Newsletter 3rd October 2017

Book Bills / Rental
Book rental/school contribution fees are now overdue.  Payment by Friday would be much appreciated or contact the school to make payment arrangements.

Football News
Huge congratulations to Ballylinan footballers who had a great win over Portarlington last Sunday and have reached their first county final in 30 years! Everyone in the school is delighted and they have our continued good wishes. At school (Cumann na mBunscol) level our girls are having a challenging season this year, though our boys have done well so far. Cumann na mBunscol’s philosophy is founded on the principle of children playing GAA games for fun. If you’re interested, the groups this season are as follows:

Cailíní  (Roinn 2)                                   Buachaillí  (Roinn 3)

Ballylinan                                                  Ballylinan

Mountmellick                                         Mountmellick

Killenard                                                    Clonaghadoo

Ballyadams                                              Gaelscoil (Portlaoise)

Graiguecullen                                         The Heath

Abbeyleix                                                  Ballyfin

Voluntary Envelope Collection
The envelope collection is our main means of fundraising and allows us to provide better facilities, equipment and services for your children. The envelopes will be sent home every Tuesday with the oldest child in each family.  Your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year.

Photographs
On occasion children will be photographed in relation to school activities. Most of these photographs will appear on the school website, but sometimes the photographs may be taken by newspapers covering sports events, new infants in school, panto, etc. It is now common practice that only the child’s first name is used, if any. In the last few years our parents association has produced a calendar of the different class groups which has been very popular.  Please let us know if you have any concerns about this issue. Please also find the school’s annually reviewed Child Protection Policy on this site (link above).

Whole School Evaluation
Inspectors from the Department of Education and Skills are carrying out a Whole School Evaluation (WSE). This is a routine procedure which happens from time to time in the life of all primary and secondary schools. The inspectors have already started their work and will visit us a number of times during the next few weeks. As part of the evaluation, surveys will be carried out among pupils, teachers and parents, looking for feedback on the life and work of the school. A questionnaire may be issued to you in the coming days. Whether you are a parent with us for a few weeks – or many years! – If you receive one, please complete it and return it to the school immediately. Thank you.