. in the clubhouse.  Admission is free.  Local crafts, cake sale, festive fun and Santa’s Grotto.  Now taking orders for holly and noble fir Christmas wreaths.  Contact Frank Shanahan:  089 2100170.