April Newsletter 2022
Parents’ Association
Many thanks to those who contributed to the Parents’ Association recent collection in lieu of a fund raising event. As a result of your donations the Parents’ Association will be in a position to contribute to the cost of buses for this year’s swimming lessons and school tours. There has been a big increase in transport costs, no doubt a result of the increase in the price of fuel. Without financial assistance from the Parents’ Association the cost of swimming lessons/tours would be a lot higher.
Swimming/Tours
Swimming lessons for all pupils will take place on the following dates:
Friday 29th April, Friday 6th May, 20th May, 27th May. Children will leave school at 11.00am and return to school by 1.30. P.E. clothes should be worn. Lunch will be eaten before we leave and when we return. Cost per pupil per lesson is €7 (€35 for 5 weeks). Payment must be made in advance by cheque, draft of online. NO CASH WILL BE EXCEPTED. Payment may be made in instalments but must be fully paid before the last lesson. Please note staff are not permitted to dry children so if your child is in Junior classes and need help to dry/dress you must organise a responsible person to do this (i.e. yourself, older sibling or another parent). Staff will ensure younger children are able to undress, (it is helpful if swimming togs are already on underneath clothes) put belongings in a locker and get to the pool area. This is all part of the experience and is promoting independence for younger children. For those attending to assist with drying and dressing you should be at the pool at 12.20. Junior and Senior Infants may go home from the pool if parents are there. All other children will return to school on the bus.
A tour for the children in Ms Brown and Mrs Pepper’s rooms is being planned for Friday 3rd June. A tour for the children in Ms McCarney’s room is being planned for Friday 10th June – more details to follow.
Brian Parker, Faith Mission
Brian is a qualified soccer coach and will be in school on Tuesday 26th April, 3rd May, 10th May & 17th May. He will take each classroom in the yard for soccer coaching. Each session will include a short talk based on an aspect of Jesus’ ministry. Pupils may wear runners on Tuesdays for the 4 weeks after Easter.
Andrew & Beulah McMullan, CEF
Andrew and Beulah McMullen visited our school monthly (prior to Covid) over the last number of years. The children always enjoyed their assemblies. Wednesday 6th April will be their last visit with us as they have new roles within CEF. We wish them well in their new positions and thank them for their many visits to us.
ABP Tree Planting
Recently ABP, Clones came to school and planted 15 native Irish trees around the school. They plan to plant 1,000 native Irish trees with National Schools in Co. Monaghan. We are delighted to join their Sustainability Journey and help improve our natural environment.
Donation to Ballybay Cancer Society
Following the Christmas Walk to School on 20th December €261 was collected for Ballybay Cancer Society. Charlie Mills called to the school recently and received the cheque which he passed on to the Treasurer of Ballybay Cancer Society. Many thanks to all who donated.
Easter Holidays
School closes at 12.00 on Friday 8th April for Easter. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children that morning. School reopens on Monday 25th April.
School is closed on Monday 2nd May for a Bank Holiday.