St. Patrick's N.S., Ballylinan

Feedback please: We invite all parents to complete a short survey to help inform and guide our future planning. Your input is important to us and plays a key role in shaping the continued development of our school. You can access the survey here. 

 Summer Stroll: Our Summer Stroll was a lovely occasion. Thank you to the wonderful team of parents who were so generous with their time in organising and stewarding the event. Thank you also to the local Gardai for their assistance on the evening. All money raised will go towards the purchase of additional Chromebooks for use by the children.

School tracksuits: Thank you to all who attended yesterday’s tracksuit fitting. You can still order online here – select the “bundle offer” for best value.

Graduation: Our Sixth Class Graduation Ceremony will take place on Monday, 23rd June at 7pm. We extend our warmest wishes to our Sixth Class pupils as they prepare to move on to the next stage of their educational journey. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and of the kind, capable young people they have become. We also offer a heartfelt thank you and farewell to the families who come to the end of their journey at Ballylinan N.S. Your support, involvement, and partnership over the years have been truly appreciated.

Summer Camp: The annual Summer Camp takes place from Thursday 26^th June to Tuesday 1^st July (4 days). Register via the following link. 

Payments: Please check the e-payments section on the Aladdin App to ensure that all payments are up to date. Thank you.

Class allocations: Details regarding class allocations and groupings will be shared early next week. Currently, there are 215 children enrolled. Based on this number, the Department of Education provides 9 mainstream teaching posts. As in previous years, this means that some classes will be shared between two teachers. Please be assured that all class splits are carefully considered, with due attention given to supporting each child academically, socially, and emotionally while supporting and maintaining friendships.

Lotto: Our school lotto will continue throughout the summer break. All weekly winners will receive their prizes when school reopens. If you’re lucky enough to win the Jackpot, we’ll be in touch directly. Thank you for your continued support — it truly makes a meaningful difference to our school.

Family Fun Day: St. Anne’s soccer club hold a Family Fun Day on Sunday the 22nd June from 11am to 6pm. Free entry and free bouncy Castles for the children, local talent, food stalls, games and much more.

Work experience: We have been inundated with requests for transition year work experience and are now at full capacity.

Thank you: As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we want to thank all our families for their ongoing support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to the life of our school community. Your commitment, support, and generosity of time and spirit are deeply appreciated. Your efforts play a vital role in creating a nurturing, vibrant, and successful school environment for all.  We wish you all a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer break.

Summer break: The school closes at 12:30 on Wednesday 25^th June (12:20 for infants). We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Wednesday 27^th August 2025.

Laois GAA: Children across the county are invited to wear blue and white to school this Friday to celebrate Laois Hurling heroes in the Joe MacDonagh Final on Sunday 8^th June.

Summer Stroll: Our Parents Association hold their annual Summer Stroll on Wednesday 11^th June at 6:30pm. All families are invited to attend. A collection bucket will be available on the night. All donations will go towards the purchase of additional Chromebooks for use by the children. Refreshments afterwards.

School tracksuits: Reminder that the new tracksuit supplier DS Sports will hold a tracksuit fitting day on June 17^th from 1:30 to 5:30. On your arrival at the school, please ask Mrs Moore to call your child / children for their fitting, if required. All tracksuits ordered and paid for on the day will include free initial customisation and free delivery.  Alternatively, you can order online from www.dssports.ie – select the “bundle offer” for best value.

School Tours: School tour season kicked off this morning with 4^th & 5^th travelling to the Let’s Go Camp in Kilcullen. The remaining tours are as follows, further details from class teachers.

• Juniors/Seniors/ Autism class: 19th June -– Jurassic Newpark Kilkenny
• First/Second : 18th June -– Roll and Bowl Portlaoise
• Third : 19th June –– Watershed Kilkenny
• Sixth: 20th June –– Dunmore East Adventure Centre

Graduation: Our sixth-class graduation ceremony takes place on Monday 23rd June at 7pm. As is tradition the Graduation Hoodie is in production and will be presented to the children later this month. Thank you to our Parent’s Association who have so generously subsidised the cost of our hoodies. Further details to follow.

Reports: School reports will issue in the coming weeks. These will include the results of standardised tests in English and Maths from First class upwards. In a change to previous years, we will communicate the Standard Score. Standard scores provide clearer insights into a child’s performance than the traditional Sten score.

Congratulations: Mr Sweeney returned from paternity leave this week after the arrival of his beautiful daughter Cáit. Mr Curry is currently on paternity leave following the birth his daughter Charlotte. Congratulations to the Sweeney & Curry families on such wonderful news.

Solar: Our Photovoltaic Panels were installed over the Easter break and were commissioned at the weekend. Thanks to James Eustace, chairperson of our BOM, for co-ordinating this initiative.

Summer Camp: The annual Summer Camp takes place from Thursday 26^th June to Tuesday 1^st July (4 days). Register via the following link.

Payments: Please check the e payments section on the Aladdin App to ensure that all payments are up to date.

Classy Kidz Preschool: Ann has been in touch to advise Classy Kidz Preschool are now enrolling for September. Contact 089 2161320.

Instagram: Keep up to date with all that’s happening on our Instagram Account @ballylinanns

Easter Break: The school closes today for the Easter break and reopens on Monday 28^th April.

 Swimming: Swimming begins for Junior Infants on Wednesday May 7th. Further details from class teachers.

Visual Carlow: 3^rd & 4^th class visit Visual Carlow on Tuesday April 29^th. Payment via Aladdin please.

 School tracksuits: The Board of Management have approved an update to our school tracksuit. Final design will be avaible shortly.

The BOM also intend to phase out the traditional uniform over time, in line with feedback from our parent’s survey and in consultation with our student council.

Further details will be communicated after the Easter break. In the meantime, please do not purchase traditional uniforms for next year.

Evaluation: Inspectors from the Department of Education will visit the school on April 29^th and May 1^st to carry out an Evaluation of Inclusive Practices and Provision for Pupils with Additional and Special Educational Needs. Follow the link for further details.

Bake Sale: Our Easter Bake Sale was a wonderful occasion. Thank you to our senior classes who buddied up with our younger children to help with their shopping. Our student council did a fantastic job in co-ordinating it all.

Raffle: Thank you to our generous sponsors and all who supported our raffle by buying and selling tickets.

First Prize: Ollie Roche

Second Prize: Fia Donnelly Rowan

Third Prize: Bridget Ryan

Fourth Prize: Alice Julian

Fifth Prize: Catriona Blackie

Sixth Prize: Martin Rabatin

Seventh Prize: Paul Hynan

Eighth Prize: Megan Walsh

Ninth Prize: Mia Nelson

School lunches: Bradbury’s Irish School Meals have just launched their new App.  See attached document for more information.

Autism Awareness: April is Autism awareness month.  Classes have been invited to visit our Autism class and have enjoyed trying out our play and sensory areas.  Our communication boards have been put to great use as children from Ms Twomey’s, Ms Goff’s and Mrs Donnelly’s rooms play together in Tír na nÓg. Our 5^th class helpers are showing such kindness and patience with the younger children: it’s really fabulous to see.

Instagram: Keep up to date with all that’s happening on our Instagram Account – ballylinanns

Thank you: As another term draw to a close, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all members of our school community who work together for the benefit of our children. I wish you and yours a very enjoyable Easter break.  Aileen Hurley

Newsletter Monday 24th March 2025

Swimming: Swimming continues for 1^st & 2^nd class on Wednesday.

Confirmation: Congratulations to our 6^th class children who received the sacrament of Confirmation recently.

Visual Carlow: 3^rd & 4^th class visit to Visual Carlow will now take place on Tuesday April 29^th. Payment can be made via Aladdin next week.  More details to follow.

School tracksuits: A uniform feedback survey issued to parents in the last school year indicated a strong preference for an update to our current tracksuit. In response, the Board of Management have convened a group including representatives of our parent body, Board of Management, In School Leadership Team and School Staff to explore the various options available. Further details to follow.

Bake Sale: The traditional Easter Bake Sale will take place on Thursday 10^th April. Children are invited to bring and buy some baked goods. This is always a really memorable occasion and a highlight of the school year. Tickets for our Easter raffle will go on sale next week in advance of the Bake Sale. There are some great prizes up for grabs including a Redmi Pad SE Tablet for first prize.

Lego Corner: Our Green School’s Committee are looking for your pre loved Lego to create a Lego Corner for creative minds. Thank you to those who have already contributed their unwanted Lego.

Schools Photovoltaic Programme: We are due to have solar panels installed over the Easter break under the Schools Photovoltaic Programme. Sincere thank you to,James Eustace (Chairperson of our BOM) for taking the lead on this project.

St. Anne’s AFC: Will hold a Disco for primary school children on Sunday 13^th April, 4pm to 6pm. €5 entry.

GAA Training: Ballylinan GAA have been in touch to remind children that training resumes shortly. There groups from u5s up to u13s. New players are always welcomed. If your child would like to come along, contact Frank O’Connor – Juvenile Chairman on 0862687162.

Current training sessions are as follows but are subject to change as the evenings get brighter.

U5s (boys and girls) begin on Saturday April 5th at 10am

U7s (boys and girls) starting Saturday April 5th 9.30am (following weeks will be 10am)

U9s begin on Thursday 27th March – 6pm -7pm

U11s begin on Thursday 27th March – 6pm-7pm

U13s continue on Thursday 6.30pm- 7.30pm & Sunday 10am-11 am

For any older siblings interested, there are teams at u15s and Minor (U17)

Junior Duathlon: We have been asked by Athy Triathlon Club to inform parents / students of their All-Inclusive Junior Duathlon event in Narraghmore, Kildare on Sunday 27th April.  A duathlon race involves a run, a cycle and a second run of varying distances, depending on age, incorporated into a single race. It is suitable for junior athletes of all abilities. Further details at http://www.athytriathlonclub.com

Swimming: Swimming begins for 1^st & 2^nd class on Wednesday. Payment is now due via Aladdin please.

Hot lunches: Feedback from our Parents Association suggest that we should continue to send home your child’s school lunch box for now at least. Please keep in mind, the importance of reviewing your child’s choices regularly and amend their order accordingly. Please send in a large zip lock bag (or similar) with your child so as to avoid any leaks. Food safety guidance states that that remaining food should not be reheated or consumed at home.

BLAST: 1st & 2nd class had a wonderful experience creating ceramic portraits with Artist Annie Holland over the last number of weeks. The BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) Project was funded by the Department of Education through Laois Education Centre. It has been an enriching experience for all involved.

Ash Wednesday: Children from 3, 4^th,5^th & 6^th (excluding those representing the school at 5 aside soccer) will attend Mass at 11:30 on Wednesday morning, to mark Ash Wednesday. Children will also be anointed with ashes in line with tradition. If you have any queries, please contact the school.

Music Generation: Children have been making great strides in early years music (juniors to first) and with the bodhrán from 2^nd to 5^th class. If you have not yet made your payment via Aladdin, you might do so at your nearest convenience – ideally before the Easter break.

5 a side soccer: Children from the senior end of the school will travel to Killeshin on Wednesday to participate in the FAI 5 aside soccer tournament.

Visual Carlow: 3^rd & 4^th class will visit Visual Carlow on 2^nd April. More details to follow.

Confirmation: Best wishes to Mr Sweeney’s sixth class who celebrate their confirmation at 11am on Saturday. We hope you and your family have a wonderful day.

County Photos: Sample photos were distributed to children this week. Remember that you must place your order before Tuesday 11^th March to avail of the free delivery option. Please bear in mind that there is no obligation to purchase.

World Book Day: Takes place on March 6^th. Teachers have organised a range of whole school and class activities to mark the day, including the “One School, One Story” initiative, where each class in the school will read the “The Lion Inside”, by Rachel Bright. Shared reading and a whole school quiz will also take place.

Seachtain na Gaeilge: Begans on March 3^rd and will feature a range of activities including a Trá na gCeist, Ceilí Mór and lots of opportunities for using the “cúpla focail”. As is tradition, children are invited to wear something green on Friday 14^th March for Lá Glás”.

Bank Holiday: The school is closed on Monday 17^th and Tuesday 18^th March due to the bank holiday.