April Newsletter 2025
There were many activities taking place in school throughout March, Dance with Lesley, World Book Day, Lots of Socks Day and First Aid with Sheila Linden to name just a few!
Dance with Lesley
This week was the final week of dance with Lesley. We really enjoyed showcasing our dances for each other. Each classroom performed the dance they had been working on for the other classrooms. Many thanks to Lesley Goggins for her enthusiastic dance teaching.
World Book Day
On Thursday 6th March there was an array of wonderful outfits throughout the school as staff and children dressed up as a book character. Following a fashion show in the morning children enjoyed their weekly library visit, DEAR time, Buddy reading and we finished the day with a table quiz. Everyone enjoyed the day and received World Book Day vouchers which could be redeemed for books in bookshops in Monaghan.
Lots of Socks Day
On Friday 21st March we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by taking part in Lots of Socks Day (formally known as Odd Sock Day). The Student Council organised activities throughout the day which included making sock puppets, sock games, three legged races and “pinning the socks on the feet”. They also gave every pupil a bag of sweets. €170 was collected on the day and this money has been sent to the Down Syndrome Centre North East in Carrickmacross. Many thanks to all who donated.
After School Activity
On Tuesday 4th March our after school activity was Lego We Do and Bee Bots and on Tuesday 25th March children took part in a First Aid Workshop with Sheila Linden where they learned basic first aid tips including CPR. There will be no more after school activities this term.
Parents’ Association Fundraiser
On behalf of the Parents’ Association committee we’d like to thank everyone who sold tickets, made donations, contributed to the supper and helped on the night at the evening with Gerard Butler last week. For those who attended it was a most enjoyable evening and some of the steps learned have made their way into school. The children in the senior room have been learning to line dance. The amount raised to date is €1235. This money will be used to subsidise the cost of swimming lessons and school tours next term.
Skip Around Europe Challenge
Children are currently taking part in a Skip Around Europe challenge. Skip around Europe is a whole-school physical activity challenge open to all primary schools participating in Active School. This initiative focuses on participation, inclusion and fun with lots of learning opportunities along the way. All classes are encouraged to build a short skipping break in to their daily routines, across the 4 weeks of the challenge. Working together as a class, and as a school, our combined skips will allow us to travel to many of the capital cities across Europe! Each day children will skip for 10 minutes and record the total skips. At the end of the week members of the active school committee will collect all the totals.
Monaghan Senior Football Team
It was great to see two past pupils from Ballybay Central School, Ryan Wylie and Joel Wilson, play for their County football team in Croke Park on Saturday evening. What an achievement and we are very proud of the lads. They had a great game and Monaghan beat Roscommon to win the Division 2 title.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all pupils will take place on the following dates:
Friday 2nd May, 9th May, 16th May, 23rd May, 30th May and 6th June. Children will leave school at 11.10pm and return to school by 1.30pm. P.E. clothes should be worn. A swimming hat is needed for the pool. For the duration of swimming lessons those who normally receive hot lunches from Fresh Today will receive a cold lunch instead. This will consist of a sandwich, popcorn, biscuit and a piece of fruit. Children will choose their sandwich of choice next week (cheddar cheese, chicken, ham or ham and cheese) and that will remain the same for the duration of the lessons. Cost per pupil is €50 for the 6 weeks. Full payment must be made by cheque, draft or online. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.
- Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56
When using online banking please put your name and swimming on the reference line so we know it’s your payment.
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 no later than 12.35pm. Junior and Senior Infants may go home from the pool if parents are there. Please let the teacher know if you will be taking your child home as their school bag and lunch will be taken on the bus. All other children will return to school on the bus.
The Amazing Journey
The Amazing Journey is designed for Primary school pupils and uses creative storytelling, colourful displays and Bible characters to introduce children to the key stories and message of the Bible.
We are delighted that The Amazing Journey exhibition is coming to school on Tuesday nest, 8th April. The art work in the Amazing Journey was completed by Dave Boyle, Mrs Boyle’s husband.
Junior Infants – 2nd Class will attend Hall Street from 9.45-10.45 and 3rd-6th Class will attend from 11.00-12.00 to take part in the Amazing Journey.
If any parent wishes to join us at either time, they are most welcome.
FAI Soccer Competition
Congratulations to Ethan, Luke, Jason, Suleiman, Aloise, Amelia G, Hannea, Emmanuel and Maksym who represented the school at the FAI 5-a-side soccer tournament on Monday. It was a very well organised event with almost 20 schools taking part on the day.
Talent Show
Next week, instead of regular homework, we encourage all children to prepare for our School Talent Show, taking place on Friday11th April. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their oral language skills and gain confidence performing in front of their peers.
Children may participate individually or as part of a group.
To help with planning, children must inform their teacher by Wednesday 9th of their performance choice and whether they will be performing alone or with others. It is expected that students practice their piece during the week, perhaps performing for family before the big day.
This is a fun event to celebrate the end of term, and all children are expected to take part. Please note that this is not a competition—there will be no prize winners, just an opportunity for everyone to share their talents and enjoy the experience.
Aladdin Connect for Homework
After Easter homework in all classrooms will be assigned using Aladdin Connect App. Parents will need to check the app for homework each evening. More details will be sent out after Easter.
Easter Holidays
School closes at 12.00 on Friday 11th April and reopens on Monday 28th April.
Additional Closures
Monday 5th May Bank Holiday
Monday 2nd June June Bank Holiday
Friday 20th June School closes at 12.00 for summer holidays
The school calendar for next year is included in this newsletter. Please take note of the date school reopens , Thursday 28th August.
Ballybay Central National School
School Calendar 2025-2026
| School Re-opens
|
Thursday 28th August 2025 |
| Mid-Term Break | Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October inclusive |
| Christmas Closing | Friday 19th December at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 5th January 2026 |
| St Brigid’s Day
|
Monday 2nd February |
| Mid-Term Break | Thursday 19th February & Friday 20th February |
| St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
|
Monday 16th March & Tuesday 17th March |
| Easter Closing | Friday 27th March at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 13th April |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 4th May |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 1st June |
| Summer Holidays Closing
|
Tuesday 23rd June |