School Reopening

Parents of All Pupils
School will reopen for all pupils on Friday, 27th August. All Covid restrictions will still be in place, with very little change from before the summer. More details will issue next week.

Parents of Junior Infants
We are looking forward to meeting you and your child on Wednesday morning (25th August) for a brief introduction to Ballylinan N.S. At the allocated time, please bring your child to the Athy end of the school (to the rear of the right hand side as you approach the building). You may drop your child at their classroom and proceed to the school hall. Please note that masks are required. Thank you.

Please remember that from Friday, 27th August – Friday 10th September inclusive, Junior Infants will finish each day at 12:15.

Newsletter 22nd June

Covid Update
We have almost reached the end of an extraordinary year. School has been so different for us all with our procedures and practices having been turned upside down. I want to thank parents in particular for being vigilant in relation to the virus. Because of your care and cooperation with our procedures, we have managed so far without the need for engagement with public health and further disruption to an already disrupted year. Thank you all so much. The advice from the Department of Education is that we are to continue in September as we finished this year, i.e. sanitising, mask wearing for adults, children being in class ‘bubbles’ etc. We all fervently hope that we will be able to return to ‘normal’ at some stage during the coming year if we can continue our progress in containing the virus.

Booklists, Classes etc.
This year’s school reports are available on Aladdin. Booklists for next year are listed on the school homepage .

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
If you have not already ordered, please do so immediately.

Farewell
Ms. Cotter retires this week after 42 years in Ballylinan. We celebrated with a picnic for the whole school yesterday. Presentations are being made on behalf of the Board of Management, pupils, the Parents Association and her colleagues. The Claire Cotter Library has been developed in the school and was opened this week. On behalf of us all we thank Ms. Cotter for her decades of service to the community in Ballylinan and we wish her a long and happy retirement. Our virtual Zim Day has been a great success. If you wish to make a donation you’re welcome to do so.

Staff News
Mrs. Hurley has been appointed to the role of Deputy Principal when Ms. Cotter retires. The Board of Management has appointed Mr. Danny Curry to take up Ms. Cotter’s teaching duties.

Summer Arrangements
Remember that school closes this Friday, 25th June for the summer holidays (12:15 for Infants and 12:30 for all others). We reopen for all pupils on Friday, 27th August. See our 2021/22 Calendar.

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. In particular I want to thank all of the staff in the school for helping to keep you and your children safe by following our Covid procedures. I hope that during the summer you all find some time for yourselves to rest and relax.

John Threadgold
Principal

News Update 18th June

Schoolbags
All pupils should bring in their bags next week; there may be stuff to bring home on various days.

Picnic
Weather permitting we will be having a picnic on Monday as part of our celebrations to mark Ms. Cotter’s retirement. Your child should bring their lunch (hopefully to eat outside) and a small treat.

Virtual Zim Day
This is a cause close to Ms. Cotter’s heart and we encourage you to make any donation you can. Click to learn more. You’re welcome to share on social media.

Thank you all.