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.
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.
NEWSLETTER 22/09/15
Irish Flag/Proclamation:
Members of the Defence Forces will visit the school on Thursday morning at 9.30 am to formally present us with the National Flag and the 1916 Proclamation. The ceremony is part of the 1916 Centenary Celebrations and will last about 20 minutes. Parents/visitors are welcome to attend.
Swimming:
No swimming for Mrs. Hurley’s class on Thursday due to the ploughing.
Please advise your children not to share hair brushes at swimming sessions.
Book Bills/School Contribution:
Individual bills will be issued next week and we thank all who have paid or made arrangements to pay.
Cumann na mBunscol Football:
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Girls v The Heath (Home) Thursday @ 1pm.
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Boys v The Heath (Away) Friday @ 1pm.
Jolly Phonics:
Parents of children in infant classes (junior and senior infants) are invited to a short presentation by our infant teachers next Wednesday September 30th at 1.30 pm. The meeting will be finished by 2pm. The information gathered at this meeting will be of great benefit to you and your children.
Parents Assocation A.G.M.:
Despite a disappointing attendance last night, the meeting reviewed a very busy year for our Parents Association. Outgoing Secretary, Isobel Brady and Chairperson, Margaret Walsh were thanked for their generosity and commitment to the school. Treasurer, Mary Moore and her team were praised for the great work done with the distribution of the new school tracksuit. If you were unable to make the meeting and would like to help out please let us know.
Officers 2015/2016:
Chairperson: Wendy Donohue
Secretary: Jane Morrin
Treasurer: Mary Moore
Budget 2016: I.N.T.O. (Irish National Teachers Organistion) has launched a campaign to highlight primary education in the forthcoming budget. We are asking you to fill out the attached card and post it to your local T.D. (If you wish, you can return it signed to the school (no stamp) and we will forward it to Leinster House). Alternatively (or as well) you can text “StandUp” to 50050 and your voice will be heard. The main priority in the campaign is to reduce class size over the coming years.
NEWSLETTER 15/09/15
Football:
Congratulations to Ballylinan/Arles girls under 12s who won their final last Saturday against Killeen/Barrowhouse (0-10 to 1.4). All good news on the G.A.A. front this year! Well done to all concerned. The work done at club level is beginning to ‘bear fruit’!
Cumann na mBunscol:
More good news as the boys started their campaign with an impressive win at home to Clough last Tuesday. They continue today when they travel to Knock. There is an excellent match report by Killian O’Connor (6th Class) on the school website.
The girls met a very strong Emo team last Thursday and will be hoping to bounce back when they play Killeshin (away) this Thursday at 1 pm. Match report by Méabh Johnson, Jane Bride and Emma Hickey (6th Class) on the school website.
Visitors:
A reminder to parents that if you wish to speak to a teacher, please report to the office first.
Ploughing:
The school will continue as normal during the ploughing. Both Cumann na mBunscol matches for that week will be played on Friday 25th.
Parents Association AGM:
Monday September 21st @ 8.30 pm (please note time change) in the school sports hall.