St. Patrick's N.S., Ballylinan

Halloween Hike
It was great to see parents on our recent hike! Thankfully the weather was kind on the day and a great time was had by all. There were some wonderful homemade costumes! A total of €3,680.80 was raised. Thank you all very much for your wonderful support as always.

Online Presence
We are also reviewing our online presence with a view to better communicate what goes on in the life of the school. If you would like to comment or make suggestions, all views are welcome at feedback.ballylinan@gmail.com . Thank you.

First Communion 2023
There will be a meeting for all 1st Communion Parents on Wednesday, 16th November in Arles Parish Hall at 7.30pm. (First Communion will take place on Saturday 13th May at 11 o’clock. First confession will be on Tuesday 24th January at 7:30 p.m.)

Gaeilge
Táimid ag déanamh iarracht níos mó Gaeilge a úsáid i rith an lae. We’re trying to use a little more Irish during the day. Déanann na páistí sár-iarracht ar scoil. The children make a great effort at school. Why not have a go at a cúpla focal at home? Bainigí triail as! Or try even one word – sláinte – which means health. Instead of using “cheers’ etc., why not use our Irish word “sláinte“? In a toast, it means “good health to you.”

School Rules
We are reviewing our school rules with the aim of making them simpler and clearer. Here are our draft rules:
1. We are kind and helpful
2. We are honest
3. We are gentle
4. We work hard
5. We listen
6. We look after property
You are welcome to comment at feedback.ballylinan@gmail.com . Thanks again.

Parent-Teacher Meetings
These will take place on the afternoons of Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th of November. More details to follow shortly.

Inservice
As mentioned before Halloween, teachers are required to undertake inservice on the revised primary language curriculum. The next session will be next Monday afternoon (14th November). School will finish for all pupils at 12:30 (12:15 for infants) on the day.

First Communion 2023
First Communion will take place on Saturday 13th May at 11 o’clock. First confession will be on Tuesday 24th January at 7:30 p.m. There will be a meeting for parents in mid-November in the school, details to follow once confirmed by Arles parish.

Confirmation 2023
Confirmation will be on Saturday 25th March at 11 o’clock. Ceremony of light will be on Tuesday, 7th February at 7:30 p.m.

Cumann na mBunscol
Well done to our boys and girls teams who will compete in the Roinn 2 Shield semi-finals tomorrow (Tuesday 25th) at the Laois Centre of Excellence. Girls v. The Rock at 10 a.m. and Boys v. Emo at 12 o’clock. Go n-éirí libh go léir!

School Rules
We are reviewing our school rules with the aim of making them simpler while keeping them positive. Here are the ones we have been working on:
1. We are kind and helpful
2. We are honest
3. We are gentle
4. We work hard
5. We listen
6. We look after property
If you would like to comment please do so at feedback.ballylinan@gmail.com . Thank you.

Online Presence
We are also reviewing our online presence with a view to better communicate what goes on in the life of the school. If you would like to comment or make suggestions, please do so at feedback.ballylinan@gmail.com . Thanks again.

Meeting for Parents
Thanks to those who attended last week’s meeting. The next step will be the AGM of the Parents Association which will take place in November, details to follow.

Amber Flag
This year we will be engaging in activities as we work towards an Amber Flag. The Amber Flag initiative recognises the efforts of schools, community groups and clubs to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being. Details to follow throughout the year.

Christmas Carol Service
We are planning to hold a carol service this year (on Wednesday, 14th December) in Ballylinan church for the first time since 2019. We all know what happened in the meantime! Our infant classes will hold a nativity play in the school around that time, details to follow.

Halloween Hike
We will combine fun for the children with some fundraising on Friday morning. Fingers crossed that the rain stays away. We will hike in our costumes from the school to the village and back again. As our voluntary collection has been paused since the start of the pandemic, we are asking you to sponsor your child/ren. We are sending home one card per family and appreciate any contribution that you can make. Please return as soon as possible. We do aim to return to voluntary contributions in electronic format at some stage. Thank you all again for your support.

Halloween Break
Teachers are required to undertake inservice on the revised primary language curriculum. This will take place this Friday afternoon (28th October). School will finish for all pupils at 12:30 (12:15 for infants) on the day. School reopens on Monday, 7th November.