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NEWSLETTER 13/10/15

EARLY CLOSING/RETIREMENT:
The school will close for all pupils at 2pm on Thursday October 22nd.  On Thursday we are marking the retirement of Mrs. Morris with a presentation ceremony in the sports hall from 1.30 pm.  Parents collecting children are welcome to join us.  Mrs. Morris will retire on Friday, October 23rd.  She was appointed to our school in 2005 having taught in Graiguecullen, Bagenalstown and Newtown.  Over the last 10 years Mrs. Morris has been part of the learning support team and her work in this area has benefited many children.  We wish her well in the years ahead in what will certainly be an “active retirement”.

 FRIDAY CLOSING:
School closes at normal times (2pm for infants and 3pm for all other classes).  Please note error on school calendar.

 HALLOWEEN:
A reminder that we are “dressing up” on Friday.  No masks for anyone or one piece costumes for infants please.

FIRST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION:
Meeting for parents in school sports hall on Thursday, November 5th at 8pm.  (Joint meeting with other schools).

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ELECTIONS:
See letter attached.

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Congratulations and best of luck to our boys who will play their final in O’Moore Park tomorrow at 11.30 am. against Ballyadams.  Huge thanks to James Loughman and Olllie Walsh for all their help with the team throughout the competition and to the parents who attended many of the matches.  Arrangements for tomorrow are as follows:-

  • Team will travel by bus at 10.15am

  • Supporters bus will leave at 10.30 am – children form 6th class, 5th class and some 4th class children.  The bus will return directly after the match (no face paint please).

  • Parents who wish to bring their children can “sign them out” at reception.

  • Entry fee:  Adults – €4.  Children free.  OAPs and students – €3.

  • Programmes – €3.

  • No terrace in use – stand only.

  • Parking restrictions in place outside the grounds.  No parking available at old Portlaoise G.A.A. grounds.

PANTO:
Great excitement in 6th class during the week when it was announced that Puss ‘n Boots will be our panto this year.  On stage Tuesday December 8th and Thursday December 10th.

HALLOWEEN:
We hope that everyone has an enjoyable mid-term break and that above all, children return to us safe and sound on Monday, November 2nd.

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NEWSLETTER 14/10/15

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Best of luck to the boys who will play The Heath in the semi-final tomorrow (Thursday) in Rathleague (new G.A.A. pitch, Portlaoise) at 12.30pm.

TAG-RUGBY BLITZ:
Children from 6th Class will travel to Athy on Friday to take part in a blitz at Athy Rugby Club.

W.O.W:
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone from our Green Schools Committee for the massive turnout this morning.  It was a wonderful occasion.  Photos on school website – www.ballylinannationalschool.com

STAFF CHANGE:
After Halloween Ms. Cotter will be moving into Learning Support/Resource and Ms. Farrell will be taking over in 1st/2nd Class.

REMINDER:
All infants (Juniors & Seniors) finish tomorrow (Thursday) at 1.30 pm.

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NEWSLETTER 13/10/15

W.O.W:
A reminder that we are “Walking on Wednesday” tomorrow and we are hoping for a big turnout.  The “Walking Bus” will depart from the old petrol station (Kilkenny Road) at 8.50 am. and will pick up passengers at “The Village”, Centra and St. Anne’s Church along the way.

 HALLOWEEN:
We are “dressing up” again for Halloween this year on Friday October 23rd.  As in previous years we are asking for a contribution of €2 per child or €3 per family.  Any funds raised will go to charity.  No masks please and no “one piece” costumes for infants!!

 FOOTBALL:
The girls completed their matches last Friday in Portarlington.  Playing a division 1 this year was a challenge but a great experience to be playing at the highest level.  Already looking forward to next year!  Thanks to Ms. Hayden and Ms. Farrell for looking after the team so well and being so generous with their time.

SECONDARY SCHOOL:
Parents of children in 5th class should now be looking seriously at enrolment for secondary school.  We will keep you updated as information becomes available.

Ardscoil na Tríonóide:        Open Day in November (date not yet available).

Athy College:
September 2016 (current 6th class):  Closing date for applications –

Friday October 23rd.
Incoming Parents evening (6th Class) Thursday Nov 12th 7pm – 8pm.
September 2017 (current 5th class): Now open for applications.
Enrolment forms for September 2016 & September 2017 can be
downloaded from the website  athycollege.ie

Knockbeg College:        Open Day – Friday 6th November 4 – 7pm.

BOOK RENTAL, ETC:
Thanks to a number of parents who have paid their bills in the last two weeks.

EARLY FINISH:
School will finish at 2pm on Thursday October 22nd for all pupils.  More details in next newsletter.

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NEWSLETTER 06/10/15

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.

 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.

The envelopes will be sent home every Tuesday with the oldest child in each family.

Your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year.

Flag/Proclamation Presentation:
Take a look at our website “ballylinannationalschool.com” to see some lovely photographs of the recent presentation.  It was a very meaningful ceremony and thanks to Fergal Murphy (6th Class) and Samia Khalelullah (Junior Infants) who accepted the flag and proclamation on behalf of the school.  Thanks also to Ms. Brennan who provided music for the occasion.

Football News:
Congratulations to our past pupils who played key roles for Ballylinan and Barrowhouse clubs in the two big matches at the weekend.  On the school front the boys play Ballyadams today and with both teams on full points the winning team will go straight to the final.  The girls travel to Portarlington on Friday to complete their fixtures.

Infant Classes: (Mrs. Kavanagh, Ms. Twomey, Ms. Goff)
As teachers will be attending in-service on Thursday Oct 15th, all infants will finish school at 1.30 pm.

Community News:
“Discover Music” – music, singing and piano – beginner grades in piano and singing available with the Victoria College of Music.  Classes given from 5 years+.  Qualifications:  BA Honours Degree in Commercial Modern Music.  For more information contact Carol-Ann Haskins, Athy – 085 7179963.

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NEWSLETTER 28/09/15

First Communion/Confirmation 2016:
Following a meeting involving Fr. Shelley and the three schools the dates for the sacraments were published in the parish newsletter yesterday.  It is more or less a return to traditional format with Confirmation celebrated separately in each of the three churches.

First Penance:          Tuesday March 8th @ 7 pm.

 First Eucharist:        Sunday May 22nd @ 11.30 am.

 Confirmation:           Saturday February 27th @ 11.30 am.

 All in St. Anne’s Church, Ballylinan.

Road/Carpark Safety:

Thank you to everyone for your co-operation.  Traffic is now flowing very well in the morning due to the proper use of the drop-off area.  Please continue to avoid the area left and right in the “staff” parking area to allow access for staff.

Per Cent for Art Scheme:
In 1997 the government decided to include in the budget of publicly funded buildings

Per Cent for Art Scheme:
In 1997 the government decided to include in the budget of publicly funded buildings an addition allowance for an art project.  As part of the process we formed a sub-committee which included Board of Management members/parents, teachers, two practicing artists and an arts co-ordinator.  Artists were invited to submit a portfolio of their work and a short-list was drawn up.  It was decided that artists, Maree Hensey and Mark Ryan would be commissioned to create an art piece for our school.  This was installed on Saturday.

Over the coming week the artists will work with the children to show them how the piece was created and the thinking behind it.  The theme is movement of birds (murmuration) similar to starlings or swallows as they swoop and swerve at this time of year.  It is unique to our school and in a time that school buildings are very similar we hope that for visitors it will help identify us.

Cumann na mBunscol Football:
Well done to our girls who performed so well against The Heath last Thursday losing by the narrowest of margins in a great game. The boys hit back on Friday by beating The Heath 4-8 to 4-4 in another exciting match.

This weeks fixtures:
Girls:            Bye
Boys:            v Mountmellick (away) 12.30 Tuesday.