Football News
Our Cumann na mBunscol group stages are drawing to a close. It was a challenging year for the girls this year but they played their hearts out as always and we hope for better luck next year. A huge thanks to the girls and also to mentors Mrs. Hurley, Mrs. Connolly (and Ms. Farrell) for all their help. Our boys’ journey continues – they have reached the final this year which will be played (probably) on Wed. 25th or Thurs. 26th October. Details to follow as soon as we know them. Well done lads!
Up Ballylinan!
Our best wishes go to Ballylinan footballers who will play Portlaoise on Sunday in their first county final in 30 years! Everyone in the school will be rooting for them. We are organising a “big cheer” in the school at 1:15 tomorrow (Friday 13th). Pupils are welcome to wear the Ballylinan colours if they have them. If not, school tracksuit is to be worn. If you’re anywhere nearby, keep an ear out at that time!
Aistear Programme for Infants
Our Infant Classes will soon be starting the Aistear programme. Aistear is an initiative for learning through play. Many resources will be required to implement it correctly. We will want to collect a variety of toys and other resources in good condition for use within the programme. Please note that we will not be asking for new toys but items that you may have at home that are no longer required. Please do not send in anything yet but do keep an eye out for what can be donated. Further details to follow in the coming weeks.
Book Bills / Rental
Some book rental/school contribution fees are overdue. Please contact the school to make payment arrangements. Thank you.
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 week with the oldest child in each family. You are reminded that your contribution is voluntary and confidential and you will be issued with a receipt at the end of the year. Your support is much appreciated.
Halloween
As in previous years we will be dressing up for Halloween on Friday October 27th. This is a fund-raiser for our Parents Association. More details to follow.
Lost Property
We have amassed a collection of school jumpers, jackets, scarves, tracksuit tops etc. Please come and see if your lost property is here before we donate it.
Stay Safe Programme
This is a personal safety skills programme for primary schools. Its objective is to prevent child abuse and other forms of child victimization. It is implemented within the broader context of Social, personal and health education. SPHE fosters the development of the human being both as an individual and as a member of society. “It includes areas of education ranging from self-awareness and self-esteem to issues concerning health, nutrition, substance use and misuse, the prevention of child abuse, relationships, sexuality and citizenship”. In common with other strands of the SPHE curriculum the implementation of the Stay Safe programme is a collaborative process which involves parents, teachers, Boards of Management, and the wider community taking a co-ordinated approach to child protection and child abuse prevention through safety skills education. The annual programme will be implemented across the school in the coming weeks.
Change of Contact Details?
Please make sure we have up-to-date contact details for you. This is important, particularly if we need to contact you in an emergency.
Whole School Evaluation
Our Whole School Evaluation (WSE) is ongoing. Inspectors from the Department of Education and Skills have met with the teachers, the Parents Association and the Board of Management. They will visit all classrooms next week. Please note that if you received a questionnaire and have not yet returned it, do complete it and return it to the school immediately. Thank you. They will not be accepted after tomorrow, Friday 13th.
School Closures
School closes on Friday October 27th at the usual times and re-opens on Monday November 6th. Advance notice that all teachers are required to attend inservice so school will be closed for pupils on Tuesday, 14th November.
Thank You
For your support as always.