Author: Karen Pepper

October Newsletter 2026   

Welcome

We are very pleased to welcome Ms Rebecca Foster to Ballybay Central this month.  Ms Foster is teaching 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th classes while Ms Brown is on maternity leave.  We very much appreciate Ms Burns and Ms Donaghy filling in for the last number of weeks.  Congratulations to Ms Brown and her husband on the safe arrival of baby Katie.

School Photographer

The school photographer will visit Monday 12^th October.  Individual and family photographs will be taken.  Class photographs will be taken of Junior Infants, 6^th Class. There will be a whole school photo also.  Please ensure full school uniform is worn on the day, including ties and jumpers.  There is no obligation to purchase photographs.

New Email Addresses

All parents should have received an Aladdin message this week with new email addresses for teachers.  Each teacher’s email address is listed below:

mrspatton@ballybaycentralns.com         - Infants & 1st class

msfoster@ballybaycentralns.com            - 2nd, 3rd & 4th classes

mrspepper@ballybaycentralns.com        - 5th & 6th classes

mrsboyle@ballybaycentralns.com           - Special Education Teacher 

msmillar@ballybaycentralns.com             - EAL Teacher 

 

Please use the relevant email address for your child’s teacher if you wish to contact them.  Previous email addresses that contained junior room, middle room or senior room in them are no longer being used or monitored.

The main school email address ballybaycentralns@gmail.com will primarily be used for office admin.  Please be cognisant of the fact that teachers are teaching during the day and may not see emails from parents until after school or before school the following day.

Active School

We were delighted to receive our Active School in June – thanks to Ms Brown, Active School co-ordinator, and different committee members for ensuring we remained active over the last two years.  Dessie Ward, Breakthrough Performance and County Monaghan footballer will raise the flag on Friday this week.

We are currently taking part in an Active School Challenge, Run Around the EU!  Every day the children in each classroom run/walk laps of the school – each lap equates to 1km.  Each classroom has chosen a country in the EU to run to by adding up the total distance ran/walked by everyone.  Make sure to wear runners to school while taking part in the challenge.  Uniform is worn Monday-Thursday and PE clothes on Friday for football with Euan.                             

Student Council Elections

Plans are currently underway to form our new Student Council Committee for this school year!

As in previous years, there are 8 places available on the Student Council. Pupils from 2nd to 6th Class are invited to put themselves forward for election.

Pupils will hear more about the election process on 5th October, with the Student Council elections taking place on 12th October.

The work of our Student Council benefits everyone in our school. In previous years, Council members have helped to organise fun days and other enjoyable activities for pupils. They have also organised fundraising events, which enabled us to purchase new equipment for our school yard.

We hope that this year's Student Council will continue this great work by organising more fun occasions for our pupils. It is also hoped that another fundraiser will help us to purchase even more equipment and resources for the school.

We look forward to hearing the pupils' ideas and to electing our new Student Council!

Hot Lunches

Please check with your child/children if they are happy with their hot lunch order.  If lunches are going home uneaten (children bring the Fresh today box home so parents can see if it is being eaten) please either change the order or choose no meal option.  The lunches cost money and shouldn’t be wasted or thrown in a bin.  If you are having difficulty with the Fresh Today app or lunch order please contact Fresh Today directly office@freshtoday.ie or by phone 043 3347568.  Changes to an order must be made before 5.00pm Thursday each week for the following week.  If your child/children don’t wish to receive school lunches at all please let me know so as I can remove them from the order or let Fresh Today know.

INTO – Industrial Action

The INTO (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) recently balloted its members for industrial action upto and including strike action and the vote was overwhelmingly approved by members.  We have been notified that INTO members will participate in a work stoppage/strike action on Wednesday 14^th October and if necessary again on Wednesday 21^st October.  We are hopeful that these work stoppages will not go ahead but if they do, the school will be closed on those dates.  You will be kept updated over the coming weeks via Aladdin regarding school closures for strike days.

Insurance & Voluntary Contribution

Many thanks to those parents who have paid Insurance (€5 per child) and Voluntary Contribution (€30 per child/€50 for 2 or more children).  This money is due now.  Please transfer payment for both to the school bank account for both to the school bank account – see details below –

• 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.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH PAYMENTS INTO SCHOOL

If you have paid either of the above and the other is outstanding you will receive a receipt from Mrs McBride when both payments are made.

 School Closures

School will be closed from Monday 26^th October to Friday 30^th October inclusive for midterm break.

School will also be closed the following Monday, 2^nd November for staff training.

School will reopen Tuesday 3^rd November.

       September Newsletter 2026

Welcome

A very warm welcome back to everyone as we begin another exciting school year!  We hope all our pupils, families and staff enjoyed the wonderful summer weather and made the most of the break from school.  We are delighted to see everyone back at school and are looking forward to a year filled with lots of fun, friendship and learning.  We extend an especially warm welcome to our eight new Junior Infants – Fairn, Ahamad, Ailbhe, Odhran, Connie, Robyn, Scarlett and Alexandria.  We are also delighted to welcome Liam, Luiza, Kayla and Amy who have joined our Middle and Senior classrooms

Aladdin Connect

Aladdin Connect is the platform used by the school for communication with parents.  At this stage every family should have signed up for Aladdin.  It is important to have the app on your phone.  Please ensure notifications for Aladdin are ‘on’ in your settings.  By doing so you will receive instant notifications (just like a text).  Messages are sent about school events, sudden closures or reminders for payments, meetings etc.  Parents must also use Aladdin to inform school of pupil absences and the reason for absence.  Slots for Parent Teacher meetings (held in November) are booked on Aladdin and the end of year school reports are also available on Aladdin.

If you change address or phone number or you wish to add an emergency contact number to your child’s profile you may do so on your Aladdin Connect.

Consent on Aladdin

Please check your Aladdin connect page to give or refuse permission for the following –

• Consent for photographs to be taken of your child/children. Photographs may be used on the school website, newsletter, local newspaper etc.  (Children are not named in photographs)
• General School Activities – consent for children to participate in all school activities that take place outside the school grounds, in local park, hall etc.
• Consent to walk to/or home from school – please note that staff accept no responsibility for children once they leave the school grounds.

It is important to complete the permission section on your Aladdin immediately.  If you are unsure or are having difficulty with your Aladdin Connect please call into the office with your device.

Fresh Today School Lunches

Fresh Today are the suppliers of hot school meals in our school.  Please ensure that your children like the lunches you order for them.  Some children do not like their meals and don’t want to eat them.  All children must bring a lunch box to school to put their cardboard container/packaging in to take home.  If you are having difficulty accessing the app for Fresh Today you can contact them on ­­­­­­043 3347568 or email them at office@freshtoday.ie and they will help you.  Changes to lunch orders must be made before Thursday each week for the following week.  If you do not wish to receive lunches for your child, please let the office know and your child will be removed from the system.  There is an option to have no lunch some days by clicking ‘no meal’ for a particular day if you want to send a lunch with a child on that day.

Please remember the schools ‘Healthy Eating Policy’ when sending snacks/lunches.  The full policy is available for viewing on the school website: www.ballybaycns.com – please take note of the following foods which are recommended, not recommended and not permitted:-

Foods which are recommended for snack include:

• Brown, wholemeal 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

 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)

 Foods that are Not Permitted:

• Chewing Gum
• Sweets / biscuits/buns
• Crisps • Lollipops
• Fizzy drinks (carbonated drinks)
• Sports or energy drinks
• Chocolate**- (** including any items that contain chocolate)

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 €5.00 per pupil where cover is limited to School Related Activities only. Please do not send cash to school – Payment for Insurance must be received by 30^th September.

Pupil insurance covers costs incurred if an accident happens on the school grounds e.g. doctor/minor injuries expenses.

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.

P.E. takes place every Friday for this term.  We are looking forward to welcoming Euan back on Friday 11^th September for 6 weeks.  Euan is an FAI soccer coach and the children love his sessions.  Children must wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays for P.E.

Voluntary Contribution

As a school, we have always tried to keep costs for our families as low as possible.  However, with the cost of everyday school supplies continuing to rise, it has been decided to introduce a voluntary contribution this year to help towards the cost of photocopying & arts and craft materials.  Unfortunately, the grants we receive from the Department of Education do not fully cover these costs.  The suggested contribution is €30 per child or €50 per family with two or more children and can be paid directly into the school account by Friday 25^th October.  Please reference your payment with your family’s surname.  We are very grateful for the continued support of all our parents ad families.

 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.

See help sheet below -

The Education Welfare Officer may contact you if your child’s attendance is giving cause for concern and you will be required to attend a series of meetings with the Education Welfare Officer.

Active School Flag

We were delighted to be awarded our Active School Flag in June.  This was awarded to our school having successfully completed all the requirements.  Many thanks to Ms Brown and The Active School committee(s) for all their hard work.

Photographer

A photographer will visit the school in early October (date to be confirmed) to take individual/family photographs as well as Junior Infants, 6^th Class and a whole school group.  Please ensure your child wears their full school uniform on the day.  There is no obligation to buy photographs.

 

School Holidays

• School will be closed on Monday 7^th September for inservice training.

 

Ballybay Central National School

School Calendar 2026-2027

 

School Re-opens	Thursday 27th August 2026
Mid-Term Break	Monday 26th October –       Friday 30th October inclusive
Christmas Closing	Tuesday 22nd  December at 12.00 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Wednesday 6th January 2027
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 1st  February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 18th February &   Friday 19th  February
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend	Wednesday 17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 19th March at 12.00  (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 5th April
Bank Holiday Weekend	Friday 30th April &  Monday 3rd  May
Bank Holiday	Monday 7th June
Summer Holidays Closing	Tuesday 22nd June at 12.00

 

Additional closures for staff in-service/planning days will be forwarded to parents as soon as the school is notified by the Department of Education.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   

June Newsletter 2026

As we approach the final few weeks of this academic year, there are many events taking place – hopefully the sun will shine on us!

Friday 12^th June – School Tour to Rossmore Park

Friday 19^th June – Sports Day (weather permitting)

Monday 22^nd June – Fun Afternoon 1.00-3.00pm

For each of the above days Junior and Senior Infants stay in school until 3.00pm.  Ballybay Community Crèche has been notified.

Induction Morning

We look forward to welcoming the new Junior Infants to school for an induction morning on Wednesday 17^th June from 10.00-12.30pm.  On that morning, First Class will move into the Middle Classroom and Fourth Class will move to the Senior Classroom for the duration of the induction day.  Our new Junior Infants have also been invited to attend the Fun Afternoon on 22nd June – parents do not attend the Fun Afternoon.

School Tour

Please log into Aladdin Connect to give or decline permission for your child/children to go on the school tour.  This year we have decided to stay local.  A fun schedule of activities is planned for the day.  Children will receive a treat bag each from Fresh Today and their choice of McDonalds Happy Meal.  They may bring additional snacks and drinks if they wish.  Hopefully the weather will be good and if so sun hats/cream will also be required.  If your child does not eat a Happy Meal, please let us know (by emailing the school) a.s.a.p. so as we can organise an alternative lunch for them.  The cost of the tour is €12 per pupil - €7 for the bus and €5 towards the Happy Meal.  If you haven’t done so yet, please forward the money to the school bank account as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday 10^th June.  When transferring money please put your child’s name and ‘TOUR’ in the subject bar so we as we know who has paid.

Primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2026-2027

Please see the leaflet attached to this email with information for parents about the Schoolbook Scheme.  This scheme has been in operation in schools for the last number of years and it takes financial pressure off parents when it comes to purchasing books or paying for book rental schemes.

As per point 6 on page three of the leaflet, schools may request a charge for photocopying and other classroom resources.  This has been discussed by the Board of Management and from September 2026 a charge of €20 per child, €50 per family of three + children will be sought to assist with the rising school costs.  There is no need to pay this money yet – you will be notified about it in September/October.

School Attendance

Your child’s attendance will be recorded on their end of year report.  If any child missed more than 20 days in an academic year, TESS (Tusla Education Support Services) is notified.  Names of pupils who miss 20+ days are automatically sent to TESS regardless of the reason for absence or if the absence is explained or not.  Reporting to TESS is mandatory.  At this time of year children from 1^st Class upwards complete Standardised Tests.  If they are absent when testing takes place they have to complete the test on their return.

School Reports

End of year school reports will be available for viewing on Aladdin from 16^th June.  Please ensure you have access to Aladdin in order to view your child’s/children’s reports.  If you haven’t notifications switched on on Aladdin I would encourage you to do so as not to miss messages from school.

Homework

Wednesday 10^th June is the last night of homework this year.

Best wishes

We would like to wish Hannea, Jason, Luke, Amelia Graham, Aloise, Mikayla, Riley, Amelia McAdam, Jessica, Albina and Suleiman every good wish as they leave us in a few weeks.  They are starting secondary school in Ballybay Community College, Castleblayney College, Monaghan Collegiate School and Our Lady’s, Castleblayney.  We thank them for the contribution they have made to Ballybay Central School during their time with us.  We also wish Ms Brown well as she starts her maternity leave at the end of August.  Interviews will take place in June for a substitute teacher to cover in the Middle Classroom.

Classes 2026-2027

Junior Classroom                  Junior & Senior Infants & 1^st Class                   Mrs Patton

Middle Classroom                2^nd-4^th Classes                                           TBC

Senior Classroom                  5^th & 6^th Classes                                        Mrs Pepper

Special Education Teacher                                                                       Mrs Boyle

SNA                                                                                                           Pam Mullen

 

May I wish everyone a happy, safe and relaxing summer break and we look forward to welcoming you back on 27^th August.

 

                                               Ballybay Central National School

School Calendar 2026-2027

School Re-opens	Thursday 27th August 2026
Mid-Term Break	Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October inclusive
Christmas Closing	Tuesday 22nd December at 12.00 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Wednesday 6th January 2027
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 1st February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 18th February & Friday 19th February
St. Patrick’s Day	Wednesday 17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 19th March at 12.00 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 5th April
Bank Holiday Weekend	Friday 30th April & Monday 3rd May
Bank Holiday	Monday 7th June
Summer Holidays Closing	Tuesday 22nd June at 12.00

         

Additional closures for staff in-service/planning days will be forwarded to parents as soon as the school is notified by the Department of Education.

     May Newsletter 2026

 Active School Week

Last week was our Active School Week and everyone had a great time keeping active every day.   The week started with a 5km walk on Monday and ended on Friday at the swimming pool.  During the week children in 2^nd-4^th class took part in table tennis with Jing Yi who has represented Northern Ireland as a coach and player in the Commonwealth Games.  There was a treasure hunt in the park, fun active stations, cycling for 5^th and 6^th classes, visits to the playground and each day all children and staff completed an Active Walk around the school grounds after lunch time.  Active homework was completed each evening.  We have been working towards our Active School Flag for the last two years and Ms Brown, our Active School Co-ordinator is ready to submit the application before the end of term.  Fingers crossed our Active School Flag will be proudly flying soon.

PE in the Park & Cycle Right Programmes

Pupils from 2^nd-6^th class are taking part in PE in the Park on two different days this month (Thursday 7^th May & Monday 18^th May).  This week they will be kayaking and on Monday 18^th they will be orienteering.   This is a great opportunity for our children and it is right on our doorstep!  The cost is €15 per child which has been subsidised by Monaghan Sports Partnership.  Please forward payment to school if you have not already done so.  PE in the Park is facilitated by Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre.

5^th and 6^th class children are taking part in the Cycle Right Programme at the moment.  This programme is usually offered to our school every second year and children learn all about safe cycling, road signs etc.  At the end of the six weeks the children are brought on a cycle outside the school grounds.  All bikes and helmets are provided.  Again we are very thankful to Monaghan Sports Partnership for subsidising this programme.  The six weeks only costs €5 per child in total!

School Tour Survey

Many thanks to all who responded to the school tour survey, 88% of parents replied and your suggestions were noted.  The Student Council completed a questionnaire to gather pupils’ views on school tours.  A new school tour policy is currently being formulated.  The cost of school tours, in particular the cost of transport has a great impact on the destination of our tours.  Parents agreed that school tours were important and the tour should be a fun day where memories are made.  Overall the pupils felt that the most important aspect of a school tour is having fun and enjoying a day away from the regular school routine.  While no final decision has been made yet regarding this year’s school tour, it is anticipated that we will stay local, keep costs down and have a fun day.  More details will follow.

Standardised Testing

Standardised testing (1^st-6^th class) will take place over the coming weeks.  If your child is absent on the day of testing they will be required to complete the test on their return to school.  Test results from 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th class are forwarded to the Department of Education in June.

Staff Changes

We wish Mrs Reyburn best wishes as she leaves us this month to commence her maternity leave.  Mrs Reyburn works in school on Monday and Tuesday.  We are delighted to welcome back Ms Donaghy to cover Mrs Reyburn’s leave until the summer holidays.  Ms Donaghy was our EAL teacher last year and covered in the Senior Room the previous year for the Principal’s admin day.

Best Wishes

Best wishes to Annabelle Patton, 5^th class and all the U12 Monaghan Girls Rugby team who are playing at half time at the Women’s 6 Nations Match (Ireland v Wales) on Saturday 9^th May in Affidea Stadium (Ravenhill) Belfast.

 

Dates For Your Diary

Friday 8^th May                      School closed for staff in-service training

Friday 29^th May                    Last swimming day

Monday 1^st June                    School closed – Bank Holiday

Wednesday 17^th June            Induction morning for incoming Junior Infants 10.00-12.00pm

Monday 22^nd June                 Fun Afternoon 1.00-3.00pm

Tuesday 23^rd June                  School closes at 12.00pm for summer holidays

Thursday 27^th August           School re-opens for the new school year

     April Newsletter 2026

Welcome back to the final term of this academic year – with ten weeks to go until the summer holidays, it will be a busy term.  Hopefully the weather will improve and allow for plenty of outdoor learning.

Student Council

Many thanks to our student council for organising a Beetle Drive on the last day of term.         

There was great excitement in the hall with lots of beetles being created.  Mark was the winner of the Guess The Number of Sweets in the jar competition also organised by the student council – he won for himself the jar and 177 sweets! Following the Beetle Drive everyone had lots of fun searching for their Easter eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt!

Draughts

We held our first draughts tournament in school just before the Easter break.  We were delighted that 38 students signed up for the tournament.  We had been building up to this event for a while, with an after-school activity devoted to learning and playing draughts.  Ms. McCarney had also previously taught the game to the middle classes, so there were many competent players entering the tournament who made some very strategic and challenging moves.   Everyone was highly engaged throughout.  Harper Mullen (1st Class) and Albina Puz (6th Class) were the runners-up, while Erin Bann (5th Class) and Jessica Murphy Ly (6th Class) made it to the final.  It was a tough match that even had to be continued the following day!                                                                                          

Well done to Jessica, who was crowned overall champion.  Who will be the next Ballybay Central Draughts Champion?

Swimming

Swimming lessons begin this Friday 17^th April.  The cost per lesson has risen to €5.50 per pupil and bus costs €7.00 per pupil per day which is a total of €12.50 per pupil per lesson.  For 6 weeks this would cost €75.  Thanks to the fundraising initiatives of the Parents’ Association we have kept the price per pupil at €50 – the Parents’ Association will contribute the balance of €1600 to cover the cost.  Without our Parents’ Association there would be no money to help support activities outside the school.  This is why it is so important that parents get involved in the Parents’ Association either on the committee or by helping and supporting their fundraising.

Table Quiz

A very enjoyable night was had by all who attended the Table Quiz in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Hall on Friday 26^th March.  Many thanks to the Parents’ Association committee for organising  the event, getting sponsorship for rounds, collection spot prizes, organising and serving the supper, setting up the hall and clearing up afterwards.  Thank you to those who donated items for the supper gave monetary donations and attended on the night.   A huge thank you to Rory McAtavie for a brilliant job as quiz master on the night. 

Many thanks to the following businesses/companies who supported the Table Quiz by sponsoring a round each!

Breakthrough Performance                     Bluebells

Ideal Stone & Glass                                  G. McBride Haulage

Robin’s  Corner Shop                               Conly Funeral Directors

JT Construction                                         Dixon’s Garage

Colemans Tractors                                   Ross Richards

Please support these local businesses if you can.

A total of €     was raised.  This money will go towards swimming costs.

Buddy Reading/Buddy Maths Games

During the last term all children participated in 5 weeks of weekly Buddy reading.  During this time children were paired with older/younger children and the older child read a story to the younger child.  Buddy reading has many advantages, notably it develops confidence for the reader who models good reading, while the listener enjoys being read to and associates reading with enjoyment not pressure.  The Buddy reading sessions created positive reading experiences.  Thank you to Mrs Boyle for organising the sessions.

This term we will be commencing 5 weeks of Buddy Maths Games and we look forward to this.  If you have any Maths board games or games that involve numbers at home and you don’t mind us borrowing them, we would love to try them out.

Tour Surveys

We are currently reviewing our school tour policy.  All parents received a questionnaire this week.  Thank you very much to those who have returned them – your opinions and suggestions are valued and have been noted.  If you have yet to return your questionnaire, please do so before Friday.

P.E. This Term

Pupils will take part in football and games with our GAA coach, Gary every Tuesday this term.  Each classroom will get 30 minutes approx each.  Fridays are swimming days until Friday 29^th May.  Please ensure children wear tracksuits and runners on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Attendance - Every School Day Counts

A recent report from the ESRI has shown that the average number of days missed by pupils has increased.  Figures indicate that 1 in 5 students nationally miss a month or more of school each year – 20 days absent equates to one month of school.  Being in school every day is important for more than just learning a curriculum.  Children build friendships, develop confidence and take part in shared experiences that help them feel part of a classroom community.  Good attendance in Primary School is the foundation for good attendance not only in Secondary School but also in Third Level and in employment later in life.

From September 2026, children who are absent from school (including due to holidays) will not be given work to complete for days missed.  Learning takes place in school and if children are not present it is unfair to expect them to complete work that has not been taught.

As per the Education Welfare Act 2000, any student who has reached a cumulative total of 20 or more days absent from school is reported to TESS (Tusla Education Support Service).  Any child whose continued poor attendance gives cause for concern are reported to the Education Welfare Officer.

School Closures

School will be closed on Friday 8^th May as staff are required to attend inservice training for the new Primary Curriculum Framework.  School will also be closed on Monday 4^th May and Monday 1^st June as both are bank holidays.  School will close at 12.00 on Tuesday 23^rd June for the summer holidays.

 

Ballybay Central National School

 School Calendar 2026-2027

School Re-opens	Thursday 27th August 2026
Mid-Term Break	Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October inclusive
Christmas Closing	Tuesday 22nd  December at 12.00 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 6th January 2027
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 1st  February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 18th February & Friday 19th  February
St. Patrick’s Day Weekend	Wednesday 17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 19th March at 12.00                 (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 5th April
Bank Holiday Weekend	Friday 30th April & Monday 3rd  May
Bank Holiday	Monday 7th June
Summer Holidays Closing	Tuesday 22nd June at 12.00

 

 

 

 

 March Newsletter 2026

There is an old weather saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” which means if the weather at the start of March is bad (wet, windy, cold etc.), which it was, the month should end with good weather – here’s hoping this saying is true.

World Book Day

This Thursday, 5^th March is World Book Day.  We look forward to this day every year when we celebrate books and reading.  On Thursday all staff and pupils come to school dressed up as a character from a book. They should wear something warm underneath. There will be a fashion show and children will get a chance to “strut their stuff” on the cat walk.  Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day to the most creative outfit in each classroom.  Throughout the day children will be engaged in different book related activities as well as making their weekly trip to Ballybay library.  Children have received their World Book Day vouchers – these can be exchanged for a free book in Eason’s Monaghan/the Book Station or can be used to get €1.50 off a book of their choice. 

The Student Council Activities

1.Book Swap

As part of World Book Day our Student Council are hosting a “book swap”.  There may be books in your home that your children have finished with.  The Student Council would like children to bring books to school (in good condition) that they are finished with (and won’t be getting back).  The Student Council will organise the books and then each class will be allocated a time to view the books and take a book if they wish.

2.Beetle Drive

The Student Council plan to hold a fun Beetle Drive event for the whole school on 27^th March to celebrate the beginning of the Easter Holidays.  In a Beetle Drive, players roll dice to gradually draw a picture of a beetle. Each number rolled lets you add a different body part. The winner is the first person to complete their beetle. At each table (usually 4 per table), the people with the lowest and highest scores must move to a different table and a new round begins! This will be a very sociable event and brilliant for all ages and languages!

Rugby

We are delighted to welcome back Will Arkell from Monaghan Rugby Club for three consecutive Wednesdays – 11^th March, 18^th March and 25^th March for tag rugby sessions.  Children should wear tracksuits and runners for those three Wednesdays (instead of Fridays) as Wednesday will be P.E. day on these weeks.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons for all pupils will take place on the following dates:

Friday 17^th April, 24^th April, 1^st May, 8^th May, 15^th May and 22^nd May.    P.E. clothes should be worn.  A swimming hat is needed for the pool.  The lessons begin at 1.00pm and we will leave school at 12.20 and return to school at 2.40 approx.  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 1.45pm.  Junior and Senior Infants may go home from the pool if parents are there.  All other children will return to school on the bus.

For the duration of swimming lessons those who normally receive hot lunches from Fresh Today will receive a cold lunch instead. 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.

Building Emotional Resilience in Children

Does your child sometimes get upset easily?  Do you want to know more about how to support your child if they are feeling worried or angry?  All feelings are normal but sometimes children struggle with managing their feelings and this can affect behaviour.

Shannon Hollywood is a behaviour consultant from Omagh who gives practical advice for real life parenting.  We are very pleased to welcome Shannon to our school community on Thursday night this week, 5^th March.  Tea and coffee will be available from 7.15 and Shannon will commence her presentation at 7.30 and it will include a question and answer session at the end.  The presentation will last one hour.  Please come along if you are free and if you wish bring a friend, they will be very welcome.

The People’s Peace Forest

On Tuesday 3^rd February we welcomed the President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Cormac Downey and Eanna Ní Lamhna, a biologist, environmental consultant, author, educator and radio and television presenter, to school.  We were delighted to be chosen as one of four schools in Co. Monaghan to receive trees as part of the People’s Peace Forest initiative.  Ballybay translates to Béal Átha Beithe in Irish which means ‘The mouth of the ford of the birches’.  Birch trees are synonymous with the area so planting 200 silver birch trees at the back of the school is very fitting.                         

Recently we applied to the Hare’s Corner for support to develop biodiversity on the school grounds.  We have been given 5 apple trees under this initiative which will add to our plans to promote biodiversity.

After School Activity

Great fun was had at he Lego and Draughts after school activity in February.  A draughts tournament is planned within the school before Easter.  Who will be the Ballybay Central draughts champion???                                

Every School Day Matters

Regular school attendance is vital to every child’s learning, development and overall wellbeing. A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that school absence is linked to lower educational qualifications and poorer wellbeing in early adulthood. When a child misses 20 or more days in a school year, this is the equivalent of four full weeks of learning; 25 days amounts to five full weeks. In line with national guidelines, if a child is absent for 20+ days, the school is required to submit a report to Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). Obviously if children are sick they should not attend school. Developing good attendance habits in primary school will lay the foundation for positive attitudes towards education, and greater success and wellbeing in the years ahead. Parents can monitor their child’s attendance at any time through Aladdin Connect, and the school will also issue correspondence each term outlining the number of absences recorded.

School Closures

School will be closed on Wednesday this week, 4^th March as there will be no electricity

School will be closed on Monday & Tuesday, 16^th & 17^th March for St. Patrick’s Day.

School closes at 12.00 on Friday 27^th March for Easter and reopens on Monday 13^th April.

    February Newsletter 2026

St. Brigid’s Day was celebrated on 1^st February.  There are many traditions and customs associated with this feast day in Ireland.  Apparently St. Brigid promised fine weather from her feast day onwards, Spring, the season of hope and new life brought better weather and longer days – let’s hope we see better weather over the coming weeks! 

Postal Bible School Prize Giving

Congratulations to everyone who received a prize at the recent Postal Bible School prize giving in Hall Street.  It was lovely to see such a good crowd attend the evening.  We are very thankful to Gareth and Maggie McMeekin and their helpers for all their hard work in distributing, collecting and correcting the lessons each month.

People’s Peace Forest

We are very pleased to have been chosen as one of four schools in County Monaghan to receive trees as part of The People’s Peace Forest initiative.  The People’s Peace Forest (PPF) was launched last October at the Monaghan Pearce Campus and is Ireland’s contribution to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Peace Forest Initiative. It is a global programme that links land restoration with peace building.

This morning 200 silver birch trees have been planted at the back of the school. This is an area we have been working on to promote biodiversity in the school grounds. The President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Cormac Downey, arrived at 11.00 and we were delighted to also welcome Éanna Ní Lamhna to speak with the children. Éanna Ní Lamhna is a biologist, environmental consultant, radio and television presenter, author and educator.  She spoke to the children about wildlife and trees and answered lots of questions.       

School Uniform

Children are expected to wear the full school uniform in school every day, Monday-Thursday.  Uniform consists of grey trousers/skirt/pinafore, a grey shirt, red jumper, grey and red tie and plain black school shoes/ankle books or black runners.  Some children have started to wear runners to school which are not part of the uniform.  Runners with logos or stripes and runners of any other colour are not permitted. Please ensure your children are wearing the correct footwear.

Fresh Today

Please use the Fresh Today app (downloaded from the App store or Google Play) to check/change lunch orders. PLEASE CLICK THE NO MEAL OPTION on any given day if your child does not wish to receive a lunch.  If your child wants to opt out completely from the school lunches please let us know so as we can remove them from the system.  For the month of February there is a special available, Chicken Pesto Pasta.  If you are unable to access the Fresh Today App, please call into the office and we will help you.

Changemaker Project

Children in 4^th, 5^th and 6^th classes have begun a cross border project with St. Mary’s Primary School, Granemore, Co. Armagh.  In January the two schools met for team building at Parkanaur.  The project focuses on topics such as diversity, inclusion, culture and reconciliation.  It looks at the wider world and how children can become positive role models within their shared future by looking at what good citizenship means.  Some of the dates had to be rescheduled; the following dates are now confirmed.

• Thursday 5^th February – St. Mary’s P.S.
• Monday 9^th February – St. Mary’s P.S.
• Tuesday 10^th February – Hall St., Ballybay
• Monday 16^th February – Hall St., Ballybay
• Tuesady 24^th February – Parkanaur (9.00-3.00)

                 

Open Day

Our Open Day is Wednesday 18th February 1.00-3.00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Applications for September 2026

Application forms for a school place in September are now available from the school office.  If you know of anyone who requires an application form please contact the office or download one from the website www.ballybaycns.com  Applications will be accepted until 27^th February.

World Book Day – Thursday 5^th March

We always look forward to World Book Day in our school.  On this day staff and children all come to school dressed as a character from a book.  You might want to start planning outfits now!  On the day the children take part in lots of fun activities all of which promote the enjoyment and importance of reading.  There are prizes for the most creative outfits in each classroom.

 

School Closures

School is closed this Friday 6^th February due to staff training for the New Curriculum Framework.

Mid Term

School will be closed on Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^th February for midterm.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

School will be closed on Monday 16^th and Tuesday 17^th March for St. Patrick’s Day.

Easter

School will close at 12.00 on Friday 27^th March and reopen at 9.00am on Monday 13^th April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    January Newsletter 2026

 

Happy New Year to everyone and we hope you had a lovely Christmas with your family and friends.  The weather is to be very cold this week so please make sure children have hats, coats, gloves etc in school each day.

Aladdin Connect

Over the coming months we can expect there will be days where school openings are in doubt.  If school is closed any day due to inclement weather you will be notified on Aladdin.  It is very important that you have Aladdin Connect downloaded on your phone and have alerts switched on in order to receive notification of a message.

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.

Fundraising

The Christmas quiz sheets distributed by the Parents’ Association raised €718.  Many thanks to all who bought the sheets and/or donated money.

The clothes collection raised €299 for school funds. 

The donation bucket at our Christmas show raised €318.40 also for school funds.

The festive walk to school and breakfast resulted in €194 for Ballybay Cancer.  Many thanks to all who gave to this charity an also to the Parents’ Association and Fresh Today who provided the breakfast on the morning.

Hand Towels

Due to ongoing costs associated with the paper hand towels, from this term we are reverting back to using cotton hand towels.  Each classroom will have a clean towel every day.  If you wish your child may bring their own small towel/face cloth which should be kept in a plastic bag in their school bag and brought home each day to be washed.

Football

Children continue to wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays this term.  We have been included in Monaghan GAA’s Coaching and Games schedule on Fridays until Easter.  All children will participate in football and games each week.  There is no charge for this.

Say Yes to Languages

As part of the ‘Say Yes to Languages scheme’ 5^th and 6^th class children are getting a fantastic opportunity to learn Spanish this term.  Ruth Jamieson is the tutor and she will be teaching Spanish every Thursday 1.50-2.50.

Open Day for 2026-2027

Our annual Open Day will take place on Wednesday 18^th February 1.00-3.00.  If you know of any families considering Ballybay Central School for their child please let them know.  Application forms and information regarding the application process will be on the website shortly.

School Closures

Monday 2^nd February - Bank Holiday

Friday 6^th February - School closed due to New Primary Curriculum Training Day

Thursday 19^th & Friday 20^th February - Mid Term

Monday 16^th & Tuesday 17^th March   - St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

 

 

 

           December Newsletter 2025

 As we approach the final month of this term at school it is lovely to hear the buzz of excited children as we prepare for Christmas.  Everyone, from Junior Infants to Sixth Class is busy rehearsing their plays and singing songs with great enthusiasm.  We are all very much looking forward to performing on the stage in Derryvalley Hall (Eircode A75 Y021) on Wednesday 17^th December.  The performances will begin at 7.00pm and the Parents’ Association have organised a supper after.  The night should conclude by 9.00pm.  If you are unsure what you were asked to provide for the supper please contact the office and we will let you know.

Congratulations

Many congratulations to Emily Gilliland in 5^th class who was selected to play at half time during the Ladies Intermediate Championship Ulster Final in Enniskillen recently.  Ms Millar captained Brigid O’Neill’s team on the day and while it wasn’t to be for them this time, both Emily and Ms Millar represented their club and community with pride.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Many thanks to all who sent shoe boxes in for Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.  These will be very much appreciated by boys and girls around the world at Christmas time and beyond.

Christmas Food Appeal

Please support our annual Christmas Food Appeal.  All non perishable food items will be donated to Teach na Daoine on 15^th December.  They will use the food to make up food hampers which are distributed to local needy families at Christmas time.

 

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 Monday 15th December. What we need: Cereals, soups, pasta, tins/jars food, biscuits, selection boxes/sweets etc.

Afterschool Activity

There was great excitement at our Christmas Baking Afterschool Activity with Elaine yesterday.  Everyone went home with yummy treats.  Thank you so much to Elaine Fuller for facilitating the afternoon.  We run a free afterschool activity each month.  This will be the last afterschool activity for this year.       

Golden Friends Christmas Lunch 

We have been invited to attend the local Golden Friends group Christmas lunch in Derryvalley hall on Wednesday 10^th December.  The children will perform some Christmas songs.  We will leave school by bus at 1.30pm and arrive back around 2.30pm.  All children are to stay at school until 3.00pm on that day.  If your child has a Christmas hat or headband please encourage them to wear them to school on that day.

Clothing Collection

Please spread the word we are having a clothing collection this term.  Bags of clothes may be left into school from Monday 15^th December.  The collection will take place on Friday 19^th December.  Please note we have changed company this year.  Towels, bedding (duvet covers, pillows etc) and curtains are not accepted. 

Kris Kindle

Each year we organise Kris Kindle for the children.  All names have been given out in each classroom for each child 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 15^th December.  Please do not put who the present is 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.

Festive Walk to School

Thursday 18^th December will be our annual walk to school.   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.

Staff

Later this month we will say goodbye to Mrs Coyle.  Mrs Coyle has been our Special Education Teacher since last February while Mrs Boyle was on maternity leave.  We wish to thank her very much for the contribution she has made to Ballybay Central School for the last nine months.  Mrs Boyle will return on Monday 15^th December.

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday 11^th December             Last night of homework

Monday 15^th December              Food Appeal Collection

Wednesday 17^th December        Christmas Plays in Derryvalley Hall at 7.00pm (A75 Y021)

Thursday 18^th December           Festive Walk to school & Breakfast in aid of Ballybay Cancer    Society

Friday 19^th December               Clothing Collection at 9.30am

                                                       School closes at 12.00 for Christmas

Monday 5^th January                   School re-opens

 

 

"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 2025

We hope everyone had a great midterm break.  As the days shorten and the weather gets cooler we look forward to a very busy few weeks ahead.  The lead up to Christmas is always fun and exhausting in equal measures – there are many events to look forward to, not least our biannual school Christmas Shows in Derryvalley Hall on 17^th December.  Practise will start in all classrooms this week.

Student Council

Thursday 2^nd October was a very exciting day for many children -their posters completed; they took to the podium to deliver their Student Council speeches.  This year first class also participated.  It is very uplifting to see children speak with confidence in front of their peers, our oral language programme has definitely benefitted children in this regard.  On the following day votes were cast and the new Student council for 2025-2026 is as follows:

Sam, Brian, Charlotte, Eliana, Shiloh, Amelia, Riley and Jason.                   

Already the Student Council has been very busy.  They organized a cleanup of the school grounds and are planting lots of daffodil bulbs which will really enhance the front of the school in Spring time.

Friday 24^th October was our Colour Walk which was organized by the Student Council.  They advertised the walk by making posters and also helped us cross the road safely.                                                                           

School Events

On 9^th October the author Mary Murphy spoke to the pupils from 3^rd-6^th class.  The children had great fun drawing what they think “earthlings” might be.  We were delighted when Mary gave the school a signed copy of her latest book ‘Let’s Be Earthlings’.  We thank Karen McCague from Monaghan County Libraries for organizing this event as part of Children’s Book Festival.                                                  

The following week pupils in the senior class visited Knocknagrave Environmental Centre as part of Climate Action Week.  The children learned so much about water conservation and hedgerow habitats.  Everyone planted an acorn to bring home with them.  Many thanks to Monaghan County Council for funding this trip.                          

We were very pleased to have two members of the Love For Life team in school recently.  They gave very interactive and informative age based talks to all children.   Later, the same day a talk for parents took place.  This was very informative.  Many tanks to the school’s Parents’ Association who funded the parents’ talk (€200).  The school’s Board of Management funded the children’s talks (€425).

After School Activities

Our after school activity for October was great fun!  Will Arkel from Monaghan Rugby Club coached the children in tag rugby.  There will be one more after school activity this term.  Details will follow.

TEAM HOPE Christmas Shoebox Appeal

The Christmas Shoebox 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.

At Home –

• Wrap a regular shoebox in colourful paper, wrap the box and lid separately.
• Choose if your box is for a boy or a girl and choose the age group. Place the sticker on the top right hand corner.
• Fill your box with items from each of the 4 W’s listed.
• Donate your €5 in the envelope in the leaflet provided. (Leaflets will be available in school for those who wish to take part).
• Close your box with an elastic band.
• Leave your box into school by Monday 17^th                                

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Wednesday 19^th December between 2.00pm and 6.00pm.  School closes for all pupils on that day at 2.00pm.  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.  

Physical Education Activities

All children enjoyed their soccer activities with Euan which finished before midterm.  This Friday sees the start of gymnastics for all children in Hall Street.  Eimear from Core Kids will be with us every Friday for the next 6 weeks.  Gymnastics will take place in Hall St. hall and we are very thankful to the committee of 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church for allowing us use the hall.  The cost of both soccer and gymnastics is €25 per pupil.  Payment should be made online.

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.

Clothing Collection

Please spread the word we are having a clothing collection this term.  Bags of clothes may be left into school from Monday 15^th December.  The collection will take place on Friday 19^th December.  Please note we have changed company this year.  Towels, bedding (duvet covers, pillows etc) and curtains are not accepted.  Please see note sent out on Aladdin today regarding the clothing collection.

Photographs

Children have been given their photo proofs.  If you wish to order photographs please follow the instructions enclosed in the packet.  Orders should be returned before Friday 14^th November so as photos will be back before Christmas.

Important Dates

Friday 14th November	School closes at 12.00pm for all pupils due to staff planning afternoon.
Monday 17th November	Collection of Team Hope Shoeboxes
Wednesday 19th November	Parent Teacher Meetings 2.00-6.00pm
Wednesday 17th December	Christmas Show, Derryvalley Church Hall
Thursday 18th December	Festive Walk to school
Friday 19th December	Clothing Collection Bag2School (See below) School closes at 12.00pm for Christmas Holidays