Author: Karen Pepper

November 2020 Newsletter

 

Welcome back to school after your mid-term break and we are pleased to be reopening once more.  With level 5 restrictions in place until December 1^st, please remind your children of the importance of hand washing and social distancing – children will continue to practise both in school while remaining in their classroom bubbles.  Bubbles will not mix at any stage during the school day.  At  3.00 children will be allowed to walk down to the gate at intervals – the teacher on duty will call family names so please be patient, we know you are there but we cannot let all children away together in order to maintain social distancing.  Please note all children should be in school by 9.20 each morning now, as class starts at this time.  With Scoil Éanna starting and finishing earlier than our school, congestion at the gate is not as big problem as it was other years.

Resurfacing Works

Access to the school gate may be limited for the next week or so due to the County Council resurfacing the area in front of the school.  We are grateful to the council for including this in their work while resurfacing the Main St. in the town.

Cash for Clobber

Please let all your family and friends know about our clothes collection taking place on November 18^th. This is always very well supported and the money generated can be used to buy resources for the school.  Bags of unwanted clothes and shoes may be left to school on the morning of the 18^th or the evening before only.

Parents’ Association

Many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their donation of treat bags to each pupils on Friday 23^rd October while pupils watched a movie.  They went down great and were very much appreciated.  Due to Covid restrictions the Parents’ Association will be unable to hold their AGM this term. 

There are still a number of school cookery books available, if anyone is looking for a Christmas present - €10 each.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent teacher meetings are generally held in early December each year but due to the present restrictions these will not be taking place.  It is hoped to hold them at the end of January 2021.  If you wish to speak to your child/children’s class teacher you may contact them by phone.  The best times to ring are 8.50-9.00 and 3.05-3.30.  As teachers are on playground duty every day please don’t ring at break/lunch time as teachers cannot come to the phone.

Seesaw

It is great to see how all pupils have adapted to the use of the online learning platform, Seesaw.  Teachers are continuing to receive ongoing training in the use of Seesaw.  We acknowledge some parents’ concerns regarding the use of technology and we wish to reassure all parents that while Seesaw will become an integral part of teaching and learning within our school, pupils will still be completing written tasks also.  This is often referred to as a blended approach and pupils will benefit from developing confidence in the use of IT while still maintaining the required standards with written work.  The use of the Seesaw platform is not just for a lockdown situation where schools are closed, it will be used regardless.  However, should schools close again we are in a better position to teach and learn remotely with the use of Seesaw.

Withdrawal of Hand Sanitiser and other PPE Products

Just before mid-term schools were instructed to cease the use of all ViroPro products immediately.  We were unaffected by this as our hand sanitiser, San Kind comes from Univet in Tullyvin.  However, last week we received an email from the Department instructing schools to discontinue the use of certain other products.  It must be stated that the Department has emphasised that it does not have any evidence that the products are unsafe, “it has not been possible to satisfactorily confirm new registration status as part of the review”.   The hand soap which we had purchased from the Departments recommended list of suppliers was one of the products listed to be withdrawn.  All soaps have now been removed and have been replaced with a recommended alternative.

Reminder

If pupils wish to bring a small hand towel to school and keep it in a plastic bag they may do so.  Paper towels can be hard on your skin.  Towels must go home every day.  All children must wear coats with hoods to school.  We endeavour to get out every day so as the classroom windows can be opened and air circulated during break/lunch time.  Children will not be allowed out if they haven’t a waterproof coat with a hood.  If children wish to bring wellington boots to school to wear outside on wet days, they may do so.  Boots can be left in school if you wish to do so. 

Updated Advice from HSE

Please click on the link below for updated advice for the HSE on when you should/shouldn’t keep your child home from school or childcare.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/school-and-covid-19/when-you-should-keep-your-child-home.html

If any member of a household is being tested for Covid 19 due to being identified as a close contact or has symptoms of Covid 19 you must keep you child/children home from school until a negative test result has been received.  Please let the school know if your child/children are being kept off school for this reason.

Advance Notice

School closes at 12.00 on Tuesday 22^nd December for Christmas holidays, and reopens on Wednesday 6^th January 2021.

 

 

 

October 2020 Newsletter

 We’re Open

It’s great to be able to compose a newsletter for October – it seems so long since the newsletter last March.  With cases of Covid 19 on the rise again we all must be extra vigilant and heed the advice we are being given by our Government ministers.  On a positive note all children have settled back into a good routine and are enjoying the company of their peers again.  We continue to ensure hands are washed and/or sanitised throughout the day, all children use separate entrances to the building and have separate supervised play areas.    

Hand Towels

As part of our Covid response plan the use of paper hand towels has been implemented as this is more hygienic than children using the same towel to dry their hands.  If pupils wish to bring their own small hand towel to school in a plastic bag to keep in their bag they may do so.  Towels must go home every day to be dried/replaced.

Digital Learning

A survey has been emailed to all parents using Survey Monkey.  This survey is to give us an idea as to where everyone is at in relation to digital learning.  The Department of Education issued a circular last week ‘Guidance on Remote Learning in a Covid 19 Context’ and as part of this every school must have a contingency plan in case schools are closed during a lockdown again.  We understand this will cause some families anxiety and the idea of remote learning may not fill some parents with joy!  However a ‘weekly email’ will not be sufficient moving forwards if we are in lockdown again.  If it does not appear on your email page, check your ‘trash’ file.  Please complete the survey by clicking on your preferred answers and then click done at the end.

The use of Seesaw

Prior to the Department’s circular last week staff had already been receiving training in the use of the online learning platform Seesaw.  While this will be part of our contingency plan it will also be used regardless of school closure or not.  All families should have received the ‘Guide for Parents’ and downloaded the Seesaw Class app to a device (including phones).  Please return the consent form ASAP as consent is needed for GDPR reasons.  If you have mislaid the form please contact the office for a new one.  This week your child’s class teacher will be demonstrating how to log in to Seesaw and pupils will complete very simple tasks in school.  It is planned that from next Monday 19^th every pupil will log in from home to complete tasks.  Tasks set will be very basic until children and staff become more confident in the use of the platform.

Book Bills

Many thanks to those who have already paid their book bills.  Receipts (including those paid on line) will be issued by the secretary each week.   Please ensure all book bills are paid by 23^rd October.

Cash For Clobber

Some parents have been asking if we are doing a Cash for Clobber clothes collection this year.  At the moment we have no room to store bags in school.  Once we know a collection date we will ask that clothes are brought to school on that day (or the evening before) only.

Homework

Oral/Learning homework will continue to be set each night Mon-Thurs for all pupils.  Following the mid-term break it is hoped that additional written tasks will be set using Seesaw each week. 

Mid-Term

School will be closed from Monday 26^th October-Friday 30^th October inclusive for mid-term.  Please check the school website ballybaycns.com for this year’s school calendar for additional closing dates.

 

School holidays 2020 -2021

          March Newsletter 2020

Welcome

We extend a warm welcome to Michael and Grace Fletcher who have joined 5^th Class and Senior Infants.  We hope they will be very happy in Ballybay Central.

Upcoming Events

Table Quiz

The Parents’ Association annual table quiz will take place this Friday 6^th March in Derryvalley Hall.  Please encourage all you family and friends to support this event.  If you are unable to attend, the Parents’ Association would greatly appreciate a monetary donation in lieu.  Donations should be placed in an envelope with your family name on it and given to the school secretary or treasurer of P.A. Elaine Fuller.  All families should have received a note regarding catering on the night.  All help on the night will be greatly appreciated.

World Book Day

World Book Day takes place on Thursday 6^th March.  All pupils are going to dress up as a character from a book.  There will be lots of fun activities on the day also.  Please read to and with your children – encouraging children to read has immense benefits.             

Safer Internet Day

Our Safer Internet Day on 11^th February was very enjoyable.  Children had an opportunity to have fun using technology while also learning about the importance of keeping safe while on line.  The school has recently purchased 10 new ipads thanks to a Digital Strategy grant received from the Department of Education.  Thanks to Monaghan Education Centre for allowing us to borrow Beebots and Lego Wedo, both enjoyed by the children.  The local sergeant and guard visited us during the afternoon to reinforce what had been said about staying safe on line while also giving a demonstration on how to arrest somebody!              

Christmas Walk to School

Many thanks to all who donated to Ballybay Cancer Society in December at our festive walk to school.  Charlie Mills and Mary Duffy accepted a donation of €150 which was raised on the day.

Physical Education

We wish to thank Lisa Boyle from LA Gymnastics for organising a visit to the gym in Newbliss in February.  The children had a great day and enjoyed their gymnastic session in a proper gym.  Gymnastics are over for this year.  All children should wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays for the remainder of this term as PE takes place on Fridays.  Swimming lessons for all pupils will take place at Monaghan Leisure Centre after Easter. 

Spellings For Me

Spellings for Me is a new online spelling programme for children in 1^st Class upwards.  Following an information session attended by the staff, the school has signed up for the programme.  The Spellings for Me programme allows children to be challenged appropriately according to their ability not according to their age or class.  Presently all children (1^st class upwards) have received usernames and passwords and they are completing ‘tests’ on line in order to build up their bank of 96 Learning Words which we hope to have completed by Easter.  After Easter we will no longer use the Jolly Phonics Spelling programme but children will be learning their own individualised spellings and each night will complete exercises/activities based on their spellings for the week.  For more information on the programme please see spellingsforme.ie

Shared Education

Children in infants, 1^st and 2^nd class will be meeting with their friends from Clea Primary School on Wednesday next 11^th March at Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill (weather permitting).  More details to follow.

School Closures

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

Dates for your diary:

 

Friday 6^th March                   School Table Quiz in Derryvalley at 8.00

Monday 16^th March              Staff Planning Day – School Closed

Monday 17^th March              St. Patrick’s Day – School Closed

Friday 3^rd April                       Easter Closing

Monday 20^th April                Reopening after Easter Holidays

 

2020  Newsletter

Credit Union Table Quiz

Congratulations to Ben, Adam, Emily, Chloe, Daniel, Alex, Ethan and David who represented our school at the annual Credit Union table quiz last Friday night.  They came up against stiff competition on the night but be that as it may they performed well and should be rightly proud of their achievement.

Safer Internet Day

Tuesday 11^th February is Safer Internet Day.  This is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people.  The theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day is “Together for a Better Internet”.  As part of this initiative we are having a ‘technology day’ next Tuesday 11^th February.  All children will experience digital technology including the use of the internet throughout the day. Pupils in middle and senior classes will design and create posters promoting safer use of the internet.  A guard has been invited in to speak to the children about the safe use of the internet which will include the use of many current apps on mobile phones etc.  The internet is a great source of information for us all but young children need to be aware of the dangers of the internet also.  As part of our schools Digital Learning Plan on line safety is one of the areas the school is focusing on this year and this day gives us an opportunity to do that.       

Also as part of our Digital Learning Plan and thanks to funding received from the Department of Education we have recently purchased 10 Apple Ipads for the school bringing the number of iPads to 16.  These Ipads will greatly support and enhance teaching, learning ad assessment practices in the school.

French/Gymnastics

Agnes Callaghan is presently teaching 5^th & 6^th class French.  These classes take place for 6 weeks and it gives the children a flavour of the language before going to secondary school.

Gymnastics is continuing each Monday for all pupils.  On Monday 17^th February (which is the last day) we are travelling to the gym in Newbliss where the children will get a chance to complete their class in a proper gym.  We thank Lisa, LA Gymnastics, for facilitating this for us.

Shared Education

On Wednesday 15^th January we welcomed our friends from Clea Primary School to take part in a fun day organised by Mrs Patton and Ms Hazlett.  The children were very busy as they moved from station to station.  On Wednesday 11^th March a trip for the children taking part in the Shared Education initiative from both schools is being arranged to visit Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill.  More details will follow nearer the time.                                     

Postal Bible School Prize Giving

The annual Postal Bible School prize giving took place in Hall St. last Wednesday night.  If you were unable to attend you may still attend one of the other prize givings in the area.

 Open afternoon/Enrolments

Enrolment forms are available from the office for any family wishing to enrol a child in the school in September.  They will also be available at the Open Afternoon on Wednesday 19^th February (1.00-3.00pm).  All enrolment forms must be returned to the office by Friday 28^th February.

Advance Notice

School will be closed on Monday 16^th March to facilitate staff training for the new Primary Language Curriculum which will be followed by a staff meeting.

Children will also be off school the following day, Tuesday 17^th March for St. Patrick’s Day.

Parents’ Association Table Quiz

What has now become an annual event, the Parents’ Association are organising a table quiz which will take pace in Derryvalley on Friday 6^th March.  Cost €10 per adult, €5 per child.  There are no quiz sheets this year so it is very important that all families support the quiz.  If you are unable to attend you may send a donation to the PA via the school.  Please try to encourage as many people as possible to attend the table quiz.  Our quiz master this year will be Stephen Duffy.

It is important that parents realise money raised at this event is used to fund additional costs incurred by all families in the school. Swimming, school tours etc. are all subsidised by the Parents’ Association.

The very successful Evening of Music and Song in October covered the PA contribution to the new play area.

Dates for your diary:

Tuesday 11^th February                  Safer Internet Day

Wednesday 19^th February             Open Afternoon

Thur/Fri 20th/21^st February          Mid Term – School Closed

Friday 6^th March                   School Table Quiz in Derryvalley

Monday 16^th March              New Language Curr. Training Day –                                                     School Closed

Tuesday 17^th March             St. Patrick’s Day – School Closed

    January 2020  Newsletter

 

Welcome back to Ballybay Central School for the start of a new term.  We hope everybody had a Happy Christmas and had the opportunity to rest and enjoy family time.  We are delighted to welcome Pam Mullen to the staff this week.  Pam has been appointed as SNA in the infant classroom.

Gymnastics

We are pleased to welcome Lisa Boyle from LA Gymnastics to school this term.  From Monday next, 13^th January all children will take part in a gymnastic session – one of the strands of the PE curriculum, for 6 weeks (until half term).  The cost of the lessons are €2 per lesson per child.  The Parents’ Association has kindly offered to subsidise the lessons which keeps the cost down and we are thankful to them for this.  Payment can be made weekly in advance of each class or paid in full this week – if your child misses a session due to illness you will be refunded the cost of that session.  Please put the money in an envelope with your family name on it for the attention of Mrs. McBride.

Christmas Activities

Thank you to all who helped out in any way with the activities before Christmas.  The plays were a great success and everybody enjoyed the visit from Santa also.

We had a very enjoyable walk to school on Thursday 19^th December and this was followed by a delicious breakfast on our arrival at school.  €150 was raised on the day for Ballybay Cancer Society.

Many thanks to all who contributed to our non-perishable food items collection before Christmas.  Caire Douglas from Hope Café was overwhelmed with the amount collected and thanked the children very much.  She reminded us that some people have very little and often January can be a very tough month for families – our food items will be used to help families less off than ourselves.

The morning of our school holidays saw 54 very excited children exchanging Kris Kindle presents in the hall – it was lovely to see the smiles on their faces as they ripped open the wrapping paper revealing their gifts.  Many thanks to the ‘shoppers’.

Cash for Clobber

Following on from our clothes collection in October last year, the school received a cheque for €456.  This money was used to buy new outfits for the Christmas Plays.

New Interactive Board

The Department of Education are funding a new interactive board for the senior classroom.  This will be delivered and installed this week hopefully.

Open Afternoon

Our Open Afternoon will take place on Wednesday 19^th February 1.00-3.00pm  parents considering enrolments for September 2020 are most welcome to visit the school with their child/children during the afternoon.  Enrolment forms will be available on the day. The Open Afternoon will be advertised locally nearer the time.

Dates for your diary:

Wednesday 19^th February             Open Afternoon

Thur/Fri 20^th/21^stFebruary             Mid Term – School Closed

Tuesday 17^th March                      St. Patrick’s Day – School Closed

December Newsletter 2019

Where has the time gone?  It’s hard to believe we are in December already, it seems like only yesterday we returned to school.  After a busy month of moving classrooms (for some) new teachers and different class groupings things are beginning to settle down.  We welcome Ms Anita Brown to the school as our Special Education Teacher – we hope she enjoys her time with us.  Ms Victoria Hazlett has been appointed as a temporary mainstream class teacher until August 31^st.  Interviews will take place next week to appoint an SNA for the Junior Classroom.  Already we can see how the smaller class groupings are benefitting all the children in the school and as a staff we greatly appreciate the Department of Education’s decision to appoint an additional teacher to our school.

Pantomime

December will be a busy month for one of our 6^th Class pupils, Ella Grimes, as she takes part in the Cheerios pantomime, Cinderella at the Pantodome, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin.  The pantomime stars Alan Hughes (TV3), Jake Carter (singer), Jenny Dixon (Fair City) and many more.  Ella will perform in almost 30 shows over the Christmas period and we wish her well.

New Board of Management

The new Board of Management officially commenced its term of office on December 1^st. 

Rev. G. Clinton                   Presbytery Nominee

Mrs. Mildred Clarke           Presbytery Nominee

 

Mrs. Karen Pepper             Staff Nominee

Mrs. Pamela Patton            Staff Nominee

 

Mr. Alan Hamilton             Parent Nominee

Mrs. Catriona Burgess        Parent Nominee

 

Mr. Clayton Wilson            Nominee from the wider community

Mrs Eleanor Wilson           Nominee from the wider community

 

The Board of Management is the body of persons appointed by the patron (Presbytery) to manage the school on behalf of the patron.  It is the duty of the Board to “manage the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students and their parents and to provide or cause to be provided an appropriate education for each student at the school” (Se. 15 Education Act, 1988)

Cash for Clobber

Many thanks to all who donated to the Cash for Clobber scheme – a total weight of 1140kg was collected altogether.  This is the most we have ever collected. The school will receive €456 which will be used to buy resources for the classroom.

Food Collection

Throughout the month of December we are asking pupils to donate to our Christmas Food Appeal.  Non-perishable food items can be left in the box in the hall at the stage.  Claire Douglas will accept the food on behalf of Hope Café, Monaghan.  It will be distributed to local needy families in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas Walk to School

On Thursday 19^th December children should meet at The Riverdale Hotel between 9.00-9.20 wearing festive hats, jumpers etc. We will walk to school through the park jingling all the way!  On arrival at school members of the Parents’ Association will provide breakfast for all. This year we are asking that all children bring €2 each to school on that morning and the money will be donated to Ballybay Cancer Society as we supported them last year.

Christmas Plays

The children are very busy practising for their Christmas plays at the moment.  This year Junior and Senior Infants will perform Christmas Counts and 1^st-6^th Class will perform The Magical Christmas Jigsaw on Tuesday 17^th December at 7.30pm in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church Hall, Hall Street.  Please note the change of venue this year.  Our school hall has now become a library, staff room, SET room and general storage area.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher meetings take place this week on Thursday.  School will remain open until 3.00pm as usual.  If however your appointment is prior to this time you may bring your child home with you when you are finished meeting your child’s/children’s teacher(s).  Please note in order to keep to the schedule each child’s meeting will last 10 minutes.   Don’t be offended if your meeting concludes after 10 minutes – should you need to speak to your child’s teacher regarding any concern you may have, make an appointment to do so on an alternative day.  It is important that all meetings start and finish on time in order to keep to the schedule and to avoid parents having to be kept waiting.

Kris Kindle

It is the policy in our school that instead of the children exchanging Christmas presents with each other we implement Kris Kindle. All names will be put into a hat and every child will be given another child to buy for. Please spend no more than €5 on the present, wrap it and put the name of the person it is for (but not who it is from) on the label. Children may start to leave the presents under the Christmas tree in the hall.  All presents should be left under the tree before Wednesday 18^th December. The presents will be distributed on the day of the holidays.

Native Irish Trees

As part of the Science Festival this year, Monaghan and Cavan County Council collaborated with Science Foundation Ireland and Coillte to provide free native Irish trees to community groups and schools in the two counties to plant.  We were delight to receive 25 trees.  The children will plant them this week in our Outdoor Classroom Space.

End of term arrangements

Thursday 12^th December will be the last night of homework before Christmas. School closes at 12.00 on Friday 20^th December and reopens at 9.00 on Monday 6^th January 2019.

 

 

Dates for Your Diary

Thurs 5^th December                Parent teacher meetings

Tuesday 17^th December           The Christmas Plays at 7.30pm

Thursday 19^th December          Festive Walk to School                                               

Friday 20^th December              Christmas Holidays – school closes at 12

Monday 6^th January 2019         School reopens

         November 2019  Newsletter

 

Welcome

We welcome Ethan and Sarah Lynn Maloney to Junior Infants and First Class and we wish them well as they settle into our school.

New Class Groupings

As the Department of Education have given permission for the appointment of a 3^rd mainstream class teacher for the remainder of this year, the new teaching arrangements for 2019-2020 only are as follows:

Junior/Senior Infants  - Ms. Hazlett

1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd                     - Mrs. Patton

4^th, 5^th, 6^th                      - Mrs. Pepper

Many thanks for all the offers of help we received in order to get classrooms ready for the new arrangements.  Due to the new appointment our staff room has now become the Special Education Teacher’s room and the hall will now be used as a library, equipment storage space, SET support (for larger groups), staff room and so will not be suitable for PE on wet days!  As Mrs. Pepper is moving back to the classroom the SET position is being filled on a temporary basis for the coming few weeks by Irene Flynn.  We welcome Irene to Ballybay Central and look forward to having her working with us.  The new appointment of a 3^rd mainstream class teacher will greatly benefit all children as they will now be in smaller groups.  We acknowledge that it has been difficult for teachers to teach and children to learn when in a classroom of 20+ children.  In order to retain this 3^rd mainstream class teacher post it is required that our enrolments for the coming years remain above 50 pupils.  Presently we have 54 pupils enrolled.

P.E.

 This term all pupils will participate in G.A.A. classes with the local G.A.A. coaches.  These classes take place on THURSDAYS so all pupils must wear tracksuits and runners on Thursdays instead of Friday from now until Christmas.

Cash for Clobber

Many thanks to those who have donated bags of clothes to the Cash for Clobber scheme. It’s great to have past parents also donating to the collection.  The bags will be collected on Wednesday this week so if you wish to leave in bags please do so before then please.  Money collected from this scheme will be used to buy much needed resources for the classrooms.

Evening of Music and Song

What a wonderful evening of music and song we had on Friday 18^th October.  The feedback following the event was extremely positive.  Many thanks to the Parents’ Association Committee and all parents who helped out in any way on the evening.  To date the total amount raised is €2859.65.

Parents’ Association Committee

Following the A.G.M. of the school’s Parents’ Association the following committee was elected:

Chairperson –Wendy Leonard

Vice-Chairperson – Jason Pollock

Treasurer – Elaine Fuller

Secretary – Nicola McAdam

BOM Representatives – Catriona Burgess and Alan Hamilton

Committee – Stephanie Moffett, William Patton, Christine Phillips, Sabina Vogel

Dates for Your Diary

Thursday 5^th December         Parent Teacher Meetings

Tuesday 17^th December        Christmas Play      

Friday 20^th December           Christmas Holidays – closing 12.00

 

This will be the last newsletter you will receive in a printed format.  From December the newsletter may be viewed on the school website – www.ballybaycns.com

             

October Newsletter 2019

An Evening of Music and Song

An evening of music and song will take place in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church, Hall St. on Friday 18^th October at 7.30pm.  The children are busy practising their pieces for this event.  All children in the Senior Room will take part and children in the Junior Room who wish to be part of the choir may also join in.  We will be practising in the church closer to the event.  Please spread the word regarding this event – all money raised will go towards outstanding costs of the new play area.  Further tickets are available from the school.

Story Telling Workshops

All pupils will attend story telling workshops on Monday 7^th October in Scoil Eanna.  Danielle Allison will transport children to places near and far with stories that are funny, serious, wise and interactive all at once.  This event is being organised by Ballybay Library.

Food Glorious Food

Copies of the very successful cookery book, Food Glorious Food, are available in the school office at €10 each.  These would make excellent Christmas presents should anyone wish to purchase them.

New Boards of Management

The term of the current Board of Management will expire on 30^th November 2019 with newly formed boards assuming office from December 1^st.  The Board of Management who manage the school on behalf of the Presbytery consists of 2 people nominated by Presbytery, 2 teachers, 2 parents and 2 people from the wider community.  The process for nominating and electing 2 parent nominees will be issued shortly.  There are generally 5 meetings per year and I would encourage parents to consider standing for nomination and election as a parent’s nominee on the Board of Management.

Parents’ Association AGM

The Parents’ Association AGM will take place on Tuesday 22^nd October in the school hall at 8.00pm.  All parents are encouraged to attend this meeting.  A new committee will be formed that night.  It is important to remember that all parents are part of the Parents’ Association.  The Parents’ Association is the structure through which parents can work with the Principal, staff and the Board of Management to build an effective partnership which benefits and supports all children in the school.

Cash For Clobber

All unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, shoes (paired) may be left into school over the coming weeks for collection by Cash for Clobber on Wednesday 6^th November.  The money raised from the collection will be used to buy much needed resources for the school.

 Book Bills

Each family will receive their book rental bill next week.  Please return money in an envelope with your family name on it for the attention of Mrs McBride.  We endeavour to keep costs as low as possible as we are able to subsidise the book rental costs thanks to the school book grant received from the Department of Education.  Any book lost or damaged MUST BE REPLACED.  All bills must be paid by Wednesday 23^rd October.  If you wish to pay in instalments please contact the Principal and this can be arranged.

Photographer

A photographer from County Photographs will be in school on Wednesday 16^th October.  Individual and family photographs along with a school group, Junior Infants and Sixth Class photos will be taken.  There is no obligation on any family to purchase photographs.  FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM must be worn on the day.

Mid-Term

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

G.A.A.

Ann McKenna, GAA coach will be in school between Halloween and Christmas.  P.E. will take place on Thursdays and so pupils must wear tracksuits and runners on Thurday for the duration of that period.

Christmas Play

Pupils will perform their Christmas play(s) on Tuesday night 17^th December in the school hall.  Further details nearer the time.

Dates For Your Diary

An Evening of Music and Song – Friday 18^th October at 7.300pm in                       2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church

Mid-term Break —School will be closed from Monday 28^th October –                        Friday 1^st November inclusive.

Cash for Clobber – Wednesday 6^th November

Christmas Play – Tuesday 17^th December

Christmas Holidays – Friday 20^th December last day of term and returning Monday 6^th January 2020 

September Newsletter 2019

Fáitle romhaibh go léir arais go Lár Scoil Bhéil Átha Beithe.  Welcome back to Ballybay Central School for a new school year.  We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Annabelle, Emily, Joshua, Mason and Witness who have started school this year and also welcome to Mikayla, Riley and Jessica who have joined Senior Infants.

Annual Consent Form

Please complete the consent form attached and return to the office as soon as possible.  In order to cut down on the amount of paper and photocopying we will not be sending notes home with the children this year if at all possible.  Instead we will contact you by text (if short message) or by email (if longer). Please complete the attached page with your mobile number and email address.  If you do not wish to be contacted by email or have not got an email address please indicate this on the form.

Parents’ Association

Following on from the success of last year’s fundraising endeavours by the Parents’ Association, a concert will be held on Friday 18th October in 2^nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church featuring Michael Lawson, Ballybay Gospel Singers, our school choir and other artists.  Tickets cost €10 each and will be distibuted this week.  Please support the Parents’ Association as money raised will be used to help fund costs incurred with our new playground.

Healthy Lunch Policy

Please adhere to the school’s healthy lunch policy.  We are proud of our Healthy School Status.  We worked hard to achieve it and we must continue to promote health at all times.

1. Some of the healthy snacks that we encourage include; wraps, pasta, sandwiches, bread sticks, rice cakes, crackers, plain standard yoghurts, sugar free jelly, fruit, vegetables, cheese, cream crackers. Pre-packed cheese, chocolate spreads, chocolate/cheese dips, and chewy/sticky bars and sweets are not advisable at any time.
2. Chewing gum, nuts, crisps and cereal bars are not permitted. Foods which have wrappers (i.e. tinfoil) are to be kept to a minimum and disposed of properly to reduce litter and protect our school environment.
3. Healthier choices of drinks include milk and water. Yoghurt drinks are also a healthy option.  Pure unsweetened juices or well diluted sugar free squashes (1:10) may be included but only as part of their lunch meal, to reduce the risk of tooth decay.  Other drinks such as sweetened fruit juices, fruit drinks e.g. cartons of juice, squashes, fizzy drinks (including diet drinks and sparkling water) should be avoided due to their sugar and/or acid content, as these are also harmful to teeth.

Please note biscuits, bars, yoghurts with chocolate balls, chocolate spread, cereal bars and cartons of juice, Capri sun etc are not allowed.

This year if children wish they may bring popcorn to school as part of their healthy lunches.

 Books

All text books and copy books are provided by the school.  Bills for the rental of text books and  workbooks will be issued at the beginning of October.  All pupils must have their own pencils, pens, rubbers, sharpeners etc.  Text books are 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.

School Opening Times

The main door of the school remains locked until 9.00 each morning.  Children who arrive before this time must wait in the porch area until the door is opened.  Children are not covered by insurance before 9.00 and we’d ask parents not to leave children on the school grounds unsupervised before this time.  Classes start at 9.20 and all pupils should be in their classroom by then.

Junior Infants will finish at 12.30 until Wednesday 11th and from Thursday 12th will finish with Senior Infants at 2.00.

Contacting the School

If you need to contact a member of staff, please ring 042 9741365 before 9.20am or after 3.10pm.

Annual Consent

The Annual Consent for the incoming year is attached.  This gives consent for pupils to take part in school activities/tours/sport/visits to other schools.  Please fill in the consent form and return as soon as possible.

Absences

If for any reason a pupil is absent for a day or longer period of time a written note explaining the        absence should be sent to school on the pupils return.  A note in the homework journal will suffice    either.  All notes are kept in school and will be made available to the Education Welfare Officer if       requested when investigating prolonged absences (20+ days).  During a legitimate sickness pupils should be kept at home to avoid infection being spread to the whole school community.  Good attendance at school is to be encouraged as it sets a good foundation for later life.

 Uniform

Please ensure to name your child’s/children’s jumper(s).  They have a habit of going missing and getting mixed up especially while the weather is still warm.  Ensure that the name remains on all year as they can wash off. 

P.E.- Fridays

All pupils to wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays until Halloween.  Runners should be worn to school on Thursdays also (with school uniform) in the Junior Room.

Brennan 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 have been given the choice to purchase cover on a ‘compulsory’ basis whereby all pupils in school are insured for €5.30 each where cover is limited to School Related Activities only. The main advantages to running a compulsory scheme are:

• The premium is lower – Last year’s prices were €10.10 for 24 hour cover or €6.50 for school cover – a saving of €4.80 or €1.20 respectively on last year’s prices.
• There are no separate forms for parents to complete for each child.

If you could forward €5.30 per child to the office in an envelope labelled ‘Insurance’ and your child/children’s names as soon as possible please.

 Primary Language Inservice Training

There will be no school on Tuesday 1^st October due to a staff training seminar.

Outdoor Furniture

We are delighted with the addition of 2 recycled outdoor tables in the playground.  David Boyle did a fantastic job designing and painting the old electric cable reels.  We are looking forward to the arrival of more outdoor furniture in the coming weeks – this was purchased with money made available to us through the Shared Education initiative.

Mrs. Boyle

We wish Mrs Boyle our very best wishes as she commences her maternity leave towards the end of this month.  We look forward to welcoming Ms. Victoria Hazlett to the Junior Classroom for the duration of Mrs Boyle’s leave.

Dates for your diary

Tuesday 1^st October                           School closed due to staff training

Monday 28^th Oct-Friday 1^st Nov         School closed – Mid-term break