School Newsletter 2025
It’s hard to believe we have arrived at the end of the academic year already. The weeks and months seem to have flown by this year. We are looking forward to welcoming our 11 new Junior Infants to school on Wednesday 11th June. On the induction morning 1st class will visit Ms Brown’s room for the morning and 4th class will visit Mrs Pepper’s room so everyone will get a chance to experience their new classrooms. As we approach the end of the year we would like to wish Lisa, Amy, Sarah Lynn, Laura, Kira and Ethan every good wish as they prepare to transfer to secondary school in Ballybay and Monaghan. We thank them for the contribution they have made to Ballybay Central School over the last number of years.
Staff
We wish to thank Ms McCarney for her commitment and dedication to our school since last September. Ms McCarney was covering Ms Brown’s maternity leave and her last day with us is this Friday, 6th June. We would also like to thank Ms Donaghy for her work teaching English as an additional language throughout the year. Ms Donaghy is finishing next week and we wish her well with the arrival of her new baby in July. Ms Brown returns from maternity leave on Monday 9th June and we look forward to welcoming her back to the middle classroom.
End of Year Activities
Active School Week
This week is Active School Week. Ms McCarney and the Active School Committee have organized lots of fun activities for the children. On Thursday a trip has been organized to Rossmore Forest/Playground – this will depend on the weather but please make sure children bring coats to school as there are lots of showers forecast. Cold lunches have been ordered for Thursday and Friday this week.
Swimming
This week Friday 6th June, is the last swimming day. We congratulate Bryan Coleman, 3rd Class on being selected to swim at the interschool’s swimming gala on 21st June and we wish him well.
Sports Day for all pupils will take place on Thursday 12th June (weather permitting). All children stay in school until 3.00pm that day.
School Tour
The middle and senior rooms will go to W5, Belfast on Friday 13th June on their school tour. We will leave school at 8.30am and return at 3.30pm approx. The cost of the tour is €20 per child. Any outstanding money should be paid online on or before Wednesday 11th June. Children should bring a packed lunch with them, they may bring a treat but they also should have some healthy food – sandwiches etc.
P.E. clothes are to be worn.
The details of the school account are below:
IBAN: IE20 AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56
BIC: AIBKIE2D
Account Name: Ballybay Central School
Please put your family name/child's name on the payment.
You will receive a receipt from Sandra in the office after payment has been received.
Fun Afternoon
This year, instead of the usual end of year Fun Night, we are having a Fun Afternoon in school on Wednesday 18th June from 1.00-3.00pm. The incoming Junior Infants have been invited also and all children are to stay until 3.00pm that day – no 2.00pm pick up.
Homework
This week children will receive active homework instead of written homework. Please encourage your children to complete activities. Reading, spellings and tables are to be completed each night also. Next week, reading, spellings and tables will be set on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night only. There will be no homework given from Thursday 12th June until the end of term.
Class arrangements 2025-2026
Mrs Patton Junior, Senior Infants & 1st Class
Ms Brown 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Class
Mrs Pepper 5th & 6th Class
Special Education Teacher To be confirmed
Special Needs Assistant Pam Mullen
Wishing everybody a relaxing, sun filled summer.
Ballybay Central National School
School Calendar 2025-2026
| School Re-opens
|
Thursday 28th August 2025 |
| Mid-Term Break | Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October inclusive |
| Christmas Closing | Friday 19th December at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 5th January 2026 |
| St Brigid’s Day
|
Monday 2nd February |
| Mid-Term Break | Thursday 19th February & Friday 20th February |
| St. Patrick’s Day Weekend
|
Monday 16th March & Tuesday 17th March |
| Easter Closing | Friday 27th March at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 13th April |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 4th May |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 1st June |
| Summer Holidays Closing
|
Tuesday 23rd June |
Additional closures for staff in-service/planning days will be forwarded to parents as soon as the school is notified by the Department of Education.