Newsletter 22nd October 2018

Football News
Our girls’ football campaign has come to an end for this year, having lost to Ballyadams in an exciting semi-final in Portlaoise last week. The girls have so much to be proud of; they played their hearts out with great skill and spirit and they were in the game right to the end. Even better than that, they were wonderful sportspeople and the way they conducted themselves on and off the pitch was an example to us all. They were a credit to themselves, their families, their school and to Ballylinan. Maith sibh a chailíní, beidh lá eile agaibh!

Halloween
We will be dressing up for Halloween this Thursday October 25th.  This is a fund-raiser for our Parents Association. If children wish to wear fancy dress on the day, they may do so at a charge of €3 (family €5). As it can be hectic that morning, this year we are asking that money be paid in advance if at all possible. No masks please and please bear in mind that infants in particular may need an outfit that’s ‘convenient’ for them to use. Please remember that for health and safety reasons we ask the children to refrain from bringing nuts to school. Thank you.

Gaeilge
We’re making an effort to increase the amount of Irish that we use in everyday speech. Táimid ag déanamh iarracht níos mó Gaeilge a úsáid. Each week we have a new ‘phrase of the week’. This week’s one in the photo below. An féidir leat na focail eile a rá?

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 are being 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.

Lost Property
Remember that 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.

Community News
Why not pay a visit to the Pop-Up Café in the ABK Centre (old school)? There’s a lovely atmosphere and it’s a nice place to meet for a chat. Tea, coffee and some treats served. Give it a try! Open to all on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Please bring a friend! Donations welcome.

Open Night
Ardscoil na Tríonóide Athy Open Night: tonight, Monday 22ndOctober at 7 p.m.

 Attendance & Punctuality
Your child’s attendance at school is vital to their education. It is important to use the ‘Record of Absence’ notes towards the back of the Student Journal if your child has been absent or is going to be absent from school. This is the best way to inform your child’s teacher who needs to know the reason for any absence. Please ensure that your child is on time for school in the mornings and if s/he needs to leave early do let us know in advance. Thank you for your cooperation.

Green School News
Your child should have received a bookmark to remind us to make an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste. If you have seen the recent photos of tons of plastic floating in our oceans you’ll realise how important this is. If we can each make one small change it adds up to a lot!

Parents Association AGM
Will be held in the school on Monday, 12thNovember at 7:30 p.m.

First Communion
Important: meeting for parents of children making First Communion next May will be held in the school this Thursday 25thOctoberat 8:15 p.m.

Closures
School closes at the usual times this Thursday (voting in the Presedential Election will be on the following day) and re-opens on Monday November 5th.