Year: 2017

 Nativity Story
All classes gathered in the hall today to sing carols related to the nativity story. Thanks to Margaret Brennan for all her help and well done to the children for their singing. Why not take a moment from your busy schedule to bring your child into the church before or during Christmas? It can be an oasis of peace in a very busy (and commercial) world.

 No Presents Needed
While teachers like to receive presents at Christmas and children like to give them there is absolutely no need and no one should feel under any pressure in this regard. Working that little bit better in school would be a great present though, a gift that would keep on giving not only to the receiver but also to the giver! 

School Closure
Although people realised how dangerous surfaces were, we really appreciate how frustrating it can be for everybody when a school has to close at short notice such as happened last Monday. If we make a decision to close the night before at least people know where they stand, but sometimes the closure can turn out to be unnecessary. Sometimes it is a decision that can only be made on the morning. We became aware that not every parent received the first text sent at 8:05 that morning. The same text was sent again 15 minutes later but some people didn’t receive it for another hour. This is very unsatisfactory and was out of our control. The school website was updated at 8:05 that morning and that will be the case if you are in any doubt:  www.ballylinannationalschool.com . Thank you for your understanding.

 Laois County Council
We have been informed that it is Council policy that their gritting machines do not grit roads leading to schools. Perhaps exceptions could be made if a school is only a few hundred metres from a main road as in our case. We would encourage you to make your thoughts known to local councillors because this could be a real problem during cold winters.

 Homework Club
Homework club will finish for this term today Thursday 14^th December. Happy Christmas and see you all again in the New Year!

School Calendar
Will soon be on sale at the school office and Centra, price €7. This is a nice keepsake and looking back at previous calendars it is interesting to note how much the children have changed over the years. Thanks to everyone who supported our calendar by placing an advertisement for their business.

 Christmas Eve Mass in Ballylinan (6pm)
Parents who would like to have their children involved in the 6pm Christmas Eve Mass are asked to text the following info to 086 3254931 before 5pm on Saturday 16th December:
Parent’s Name & Phone Number
Children’s Names and Ages
Practice takes place on Friday 22nd from 7pm – 7.45pm.

Ballylinan N.S. Food Appeal
Donations will be collected by the Hand to Heart charity tomorrow (Friday 15^th) morning. I asked the children today to think about ‘what they are giving’ for Christmas. This is a small opportunity to give something. Many thanks to those who made a donation.

Happy Christmas
Before things get too hectic I would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody associated with the school – but especially you the parents – a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We occasionally become aware of some particularly difficult family circumstances and will be keeping you in our prayers, particularly at this time.

The school will close for the Christmas holidays at 12:20 for Infants and 12:30 for all others on Friday 22^nd December. The children don’t have to wear their uniform on that day; they may wear something ‘Christmassy’ if they wish. We will re-open on Monday, 8^th January 2018. Other planned closures are detailed on the school website.

Thank you for your support as always.

John Threadgold
Principal