Year: 2017

Grandparents Mass:  Thanks to everyone involved in our Grandparents Mass last Thursday.  It has now become one of the highlights of the year.  A special word of thanks to Rob O’Brien and Paddy Ryan who “braved the elements” for the afternoon to keep the traffic moving.

Ceremony of Light (6^th Class):  Mass tonight (Tuesday) in St. Anne’s Church at 7.30 pm.  Parents are asked to bring their child’s baptismal candle if possible.

Allergies:  We now have a number of children in school with serious allergies, some of which can be life threatening.  Please be aware when preparing lunches of the food products to be avoided in particular classes.

Classes

Ms. Twomey (Jnrs/Snrs):                Nuts.

Ms. Brennan (1^st):                             Nuts.

Ms. Kiernan (2^nd):                             Nuts/Kiwi.

Cycle Training:  This year cycle training is being offered to 4^th class (Mrs. Julian’s and Ms. Cunningham).  It will begin on February 27^th (6 sessions) over a six week period and all equipment will be provided.  It is heavily subsidised by Laois County Council, Cycling Ireland and the Road Safety Authority.  The cost will be €2 per child per week. 10 @10:  All primary schools have been asked to join in the 10 @ 10 sessions being promoted by Operation Transformation, so we will all be getting active this Friday!

Zim Day – Friday 17^th February:  Our Annual Fr O’Shea appeal for Zimbabwe will be held on Friday 17^th February. As in other years the day will consist of cake and jumble sales and will conclude with a monster raffle.  Tickets for the raffle will go on sale for the children to buy on Monday 13^th February.  They will cost 50c each.  We are asking for toys, books and games that your children no longer use but that other children might like and be anxious to buy.  These can be brought to the school from Monday 13^th February.  We are also calling on all the bakers and bun makers in Ballylinan to bake for us.  These goodies and treats are always in great demand.  We know that we can depend on your support and that our cake stall will be very well stocked.  The money raised from Zim Day will be donated to the Franciscan Missionary Union and will be used to help the children attending Assisi High School, Nharira, Chivhu, Zimbabwe, providing resources for their educational needs.

Ballylinan Ladies Football:  A.G.M. Friday February 10^th in the Clubhouse @ 8 pm.

Enrolment 2017 / 18:Parents who have already given their child’s name to the school will receive an enrolment form this week.  Please return the form to the school by next Monday February 6^th.  If your child is due to start school in September please contact the school office -(059 86 25195).

Panto:  Following discussions with the people involved it has been decided (reluctantly) to let the “curtain fall” on our annual Panto.  Since 2004 Ann Sourke and Bernie Dunne in conjunction mainly with the 6^th class teacher of the day produced 13 Pantos giving hundreds of children the opportunity to experience performing on stage.  The children benefited greatly and have memories which will last a lifetime.  We will express our gratitude publicly to Ann and Bernie at the Grandparents Mass on Thursday next.

Catholic Schools Week/Grandparents Mass:   Mass will be celebrated on Thursday (February 2^nd) in the school assembly hall at 1.30 p.m.  Children collected by and adult will be able to leave after the Mass.  Our Parents Association will provide light refreshments for grandparents/adults and the school playground (junior and senior) will be open for parking from 1pm.  We would ask for full co-operation with stewards to ensure free movement of traffic.  Please drive slowly at all times on school grounds.

Homework Club:   No club on Thursday.

School Book Fair: March 22^nd – March 29^th.  More details later.

School Vaccination Programme 16/17: The H.S.E. team will visit the school next Monday January 30^th for all Junior Infants.  Parents have been offered specific appointments up to 1pm.

Staff Changes:   Ms. Cunningham is out on sick leave at the moment and Ms. Sukprasert has moved to 4^th/5^th class to replace her.  Mrs. Keegan has joined us and will take over in Learning Support/Resource.

Calendars:   Last opportunity to pick up a calendar – only a few left.

Panto/DVD:   The DVDs arrived and have been distributed.  A few were ordered without payment and can be collected from the office.

Catholic Schools Week – Jan 30^th – Feb 3rd:   The highlight of the week for us is our Grandparents Mass (including parents!) which will be celebrated on Wednesday 1^st or Thursday 2^nd Feb at 1.30 pm (to be confirmed).  Children will be able to leave immediately after the mass if collected.

Welcome back after the Christmas break and we trust everyone had a good Christmas.

Bereavement:  Sadly, we announce the death of Mr. William Shelley (father of Fr. Padraig).  Funeral tomorrow evening (Wednesday) to the Cathedral of the Assumption Carlow to arrive at 7pm.  Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 noon.

Swimming:  Lessons for 6^th Class begin tomorrow (Wednesday) and continue for 7 weeks.

Tin Whistle:  Classes return to normal this week on Thursday and Friday.

Homework Club:  Up and running for the new term.

Panto DVD:  Last opportunity to order Peter Pan dvd (€10 for 1 night or €15 for both).

Calendar:  There are some copies of the calendar still available at Centra or from the school office (€7).

Sports News:  Congratulations to Ms. Kiernan on becoming County Carlow Ladies Cross Country champion at the weekend.  She won a very exciting 5k race in a time of 21 minutes 23 seconds.  Watch this space!

Get Well Wishes:  We send our best wishes to Fr. O’Shea who has been in hospital since last week.  We hear he is on the mend and is due home shortly.