School Closure: The school is closed on Monday November 11th and again on 12th November for Teacher Training.
Lego Club: Continues this Thursday 14th November.
Flu Vaccines: Will be administered on Wednesday 13th November. Any outstanding consent forms can be returned by that date.
Parent / Teacher Meetings: Will take place on the evenings of Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st of November. Appointments will be available for booking through the Aladdin App as follows:
- Families with three or more children 12pm Monday
- Families with two or more children 3pm Monday
- All other families 9am Tuesday
Christmas Cards: Christmas Cards are available to order via Aladdin €10 for a pack of 10 – must be ordered by Tuesday 12th.
Science week: Science week takes place next week. There will be a range of science activities taking place during the week. First and Second class will travel to the Discovery Park in Castlecomer on Thursday 14th November. More details to follow.
Anti-Bullying Week: Due to a clash with Science Week and an already shortened school week, we have decided to postpone Anti-Bullying week until the week of 18th November.
During this week, we aim to empower children to understand their own behaviour, to recognise bullying, to develop an awareness of online safety risks and to be confident in how to report and seek support when they need it.
Pupils from 4th, 5th and 6th will take part in the FUSE Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme, supported by the Department of Education and referenced in the Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying. FUSE is a research-based Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme developed by DCU Anti-Bullying Centre.
All other classes will engage with specific Anti-Bullying lessons as advised by the Dept of Education.
Christmas concert: All children will participate in a Christmas concert on the evening of Tuesday 10th December in the school. Details to follow.
Infant Nativity: Nativity play involving Junior & Senior Infants will take place on Thursday 12th December. This will take place during the school day. More details to follow.
Parking: Now that building work is complete, and with child safety in mind, we will revert to the original arrangement for parking. The overflow carpark to the side of the school will only be in use for the 3pm collection. Please do not lift the bollards for morning drop-off or the 2pm collection.
David Coleman: The Parents’ Association of Ballyfin NS (R32 N920) have been in touch to inform us that they have arranged for Dr David Coleman to give a talk in their school on Thursday November 21st at 7.30pm on the topic of ‘Helping children and teenagers build resilience and self-esteem’. Tickets cost 25 euro and are available at https://buytickets.at/ballyfinnspc/1384603.
Survey: Inspectors in the Department of Education are carrying out a survey of parents, pupils and teachers on the work of schools in preventing and tackling bullying. This survey will be released to parents and pupils (for competition at home) on Monday 11th November. We would appreciate your input.