End of Year School Newsletter 2023
It’s hard to believe we have reached the last month of this academic year already. The year seems to have flown by; it has been very busy with the children participating in many educational events and trips throughout the year. During this year we have welcomed many new children and families to our school community. The current enrolment is 65 pupils and looking forward to next year the enrolment will be similar. We would like to say goodbye and best wishes to our 6th class pupils as they leave us to begin the next chapter in their educational journey in secondary schools in Monaghan, Castleblayney and Ballybay – best wishes to Hanny, Madison, Levi, Emma, Jake, Elizabeth L, Josh, Lydia, Elizabeth M, Lewis and Kyle. We also bid farewell to Anna and her Mum Eniko as they leave the area to return to Europe. We are looking forward to welcoming our new Junior Infants to an induction morning today.
School Uniform
The importance of wearing the correct school uniform cannot be emphasised enough. When buying school uniform over the summer please bare in mind that all children must wear plain black shoes/runners. Runners or shoes with logos, white soles and in various colours (including navy) are not part of the uniform. It has been noted that some children are currently wearing the incorrect footwear.
In September parents will be contacted if children are not wearing the correct uniform. They will be required to buy the appropriate footwear/uniform so please do not buy something that is not going to be permitted to be worn in school.
Spare Uniform
As we come to the end of the school year, if anyone has pieces of uniform they no longer require, they would be gratefully accepted in school.
Free Primary School Books
The Minister of Education has made available a School Book Grant which will provide free school books for all children in Primary Schools from September 2023. This grant will include the cost of all textbooks, readers, workbooks and copybooks. Parents will no longer be charged a book rental fee. We will provide all books which will remain the property of the school and must be returned at the end of each year. We are asking parents to supply an appropriate filled pencil case for their child/children. Each class teacher will be in touch before school reopens with details of what is required.
End of Year Family Fun Evening
The Parent’s Association have organised a family treasure hunt for all children and families on Monday 19th June at 7.00pm. Pupils are encouraged to attend with members of their family. Everyone is asked to meet in Ballybay Park on the evening. Following the treasure hunt everyone will move up to the school grounds for refreshments. The evening will end at 9.00pm. Pupils will not be permitted to take part in the treasure hunt without an adult present in their group.
P.E. Days
P.E. will take place on Fridays until the end of term as we are finished swimming lessons. Children should wear uniforms Monday-Thursday and tracksuits on Fridays for the remainder of this term.
The last day for wearing school uniform this year will be Wednesday 14th June. Children may wear their own clothes from Thursday 15th June onwards. Wednesday 14th June will also be the last night of homework this year.
Looking Ahead
Sports Day will take place for all children on Friday this week. Junior and Senior Infants are to stay until 3.00pm. Children in 2nd-6th Class are going on a trip to Baird’s Shore and the water treatment plant in Corcaghan on Thursday 8th June. A trip to Rossmore Forest Park will also take place before the end of term, the date will be confirmed.
Dogs Trust Ireland
Well done to 2nd and 3rd Class who completed 100 Skips A Day In May. They raised a total of €110 for Dogs Trust Ireland. This is a great achievement.
School Reports
School reports will be released on Aladdin on Wednesday 14th June. If you are unable to access Aladdin or have not signed up for Aladdin please contact the office.
Class Arrangements for 2023-2024
It is quite difficult to make definite plans for September at this stage but class arrangements for next year are provisionally as follows:
Junior & Senior Infants – Mrs Boyle
First, Second & Third Class – Ms Brown
Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Class – Mrs Pepper
Special Education Teacher – Mrs Patton
Principal Release Day Teacher – TBC
Staff
We thank Ms Moffett for all her hard work and dedication this year while covering Mrs Patton’s leave and wish her well in her teaching career. During July both Ms Brown and Ms Moffett will be getting married. On behalf of the entire school community we would like to wish them both God’s richest blessing on their wedding days.
We also thank Ms Fitzpatrick for her contribution to our school this year. Ms Fitzpatrick taught in the Senior Room each Tuesday. The children thoroughly enjoyed her art classes! Ms Fitzpatrick also established a Student Council in the school and co-ordinated many events with the Student Council.
On behalf of the staff I would like to wish each and everyone in the school community a happy, joyous and sun filled summer. Thank you for your support throughout the last year. Enjoy the break from school routine and spending quality time together.
SCHOOL CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JUNE AT 12.00 FOR SUMMER
And reopens at 9.00 for all pupils on Wednesday 30th August.