Newsletter 26th June 2019

Teachers 2019/20
Junior Infants                       Mrs.        M. Kavanagh
Senior Infants                       Ms.          S. Twomey
Snr. Infants / 1stClass       Ms.          L. Cunningham
2ndClass                                   Ms.          F. Brennan
2nd/ 3rdClass                         Ms.          T. Donnelly
3rd/ 4thClass                          Ms.          M.E. Goff
4thClass                                    Ms.          C. Hogan
5thClass                                    to be confirmed
5th/ 6thClass                          Ms.          E. Julian  (Ms. E. Lacey)
6thClass                                    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, 28thJune for the summer holidays (12:20 for Infants and 12:30 for all others). We reopen for all pupils on Thursday, 29th 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

Dance-a-thon 2019

We took part in a Dance-a-Thon this week to raise money for our new Literacy Lift Off programme. We had a brilliant time learning some moves with Colm Farrell and we performed a whole school dance at the end of the day. We also had a raffle and a student from each class won a book voucher. Happy reading, dancers!

Gymnastics 2019

We recently enjoyed 2 weeks of gymnastics with Rosie. We learned lots of new skills including rolls, balances, jumps and the splits! On our last day we put these together and made up short routines with our partners. It was great fun!

Newsletter 20th June 2019

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 (1st– 5th) July.

School Outings Season
6thClass 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.

6thClass Graduation
Graduation ceremony for 6th Class will be held in the Dunne Sourke Hall next Wednesday, June 26that 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 (1st– 6thclasses)
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, 28thJune (half-day) and reopen for all pupils on Thursday, 29thAugust.

Newsletter 13th June 2019

Dance-a-thon
To help fund the introduction of ‘Literacy Lift Off’, a sponsored ‘Dance-a-thon’ will be held in the school on Monday, June 24th. We’re hoping to have a lot of fun during the day! Each family will receive a sponsorship card and we ask people to be as generous as possible. Thank you!

 First Communion
Congratulations to the children in 2nd Class (and their teachers Mrs. Donnelly and Ms. Goff) on making their First Communion recently. The weather was kind and and we hope that everyone had a lovely family day. A big thank you also to those who sang in the choir on the day and their teacher Mrs. Browne who was presented with a ‘thank you’ for her work with the choir over the years.

Emergency Medicine Day
This was a great success and the children learned lots! A big thank you to all involved in organising and presenting on the day.

Junior Infants 2019/20
A “get to know you” session for our incoming Junior Infants was held recently. While the session was in progress Sinéad Higgins from Midland Area Parenting Partnership spoke about positive parenting. Thanks to parents for coming, all went smoothly so we are well prepared for the coming school year!

Gymnastics
All children are receiving some gymnastics coaching at the moment. Great fun is being had and lots of learning is taking place!

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

Tracksuits
Orders now being taken for September via the school office. Closing date for orders is tomorrow, Friday, 14th June. Please note that you can phone your order (see number below).

Voluntary Envelope Collection
The envelope collection was our main means of fundraising this year and allows us to provide better facilities, equipment and services for your children. Your contribution was voluntary and confidential and receipts for the year will issue before the end of the year. Thank you!

For Your Diary
Graduation ceremony for 6th class will be held on Wednesday June 26th at 7.30 pm.

Upcoming Dates
School will close for summer on Friday, 28thJune (half-day) and will reopen for all pupils on Thursday, 29thAugust.