Month: February 2017

CHOIR:  This is the time of year when we ask children to “give something back” and make themselves available to support their fellow pupils through participation in the school choir.  We have three ceremonies over the coming months (see below) and we ask parents to commit that their children will attend on those dates.  The forms went home yesterday (Monday).

First Penance:   Tuesday, March 14^th @ 7 pm.

Confirmation:      Thursday, April 6^th @ 2 pm.

First Eucharist:  Saturday, May 20^th @ 11.30 am. (time to be confirmed).

FIRST PENANCE / EUCHARIST:  Children baptised outside the parish should provide the school with a copy of their baptismal cert.

CYCLING COURSE:  Children from 4^th class had their first cycle safety training session yesterday.  There are 6 sessions in all and the feedback is very positive.

HOMEWORK CLUB:  No homework club next Wednesday (March 8^th) due to staff meeting.

ZIM DAY:  Well done to everyone for a fantastic day on Friday 17^th.  Ms. Cotter would like to thank children, staff, parents, grandparents and friends for their generosity and hard work.  A special word of thanks to Ms. Kiernan, Mrs. Hurley and their classes for their very hard work and for being such great shopkeepers.  The day raised a record €2,200.  This money will be put to very good use at Assisi High School in Zimbabwe.

ENGINEERS WEEK:  Children from 3^rd class will travel to the Dunamaise Theatre on Friday, March 10^th for a science workshop called “Bubbleology”!  The workshop is free.  Bus €3.

G.A.A. REGISTRATION DAY:  Registration of players (Juvenile / senior) for the coming year takes place this Sunday March 5^th in the Clubhouse 2 pm. – 5 pm.

SOCCER: Congratulations to everyone involved in St. Anne’s U12 boys team who recently won the Division 2 League!!

ZIM DAY – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17^TH  Our annual fundraiser takes place tomorrow, Friday.  Thank you to everybody for your very generous donations of toys/books and games during the week.

• People have been wonderful in the past for providing cakes and buns on the day, so we are asking again !! Please label containers/lids so they can be returned to you.
• On the day there is great value to be had so children only need a small amount of money.
• Please get your children to bring carrier bags for their purchases.
• Remember that all proceeds go to help the children attending Assisi High School, Nharira, Chivhu, Zimbabwe, providing resources for their educational needs.

 MID-TERM:  A reminder that the school will close next Wednesday at the usual times and re-open on Monday February 27^th.

HOMEWORK CLUB:  Next Monday 20^th and Tuesday 21^st only.

TIN WHISTLE:  Both groups next Wednesday 22^nd after school.

ST. ABBAN’S QUIZ: Good luck to the boys and girls from 5^th and 6^th class who will travel to Killeen Hall tonight (Thursday) as they try to retain the Fr. Kennedy Cup after last years great success.

ENROLMENT 2017:  As we plan for next September, please make sure you have enrolled your child for the coming year.

SCHOOL OPENING:  On these cold mornings a reminder that the school building is open from 9am.  Children should not be arriving before that time.

PAST PUPILS:  Some past pupils in the news at the moment are – Josh McDonald (Leinster U15 60m sprint champion 2017), Lochlan Kelleher and Michéal Downey who have both been chosen for the Laois U14 football panel.  Well done to all concerned.

Grandparents Mass:  Thanks to everyone involved in our Grandparents Mass last Thursday.  It has now become one of the highlights of the year.  A special word of thanks to Rob O’Brien and Paddy Ryan who “braved the elements” for the afternoon to keep the traffic moving.

Ceremony of Light (6^th Class):  Mass tonight (Tuesday) in St. Anne’s Church at 7.30 pm.  Parents are asked to bring their child’s baptismal candle if possible.

Allergies:  We now have a number of children in school with serious allergies, some of which can be life threatening.  Please be aware when preparing lunches of the food products to be avoided in particular classes.

Classes

Ms. Twomey (Jnrs/Snrs):                Nuts.

Ms. Brennan (1^st):                             Nuts.

Ms. Kiernan (2^nd):                             Nuts/Kiwi.

Cycle Training:  This year cycle training is being offered to 4^th class (Mrs. Julian’s and Ms. Cunningham).  It will begin on February 27^th (6 sessions) over a six week period and all equipment will be provided.  It is heavily subsidised by Laois County Council, Cycling Ireland and the Road Safety Authority.  The cost will be €2 per child per week. 10 @10:  All primary schools have been asked to join in the 10 @ 10 sessions being promoted by Operation Transformation, so we will all be getting active this Friday!

Zim Day – Friday 17^th February:  Our Annual Fr O’Shea appeal for Zimbabwe will be held on Friday 17^th February. As in other years the day will consist of cake and jumble sales and will conclude with a monster raffle.  Tickets for the raffle will go on sale for the children to buy on Monday 13^th February.  They will cost 50c each.  We are asking for toys, books and games that your children no longer use but that other children might like and be anxious to buy.  These can be brought to the school from Monday 13^th February.  We are also calling on all the bakers and bun makers in Ballylinan to bake for us.  These goodies and treats are always in great demand.  We know that we can depend on your support and that our cake stall will be very well stocked.  The money raised from Zim Day will be donated to the Franciscan Missionary Union and will be used to help the children attending Assisi High School, Nharira, Chivhu, Zimbabwe, providing resources for their educational needs.

Ballylinan Ladies Football:  A.G.M. Friday February 10^th in the Clubhouse @ 8 pm.