Newsletter 15th September 2023
Ploughing Championships: The National Ploughing Championships will take place in Ratheniska next week. Garda Traffic Management advises us that there will be a noticeable increase in traffic through Ballylinan. The school will open and close at the usual times. However please note that there are likely to be delays on the mornings of Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st. We will be understanding and ask that you be patient; there is no need to rush to avoid being late.
Halloween Hike: We plan to dress up for Halloween again this this year on the morning of Friday October 27th. Like last year, we plan to ‘hike’ from the school down to the village and will be issuing sponsorship cards soon. Details to follow.
Athy College: Parents and prospective students are invited to an open evening on Thursday 28th September between 6pm and 8pm. Sixth class will also visit the school for their open day on the morning of Friday 29th September.
St. Mary’s Knockbeg College: Open evening takes place on Friday September 29th from 3:30 to 6:30. All interested students in 5th or 6th class are welcome to visit with their parents/guardians.
Parking: Please remember that the drop-off area is only for that purpose in the mornings; if you wish to walk your child to their line, please park in a designated spot. Thank you for your cooperation.
Calendar: The 2023 / 2024 school calendar is available to view on the school website.
Work experience: We are thrilled to see that so many of our past pupils are interested in pursuing a career in education / childcare. We have had an unprecedented number of requests for transition year work experience. Unfortunately, we have not been able to accommodate all requests this year. Please bear in mind that students must be 16 years old and have Garda vetting to complete work experience in a primary school.
HSE: The HSE will visit the school on Monday and Tuesday 18th & 19th September to conduct eye sight and hearing tests for Junior and Senior infants. Please ensure that you have retuned your consent form. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight or hearing (and you child is not in junior or senior infants) please contact the school immediately and we can arrange to have your child included.
Cumann na mBunscol: Our teams began their 2023 Cumann na mBunscol journey in Abbeyleix on Tuesday. Both teams played with great spirit and represented themselves and our school very well. Winning was a bonus! Due to the heavy rainfall over night and a forecast for further rain, today’s matches have been postponed.
School Tracksuits: Tracksuits ordered during the summer are now available. Tracksuits will be given directly to your child as payments are received through Aladdin.
Mobile Phones: Mobile phones are not necessary for children during the day. In exceptional circumstances if they need to be brought for use after school, they must be turned off and handed to the class teacher in the morning.
Swimming: Swimming begins next week. The schedule for the year is as follows. More details from class teachers in due course.
September / October: Ms Goff’s classes
November / December: Ms Lacey’s & Mr Sweeney’s classes
January / February: Ms Rainsford’s & Mr Curry’s classes
February / March: Ms Cunningham’s & Ms Maher’s classes
April / May: Ms Twomey’s & Mrs Donnelly’s classes