Category: Newsletters

Reports:

End of year reports will be posted home next week. The envelopes will include – report, book list 15/16, voluntary contribution receipt, envelope for book rental/school expenses (insurance, photocopying, etc. for September.

School Tracksuit:

The new school tracksuit (for those who have ordered them) will be available for collection (and payment) on Tuesday August 25th –
10am – 12 pm, and 1pm – 3pm.

Green Schools:

Mieke from An Taisce did a survey of the way we travel to school. She was very impressed with the progress we have made – she said “There is good reason to be happy and proud of all your efforts. I am delighted with the big drop in car use”. Well done everybody!!

Summer Camp:

A reminder to return summer camp forms for those who are interested.

‘’Our Old School’’:

It is very disappointing to hear of acts of vandalism carried out at the ‘’old’’ school in recent weeks. The building has served the community for over 80 years and is a landmark for motorists and visitors to Ballylinan. It is owned by the parish (i.e. you, the members of the parish community) and there are exciting plans for it’s use in the coming years. In the next few weeks some of the prefabs will be removed as they are required for schools elsewhere and the grounds will be reinstated. It is also likely that the ‘’men’s shed’’ movement will use the buildings as a base in Ballylinan to provide a social function and a training facility. It is up to everyone to ensure that this valuable asset is protected for the community.

Leaving Cert/Junior Cert:

Best wishes to all our past pupils who have just started their state exams. Go néirí an t-adh libh go léir!

Class Mass:
A special invitation to 2nd class and their families for this Sunday, June 7th at 11.30 am., the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Dates for your diary:
June 18th: 6th class retreat (Mt St. Anne’s, Portarlington)
June 19th: 6th class school tour
June 23rd: School tour day (All other classes)
(Full details to follow)
June 25th: Graduation (6th class) -Mass at 7.30pm in the school sports hall.
School Based Summer Camp:
Please see ‘’Super Troopers’’ brochure. Parents have reported to us in the past that the camp is an ideal opportunity for incoming Junior Infants to experience the school setting in a more relaxed environment.

Brown Envelopes:
The last day for the brown envelope collections will be June 9th. A receipt relating to your contribution will be issued with the end of year reports.

SACRAMENTS:

Congratulations to the children form 2nd and 6th classes who received their First Communion and Confirmation last week. We received many compliments about the way the children conducted themselves and carried out their duties during the ceremonies. Ms. Cotter and Mrs. Connolly were very proud of their classes (as we all were). Celebrating both sacraments in the same week was a major organisational challenge and sincere thanks to all our staff for working long hours to make sure that everything was in readiness for the big days.

CHOIR:

Special thanks must go to Mrs. Browne and her choir for their attendance and contribution over the two days. They helped in no small way to create a unique prayerful atmosphere for both ceremonies.
HOMEWORK CLUB:

Tomorrow, Thursday May 28th will be the last “Homework Club” day for this term.

SCHOOL CLOSURES:

* Friday May 29th
* Monday June 1st
* Tuesday June 2nd

School re-opens on Wednesday June 3rd at 9.15 am.

FIRST COMMUNION:
Sunday May 24th @ 11.30 am in St. Anne’s Church.

CHOIR:
Children from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes will make up the choir for Sunday and should be in the church at 11.15 am.

Congratulations to Mrs. Browne and the choir for a wonderful performance at the Confirmation ceremony yesterday. We were all very proud of them.

SCHOOL CLOSURES:

* Friday May 22nd – Referendum.

* June Bank Holiday Weekend – School Closes at –
3pm. on Thursday May 28th and re-opens on Wednesday June 3rd @ 9.15 am.

CONFIRMATION:
Children from 6th Class will receive their Confirmation next Wednesday May 20th in St. Anne’s Church at 2pm.

To facilitate attendance at the ceremony the school will close at
12.30 pm. (Infants 12.20 pm.)

CHOIR:

Children from 3rd, 4th and 5th classes will make up the choir on the day and should be in church by 1.45 pm. Mrs. Browne and Mrs. Connolly have been rehearsing with the choir for a number of weeks and we expect that all the children involved will be present to support the Confirmation class. We are also depending on our choir for the following Sunday, May 24th at 11.30 am. for the First Eucharist ceremony. We very much appreciate their support and your encouragement.

FOOTBALL NEWS:

Congratulations to Kate Page and Keith Hickey (6th Class) who will represent Laois in an exhibition match at the Carlow v Laois Leinster Championship fixture in Carlow on Saturday evening. Best of luck to both players.

SCHOOL CLOSURE: Friday May 22nd – Referendum.

SUMMER CAMP:  Please note that there will be no school based Summer Camp this year. The teachers involved would like to thank parents for their support over the last number of years.