Year: 2023

Christmas Carol Service: Well done to all the children who took part in our Carol Service on Tuesday night. It was a beautiful occasion. Thank you to our Parents Association for their help on the night.

Christmas Holidays: The school will close for the Christmas holidays on Friday 22^nd December, at 12:15p.m. for Infants and at 12:30p.m. for all other pupils. On this day, children are welcome to wear festive clothing to school. The school reopens on Monday 8^TH January. Don’t forget that our school calendar is available to view on www.ballylinannationalschool.com all year round.

Christmas Eve Mass Ballylinan 7pm: If children would like to take part in this year’s Christmas Eve Mass, please text your child’s name and age to Margaret Brennan on 086 3254931. Practice will be on Friday 22^nd December at 6:30pm. Names must be in by 5pm on the day before the practice.

 Enrolment 2024/2025: Please note that applications for the 24/25 school year will be open from Thursday, 11th January until Friday, 9^th February 2024. Further information on how to apply will be issued in due course. If you are aware of anyone who may wish to enrol a child for next year, please let them know these dates. Thank you.

Anti Bullying Week: Our Anti Bullying Week begins on January 8^th.  During this week, we aim to empower children to understand their own behaviour, to recognise bullying, to develop an awareness of online safety risks and to be confident in how to report and seek support when they need it.

Pupils from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th will take part in the FUSE Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme, supported by the Department of Education and referenced in the Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying. FUSE is a research-based Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme developed by DCU Anti-Bullying Centre. More details to follow…

 Board of Management: Our newly formed Board of Management has begun its term of office. After each meeting an “Agreed Report” of items discussed or decisions made will be published on the school website. You can view details of the most recent meeting in the Board of Management section of the site.

Thank you: As I come to the end of my first “100 days” as principal, may I take this opportunity to thank you our parents and guardians for your support and good wishes during this period. Every day is a school day in this job, but wonderful children, fantastic staff and a supportive parent body ensure that every day is both rewarding and enjoyable.

Merry Christmas: Finally, on behalf of all the team at Ballylinan NS, may I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

 

щасливого Різдва     Wesołych Świąt     聖誕節快樂    Nollaig Shona

Newsletter 24^th November

Cumann na mBunscol Final: Congratulations to our boys team who were victorious in their Shield Final V The Heath in O’Moore Park yesterday. The boys represented our school exceptionally, both on and off the field. Well done boys, we are very proud of you.

Thank you to our football coaches Mrs Donnelly, Ms Lacey, Mr Sweeney & Mr Curry and to all the teachers “back at base” who go over and above to facilitate our participation in Cuman ns mBunscol. Thank you also to Ballylinan GAA, who work with many of our players throughout the year at club level. Finally, thank you to all the supporters who travelled to O’Moore Park yesterday. Your presence was greatly appreciated.

Nut Allergies: Please be mindful that we have children with serious allergies to nuts in our school. We ask you as parents and guardians to be particularly vigilant and please do not send nuts of any kind to school.

Parent Association AGM: Thank you to all who attended Monday’s AGM. It is fantastic to see so many of you interested in strengthening the relationship between home and school. Thank you to Mary McCann who has accepted the role of chairperson for the year ahead. Eva Julian will take on the role of secretary and Alison Walsh and Sarah Owens will share the role of treasurer.

Ballylinan National School Christmas Food Appeal: Our Annual Food Appeal takes place next week on Monday 27^th and Tuesday 28^th November.

We completely understand the pressure on families at this time of year. If you are in a position to contribute, we would ask you to choose from the food items listed below. We would particularly like to see the children themselves contributing towards the appeal. This could be achieved through the use of pocket money or by helping to choose or shop for the items.

This year, our donations will be used by the transition year students in Ardscoil na Tríonóide in Athy, in conjunction with St Vincent de Paul, to make hampers for families in need, in the Athy and surrounding areas.

If you or a family you know would benefit from a hamper this year, please contact your local St Vincent de Paul branch or Ms Goff – maryegoff.ballylinan@gmail.com in confidence.

Junior & Senior Infants: Pasta/Noodles/Rice

First & Second Class: Biscuits /Teabags/Coffee

Third & Fourth Class: Tinned food eg beans/peas/soup

Fifth & Sixth Class: Cereals/Porridge/Treats – selection boxes/boxes of sweets

Thank you for your continued support of our school.