Posted on

NEWSLETTER – (no.2) 05/11/15

BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS:
We are asking parents not to send birthday invitations to school.  This has caused upset in the past and it would be better done parent to parent. 

EARLY ARRIVALS:
Some children are arriving to school very early.  While it is great to see the enthusiasm, supervision of pupils does not begin until 9am.  This will become more problematic as the weather deteriorates.

FIRST COMMUNION MEETING (parents only):
Tonight at 8 pm in the school sports hall.

SCHOOL CALENDAR:
At a recent meeting of the Parents’ Association it was decided to produce the school calendar again this year as a fundraiser.  If you wish to place an advertisement for your business into the calendar or know of any other business who may be interested, please contact the Parent Council Chairperson, Wendy Donoghue on 087 0519345.  Cost:  Half size (bottom of page) = €25;  full size (3.5 cm x 13.5 cm) €40.  Ads need to be submitted in digital form by email to ballylinanpa@gmail.com.

 

Posted on

NEWSLETTER 03/11/15

FIRST COMMUNION METING:
A meeting for parents will be held in the school sports hall on Thursday November 5th at 8pm.  This is a joint meeting with the other parish schools.  Please note that the meeting is for 1st Communion parents only.

 STAFF CHANGES:
Welcome back Ms. Bronwen Kiernan who takes up the post of shared resource teacher.  Mrs. Connolly will shortly go out on maternity leave and will be replaced by Ms. Stephanie Farrell.

 HOME READING PROGRAMME:
You will be receiving more information in the coming days about the roll out of the programme.  We hope it will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone.

PANTO:
Rehearsals have began for “Puss ‘n Boots”.  It looks and sounds great!

SWIMMING – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER:
Wednesdays       Ms. Brennan – 1st Class (Athy)

Thursdays          Ms. Cunningham (Portlaoise)

Fridays               Ms. Mulhare (Portlaoise)

ANTI-BULLYING TRAINING FOR PARENTS:

Thursday 12th Nov @ 7.30 pm in the school.
The National Parents Council Primary/Post Primary have developed an Anti-Bullying Programme for parents of primary/post primary children.  The session will enable you to support your child regarding issues of bullying and will also inform you about the new Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools.

Posted on

NEWSLETTER 13/10/15

EARLY CLOSING/RETIREMENT:
The school will close for all pupils at 2pm on Thursday October 22nd.  On Thursday we are marking the retirement of Mrs. Morris with a presentation ceremony in the sports hall from 1.30 pm.  Parents collecting children are welcome to join us.  Mrs. Morris will retire on Friday, October 23rd.  She was appointed to our school in 2005 having taught in Graiguecullen, Bagenalstown and Newtown.  Over the last 10 years Mrs. Morris has been part of the learning support team and her work in this area has benefited many children.  We wish her well in the years ahead in what will certainly be an “active retirement”.

 FRIDAY CLOSING:
School closes at normal times (2pm for infants and 3pm for all other classes).  Please note error on school calendar.

 HALLOWEEN:
A reminder that we are “dressing up” on Friday.  No masks for anyone or one piece costumes for infants please.

FIRST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION:
Meeting for parents in school sports hall on Thursday, November 5th at 8pm.  (Joint meeting with other schools).

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ELECTIONS:
See letter attached.

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Congratulations and best of luck to our boys who will play their final in O’Moore Park tomorrow at 11.30 am. against Ballyadams.  Huge thanks to James Loughman and Olllie Walsh for all their help with the team throughout the competition and to the parents who attended many of the matches.  Arrangements for tomorrow are as follows:-

  • Team will travel by bus at 10.15am

  • Supporters bus will leave at 10.30 am – children form 6th class, 5th class and some 4th class children.  The bus will return directly after the match (no face paint please).

  • Parents who wish to bring their children can “sign them out” at reception.

  • Entry fee:  Adults – €4.  Children free.  OAPs and students – €3.

  • Programmes – €3.

  • No terrace in use – stand only.

  • Parking restrictions in place outside the grounds.  No parking available at old Portlaoise G.A.A. grounds.

PANTO:
Great excitement in 6th class during the week when it was announced that Puss ‘n Boots will be our panto this year.  On stage Tuesday December 8th and Thursday December 10th.

HALLOWEEN:
We hope that everyone has an enjoyable mid-term break and that above all, children return to us safe and sound on Monday, November 2nd.

Posted on

NEWSLETTER 14/10/15

CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL:
Best of luck to the boys who will play The Heath in the semi-final tomorrow (Thursday) in Rathleague (new G.A.A. pitch, Portlaoise) at 12.30pm.

TAG-RUGBY BLITZ:
Children from 6th Class will travel to Athy on Friday to take part in a blitz at Athy Rugby Club.

W.O.W:
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone from our Green Schools Committee for the massive turnout this morning.  It was a wonderful occasion.  Photos on school website – www.ballylinannationalschool.com

STAFF CHANGE:
After Halloween Ms. Cotter will be moving into Learning Support/Resource and Ms. Farrell will be taking over in 1st/2nd Class.

REMINDER:
All infants (Juniors & Seniors) finish tomorrow (Thursday) at 1.30 pm.