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Newsletter 3rd May 2024

Newsletter 3rd May 2024

School Closure: The school reopens on Monday 13th May.

School Lotto: We are delighted to announce the launch of our school lotto. The monies raised through the lotto will go directly towards improving the school facilities and resources. We hope that the weekly option of just €2.50 for one line, or €5 for three lines, will allow everybody to contribute via the following link. It would be fantastic if you could invite aunties, uncles, grandparents etc to support our weekly School Lotto. They might just be a lucky winner. Thank you

 St. Abban’s Athletic Club Student Games: Congratulations and thank you, to all who represented our school at the St. Abban’s AC student games on Friday last.

First Holy Communion:  Congratulations to our second-class pupils who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday morning. It was a really wonderful occasion. Thank you to Ms Cunningham & Mrs Moriarty for all their work in preparation for the day. Thank you also to Mrs Connolly and her wonderful choir who really added to the ceremony and to all who joined us on the day.

Classy Kidz: Classy Kids are now enrolling for September – there are a limited number of places available for ECCE. Call Ann 089 2161320

School Tours: It’s that time of year again and we are busy preparing for the end of year tours. The tour is always the highlight of the school year and eagerly anticipated by our pupils. We appreciate that this is an expensive time for families, particularly where there is more than one child in a family. It is no surprise that the increasing cost and limited availability of buses has had a knock-on effect on the cost of our tours. With this in mind, payments have been activated on Aladdin to afford you the opportunity to pay in instalments so as to spread the cost of tours over the coming weeks.

Headlice: There have been a number of reports of headlice in the junior classes. Please be vigilant.

Hurling / Camogie: Our 5th & 6th class boys and girls have enjoyed some hurling and camogie recently and have been fortunate to have some extra skills coaching with Frank and Peter.

Thank you for your support in all that we do. Enjoy the break!

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Newsletter 17th April 2024

Dance Workshop: Thank you to Isobel Brady from Shooting Stars Stage School Athy for volunteering her time for our dance workshop on Monday last. Thank you for your generous support of the event, a fantastic day was had by all.

Chicken pox: We have been advised of several cases of chicken pox across the school. Follow the link for information from the HSE.

Rainbows: Athy Community Family Resource Centre have advised of their intention to run the Rainbows programme in the near future.  Rainbows is a free, voluntary service for children and young people experiencing loss following bereavement and parental separation.

Rainbows is a programme run by trained volunteers, it is not a professional counselling or therapy service.

If this is something that might interest your family, you may log your interest via this link. You may contact the centre on 059 8632899 or info@athycfrc.ie for more information.

Lego afterschool workshop: There was very positive feedback from yesterday’s afterschool Lego Club arranged by our Parents Association. There are a just a few places available for the remaining sessions. Contact Kealan ktyrrell@bricks4kidz.ie for more information.

County Photos: The deadline for placing your order to avail of free delivery to the school has been extended to Monday 22nd April. Orders placed after this date will be subject to a delivery charge.

St. Abban’s Athletics Club Student Games: The St. Abban’s AC student games take place on Friday 26th April at 5pm. This is always a fantastic event and a great opportunity for local children to “dip their toes” in the world of athletics. More details here.

First Holy Communion:  Takes place on Saturday 27th April at 11am in St. Anne’s Church.

Instagram: Keep up to date with our Instagram account @ballylinanns

Board of Management: The BOM held a meeting on Monday 8th April. Please see the “agreed report” on the BOM section of our webpage.

Lost Property: An old phone was found in the school hall after the school book fair. Contact the school for more information.

Aviva Stadium Visit: Our 6th class had an early start this morning and had a fantastic day at the Aldi Play Rugby National Festival at the Aviva Stadium today. Well done to supporters and players alike.

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Newsletter 22nd March 2024

Dance Workshop: Isobel Brady from Shooting Stars in Athy has volunteered to run a dance workshop for all our children on Monday next 15th April, in support of the Oskars Fundraising drive for the new walking track at Ballylinan GAA. The children will learn a new dance routine throughout the day and perform for parents on the school yard at 1:50pm and 2:50pm Monday. There is no specific charge for the workshop but parents are invited to send a donation to the school if possible. It promises to be a great occasion. Children can wear school tracksuits on the day.

FAI Five aside soccer: Congratulations to our girls five a side soccer team who reached the final at Wednesday’s fixture in Killeshin. They girls played with unbelievable spirit and determination and were fantastic ambassadors for our school.

Hot School Meals: There was great excitement when our first delivery arrived on Monday last. It is anticipated that children will try the various options over the coming weeks and will then be in a position to make an informed choice as to their preferred meals going forward.

We really appreciate your support in encouraging your children to try the various options available and to recognise the value of eating a healthy balanced diet.

If you encounter any difficulties with ordering please contact Bradbury’s directly. Children will still require a small healthy snack for little break and a drink.

Aviva Stadium: Sixth class have been offered an amazing opportunity to visit the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 17th April. Details in separate communication to parents.

Swimming: Swimming begins for junior infants on Tuesday April 23rd & senior infants on Wednesday April 24th. More information to follow from class teachers.

Autism Class: Our autism class is now accepting applications for enrolment for September 2024. Children seeking enrolment must have a diagnosis of autism and a recommendation to be educated specifically in an autism class. See our Admission Policy for further details. Applications can be made via our website www.ballylinannationalschool.com

Lego afterschool workshop: There was a significant interest in next Tuesday’s afterschool club. If you have already submitted an expression of interest, please check your email today for further communication form Bricks4Kidz.

County Photos: A gentle reminder to place your order.

GAA Training: U7’s football training and Go Games for 2024 has commenced and all boys and girls are very welcome to take part. Parents are also welcome to be involved in any capacity. For further details please contact PJ Leonard 0871857556 or Mary Kealy 0876347967

Upcoming school closures: May 6th to May 10th – May bank holiday

School calendar: The 2024 / 2025 school calendar will issue shortly.

Thank you for your continued support of all that we do.

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Newsletter 22nd March 2024

Newsletter 22nd March 2024

Confirmation: Congratulations to the children from 6th class who celebrated their Confirmation yesterday. It was a wonderful occasion and a great honour to have Bishop Denis Nulty confirm our children. Thank you to all who played a part in preparing for our special day.

Hot School Meals: Each child should have received their login details and additional information ahead of the launch of our hot school meals programme when we return to school on April 8th. We are appealing to you to select your child’s preferred options for the week, through the website, as soon as possible and ideally by Friday 29th March. If you encounter any difficulties with ordering please contact Bradbury’s directly.

We don’t want any child to be without a lunch on our first day so please don’t forget to place your order. Children will still require a small healthy snack for little break and a drink.

This is a very positive development for our school community. We really appreciate your support in encouraging your children to try the various options available and to recognise the value of eating a healthy balanced diet.

SETU Carlow: Our children had very interesting visit from Andrew Keppel from South Eastern Technological University Carlow on Wednesday.  Andrew brought along a 3D printer and some very interesting and useful components that were designed and produced by the engineering team at SETU Carlow. Thank you, Andrew.

Congratulations: Huge congratulations to Ms. Kiernan, who won a bronze medal at the European Masters Indoor Championship in Torun, Poland this week. Ms Kiernan ran a personal best on the day and is an inspiration to all of us.

Parents Association: The next meeting of our Parents Association takes place on Monday April 8th at 7:30pm.

Easter break: School is closed from Monday 25th March and reopens on Monday 8th April.

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Newsletter 11th March 2024

School Photos: County photos will return on Tuesday March 12th to facilitate the taking of photos of children who were absent previously. We also hope to take class photos on the day. Children must wear their school uniform.

 St. Patrick’s Day: Children will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with “Lá Glás” on Friday 15th March. Children are not required to wear school uniform but can wear something green on the day.

Autism Class: We are delighted to inform you that our school will open a special class for children with autism in September 2024. Children must have a diagnosis of autism and a recommendation to attend an autism class in a mainstream school to qualify for a place. An updated admissions notice outlining the timeline for applications will be published soon. If you have any queries, please contact the school.

Hot School Meals: The hot school meals programme is due to begin in early April. This is a free service to all children in our school and is funded by the Department of Social Protection. Parents / guardians will be provided with an individual login through which you can order from an extensive menu with Irish School Meals, based in Athy. Meals will be delivered to your child in school, each day. Children will still require a small healthy snack for little break and a drink. More details to follow.

Ballylinan GAA Oskars:  Best wishes to Ballylinan GAA as they embark on a major fundraising drive to fund a new walking track. There are two events that may be of interest:

  • Disco Party for primary school children, takes place at Ballylinan GAA Clubhouse on Friday 22nd March, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Entry is €5 and there is a shop available on the night.
  • Easter Activity Camp takes place at Ballylinan GAA on Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th and Friday 5th April from 10am to 1pm for children aged 4 years to 12 years. Contact 085 7186406 or 087 9793317. Family rates apply: €50 for 1st child, €40 for 2nd child, €30 for 3rd child and 4th child is free.

Book Fair: Thank you for your incredible support of our book fair.

Peace Proms: Children from fourth, fifth and sixth class took part in the Peace Proms Concert in SETU Waterford on Saturday March 9th. What a fantastic event it proved to be. Sincere thanks and appreciation to the teachers who have worked so hard in preparing the children and thank you to all who travelled to Waterford on the day.

Confirmation: Children from 6th class will celebrate their Confirmation on Wednesday 20th March at 11am. School remains open as usual for all other classes.

Road safety: There have been some reports of dangerous / inappropriate behaviour as children make their way from school. Please remind your child(ren) to take care and to be mindful of other road users.

 School Closures:

Bank holiday: School is closed on Monday 18th March (bank holiday).

Easter break: School is closed from Monday 25th March and reopens on Monday 8th April. The break begins with a half day on Friday 22nd March. School closes at 12:20pm for infants and 12:30 for the rest of the school.

Congratulations: Well done to our 6th class quiz team who came an impressive fourth place in the Cumann na mbunscol quiz recently. Well done also, to all who took part in the FAI 5 aside soccer tournament recently, and in particular to the girls team who qualified for the next round.