NEWSLETTER 04/03/14

GREEN SCHOOLS:
The awarding of Green Schools flags is administered by An Taisce. The area representative spent last Wednesday at the school to see the work that had been done with the theme “Water”. She was extremely impressed by all she witnessed and was particularly complimentary of the children on the Green Schools Committee. She described their knowledge, enthusiasm and their ability to speak on the topic as “wonderful !”. Congratulations to all the staff and children who worked so hard especially over the last few weeks.

Green School Committee: Ms. Cotter, Ms. Mulhare,
Ms. Twomey, Mrs. Kenna, Claire Murphy/Jonathan Day (6th), Ella Jeffares/Rhys Burke (5th), Emma Hickey/Lorcan Page (4th), Aoibheann Buckley/Jesse McEvoy (3rd), Ciara Kay/John Clarke (2nd).

SCHOOL UNIFORM:
The Minister for Education and Skills has directed that schools should consult with parents in relation to school uniforms. Please complete the attached questionnaire and return to the school by Thursday March 6th.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING:
We have mentioned this issue before in relation to the pedestrian crossing on the Main Street at the church. Children had a narrow escape last week when a van traveling from Athy failed to stop on a red light. We have explained to children about the danger of crossing even when the “green man” is showing. We also informed Gardaí and Laois County Council of our concerns.

FRIDAY FOOTBALL COACHING:
A very successful first day last Friday. Children are asked to wear mouth guards when training and the football club will distribute mouth guards this Thursday (free of charge) to children attending who do not have one already. Parents may need to adjust them for Friday.

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

School Uniform Questionnaire

1. Should our school have a uniform?   Yes/No

2. Should the school jumper be crested?   Yes/No

3. Are you in favour of a school track-suit?  Yes/No

4. Should the school track-suit be crested?  Yes/No

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 13th 2013

NEWSLETTER 13/11/13

SACRAMENTS:
First Communion – Sunday May 18th @ 11.30 am.
Confirmation – Saturday April 5th @ 11.30 am.
1st Penance – To be confirmed

FOOTBALL:
It seems a long time ago now but congratulations to the girls for their great performance in the Cumann na mBunscol final played before Halloween. Well done to Lisa Walsh who received the ‘fair play award’. Thanks to Ms. Mulhare and Mrs. Connolly for all their work throughout the competition and special ‘thank you’ to the teachers who covered while they were away at matches.

HALLOWEEN:

We had some very impressive costumes for our fundraiser at Halloween! The event raised €354 for the Parents Association. At a meeting held last night it was decided that the money would be donated to UNICEF for flood relief in The Philipines.

STAFF CHANGE:
Ms. Hayden has left on maternity leave and has been replaced by Ms. Tara Farrell.

PANTO:

Rehearsals have begun for ‘Aladdin’ which goes on stage Tuesday December 17th and Thursday December 19th in St. Anne’s Hall.
It’s looking good !

PARKING:
Thanks to everyone for their co-operation especially in the mornings. The message is – if you need to leave your car – park it. Keep the drop-off areas clear.

CALENDAR:
Class photos for the calendar will be taken next Monday or Tuesday (18th & 19th). Please have children in FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM. (See Parents Association News).

GREEN SCHOOLS NEWS:
Slogan Competition winner – Sadhbh Brennan (6th Class) –
“Don’t Say No to Saving H2O”.
Name Our Mascot winner – Ella Keightly Kindregan (1st Class) – “Uisce”.

SCHOOL WEBSITE:
Thanks to James Eustace for all his time and work in upgrading the school website. Visit www.ballylinannationalschool.com to keep in touch.

PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS:
This year the Parents Association are producing a school calendar to mark the first Christmas in our new school. The Calendar will be made up of Class photographs (1 per month) and other school groups/teams, etc. The sample is very impressive and it will be practical as well as a keepsake.

Parents who have businesses may wish to advertise in the calendar.

Contact Secretary, Isobel Brady (085 2259256) by November 20th if interested in placing an advertisement..
Price: ½ strip (5.5” x 2”) = €25; full strip (11.5” x 2”) = €40.

COMMUNITY NEWS
Cabaret Night in Fleming’s Bar on Saturday 30th November to raise money to construct toilet facilities at the Park.
Admission €5.   Music by Back in Business.