Newsletter 2024
Credit Union Quiz
On Monday 29th January 2 teams represented our school at the Credit Union Table Quiz. Congratulations to Luke, Amelia McAdam, Hannea and Jason who competed in the Junior Section and Adam, Max, Seamus and Lisa who competed in the Senior Section. Both performed well and the senior team finished in 2nd place, only beaten by 2 points.
Early Collection on Wednesdays
Many thanks to all parents for facilitating staff training on 4 consecutive Wednesdays during January and February. Today is the last day school finishes at 2.45 for children in 1st-6th Class.
Collection at 3.00pm
The school gate is extremely busy at 3.00pm with cars coming and going. Children will not be permitted to leave the school grounds until it is safe to do so. Parents of younger children should come to the school gate to collect their child/children, especially if they are parked further away. Some parents wait until 3.05/3.10 to collect and this reduces the amount of vehicles at 3.00pm. Please consider staggering your collection time.
After School Activities
On Wednesday 21st February all pupils have the opportunity to take part in a Lego workshop after school. (Infants 2.00-3.00 & 1st-6th 3.15-4.15). On Tuesday 19th March the after school workshop is a STEM workshop – Predators of the Deep Ocean and River Monsters. (Infants 2.00-3.00 & 1st-6th 3.15-4.15). Please ensure you have returned the form indicating if your child/children wish to take part. These afterschool activities are free. Glow Group, www.glowgroupni.com who will deliver the Lego workshop are also willing to deliver an eight week after school workshop @ €45 per child, Lego for younger children and coding and Minecraft for older children.
At this stage we are looking to see if there would be sufficient numbers for the 8 weeks. Please note parents would have to pay for this. You will be notified if the 8 week programme goes ahead.
Open Afternoon & Applications for 2024/2025
An Open Afternoon takes place on Wednesday next, 14th February. Parents and children who are considering enrolling in Ballybay Central School are welcome to visit the school between 1.30-3.00 on that afternoon. Application forms will also be available on the day. The closing date for receipt of application forms is Friday 1st March.
Volleyball/Junior Athletics Coaching
On Monday 26th February for 3 weeks children in the Middle and Senior classrooms will participate in volleyball as part of our P.E. programme. Children in the Junior classroom will receive Junior Athletics Coaching. These activities are being provided by Monaghan Sports Partnership. Tracksuits and runners must be worn on Monday 26th Feb, 4th March and 11th March instead of Fridays. Due to limited space in school we plan to do the volleyball and athletics in Hall Street hall. The children will walk there and back.
Student Council News
As part of a fundraiser for yard equipment, the Student Council are planning to sell tote bags. These will be available to purchase at the school early in March. The bags will feature self portraits of all the students in the school and will make a lovely keepsake for years to come. The process is currently at the design phase. Please keep an eye on the school website for further details.
After School Committee
Our Active School Committee was chosen in January. Congratulations to Moriah (JI), Eliana (SI), Theodore (1st), Holly (2nd), Mason 3rd, Jason (4th), Lisa (5th), Christina (6th).
Moderator’s Visit
We are looking forward to the visit of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sam Mawhinney and his wife on Tuesday 5th March. The Moderator will visit the classrooms and take part in an assembly.
Soccer for Girls in County Monaghan
Blayney Academy FC are currently recruiting for their u13 and u14 teams for the new summer soccer season. No experience is required. They are looking for girls with a love of sport and meeting new people while also wishing to increase their fitness and skill levels. Their teams play weekly in leagues and cups with all home matches in Beech Hill College, Monaghan. Training takes place at Clontibret Astro Park. There are three free open days for girls interested in playing the world's biggest female sport, where they can give it a go, meet new friends and try soccer 'the Academy way'.
Girls from all over Monaghan and surrounding counties are invited to attend and parents can contact Club Chairman David Lynch (086-8328667) or Girls Development Officer Declan McNamee (0044-7979880009) for further information.
You can also visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/blayneyacademy/
Free Open Football Sessions:
- Friday 9/2/24 - 30pm Our Ladies Astro Castleblayney
- Sunday 11/2/24 - 11am Beech Hill College Soccer Pitch
- Thursday 15/2/24 - 6pm Clontibret Astro Park
Coffee Morning
The next coffee morning will take place on Friday 1st March. All parents are warmly invited to drop into the school hall for tea/coffee and a chat between 9.20-10.30 on that morning.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our Chairperson, Rev. Gerry Clinton on his recent engagement to Naomi Hillis. We wish them both every happiness.
Parents’Association
The Parents’ Association are hosting “Wardrobe Colour Style” with Catherine McGregor, on Wednesday 20th March in Hall Street. Tickets will be issued to each family shortly.
Healthy Eating Policy
All families will receive a draft copy of the newly revised Healthy Eating Policy today. Please read the policy carefully and complete the attached questionnaire. Return the questionnaire to Mrs. Patton before Wednesday next, 14th February.
Mid Term
School will be closed on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th February for Mid Term break.