St. Patrick's N.S., Ballylinan

GREEN SCHOOLS: We have just been notified that our school has been awarded the green flag for water. This is great news and a tribute to the wonderful work done by the green schools committees over the last two years. The flag will be presented to the school at a ceremony in Athlone on May 22nd.

PUNCTUALITY: A reminder that the first chime sounds at 9.15 am and children are collected by their teacher and brought to class. The second chime at 9.20 am indicates that school has commenced. Children should be in their line by 9.15 am. It is important for all children to be on time, but especially so for younger children who are getting used to school routine.

OFFICIAL OPENING: The official opening of our new school will take place on Thursday June 12th at 2 pm. More details to follow.

DRAINAGE: We have had an on-going problem with drainage at the front and side of the school. A “french drain” was put in over the holiday period which will hopefully solve that problem. However, we are now left with visible stones which are very “tempting” for young children. We are asking parents collecting children, especially at 3pm not to allow pre-schoolers access to that area.

5 A-SIDE SOCCER: Two boys teams and two girls teams from 6th class took part in the annual Aviva competition held in Portlaoise yesterday. There were some excellent matches with our teams narrowly missing out qualifying for the next round. However, the two local derby matches ended in draws so everybody went home happy!

FIRST EUCHARIST:   Preparations are well under way for Sunday May 18th. More details over the coming weeks.

LITERACY/NUMERACY:  As we have mentioned before we have introduced new strategies to improve and promote literacy and numeracy in school.  This may involve your children taking part in a variety of activities with other teachers and classes.

SCHOOL CLOSURES:
* Monday May 5th Bank Holiday
* Friday May 23rd Local/European Elections
* Friday May 30th Holiday
* Monday June 2nd Bank Holiday
* Tuesday June 3rd Holiday

CUMANN NA mBUNSCOL:
Lisa Walsh and Adam Lynskey (6th Class) represented the school at the skills competition held recently in Stradbally.  Lisa has been chosen to play in an exhibition match at Croke Park later in the year.  Adam will play at a Laois championship match during the summer.  Well done!

COMMUNITY NOTICES:
Your Move Health and Fitness: (based at Ballylinan G.A.A. Club House).  Offers available – contact Marc 086 3114395 or marcandgarrett@gmail.com

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

CONFIRMATION:
Congratulations to the children in 6th class who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last Saturday. Special thanks to Mrs. Connolly for all her work in preparing the class and to the school staff and “others” for making the day remarkable. Well done to the children in the choir for their support and beautiful singing.

I.N.T.O. / Cumann na mBunscol Football Skills:
Lisa Walsh and Adam Lynskey from 6th Class will represent the school today in Stradbally at the annual football competition.

EASTER HOLIDAYS:
School closes on Friday April 11th @ 12.30 pm. (please note time). The Junior Play area will be open for parking to avoid congestion. School re-opens Monday April 28th @ 9.15 am.

REMINDER – ‘SUPER STARS’ EASTER CAMP: (some places still available)
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th April – 10am – 2pm.

Prices: €40 – 1 child; Family Rate – €70 – 2 children; €90 – 3 children.
Please return forms by tomorrow, Friday.

PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWS:
Prize winners:
1st Prize – (iPad mini) – Sharon Logue, Kilmeague, Kildare.
2nd Prize – €50 East Hamper – Josephine Reddy, The Crescent, Ballylinan.
3rd Prize (€25 Petitt’s voucher) – Claire Murphy, 6th Class.
4th Prize (Wine/Easter hamper) – Katie Harrington (past pupil).
5th Prize Lily O’Brien Easter egg – Abigail Eustace (past pupil).

Thanks to our sponsors – Dineen Sales for the iPad mini, Pettitt’s for the €50 hamper and €25 voucher.

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”
??

??

??

??

 

CONFIRMATION:
Our best wishes go to the children from 6th Class who will receive their Confirmation on Saturday next, April 5th in St. Anne’s Church at 11.30 am. Further details will be given to the class later in the week.
CHOIR:  Children from 4th and 5th classes will provide the choir for the ceremony and should be in their places by 11.20 am.

CEREMONY OF LIGHT:
Fr. Brian has informed us that the preparation ceremony for 6th Class will be celebrated in the church tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30 pm.

DENTAL SERVICE FOR 6TH CLASS:
The H.S.E. has indicated that 6th children may not be seen before the summer due to staff shortages. However, they have assured us that the children will be called before the end of the year. Parents requiring emergency treatment for any child can ring 057 86 92625 any morning at 9.30 am and they will be directed to the nearest clinic.

‘SUPER STARS’ EASTER CAMP (Junior Infants – 6th Class):
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th April – 10am – 2pm – €40 per child. For more details contact: Ms Goff, Ms. Brennan, Ms. Mulhare or Mrs. Connolly. See flyer attached to newsletter sent home with your child.

OFFICE UNATTENDED:
Please note that the admin. office is unattended from –
10.45am – 11am and 12.15 – 12.45 pm each day.

PARENT COUNCIL NEWS:
Easter Raffle – please return your tickets to the school on or before this Friday April 4th. Extra tickets can be got from the admin. office.  Draw takes place in the school on Monday 7th.
Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

EASTER RAFFLE:
Our Parents Council are organizing a raffle to raise funds for the purchase of iPads for the school (tickets attached). The tickets cost €2 each or book of 6 tickets for €10. Each family will receive 1 book and we would ask people to be as generous as they can.

TRACK SUITS:
Following the recent survey and after consultation, it has been decided to stay with our current school track suit. The problem of the legs being worn or torn was a cause for concern. The option of plain navy legs will be introduced next year in an effort to reduce the cost to parents. This will also give the option of using ‘cotton type’ legs during the winter. The school track suit will still be available from Shaws, Athy, but the replacement legs can be purchased in any shop. The new arrangement will also apply for the rest of this year.

FOOTBALL BLITZ:
Our children from 3rd and 4th class participated in a blitz yesterday in Ballylinan G.A.A. Club. Thanks to Ollie Walsh and Frank Shanahan for all their help.

RUGBY:
Children from 5th and 6th classes took part in a tag rugby blitz in Athy over the past two days. Thanks to Joey Carbery and his team for all their hard work.

COMMUNITY NOTICES:

FOOTBALL COACHING – Begins – Friday March 28th in the
G.A.A. pitch – 6.45 pm – 7.45 pm:
* Boys/Girls U6 coaching indoors – (runners and mouth guards please).
* Boys U8, U10, U12 coaching outdoors (don’t forget mouth guards).

PARENT COUNCIL – now have a Facebook page, which is a closed group and open only to parents of children in Ballylinan School. Check it out by keying in St. Patrick’s NS Ballylinan Parent’s Association in the search bar and here you can send a friend request to the chairperson, Deirdre Murphy.

Uisce says “Don’t say no to saving H20”

FRIDAY FOOTBALL: 
Tomorrow, Friday March 21st is the last day in the series of coaching sessions. It has been a great success and thanks to Ballylinan G.A.A. Club and in particular the coaches who have been so generous with their time.
* Coaching for girls has already commenced on Tuesday nights in the G.A.A. pitch.
* Boys U6, U8, U10 coaching will begin on –
Friday March 28th in the G.A.A. pitch – 6.45 pm – 7.45 pm.

FIRST PENANCE:
Congratulations to the children in 2nd Class who received the sacrament last night. Special thanks to Ms. Cotter, Ms. Brennan and Mrs. Kenna for all their work with the children. Thanks to Mrs. Browne and her choir for the beautiful singing and to Margaret Brennan for the music.

Following the ceremony refreshments were provided at the school for the first time. Thanks to the members of the Parents Council who worked so hard to provide for everyone – it was much appreciated.