Author: Karen Pepper

World Book Day

World Book Day is being celebrated on Thursday 2^nd March.  We are looking forward to a great day at school which will begin with a Fashion Show!  Pupils (and staff) are encouraged to come to school dressed as a character from a book.  Pupils should wear their outfits to school on Thursday and should wear something warm underneath.  There will be prizes in each classroom (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd) for the most creative outfits.  Throughout the day the children will take part in different activities all promoting books and reading.  Each child will receive a World Book Day Token (€1.50) which may be exchanged in Easons for a World Book Day book or used as a discount on another book of choice.

 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 1 or 2 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.

Pupil Absences/Aladdin

Please use Aladdin Connect to record reasons for absences.  Aladdin connect may also be used to check your child’s attendance.  Under the Education Welfare Act 2000, schools are obliged to submit reports to Tusla Education Support Services twice a year.  This is a legislative requirement.  In December and June each year Aladdin generates the names of children who have been absent for 20+ days and the reasons for the absences.  If reasons aren’t given they are recorded as unexplained.  Parents should submit reasons for absences themselves on Aladdin Connect.  You may go back and fill in reasons after an absence.  Please use the attached information sheet to help you fill in reasons for absences on Aladdin.  Please come and speak with the Principal, if for whatever reason, you are unable to access your Aladdin Connect.

Flower Demonstration

Each family should have received four tickets to sell for the upcoming Flower Demonstration in 2^nd Ballybay Hall on 28^th March at 7.30pm.  This will be a great night as Wilma’s flower demonstrations are excellent.  The arrangements Wilma makes will be auctioned off at the end and money raised from the auction will also go towards the Parents’ Association funds.  Supper will be served also.  Please let your family, friends, neighbours and relations know about the evening and if you require additional tickets contact Sandra in the office.  If you are unable to sell your tickets a monetary (€40) contribution would be greatly appreciated.  All funds raised by the Parents’ Association benefits all children in the school.

School Uniform Review

The Board of Management is undertaking a review of the current school uniform.  You will receive a survey (by email) today and it is important everyone responds to the survey.  The initial survey is to find out what the general satisfaction level is with the current uniform.  If the majority of parents are satisfied with the uniform, there will be no change made.  Any changes made will not come into effect until September.

Swimming

Pupils in all classes will go to Monaghan Leisure centre for 6 weeks swimming lessons beginning on Thursday 20^th April.  We will leave school at 12.20 and return at 2.30/2.40.  Lunch will be eaten at 12.00 on swimming days.  Pupils in junior classes who need assistance drying and getting dressed must have an adult with them at the pool.  STAFF ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ASSIST CHILDREN DRYING AND DRESSING.

If parents are at the pool children may go home with them from the pool at the end of the lesson.  The Leisure Centre has informed the school that from 1^st January 2023 the school is charged for the number of pupils booked in initially,  i.e. if 62 pupils are booked in,  62 lessons must be paid for each week regardless if pupils attend or not.  The cost per pupils is €7 per pupils (€42 in total for 6 lessons).  The Parents’ Association are subsidising the cost of the buses.  Money must be paid online to the school’s bank account before Thursday 20^th April.  All 6 lessons must be paid for in advance.

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

Please include your name or children’s names when paying.   Sandra will issue a receipt for payments.  If you wish to discuss as aspect of swimming or the cost for swimming please contact the Principal.  Swimming is one of the strands in the PE curriculum and therefore it is expected all children attend.

Student Council

Our Student Council have been meeting with Ms. Fitzpatrick regularly.  They have some great ideas coming up which they will share with everyone shortly.  Members of the Student Council have been busy working on high vis jackets which they will wear in the playground at break and lunch time.  If someone is feeling left out in the yard or has nothing to play they can go to one of the Student Council members wearing the high vis and they will organise an activity for them to do.  Many thanks to our Student Council for coming up with this initiative.

School Closures

Please note school is closed on Thursday 16^th March (staff planning day) and Friday 17^th March  (St. Patrick’s Day).

School closes at 12.00 on Friday 31^st March for Easter and reopens on Monday 17^th April.

 

Open Afternoon

An Open Afternoon takes place on Wednesday next 15^th February.  Parents and children are welcome to visit the school between 1.30 and 3.00pm.  Application forms and Parents’ Booklets will be available on the afternoon for those wishing to enrol for September 2023.  The closing date for receipt of application is Tuesday 21^st February.  The Board of Management will accept late application after this date.  If you know of any families considering enrolling their child in Ballybay Central please remind them about the Open Afternoon.

Credit Union Quiz

Congratulations to Hanny Avelino, Emma Fuller, Elizabeth Lelo and Lydia McAdam who represented our school at the recent Credit Union Schools Quiz held in Pearse Brothers GAA. It was a very close competition with the girls in joint first place after 9 rounds.  After the 12 rounds the girls finished in 3^rd place, 2 points behind the winning team.  This was a fantastic achievement and we thank the girls for representing the school so well.

Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association are holding a fundraising Flower Demonstration on Tuesday 28^th March at 7.30pm in Hall Street.  Wilma Simpson from JP Flowers, Monaghan will create beautiful floral displays which will be auctioned off on the night.  All money raised will go to the school’s Parents’ Association funds.  Each family will be given 4 tickets to sell after midterm- for those unable to sell their tickets or who are unable to attend a monetary donation (€40) would be greatly appreciated in lieu.  There will be an envelope included with your tickets, please put your donation in it, seal it and return it to the school office.  All families and their children benefit from the Parents’ Association funding and so it is important all families support their fundraising endeavors.  This is the first year since Covid the Parents’ Association have been able to hold a fundraiser.  We are looking forward to a great evening.  Additional tickets will be available through the school’s office if required.

Covid Questionnaire

We have been asked to access the impact of Covid on children’s learning, wellbeing and social emotional development over the last three years.  Each family will receive a questionnaire today (check school bags).  Please complete and return to the school on or before Tuesday next, 14^th February.

School Closures/Aladdin Connect

School will be closed on Thursday 16^th and Friday 17^th February for midterm break.  School will also be closed on Thursday 16^th March for a staff planning day and Friday 17^th March for St. Patrick’s Day.  Please note all school closures are on the calendar on your Aladdin Connect page.  It is great to note that 97% of parents have registered on Aladdin Connect.   Moving forward all notifications regarding school events etc. will only be sent using Aladdin so it is important all parents are registered but also that they are receiving notifications.  If you are having any difficulty with Aladdin please come in and see Mrs. Pepper.  End of year school reports will only be sent on Aladdin this year.  Please ensure you use Aladdin to inform staff of any absences, late arrivals or early pickups.  Reasons for absences must also be submitted on Aladdin.

 

    January 2023  Newsletter

 

Happy New Year to everyone.  We hope you had a great Christmas and enjoyed some ‘down time’ – a break from school routine and a chance to recharge the batteries.  This term at school continues until Friday 31^st March and includes the following closures:

• Monday 6^th February (Bank Holiday)
• Thursday 16^th & Friday 17^th February (Mid Term)
• Thursday 16^th March (Staff Training in the Primary Language Curriculum)
• Friday 17^th March (St. Patrick’s Day)
• Friday 31^st March closing at 12.00 (Easter Holidays)

Staff

Welcome back to Mrs Boyle who has been on extended maternity leave during 2022.  A presentation was made to Ms McCarney by the Parents’ Association at the Carol Service.  The school children also presented Ms McCarney with a card and a present on her last day.  We wish Ms McCarney well as she sets off on her travels in February and we are delighted to have Mrs Boyle back in the Junior Classroom.

Ballybay Cancer Society

On Friday 16^th December children and staff donned their Christmas jumpers, dresses, hats, socks, bobbles and anything that felt Christmassy and walked to school through the park.  On arrival at school a band of parents provided us with toast, tea and orange juice all of which went down well.  Children donated money for Ballybay Cancer Society on the day and a total of €240 was collected.  Many thanks to all who donated and also to the parents who helped out on the morning.

Christmas Food Appeal

Many thanks to all who donated so generously to our Christmas Food Appeal for Teach na Daoine in Monaghan.  Jill from Teach na Daoine collected the food items on Tuesday 20^th December and told us how appreciative she was that the children in Ballybay Central had donated so much.  The food items were used in the run up to Christmas and in their ‘Food Pantry’ in January.

Parents’Association

The Parents’ Association very kindly donated a selection box to each child on the day of the Christmas holidays.  They also contributed €100 to the Skip n Rope workshops and €275 towards the transport costs for school trips before Christmas.  Without the monetary contribution from the Parents’ Association parents would either have to pay a lot more for these ‘extra’ activities or there would be no extra activities at all due to high costs.  I encourage everyone to support the Parents’ Association in 2023 with their fundraising endeavours.

It is important to acknowledge and thank all those who helped with the supper after the School Carol Service on 19^th December.  Those who donated food, set up, served food and washed and tidied up after.  It was much appreciated.

P.E.

Tracksuits and runners must be worn on FRIDAYS for this term.  Pupils are expected to wear school uniform Monday-Thursday.

Student Council

Congratulations to our Student Council on organising a Pick & Make Christmas Competition in December.  This was their first initiative and it was a great success!  The following were the prize winners:

Junior Classroom - Craft        Junior Room - Pictures

1st Bryan Coleman                  1st Theodore Patton

2nd John Roche                       2nd Blake Steenson 

3rd Joshua Bann                      3rd Charlotte Mc Adam

Middle Classroom                Senior Classroom    

1st Joshua Lees                      1st Levi Dixon

2nd Emily Gilliland                  2nd Elif Dinler

3rd Kira Sobol                        3rd Seamus Brady 

Teachers’ Prize 

Ms Brown 

Trips

All children enjoyed an outing before Christmas.  The Juniors went to the Garge Theatre in Monaghan on 8^th December to see ‘Old Mothers Hubbard’s Crazy Christmas’ while pupils in 3^rd-6^th Class travelled to Omagh on the 14^th December to the Ulster American Folk Park to view ‘Christmas in the Country’.  Both trips were very enjoyable – it is great to be able to bring the children on trips like these again after two years of Covid lockdowns.

Fresh Today Lunches

If anybody has any issues regarding school lunches/meals please contact Fresh Today directly.

 Applications for September 2022

Applications are being taken for the 2023-2024 academic year from next Monday 16^th January.  If you wish to enrol a child or you know of anyone who wishes to enrol a child, please contact the office for an application form.  Application forms will be available on our website www.ballybaycns.com later this week.

 

December Newsletter 2022

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,                 Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

 

Thanks

Many thanks to all who donated clothes to the recent Cash for Clobber clothes collection.   In total almost 800kg of clothes was collected.  The money raised from it will be used to buy resources in school.  15 shoeboxes were donated to Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.  Again many thanks to those who supported this appeal.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Hanny Avelino who was awarded 2^nd place in 11-13 years category in the Credit Union art competition.  Hanny was presented with her prize at a prize giving on Saturday 19^th November.

Student Council

The student council are running a Christmas Pick & Make Competition.  Any children who wish to participate have picked a Christmas word.  They have to represent the word in whatever medium they wish – bake, paint, build, write, draw or create (junior children are to draw their word).  Items must be returned by 12^th December and they will be displayed in the hall.  Members of the student council will choose a 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd prize along with one prize for the staff entries.  Well done to our newly elected student council and Ms. Fitzpatrick for organising this competition.  We look forward to seeing the creative talents of our students.

Food Appeal

A box has been placed in the hall for items of non-perishable food for our food appeal.   Every year we are always delighted with the response to our food appeal which helps so many families at this time of year.  Please send items with your children during December.  Food items will be donated to local charity for distribution in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas Outings

A Christmas trip has been organised for all pupils as follows:

Junior & Senior Infants, 1^st and 2^nd Class – ‘Old Mother Hubbard’s Crazy Christmas’ in the Garage Theatre on Thursday next 8^th December.

Children will leave school at 9.20am sharp and return before lunch.

3^rd-6^th Class:

Christmas in the Country at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh on Wednesday 14^th December.  Children will leave school at 9.15am and return at 3.00pm.

Cost per pupil per trip is €5.  As this money is being paid directly to the Garage Theatre and the Folk Park we are asking that children bring their €5 to school on the day  prior to the trip so as the secretary can have the money ready for payment on the day.  Please put the money in an envelope with your child’s name on it.

Many thanks to the Parents’ Association who are subsidising the cost of buses to both of these events.

Fresh Today are providing treat bags for all children for both trips and a packed lunch will be supplied for children in 3^rd-6^th classes for their trip (as they won’t be back in time for lunch time).  It’s great to be able to take the children to both these events this year.

Christmas Celebration

We are looking forward to celebrating the reason for the season in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church, Hall St, on Monday 19^th December at 7.30pm.

Children will be taking part in the service and everyone is welcome to refreshments afterwards in the adjacent hall.  Many thanks to the members of the Parents’ Association for organising the refreshments.

Kris Kindle

It is the policy in our school that instead of the children exchanging Christmas presents with each other we implement Kris Kindle. Children will be given the name of who to buy for.   Please wrap it and put the name of the person it is for (but not who it is from) on the label.  We ask that all presents are brought into school between 12^th and 16^th December.  Please be mindful of the age and interests of the child your child has to buy for.  Please don’t include selection boxes in the presents.  All presents will be left in a box in the hall until Wednesday 21^st when they will be distributed before children go home.

Christmas Cards

As is school policy we ask that children do not exchange Christmas cards with each other in school.

 Christmas Activities

 Thursday 8^th December – Trip to Garage Theatre Infants-2^nd class

Wednesday 14^th December – Trip to Ulster American Folk Park 3^rd-6^th class

Friday 16^th December – Festive Walk to School in aid of Ballybay Cancer Society – all children will meet at the Riverdale wearing festive jumpers, hats etc. and walk through the park.  We ask that children contribute €2 each which will be collected on the day for Ballybay Cancer Society. 

Monday 19^th December – Christmas Celebration 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church 7.30.

Wednesday 21^st December – School closes for Christmas Holidays at 12.00.

Thursday 5^th January 2023 – School reopens for all pupils.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

November  Newsletter 2022 

We hope everyone had an enjoyable midterm break.  Although there are just over 6 weeks in this half term there is a lot to fit in between now and Christmas!

We wish to extend a very warm welcome to Maksym (Junior Infants), Stefan and Dzamil (1^st class), Ivan (2^nd class) and Suleiman and Kira (3^rd class). They have joined our school and along with their families are settling into our school community.  Many thanks to those who donated school bags, uniforms etc. to the children.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Wednesday 23^rd November between 2.00pm and 6.00pm.  Parents received notification of the Parent Teacher Meetings schedule on Aladdin Connect.  If anyone is not using Aladdin Connect they will be offered a slot once everyone else has chosen theirs (after 21^st November).  Parents can only log in from their allocated date and time and choose the 10 minute slot which suits.  Please note meetings will be 10 minutes (max) – in order for everyone to be seen at their allocated time, meetings will finish promptly.  School will finish at 2.00pm that day for all pupils.

P.E.

P.E. will take place on Monday from now until Christmas.  Eamon Hughes from Monaghan GAA will be in the school each Monday.  School uniform must be worn on Fridays for this term.  Pupils in 4^th-6^th class are taking part in the Cycle Right Cycling programme with Bike Green for 6 weeks starting on Friday 11^th November.  Pupils in the senior room should wear runners on Fridays.  Many thanks to Euan Treanor from Monaghan FAI who coached the children for 6 weeks.  Unfortunately due to wet weather we missed one week but we hope to get Euan back for a session during the summer term.

Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

If anyone wishes to donate a Christmas shoebox to the Team Hope Appeal, please send shoeboxes to school before Friday 11^th November.  Please follow the instructions on the leaflet sent home in relation to packing boxes and include €4 per box in the envelope provided on the leaflet or pay it online.

School Lunches

Hot school lunches are scheduled to begin this Thursday 10^th November.  If you hadn’t logged in with your child’s new password before last Thursday your child will receive hot lunches as on their default menu.  Please log in before this Thursday to change lunch options for next week.  If anyone has mislaid passwords please contact the school and we will send the password to you.  We will not be sending home hot lunches not eaten as this would be too messy in school bags.  Please check with your child what lunches they like/don’t like and order accordingly.  If children are continually not eating lunch you will be contacted and asked to send in lunch for them instead.  You must continue to provide a snack for the first break.

Non Uniform/Movie day and Cake Sale

On Wednesday 26^th October the boys and girls enjoyed their non uniform and movie day.  Each classroom watched a movie and enjoyed popcorn and sweets.  At lunch time the children had an opportunity to spend their money at the cake sale and all enjoyed the many treats they bought.  Later in the day we were overwhelmed with the number of parents and friends who came along to purchase cakes, buns etc.  The total amount raised from the non uniform day and cake sale was €508.75.  The money will be donated to the Camphill Community.  Jim McKenna who donated the bird feeder and bug hotel to our school had asked that we fund raise for a local charity instead of paying him for his wonderful work.  Jim sent the following message on hearing about our fund raiser:

“For a small school you are “Mighty” fundraisers…but more importantly you are nurturing the minds and spirits of the next generation for Star Fish Throwers”.  Jim told the starfish story to the children and encouraged them to do something to make a difference to someone else’s life, just as he had done by creating and donating his bird feeder and bug hotel to our school.  This is a valuable lesson for all of us especially coming into the Christmas season.  No act of kindness, regardless how small it may appear, is ever wasted.  When we make a decision to help others, this has a positive impact on ourselves and the people we help.

 Student Council Election Day

Ms Fitzpatrick has been teaching the children in the middle and senior rooms about student councils and how they work.  Children were nominated, posters designed and speeches written in anticipation for Election Day on 26^th October.  Children from 2^nd class upwards were given a ballot paper, went to the booth and chose 4 pupils from each room to serve on our first ever Student Council.  All the ballot papers were carefully placed in the ballot box.  The following eight pupils were elected:

1. Annabelle Patton                                    5. Lydia McAdam
2. Luke Gilliland                                           6. Hanny Avelino
3. Amelia McAdam                                      7. Adam Anderson
4. Hannea Avelino                                       8. Ethan Steenson

Congratulations and well done to all who took part in the process.  The first student council meeting will take place shortly with Ms Fitzpatrick.  We are looking forward to hearing about their plans for the school.    

Christmas Celebrations

An evening to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas will be held in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church on Monday 19^th December at 7.30pm.  Further details will be issued next month.

Science Festival Event

As part of next week’s Science Festival we are pleased to be hosting a Coding Ireland – Code & Race Workshop for pupils in 3^rd class upwards.  Many thanks to Karen McCague from Monaghan County Library for organising this.

Skip N Rope Workshop

On Thursday 24^th November Mark McCabe from Skip N Rope will be delivering a skipping workshop to all pupils.  This workshop is being facilitated by Monaghan Sports Partnership and will cost €3 per child.  Monaghan Sports Partnership are subsidising the remaining costs.  As part of the workshop the school will receive a comprehensive rope set which includes 35 skipping ropes of various lengths.

Book Bills

Book bills are now overdue.  Please ensure bills are paid as soon as possible as the supplier is awaiting payment.  If you have misplaced your bill or the school’s bank details please contact Sandra in the office and she will resend them.

 

 

October Newsletter 2022

New Heating System

The work on our new heating and plumbing systems is hopefully nearing an end.  We should be able to turn on the heat this week.  As the weather turns cooler and wetter children should bring coats to school as they will need them when outdoors at break and lunch-time.

Bug Hotel & Bird Feeder

On Monday 19^th September Jim McKenna very kindly came to school with his bug hotel and bird feeder.  He spoke to the children about the importance of ‘making a difference’ to someone else.  Jim doesn’t accept payment for his work but instead asks that people fundraise/make a donation to a local charity in order to make a difference.  With this in mind we are planning to hold a non-uniform day, and movie afternoon on Wednesday 26^th October.  Children will be asked to bring a donation for a local charity (to be decided upon).  We also ask that parents contribute items to be sold at a cake sale – tray bakes etc. and all money raised will also be donated.  Further information will be sent out to you nearer the time.

Cash For Clobber

Our annual Cash for Clobber collection will take place on Tuesday 8^th November.  All unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, shoes (paired) may be left into school before the October midterm break if wished or on Monday 7^th November/Tuesday morning 8^th November.  The money raised from the collection will be used to buy much needed resources for the school. Please spread the word amongst friends, neighbours and family members.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Book Bills

Book bills will be issued next week. Your child’s bill includes all workbooks which pupils write in, rental of text books, readers, novels etc.  It also includes photocopying costs, copy books and arts and crafts materials. Many children receive individual teacher designed booklets as opposed to specific workbooks which require much photocopying.  Text books are the property of the school and must be returned at the end of the year in good condition.  Lost or damaged books will have to be replaced.

This year’s bills will also include €14 for football coaching and €5.30 for school insurance. Please note we will not be accepting any cash payments. Bills should be paid online (details will be included with your bill) or by cheque / draft from bank or Credit Union.

Football

Children are enjoying football with Euan on Fridays.  This will continue until Friday 28^th October.

Student Council

Over the coming weeks, pupils in 2^nd-6^th classes will be learning about a Student Council.  Ms. Fitzpatrick (who teaches in senior room on Tuesdays) is going to speak to the children about forming a student council, the election of pupils to go on the council and the importance of a student council within the school.  This is an exciting opportunity for some children to serve on a council.

Aladdin Connect

It is great to see parents using the Aladdin Connect app.  Please see the attached sheet which outlines how to record your son’s/daughter’s absence on Aladdin in advance of the absence or after they have been absent.  This makes the recording of absences on the school system much more efficient.  At any time you may log into Aladdin and fill in a reason for absence.  Aladdin is used to send notes to parents – if you do not receive a notification to say there is a message on Aladdin you may need to check your settings on your device.  Some parents may not have down loaded the Aladdin Connect App on their phones.  The attached leaflet will take you through the steps for downloading the app which advised to do.

Board of Management Election

Please return nomination slips to school before Thursday next 6^th October if you are willing to put your name forward as the female parent representative on the BOM to fill the vacancy which has arisen.  Voting papers will be sent to all parents before midterm with the names of those willing to serve on the Board until 30^th November 2023 when new Boards of Management will be formed.  All parents, male and female will be entitled to vote.

Children’s Book Festival

Pupils in 2^nd-6^th class are going to Monaghan County Library tomorrow Tuesday to listen to Shane Hegarty author of ‘Boot’ the robot as part of the Children’s Book Festival.  Pupils in the junior room will visit our local library in Ballybay this week.  Another event taking place locally is author Ronan Moore who brings a young Fionn MaC Cumhaill to life in Carrickmacross Library on Saturday 15^th October at 11am.

School Lunches

To date all pupils have been receiving cold lunches and this has been working well.  Hot lunches won’t be provided until after midterm at the earliest.  There will be an opportunity for parents to view and taste hot lunches in the coming weeks.  We are trying to organise this some night as many parents work during the day and are unavailable to come to a tasting session during the afternoon.  Please liaise with your child/children when ordering lunches.  Some children don’t seem to like what is being ordered.  Any uneaten lunches/food is being sent home.

Mid-Term

School will be closed from Monday 31^st October - Friday 4^th November inclusive for mid-term.  Please check the school website ballybaycns.com and Aladdin Connect for this year’s school calendar for additional closing dates.

 

September Newsletter 2022

Welcome to the first newsletter of this academic year, and the warmest of welcome to our new Junior Infants – Blake, Eliana, Grace, Immanuel, Jamilia, John, Joshua and Shiloh.  We also extend a warm welcome to Amy, Grace, Holly, Isaac and Isabella and who have joined various classes throughout the school.  It is lovely to see everybody back and settling in after the many disruptions over the last number of years.

School Lunches

Please try to attend tonight’s meeting where representatives from Fresh Today will outline to parents the procedure for ordering free school lunches.  Children will start to receive their lunches on Monday 12^th September, a cold lunch initially and then hot food will be delivered from Monday 3^rd October.

Aladdin Connect

All parents should have received a letter yesterday (check your child’s bag if you didn’t) informing you of our intention to use Aladdin Connect.  We have been using Aladdin software since 2018.  Aladdin Connect is used to securely communicate and share information with parents.  As well as messages from the school you can view details that the school shares with you about your child’s attendance, report cards, homework etc.  You can also enter reasons for your child’s absences from the Aladdin Connect App.

Once we are up and running and you have downloaded the Aladdin Schools Connect App, you will receive notifications from school (instead of using Text A Parent) and you will also have access to a Google calendar which will send you notifications of school events, meetings, holidays etc.

Summer Works

During the summer work was taking place to upgrade the heating and plumbing in the school. A lot of work took place in a short timeframe and it is not yet completed.  When completed we will have warm water in all sinks and also a new heating system throughout the school.  The Department of Education has funded this upgrade under their Summer Works Scheme.  Work is continuing but hopefully it won’t affect classrooms.  A huge thank you must go to the cleaners from KSH contract cleaning company, our caretaker Darren Gilliland and William Patton all who helped out at various stages to ensure the work could take place and that school could reopen this week.

School Books

As pupils settle into their classes this week teachers will be providing them with text books and readers.  The school has built up a good supply of text books over the years and teachers can use these if and when required.  You will be informed next month of book rental costs.  Books that belong to the school or local library must be kept in good condition and if lost or damaged must be replaced.  Teachers sent an email to parents with stationery requirements – please ensure your child has all items required. 

Soccer

Euan Treanor will be with us every Friday starting Friday 16^th September for 7 weeks.  Euan is a coach with Monaghan FAI and the children greatly enjoy his games and coaching sessions.  The cost per pupil is €2 per session - €14 in total.         Please do not send this money to school yet – it will be included with your book rental bill and must be paid online.                                                                                School does not accept any cash – all payments are made using online banking, cheque or bank/C.U. draft.

• Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56

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

Children should wear tracksuits and runners every Friday for P.E.

Uniform

Please ensure jumpers are named – especially during this warm weather as they can get mixed up when taken off.  School uniform must be worn Monday-Thursday.

Staff

We welcome Tara Moffett back to us this year.  She is covering Mrs. Patton’s leave and is our Special Education Teacher.  Ms. McCarney is covering Mrs. Boyle’s leave until Christmas.  We also welcome Laura Fitzpatrick to our staff – Laura will be teaching in the senior room on Tuesdays while the Principal is in the office.

Ballybay Central National School

 School Calendar 2022-2023

 

School Re-opens	Monday 29th August
Mid-Term Break	Monday 31st  October  – Friday 4th November inclusive
Christmas Closing	Wednesday 21st December (last day of school)
Re-opening	Thursday 5th January 2023
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 6th February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 16th  February & Friday 17th February
St. Patrick’s Day Closing	Friday  17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 31st March (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 17th April
Bank Holiday	Monday 1st May
Bank Holiday	Monday 5th June
Summer Holidays Closing	Wednesday 21st June

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

End of Year School Newsletter 2022

It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of another school year which thankfully has seen us remain open throughout.  Although many pupils and teachers were affected by Covid it has been great to see a sense of normality return to school during the latter part of the year.  We hope and pray that we can put Covid behind us and while it hasn’t gone away perhaps it is not as scary as it was initially.

Goodbye and Welcome

As the year draws to a close we want to wish our current 6^th class pupils every blessing as they begin the next stage of their education in various local secondary schools.  We say au revoir to Samuel, Tessa, David, Monika, Alex, Josef, Daniel and Ethan.

When one class leaves a new class starts and so we are looking forward to welcoming Grace, Eliana, Jamilie, Shiloh, Blake, Joshua, Mark and John in Junior Infants in September.

Trips and Tours

Everybody enjoyed their Get Out & Be Active trips recently.  Junior Infants – 3^rd class had great fun in Erica’s Fairy forest while 4^th-6^th  class all made it to the top of the Cuilcagh mountain.  As a treat the school provided ice cream (many thanks to the Sodabarrel) for everyone last week and also spent an afternoon in our local park and playground.

The middle and senior classrooms spent an enjoyable (if not wet and mucky) day at Navan Adventure Centre last Friday for their school tour and the junior room are looking forward to their tour this Friday to Air-tastic and Tanaghmore Gardens.  Many thanks once again to the Parents’ Association for subsidising the school tours for all children.

Fun Evening

The Parents’ Association are busy organising the first fun evening for 3 years.  This will take place on Wednesday 15^th June 7.00-9.00 in the school grounds.  All parents will be asked to contribute to the food - you will receive a note from the Parents’ Association this week.  Due to insurance there will be no bouncy castles at this event.  However there will be plenty to keep the children entertained – Colin Walker (magician), face painting, Euan Treanor (FAI football coach), outdoor games and much more.

Sports Day

We plan on holding our annual sports day on Thursday 16^th June.  All children (including Junior and Senior Infants) stay until 3.00 that day.  Please make sure children bring plenty of drinks to school and sun hats/sun cream if the weather is very warm and sunny.

Homework/Uniform

Thursday 9^th June will be the last night of homework for this year.  Wednesday 15^th June is the last day pupils have to wear their uniform.  Pupils should wear tracksuits, runners etc. on 16^th, 17^th and 20^th June as they will be taking part in outdoor games, sports etc.

2022-2023

The classes for next year are as follows:

Junior Room

Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1^st Class, ½ of 2^nd Class *–

Ms. McCarney/Mrs. Boyle & Pam Mullan (SNA)

Middle Room

½ of 2^nd Class *, 3^rd Class, 4^th Class –

Ms. Brown

[* 2^nd Class will be split, parents will be informed which room their child is in]

Senior Room

5^th and 6^th Class –

Mrs. Pepper

SET – to be filled

Admin Day Teacher – to be filled

Congratulations

We are delighted to hear of the safe arrival of Mrs. Patton’s baby boy.  Mrs. Patton commenced her maternity leave a little earlier than planned but we give thanks that little Tobias arrived safely and is now adjusting to life in the Patton household.

School Reports and Books

School reports will be sent home with children on Thursday 16^th June.  All copy books, workbooks, folders, art work etc. will be sent home on Tuesday 21^st June.  Please make sure library books, novels, and readers are returned to school by Friday 17^th June.

 

SCHOOL CLOSES ON TUESDAY 21^ST JUNE AT 12.00 FOR SUMMER

 

 

Ballybay Central National School

 School Calendar 2022-2023

School Re-opens	Monday 29th August
Mid-Term Break	Monday 31st  October  – Friday 4th November inclusive
Christmas Closing	Wednesday 21st December (last day of school)
Re-opening	Thursday 5th January 2023
St Brigid’s Day	Monday 6th February
Mid-Term Break	Thursday 16th  February & Friday 17th February
St. Patrick’s Day Closing	Friday  17th March
Easter Closing	Friday 31st March (last day of school)
Re-opening	Monday 17th April
Bank Holiday	Monday 1st May
Bank Holiday	Monday 5th June
Summer Holidays Closing	Wednesday 21st June

 

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

 

 

May Newsletter 2022

Swimming Lessons/Soccer

All children have started their 5 week block of lessons at Monaghan Leisure Centre.  All outstanding money must be paid by Friday 20^th May.

Brian Parker will continue with soccer on the next 2 Tuesdays so all pupils are to wear runners with their uniforms on those Tuesdays.

Get Out & Be Active

This term we are focusing on the outdoors and each week all children will be given opportunities to get outside and be active.  Activities will include trips to the local playground, walks, activity stations, playground games, skipping and much more.  While most activities will be local i.e. within the school grounds or local park we are planning a trip for the children also which involves getting out and being active.

Wednesday 25^th May: Pupils in 4^th-6^th Classes will travel to Fermanagh to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail.

Wednesday 1^st June: Pupils in Infants-3^rd Classes will travel to Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill.

 You will be sent more information about each of these trips closer to the time.

 School Tour

A school tour has been planned for pupils in 2^nd-6^th Classes to Navan Adventure Centre on Friday 3^rd June. 

Pupils in Junior Infants-1^st Classes will have their tour on Friday 10^th June to Airtastic, Craigavon and Tannaghmore Gardens.  More details regarding both tours will be issued to you beforehand.

Anti Bullying Workshop

On Thursday 12^th May, a workshop for pupils in 3^rd-6^th Classes will take place on bullying.  Pat Courtney from Anti Bullying Services will present the workshop to pupils from 1.15-2.50.  This will be followed by a workshop for staff from 3.00-4.30.  This is a great opportunity to reinforce the dangers associated with mobile phones, social media and cyber bullying amongst other forms of bullying.  We are grateful to the Board of Management for funding this event.

Primary Language Curriculum Half Day Closure

School will close at 12.00on Thursday 19^th May to allow staff training in supporting the implementation of the Primary Language Curriculum.  Please note this half day closure has been sanctioned by the Department of Education.

Fun Evening

It is great to be planning for our first end of term fun evening since 2019.  Traditionally this evening was organised by the Parents’ Association as a social get together for all members of the school community – parents, pupils, staff and Board of Management.  New families and children also attend.  The format of the evening may change but the sentiments will not – it will be a chance to come together to mark the end of another academic year.  The date for the fun evening has been set for Wednesday 15^th June so please put it in your diaries!

Pupil Absences

If for any reason a pupil is absent from school, an explanation should be emailed to the school or a phone call on the morning of the absence.  If we do not receive a reason for the absence, the absence will be recorded as unexplained.  If a child misses 20+ school days (for any reason) in an academic year, a report is made to the Education Welfare Officer.  During a legitimate sickness pupils should be kept at home to avoid infection being spread to the whole school community.  It is understandable that many children will exceed the 20+ days absences this academic year due to restrictions imposed as a result of Covid regulations.

Please refer to email all families received on Friday 8^th April which outlines the reasons why schools are obliged to report absences and the procedures for doing so.

Standardised Tests

Pupils in the middle and senior rooms will complete standardised tests over the coming weeks in Literacy and Numeracy.  Literacy will be assessed during the week beginning 23^rd May and Numeracy will be assessed during the week beginning 30^th May.  Standardised test scores will be on the end of year reports and will not be available prior to that.

Clothes Collection

We will have a clothes collection on Tuesday 24^th May.  If you have any unwanted good quality dry clothing, shoes, bed linen, curtains and handbags that you no longer need, you can drop them into school the week previous and up to the 24^th May.

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday 19^th May               School closes at 12.00

Wednesday 25^th May           Get Out & Be Active-4^th/6^th Cuilcagh Board Walk

Friday 27^th May                              Last swimming day

Wednesday 1^st June             Get Out & Be Active-J.I/3^rd Erica’s Forest Cootehill

Friday 3^rd June                      Tour 2^nd/6^th Class Navan Adventure Centre

Monday 6^th June                            School closed Bank Holiday

Friday 10^th June                    Tour J.I./1st Class Airtastic, Craigavon/Tannaghmore

Wednesday 15^th June           Induction morning for new pupils (10.00-12.00)

Wednesday 15^th June           Family Fun Evening

Thursday 16^th June               Sports Day (weather permitting)

Tuesday 21^st June                 Summer Holidays school closing at 12.00

Monday 29^th August            School Reopens for all pupils

 

 

     April Newsletter 2022 

Parents’ Association

Many thanks to those who contributed to the Parents’ Association recent collection in lieu of a fund raising event.  As a result of your donations the Parents’ Association will be in a position to contribute to the cost of buses for this year’s swimming lessons and school tours.  There has been a big increase in transport costs, no doubt a result of the increase in the price of fuel.  Without financial assistance from the Parents’ Association the cost of swimming lessons/tours would be a lot higher.

Swimming/Tours

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

Friday 29^th April, Friday 6^th May, 20^th May, 27^th May.  Children will leave school at 11.00am and return to school by 1.30.  P.E. clothes should be worn.  Lunch will be eaten before we leave and when we return.  Cost per pupil per lesson is €7 (€35 for 5 weeks).  Payment must be made in advance by cheque, draft of online.  NO CASH WILL BE EXCEPTED.  Payment may be made in instalments but must be fully paid before the last lesson.  Please note staff are not permitted to dry children so if your child is in Junior classes and need help to dry/dress you must organise a responsible person to do this (i.e. yourself, older sibling or another parent).  Staff will ensure younger children are able to undress, (it is helpful if swimming togs are already on underneath clothes) put belongings in a locker and get to the pool area.  This is all part of the experience and is promoting independence for younger children.  For those attending to assist with drying and dressing you should be at the pool at 12.20.  Junior and Senior Infants may go home from the pool if parents are there.  All other children will return to school on the bus.

A tour for the children in Ms Brown and Mrs Pepper’s rooms is being planned for Friday 3^rd June.  A tour for the children in Ms McCarney’s room is being planned for Friday 10^th June – more details to follow.

Brian Parker, Faith Mission

Brian is a qualified soccer coach and will be in school on Tuesday 26^th April, 3^rd May, 10^th May & 17^th May.  He will take each classroom in the yard for soccer coaching.  Each session will include a short talk based on an aspect of Jesus’ ministry.  Pupils may wear runners on Tuesdays for the 4 weeks after Easter.

Andrew & Beulah McMullan, CEF

Andrew and Beulah McMullen visited our school monthly (prior to Covid) over the last number of years.  The children always enjoyed their assemblies.  Wednesday 6^th April will be their last visit with us as they have new roles within CEF.  We wish them well in their new positions and thank them for their many visits to us.

ABP Tree Planting

Recently ABP, Clones  came to school and planted 15 native Irish trees around the school.  They plan to plant 1,000 native Irish trees with National Schools in Co. Monaghan.  We are delighted to join their Sustainability Journey and help improve our natural environment.

Donation to Ballybay Cancer Society

Following the Christmas Walk to School on 20^th December €261 was collected for Ballybay Cancer Society.  Charlie Mills called to the school recently and received the cheque which he passed on to the Treasurer of Ballybay Cancer Society.  Many thanks to all who donated.

Easter Holidays

School closes at 12.00 on Friday 8^th April for Easter.  There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children that morning.  School reopens on Monday 25^th April.

School is closed on Monday 2^nd May for a Bank Holiday.