January 2024 Newsletter
Welcome back to a new term at Ballybay Central School. We trust you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to what 2024 has to bring.
Welcome
We welcome Ms. Elaine Morgan to the staff. Ms Morgan is covering Ms Donaghy’s maternity leave and will be teaching in the Senior Room every Tuesday. Ms Morgan has spent many years teaching in Hong Kong and she brings a wealth of experience with her. She will be introducing the pupils in 4th-6th Class to French which will be an added bonus.
Pre Christmas Activities
School was very busy in the run up to the holidays. Many thanks to all who donated food to our food appeal. Teach na Daoine were delighted with the response.
€260 was donated to Ballybay Cancer Society following the festive walk to school and breakfast. Again many thanks to all who donated so generously.
Everyone had a great day at the pantomime in Armagh on 18th December.
The highlight of our run up to Christmas was most definitely the Christmas Shows in Derryvalley Hall on 20th December. The children performed so well. Many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their gift of a selection box to every child and also thanks to the committee for organising the food after the show. All parents should have received the link for the recording of the shows. We are very grateful to Tyron Ross for recording and editing the evening.
The following day was a pyjama, movie and hot chocolate day with donations being given to the Parents’ Association funds.
All children were very pleased with their Kris Kindle gifts which were distributed on 22nd December.
Fresh Today Lunch Boxes
All pupils are being given a lunch box this week. The lunch boxes are being provided by Fresh Today. They will no longer be taking back empty boxes/food after lunch. Your child’s lunch carton from Fresh Today will be put in the lunch box each day after lunch and sent home. Please ensure your child’s lunch box is in their bag every day in order to take home lunch cartons.
A new year might be a good time to talk to your child about their lunch order. While most children are happy with their lunch orders and eat all they get, a number of children especially in the Junior classroom are not eating any of their Fresh Today lunches. Fresh Today lunches are not compulsory and if your child does not want to receive the lunch you must let us know so their name will be taken off the system.
Coffee Morning
The next coffee morning will take place on Friday 26th January. All parents are warmly invited to drop into the school hall for tea/coffee and a chat between 9.20-10.30 on that morning.
Dates For Your Diary
Monday 5th February - School Closed, St. Brigid’s Day
Thur/Fri 15th/16th Feb - School Closed, Mid Term