December Newsletter 2024

December Activities

December is always a busy month in school.  Please take note of the following events happening this month:

Wednesday 11^th December – Last day to bring in items for Teach na Daoine’s Food Appeal.

Thursday 12^th December – Last night of homework.

Friday 13^th December – The Student Council are hosting a Christmas Movie & Hot Chocolate Day.  More details to follow.

Monday 16^th December – Last day to bring in Kris Kindle.

Wednesday 18^th December – Festive Walk to School & breakfast.  Pupils wear festive jumpers, hats etc to school, we will meet at the Riverdale Hotel between 9.00 and 9.20.  On arrival at school all pupils will be provided with a breakfast. Donations (€2 per child) on the day in aid of Ballybay Cancer Society.

Thursday 19^th December – School Christmas Service at 7.00pm in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church.  Please encourage your family and friends to come along as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Friday 20^th December – School closing at 12.00 for Christmas Holidays.

Monday 6^th January 2025 – School open after the holidays.

 

Parents’ Association Christmas Movie Quiz

The Parents’ Association have distributed a great Christmas Movie Quiz!  Each family received 10 quiz sheets to sell.  The cost of each sheet is €2.  If you do not wish to sell your sheets a €20 donation should be given instead.  Please return €20 in the envelope provided before Friday 13^th December.  Completed quiz sheets may also be returned to the school.  Additional sheets are available from the school office.  Many thanks to the following local businesses who have provided the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd prizes:

Bill’s Butchers

Care Pharmacy

Soda Barrel

Credit Union Art Competition

Huge congratulations to Daniel Moffett who was awarded 1^st place in his age category in the recent Credit Union Art Competition.  Daniel received his prize at the prize giving last month.  Well done Daniel.

              

Team Hope Shoebox Appeal

Many thanks to all who donated shoeboxes for Team Hope’s Shoebox Appeal.  Your generosity will definitely make a difference to a child this year.

 

Afterschool Activity

Catherine McGregor (Sew Arty) hosted our most recent afterschool activity.  Children created a Christmas decoration on a piece of wood.  Afterschool activities will continue next year.  These activities are free (funded by DEIS) to attend and children receive juice and biscuits.  They are usually held on the last Tuesday of every month.  It is important that children (especially younger children) know if they are staying for the afterschool activity or not as sometimes they are unsure and this leads to confusion.

                     

Kris Kindle

Each year we organise Kris Kindle for the children.  All names in each classroom are put into a box and each child draws out the name of a child he/she has to buy for.  The children love this and the excitement of opening their presents on the day of the holidays is unbelievable.  We are organising Kris Kindle this year and ask that all presents are brought into school between now and 16^th December.  Please do not put who the present of from on the gift, only write who it is for.

Can I please ask when selecting presents for children that you are mindful of the age and interests of the child your child has to buy for.  The budget is €5 per child – shops like Mr Price, Home Savers and Dealz are ideal for Kris Kindle gifts.  While on the whole each year your children are delighted with their presents there is usually one or two who aren’t and it is very disappointing for them.  Maybe you would take your child/children shopping and allow them to choose the gift that they think would suit the child you are buying for.  Children will be receiving selection boxes from the Parents’ Association before the holidays so maybe don’t include one in your present.

Christmas Food Appeal

Ballybay Central N.S. Christmas Food Appeal We are helping Teach na Daoine fight against hunger this Christmas. Drop your donations at the school – until Wednesday 11th December.   What we need: Cereals, soups, pasta, tins/jars food, biscuits, selection boxes/sweets etc.

Please support our annual Christmas Food Appeal.  All non perishable food items will be donated to Teach na Daoine on 12^th December.  They will use the food to make up food hampers which are distributed to local needy families at Christmas time.

 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:11

 

 

Wishing you and your families a very happy, joyous and peaceful Christmas                         and a Happy New Year.

 

 

November Newsletter 2024  

Welcome back to school, hopefully everyone had an enjoyable midterm break.  There are only seven weeks of school between now and Christmas which is hard to believe – we look forward to a busy but enjoyable term as we lead up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

After School Activities       

All children participated in the bread and jam making after school activity with Elaine in October – the results were fantastic and everyone really enjoyed making their own bread. Many thanks to Elaine for organising the activity and for making the blackberry jam for all the children.  The jam was made from the blackberries gathered by the children earlier in the month.

Our next after school activity is Arts & Crafts with Catherine McGregor on 26^th November.  If your child wishes to take part and you haven’t already done so, please give permission on Aladdin.

If any parent wishes to volunteer for an after school activity, please let the Principal know.

Library Visits

We are continuing to promote ‘reading for pleasure’ amongst our pupils.  As a staff we have identified this as an area which we would like to see improved in our whole school literacy plan for DEIS.  As part of this DEAR Time (Drop everything and read) is given to all pupils for homework on Thursday nights instead of written work.  It is hugely important that parents support this initiative and encourage children to read for pleasure (not just Thursday nights!)  Younger children should be read to.  In order to further develop an interest in reading for pleasure all children visit Ballybay Library every Thursday.  For many children this has been their first experience of the library.  The children get to choose from a wide variety of books and are very much enjoying their visits.  If your child is not a library member perhaps you would consider joining, it is free and very beneficial.

Cash for Clobber

Our annual Cash for Clobber clothes collection will take place this Wednesday morning 6^th November – please send bags for collection into school before 9.30am on Wednesday morning.  Money raised from the clothes collection will be used to buy Maths resources in school. 

Photographs

All pupils were given their school photographs before midterm.  If you wish to purchase photos please return your order to school before Monday next 11^th November.

Staff

We welcome Mrs Makylea Reyburn to our school staff.  Makylea will be covering in the senior room every Tuesday for principal release days.  She will also be providing in class support in all classrooms on Mondays. 

It’s lovely to see some of our past pupils returning to Ballybay Central School.  Sam Moffett completed a week’s work experience (Transition Year) before midterm.  Megan Millar is currently undertaking placement in the senior room as part of her Masters in Education.   Ella Gillanders joins the junior classroom for placement this term as part of her studies in Early Childcare in Letterkenny.

Christmas

We are currently planning our Christmas schedule.  As soon as we have definite arrangements we will let you know the date and venue.

Shoe Box Appeal

The Christmas Shoe box Appeal is an annual campaign sending gift filled shoeboxes from Ireland to children affected by poverty in countries across Africa and Eastern Europe.  It is a great opportunity to teach our young children about giving. If you wish to fill a shoe box with your child please check the list of items that are acceptable.  Shoe boxes should be returned to school before Friday 15^th November.  Leaflets will be available in school for those who wish to take part.

 Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Thursday 21^st November.  Parents will be informed before then to make their appointments on Aladdin Connect.  Meetings will last for 10 minutes and will take place face to face.  

Food Dudes Programme

Following a very successful period of fruit and vegetables being provided to all children and tokens when both were tasted we have moved to the next stage of the programme.  Children have received containers to put their own fruit and vegetables in each day.  Children receive a tick on the chart for each portion brought to school and they are working towards receiving bronze, silver and gold certificates.  It has been great seeing children who normally don’t eat certain fruit and vegetables, tasting new foods.  Please continue to send fruit and vegetables to school with your child so they can receive their certificates.

 

 

 

 

 

October Newsletter 2024   

School Closure

School will be closed on Tuesday 1^st October as teachers are required to attend an in-service training day for the new Primary Maths Curriculum in Monaghan Education centre.

Cash For Clobber

The annual clothes collection for Cash for Clobber will take place on Wednesday 6^th  November.  Please let your family and friends know.  This is always well supported each year and the money raised is used to buy resources for the school.  All unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, shoes (pairs) may be left into school after the October midterm break.  NO DUVETS or PILLOWS please.

Photographer

The School Photographer will be in school on Tuesday 8^th October. Photographs will be taken of Junior Infants, 6^th Class, whole school and families.  Please ensure children are wearing their full school uniform on the day, including ties.  There is no obligation to purchase photographs.

Parents’ Association AGM

The AGM of the school’s Parents’ Association will take place on Tuesday 8^th October at 8.00pm in the school hall.  It is very important that parents support the school’s Parents’ Association, they make a valuable contribution to the school.  A committee will be elected on the evening.  There are generally 4-5 meetings per year mainly to plan events.  Last year’s committee organised a very successful evening with Catherine McGregor and also co-ordinated refreshments following our Christmas show in Derryvalley.  Members of the Parents’ Association provided a breakfast for all children following the walk to school in December and the school year came to a close last June with a very well organised Family Fun Evening.  The Parents’ Association gave every child a selection box last Christmas, ice cream at Sports Day and they also assisted with the cost of buses for swimming and school tours which meant costs were reduced for each child.  Without this financial support, swimming and tours would cost a lot more and perhaps wouldn’t be affordable by all.  All parents are encouraged to attend the AGM next Tuesday and consider offering to help out for a year.

Healthy Eating Policy & Food Dudes

Please take note of the following food items that are recommended, not recommended and not permitted in school.

(Taken from the recently updated Healthy Eating Policy)

Foods which are recommended for snack include: 

• Brown, whole meal Bread/Rolls, Pita Breads, Wraps, Crackers, Rice Cakes, pancakes
• Vegetable Salad (cucumber, sweet-corn, tomato etc.) Vegetable Sticks (carrot, celery, peppers etc.) 
• Fresh Fruit (apples, mandarins, peaches, pears, plums, bananas, kiwis, oranges, melon, blueberries, strawberries etc.) 
• Dried Fruit (raisins, sultanas, apricots etc.) 
• Cheese, Yogurt, Fromage Frais 
• Water, Milk 

Salted popcorn

Foods which are not recommended: 

• Any snack known to be high in sugar, saturated fat, salt, additives and preservatives e.g. chocolate spread, nuts (for young children due to a choking hazard), cereal bars, chocolate yoghurts etc

Foods that are Not Permitted 

• Chewing Gum 
• Sweets / biscuits /buns / pastries/
• Crisps
• Lollipops 
• Fizzy drinks (carbonated drinks) 
• Sports or energy drinks 
• Chocolate Bars / or any foods which contain chocolate

Parents are expected to support the school’s healthy eating policy

The full Healthy Eating Policy is on the website.  The reasons for decisions made regarding food items were explained at the Parents’ Information Meeting.  Children are not allowed to bring treats to school. Any item containing chocolate is not prohibited and children will be asked to take them home.  It is not fair on children if some children are bringing chocolate items, biscuits, buns etc for lunch and others are not.  Please be supportive of the school’s policy which has been ratified by the Board of Management.

Some children, mainly in the Junior Classroom are not eating their Fresh Today lunches – there is a lot of swapping of lunches (if children are absent there are spare lunches).  Please adjust your child’s order to ensure they are receiving a lunch they like otherwise the food is being wasted.  Funding received for school lunches last year was €35,000 approx.

The Food Dudes programme is commencing in school today.  Pupils in the Junior Classroom will be given 4 different fruits and vegetables to taste over 16 days.  Pupils in the Middle and Senior Classrooms will be given fruit and vegetables over 5 days in October.  Following the free fruit and vegetables all  children are rewarded for eating a portion of fruit and vegetables each day – a chart system is used and when pupils reach a certain point on the chart they receive a small prize.  The programme is being implemented in order to encourage children to develop a taste for fruit and vegetables.

Homework Policy

The recently revised Homework Policy is also available for viewing on the school website.  Homework is an important part for children’s education and it is expected that all children complete all the homework activities they have been assigned each night.  A good homework routine is important for children  - these good work habits are vital for children as they move to Secondary school where they are expected to do more independent homework and study.  If there is a genuine reason why homework hasn’t been completed on a particular night, parents must sent a note to school explaining the same and the homework will be completed in school the following day.

 

Insurance Money

This money €5.30 per child is now overdue.  If you haven’t paid it please do so using the details below.

Payments should be made by:

• Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 or
• Cheque/draft from bank or Credit Union

If using Online banking please put your name on the reference line so we know it’s your payment.

Mrs McBride will issue receipts of payment.

P.E. in the Park

Children in 2^nd-6^th  Classes really enjoyed PE in the Park recently.  The weather was fabulous for kayaking.  We are so lucky to have such a facility beside us in Ballybay.  Many thanks to Mark and Jimmy from Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre and also Monaghan Sports Partnership for funding.  The school also provided additional funding for the DEIS grant in order to ensure both activities were affordable for all.      

Student Council

Congratulations to Amy, Lisa, Luke, Amelia G, Amelia McA, Emily, Danny and Theodore who have been elected to this year’s Student Council.  There was great excitement in school in the lead up to election day, all children delivered excellent speeches and made posters.

Advance Notice

On Wednesday 18^th December the children will be performing in Derryvalley Hall.  The details of the evening haven’t been finalised yet but keep the date free!

Mid-Term

School will be closed from Monday 28^th October - Friday 1^st November inclusive for mid-term break.

 

September Newsletter 2024

Welcome

Welcome back to Ballybay Central School and to those who have just started with us -   Hannah, William, Abdullakh, Rodrigo and Matheo we would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your families.  We hope you will enjoy your time in our school.  We are pleased to welcome some familiar faces back to the staff also.  Ms. McCarney, will be teaching 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th classes while Ms. Brown is on maternity leave and Ms. Millar, a past pupil herself, will be with us for the month of September teaching English.  Ms. Donaghy will take over teaching English in October 3 days a week.  Mr. McCabe is covering in SET position until Ms Boyle returns on 16^th September.

Fresh Today

All pupils received a lunch box and bottle from Fresh Today at the start of the year.  Children should bring the lunch box to school each day and use it to bring home their lunch carton.  Please remember to check in with your children regarding their lunches.  Many children especially in the Junior Room, are telling teacher they don’t like what has been ordered.  Orders must be changed by Thursday 5.00pm each week for the following week.  If you have misplaced login details, email the school office and they will be sent to you.  Children need to bring their own snacks for the first break.

Uniform

All pupils must wear the full school uniform every day.  This includes ties.  If the elastic on ties break you need to replace the tie.  Ties as available in Crawfords on the Main Street.  Please ensure jumpers are named as they can get mixed up.  For this term children wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays.  Children must wear runners for PE.

Text Books/Stationery

The Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme means that parents are no longer required to contribute to the cost of schoolbooks.  Therefore you will not be charged for book rental.  All books and resources used to implement the curriculum are the property of the school and if damaged or lost must be replaced.

Main Door

One of the changes we had to make during Covid was to separate entrances and exits for each class group.  The Junior Room had continued to use the playground door ever since.  This year we are reverting back to all pupils entering and exiting the building through the main door.  If collecting at 12.30/2.00 or anytime throughout the day parents should come to the main door and wait there.  Under no circumstances should parents enter the building unannounced.  Please use the buzzer and a member of staff will come to you.

Contact

At different times during the year teachers may wish to contact individual parents or all parents in a class or classroom.  This year teachers will be using Aladdin Connect as a means of contact while also still using emails if required i.e. Junior Classroom homework is emailed or messages of a personal nature will be emailed.  Teachers are available for a brief meeting or phone call before school starts, or after school.  However if a longer meeting is required please contact the office so that an appointment can be arranged at a suitable time.  Teachers must not be contacted on their private phones at any time.

P.E. in the Park

We are pleased to participate in PE in the Park again this year.  The children enjoy it and it’s such a great opportunity for them.  As we are working towards our Active Flag, activities such as kayaking and orienteering are highly recommended.

Pupils in 2^nd-6^th classes will take park in 2 sessions with the staff form Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre on Wednesday 18^th September and Wednesday 25^th September.  The cost is being subsidised by Monaghan Sports Partnership and we are pleased to be able to subsidise it further.  It is anticipated that pupils will take part in both activities (kayaking and orienteering).  The cost is €10 in total, €5 per activity.  If children chose to do one activity (kayaking or orienteering they must pay €8.

Payments should be made by:

• Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 or
• Cheque/draft from bank or Credit Union
• If using Online banking please put your name on the reference line so we know it’s your payment.
• Mrs McBride will issue receipts of payment.

Pupil Insurance

We have used this insurance cover for several years and we feel it is the best cover out there at the moment for school pupils. This year we will again purchase cover on a ‘compulsory’ basis whereby all pupils in school are insured for €5.30 per pupil where cover is limited to School Related Activities only. Please do not send cash to school – this payment can be made when paying for P.E. in the Park (Middle/Senior Room) or on its own for the Junior Room.  Payment for Insurance must be received by 30^th September.

Consent

Please go onto your Aladdin Connect to give or decline permission for the following:

1. General School Activities
2. Photo Consent

Attendance

If your child is absent from school please fill in reasons for absences on Aladdin each day that they are off.  It is the responsibility of parents to do this, not teachers.  You may enter planned absences also (e.g. appointments etc).  Please use Aladdin to inform staff of late arrivals and early leaving.  Parents will receive a letter each term stating the number of days their child has been absent to date.  When a child is absent for 20 school days plus in any given year, the education section in Tusla (TESS -Tulsa Education Support Service) is notified.  This is a mandatory requirement for schools.

Parents’ Meeting

All parents are invited to attend a meeting in the school on Tuesday 24^th September at 8.00pm.  Tea/coffee will be available on arrival.  The updated Healthy Eating policy will be presented on the night, along with information regarding the school curriculum and routines.  It is important that each family is represented at the meeting.

Photographer

The photographer will visit the school on Tuesday 8^th October.  Photos will be taken of Junior Infants, Sixth Class, whole school and families.  Parents are under no obligation to buy photos.

In Service Training

School will be closed on Tuesday 1^st October as staff attend in service training in Monaghan Education Centre.

After School Activities

We plan to resume our after school activities each month this year.  Further details will follow.

Cash For Clobber

We will have a Cash for Clobber collection after Mid Term (November).  Details to follow.

School Calendar

A copy of this year’s school holidays is attached.

Ballybay Central National School

 School Calendar 2024-2025

School Re-opens	Wednesday 28th August 2024
School Closed Tues 1st Oct	In Service Training for Staff
Mid-Term Break	Monday 28th October  – Friday 1st November inclusive
Christmas Closing	Friday 20th December at 12.00 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 6th January 2025
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 3rd February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 20th  February & Friday 21st February
St. Patrick’s Day	Monday  17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 11th April at 12.00             (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 28th April
Bank Holiday	Monday 5th May
Bank Holiday	Monday 2nd June
Summer Holidays Closing	Friday 20th June

 

Parents will be informed as soon as possible if there are any additional closures of changes to this calendar.

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

June Newsletter 2024

 It’s hard to believe we are approaching the end of this school year already.  It has been a very busy year with the boys and girls working hard and also getting opportunities to participate in many outdoor and extracurricular activities.  We wish Adam, Seamus, Bethany, Sarah, Christina, Katie and Max all the best as they prepare to move on to local secondary schools and we thank them for the contribution they have made to Ballybay Central during their time with us.

Parents’ Association

Many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their kind donation of €1798 towards transport costs for swimming and the school tour.  The Student Council also wish to acknowledge receipt of €250 which was used to purchase their shopper bags.  It is important that all families support the Parents’ Association throughout the year as without their financial support swimming and tours would cost a lot more or mightn’t happen at all.  The Parents’ Association is currently organising an End of Year Fun Night for Monday 17^th June in the school grounds.  This is always a great social evening when the school community come together to celebrate the end of the school year.

Camphill Community

Camphill Community is holding an Open Day on Sunday 9^th June at the Robb Farm, Corraskea, Ballybay, A75 EO65.  There will be a colour run, music, BBQ, a bakery and lots more.  Entry is free and all are welcome from 2-5pm.

Curriculum Evaluation

The school recently underwent a curriculum evaluation in Maths.  The inspector spent two days with us observing Maths being taught, reviewing documents including school policies and teacher preparation, chatting with pupils in a focus group while also monitoring compliance with Child Protection and Anti-Bullying guidelines.  At the end of the two days the inspector met with the Principal and Deputy Principal to give oral feedback.  He was very pleased with the work taking place in the school – the school is fully compliant with Child Protection and Anti-Bullying guidelines, teacher planning and preparation was excellent and the teaching and learning taking place was very good.  A report will be issued in due course and following the school’s response to the report it will be made available on the Department of Education’s website.

Active School

Swimming lessons have finished for all pupils.  Currently children are participating in 4 weeks gymnastics with Lisa Boyle from LA Gymnastics.  We greatly appreciate the use of Hall St. hall for our gymnastics.  Children in 1^st-6^th class took part in a table tennis workshop with Jing Yi last month.  This was great fun and the school received a Table Tennis Set.  Many thanks to Monaghan Sports Partnership for organising the workshop.         

Our Active School Week takes place from 10^th- 14^th June. Children do not wear school uniform during Active School Week. They must wear tracksuits/shorts/ leggings and runners. We are looking forward to a week of activities which will end on the Friday with our school tour to Todd’s Leap.

School Tour

On Friday 14^th June all pupils will travel to Todd’s Leap, Ballygawley for our school tour.  We will leave school at 9.00am sharp.  Children need to wear P.E. clothes including runners as they will be participating in games and activities.  All children will take part in team games and then children from Junior Infants-1^st Class will visit ‘Granda Bens Ethicial Zoo Trail’, while 2^nd-6^th Class will take part in ‘Total Wipeout’, which includes the ‘Big Yella Slide’, ‘Bungee Run’ and ‘Last One Standing’.  Children need to bring a substantial packed lunch which will be eaten there.  Treats including crisps are permitted but no fizzy drinks please.  Children do not need any money and mobile phones are not permitted.  We will arrive back to school for 3.00pm and all children should be collected at 3.00pm.

Tour cost:

Infants-1^st Class           €15 per pupil

2^nd-6^th Class                 €25 per pupil

Please forward payment for the tour before Wednesday 12^th June.  The school tour must be paid for in advance of the day.

The details of the school account are below: 

 

IBAN: IE20 AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 

BIC: AIBKIE2D

Account Name: Ballybay Central School 

 

Please put your family name/child's name on the payment.

You will receive a receipt from Sandra in the office after payment has been received. 

H20  Heroes

The Senior Room took part in a ‘H2O Heroes Water Workshop’ last week.  We were privileged to welcome three scientists from DKIT to the classroom for a great interactive workshop.  The children explored water from a local source and enjoyed identifying many living organisms in it.  At the end they ascertained the water quality was good which is great to hear.

 

Early Closing

School will close at 2.00pm for all pupils on this Friday 7^th June.  Please ensure children are collected promptly at 2.00pm.  The Afterschool have been notified.

Cycle Training

On Thursday this week, 6^th June, pupils from 1^st-6^th Class may take part in a cycle workshop with Garda James Gallagher, our community guard.  In order to take part pupils must have a bike and helmet.  If they don’t, unfortunately they won’t be able to take part.  There are a number of children who are not taking part so please don’t worry if your child has no bike.  Hopefully next year we will have Bike Green with us in school and they deliver a 6 week cycle programme and provide bikes and helmets.

International Day 19^th June

On 19^th June we are looking forward to celebrating diversity within our school community. We want to promote the different cultures and learn more about each other’s countries, cultures, traditions and much more. By learning about different countries and cultures it helps us to have a greater understanding of the world and the people who live in it. Celebrating diversity also helps to promote tolerance and acceptance of different cultures. In the lead up to our International Day we will be asking families from different cultures to contribute to the event – this could be food items, music, traditional dress, pictures, games etc from their countries. We will have displays set up in the hall, Hall Street, from 1.00 – 3.00 so please tell all your family and friends to call in.

The Student Council will also be hosting a cake sale on the day. Money raised will go towards funding additional play equipment for the yard. Parental contributions for the cake sale will be required and the Student Council will be in touch with all families regarding this.

Staff Arrangements 2024-2025

We extend our best wishes to Ms Brown as she leaves us at the end of the year for her maternity leave.  Many thanks to Mrs Morgan for all her work in the Senior Room each week and also thanks to Ms Donaghy who covered the admin days in the Senior Room from September to December.  We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Lauren Angell who worked with our Ukrainian pupils this year.

Class arrangements for next year are as follows:

Junior Room                           Junior& Senior Infants & 1^st Class

Middle Room                        2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th Class

Senior Room                          5^th & 6^th Class

Teachers have not been allocated to each classroom yet.  You will be informed of this before the end of the year.

Dates

Thursday 6^th June                  Cycle training 1^st-6^th Class.

Friday 7^th June                       School closing at 2.00pm for all pupils.

Mon 10^th-Fri 14^th June           Active School Week.

Wednesday 12^th June            Last Gymnastic session.

Friday 14^th June                     School Tour to Todds Leap.

Monday 17^th June                  End of Year Fun Evening.  Time to be confirmed.

Wednesday 19^th June            International Day & Cake Sale.

                                                    School Reports will be released on Aladdin

Thursday 20^th June                Sports Day – weather permitting

Friday 21^st June                     School closing at 12.00pm for summer holidays.

 

 

  May Newsletter 2024

5-A-Side Soccer

Congratulations to Adam, Max, Seamus, Suleiman, Luke, Bethany, Lisa and Aloise who represented our school at the FAI Schools Soccer Tournament in April.  The conditions were atrocious and the children played two of their matches during wild, rain and hailstones!  Although not victorious on the day everyone played their hearts out and did themselves proud.  Many thanks to Euan for coaching the children in advance of the tournament.

Active School Week

Active School Week is always one of the highlights of the summer term and while National Active School Week is this week 29^th April-3^rd May, schools are free to choose an alternative week.  Our school week will take place from Monday 10^th – Friday 14^th June.  There will be a lot more details issued closer to the time but a good week of activities is being planned.

Ballybay Youth Club

Congratulations to Luke Gilliland, 4^th Class who along with other boys in Ballybay Youth Club have qualified for the All-Ireland Young Environmentalist Award in the R.D.S.  The eco-biodiversity group created items for an outdoor sensory space including a herb table, bug hotel and minion planter by up cycling disused item.  Luke was the spokesperson of the group at the semi-finals, held during April.  We wish Luke and his friends every success at the finals.  Ballybay Youth Club is free to anyone who wishes to join.  It takes place on various days (depending on class the  child is in) at Birch Court after school.

Luke and the eco-biodiversity group meeting with Minister Heather Humphreys when she officially opened the sensory space at Ballybay Youth Club.

After Schools Activities

So far this year we have had Christmas Art & Craft, Lego & mine craft, Stem and soccer activities after school.  The uptake and feedback has been positive.  There will be no more after school activities this term but we do hope to continue with a monthly activity after school next year.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in facilitating an after school workshop please let the Principal know.

P.E. in the Park

Many thanks to Monaghan Sports Partnership who part funded the PE in the Park activities during April.  The school further subsidised the costs of each session.  Children from 1^st-6^th Class took part in kayaking and orienteering in the park.  This is a fantastic opportunity for our children right on the door step.  Monaghan Sports Partnership have also invited some schools to participate in a Table Tennis Road Show delivered by Table Tennis Ireland with instructor, Ying Yi.  Children from 2^nd Class upwards will get an opportunity to take part on Friday this week.                        By providing children with opportunities to take part in different sporting activities we hope to encourage children to become more active and perhaps take up a sport activity outside of school hours.

            

                      

Cycle Training

Garda James Gallagher, community guard in this area will visit the school on Thursday 6^th June to deliver a cycle training workshop for children 1^st-6^th Class.  Children will need to bring their own bikes to school and have a helmet in order to take part.  Bikes may be left in school the evening before.  If your child has no bike or helmet, unfortunately they can’t take part.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics for all classes will take place for 4 weeks commencing on Wednesday 22^nd May with LA Gymnastics.  We are hoping to use Hall Street hall and the children will walk to and from the hall.  The cost per child is €20 payable online or via cheque in advance of the classes.

The details of the school account are below: 

IBAN: IE20 AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 

BIC: AIBKIE2D

Account Name: Ballybay Central School 

Please put your family name/child's name on the payment.

You will receive a receipt from Sandra in the office after payment has been received. 

Coffee Morning

The final coffee morning of the year takes place on Friday 24^th May.  All parents are very welcome to drop in between 9.20 and 10.30 for a cuppa and a chat with other parents.  If you are free why not call in?

End of Year School Tests

Pupils in the Middle and Senior Classrooms will be completing standardized tests during the week beginning Monday 27^th May and Monday 3^rd June.

School Tour

A school tour has been arranged for Friday 14^th June for all pupils to Todds Leap Activity Centre.  Pupils will take part in different activities including team games throughout the day.  Younger children (infants-1^st class) will visit Granda Bens Ethical Zoo Trail while older children 2^nd-6^th will take part in Total Wipeout.  This will be a great way to end our Active School Week.  Further details will be issued next month.

International Day

In order to celebrate our diverse school community, an International Day is being planned for Friday 31^st May.  Children will get a chance to showcase their family’s culture and traditions at this event.  It is planned to hold the event in Hall Street hall and members of the community, including parents, grandparents and pupils and teachers from Scoil Eanna will be invited.  On the same day the Student Council will be organizing a cake sale in order to raise much needed funds for their playground equipment.  The support of the whole school community would be greatly appreciated at this celebration day.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 3^rd May                      Table Tennis (2^nd class upwards)

Wednesday 22^nd May           Gymnastics (for 4 consecutive Wednesdays) for all

Friday 24^th May                              Last swimming lesson

Friday 31^st May                     International Day & Cake Sale in Hall St 1.00-3.00

Mon 10^th-Friday 14^th June     Active School Week

Wednesday 12^th June            School Reports released on Aladdin

Friday 14^th June                     School Tour to Todds Leap for all pupils

Monday 17^th June                  Parents’ Association end of term Fun Evening

Friday 21^st June                     School closing at 12.00 for summer holidays

 

School Calendar 2024/2025

A copy of next year’s school calendar is included below.  Any additional closures will be issued to parents as soon as they become known.

Ballybay Central National School

 School Calendar 2024-2025

 

School Re-opens	Wednesday 28th August 2024
Mid-Term Break	Monday 28th October  – Friday 1st November inclusive
Christmas Closing	Wednesday 20th December at 12
Re-opening	Monday 6th January 2025
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 3rd February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 20th  & Friday 21st February
St. Patrick’s Day	Monday  17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 11th April at 12.00             (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 28th April
Bank Holiday	Monday 5th May
Bank Holiday	Monday 2nd June
Summer Holidays Closing	Friday 20th June

 

Parents will be informed as soon as possible if there are any additional closures or changes to this calendar.

 

 

 

March Newsletter 24

 

Newsletter 2024

Credit Union Quiz

On Monday 29^th January 2 teams represented our school at the Credit Union Table Quiz.  Congratulations to Luke, Amelia McAdam, Hannea and Jason who competed in the Junior Section and Adam, Max, Seamus and Lisa who competed in the Senior Section.  Both performed well and the senior team finished in 2^nd place, only beaten by 2 points.

          

 

Early Collection on Wednesdays

Many thanks to all parents for facilitating staff training on 4 consecutive Wednesdays during January and February.  Today is the last day school finishes at 2.45 for children in 1^st-6^th Class.

Collection at 3.00pm

The school gate is extremely busy at 3.00pm with cars coming and going.  Children will not be permitted to leave the school grounds until it is safe to do so.  Parents of younger children should come to the school gate to collect their child/children, especially if they are parked further away.  Some parents wait until 3.05/3.10 to collect and this reduces the amount of vehicles at 3.00pm.  Please consider staggering your collection time.

After School Activities

On Wednesday 21^st February all pupils have the opportunity to take part in a Lego workshop after school.  (Infants 2.00-3.00 & 1^st-6^th 3.15-4.15).  On Tuesday 19^th March the after school workshop is a STEM workshop – Predators of the Deep Ocean and River Monsters.  (Infants 2.00-3.00 & 1^st-6^th 3.15-4.15).   Please ensure you have returned the form indicating if your child/children wish to take part.  These afterschool activities are free.  Glow Group, www.glowgroupni.com who will deliver the Lego  workshop are also willing to deliver an eight week after school workshop @ €45 per child, Lego for younger children and coding and Minecraft for older children.

 At this stage we are looking to see if there would be sufficient numbers for the 8 weeks.  Please note parents would have to pay for this.  You will be notified if the 8 week programme goes ahead.

Open Afternoon & Applications for 2024/2025

An Open Afternoon takes place on Wednesday next, 14^th February.  Parents and children who are considering enrolling in Ballybay Central School are welcome to visit the school between 1.30-3.00 on that afternoon.  Application forms will also be available on the day.  The closing date for receipt of application forms is Friday 1^st March.

Volleyball/Junior Athletics Coaching

On Monday 26^th February for 3 weeks children in the Middle and Senior classrooms will participate in volleyball as part of our P.E. programme.  Children in the Junior classroom will receive Junior Athletics Coaching.  These activities are being provided by Monaghan Sports Partnership.  Tracksuits and runners must be worn on Monday 26^th Feb, 4^th March and 11^th March instead of Fridays.  Due to limited space in school we plan to do the volleyball and athletics in Hall Street hall.  The children will walk there and back.

 Student Council News

As part of a fundraiser for yard equipment, the Student Council are planning to sell tote bags.  These will be available to purchase at the school early in March.  The bags will feature self portraits of all the students in the school and will make a lovely keepsake for years to come.  The process is currently at the design phase.  Please keep an eye on the school website for further details.

After School Committee

Our Active School Committee was chosen in January.  Congratulations to       Moriah (JI), Eliana (SI), Theodore (1^st), Holly (2^nd), Mason 3^rd, Jason (4^th), Lisa (5^th), Christina (6^th).

Moderator’s Visit

We are looking forward to the visit of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sam Mawhinney and his wife on Tuesday 5^th March.  The Moderator will visit the classrooms and take part in an assembly.

Soccer for Girls in County Monaghan

Blayney Academy FC are currently recruiting for their u13 and u14 teams for the new summer soccer season. No experience is required. They are looking for girls with a love of sport and meeting new people while also wishing to increase their fitness and skill levels. Their teams play weekly in leagues and cups with all home matches in Beech Hill College, Monaghan. Training takes place at Clontibret Astro Park. There are three free open days for girls interested in playing the world's biggest female sport, where they can give it a go, meet new friends and try soccer 'the Academy way'. 

Girls from all over Monaghan and surrounding counties are invited to attend and parents can contact Club Chairman David Lynch (086-8328667) or Girls Development Officer Declan McNamee (0044-7979880009) for further information.

You can also visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/blayneyacademy/ 

 Free Open Football Sessions:

• Friday 9/2/24 - 30pm Our Ladies Astro Castleblayney
• Sunday 11/2/24 - 11am Beech Hill College Soccer Pitch
• Thursday 15/2/24 - 6pm Clontibret Astro Park

Coffee Morning

The next coffee morning will take place on Friday 1^st March.  All parents are warmly invited to drop into the school hall for tea/coffee and a chat between 9.20-10.30 on that morning.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our Chairperson, Rev. Gerry Clinton on his recent engagement to Naomi Hillis.  We wish them both every happiness.

Parents’Association

The Parents’ Association are hosting “Wardrobe Colour Style” with Catherine McGregor, on Wednesday 20^th March in Hall Street.  Tickets will be issued to each family shortly.

Healthy Eating Policy

All families will receive a draft copy of the newly revised Healthy Eating Policy today.  Please read the policy carefully and complete the attached questionnaire.  Return the questionnaire to Mrs. Patton before Wednesday next, 14^th February.

Mid Term

School will be closed on Thursday 15^th and Friday 16^th February for Mid Term break.

 

 

 

    January 2024  Newsletter

Welcome back to a new term at Ballybay Central School.  We trust you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to what 2024 has to bring.

Welcome

We welcome Ms. Elaine Morgan to the staff.  Ms Morgan is covering Ms Donaghy’s maternity leave and will be teaching in the Senior Room every Tuesday.  Ms Morgan has spent many years teaching in Hong Kong and she brings a wealth of experience with her.  She will be introducing the pupils in 4^th-6^th Class to French which will be an added bonus.

Pre Christmas Activities

School was very busy in the run up to the holidays.  Many thanks to all who donated food to our food appeal.  Teach na Daoine were delighted with the response.

€260 was donated to Ballybay Cancer Society following the festive walk to school and breakfast.    Again many thanks to all who donated so generously.

 Everyone had a great day at the pantomime in Armagh on 18^th December.

The highlight of our run up to Christmas was most definitely the Christmas Shows in Derryvalley Hall on 20^th December.  The children performed so well.  Many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their gift of a selection box to every child and also thanks to the committee for organising the food after the show.  All parents should have received the link for the recording of the shows.  We are very grateful to Tyron Ross for recording and editing the evening. 

The following day was a pyjama, movie and hot chocolate day with donations being given to the Parents’ Association funds. 

All children were very pleased with their Kris Kindle gifts which were distributed on 22^nd December.

Fresh Today Lunch Boxes

All pupils are being given a lunch box this week.   The lunch boxes are being provided by Fresh Today.  They will no longer be taking back empty boxes/food after lunch.  Your child’s lunch carton from Fresh Today will be put in the lunch box each day after lunch and sent home.  Please ensure your child’s lunch box is in their bag every day in order to take home lunch cartons.

A new year might be a good time to talk to your child about their lunch order.  While most children are happy with their lunch orders and eat all they get, a number of children especially in the Junior classroom are not eating any of their Fresh Today lunches.  Fresh Today lunches are not compulsory and if your child does not want to receive the lunch you must let us know so their name will be taken off the system.

Coffee Morning

The next coffee morning will take place on Friday 26^th January.  All parents are warmly invited to drop into the school hall for tea/coffee and a chat between 9.20-10.30 on that morning.

Dates For Your Diary

Monday 5th February             -           School Closed, St. Brigid’s Day

Thur/Fri 15^th/16^th Feb              -           School Closed, Mid Term