June Newsletter 2026
As we approach the final few weeks of this academic year, there are many events taking place – hopefully the sun will shine on us!
Friday 12th June – School Tour to Rossmore Park
Friday 19th June – Sports Day (weather permitting)
Monday 22nd June – Fun Afternoon 1.00-3.00pm
For each of the above days Junior and Senior Infants stay in school until 3.00pm. Ballybay Community Crèche has been notified.
Induction Morning
We look forward to welcoming the new Junior Infants to school for an induction morning on Wednesday 17th June from 10.00-12.30pm. On that morning, First Class will move into the Middle Classroom and Fourth Class will move to the Senior Classroom for the duration of the induction day. Our new Junior Infants have also been invited to attend the Fun Afternoon on 22nd June – parents do not attend the Fun Afternoon.
School Tour
Please log into Aladdin Connect to give or decline permission for your child/children to go on the school tour. This year we have decided to stay local. A fun schedule of activities is planned for the day. Children will receive a treat bag each from Fresh Today and their choice of McDonalds Happy Meal. They may bring additional snacks and drinks if they wish. Hopefully the weather will be good and if so sun hats/cream will also be required. If your child does not eat a Happy Meal, please let us know (by emailing the school) a.s.a.p. so as we can organise an alternative lunch for them. The cost of the tour is €12 per pupil - €7 for the bus and €5 towards the Happy Meal. If you haven’t done so yet, please forward the money to the school bank account as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday 10th June. When transferring money please put your child’s name and ‘TOUR’ in the subject bar so we as we know who has paid.
Primary Schoolbooks Scheme 2026-2027
Please see the leaflet attached to this email with information for parents about the Schoolbook Scheme. This scheme has been in operation in schools for the last number of years and it takes financial pressure off parents when it comes to purchasing books or paying for book rental schemes.
As per point 6 on page three of the leaflet, schools may request a charge for photocopying and other classroom resources. This has been discussed by the Board of Management and from September 2026 a charge of €20 per child, €50 per family of three + children will be sought to assist with the rising school costs. There is no need to pay this money yet – you will be notified about it in September/October.
School Attendance
Your child’s attendance will be recorded on their end of year report. If any child missed more than 20 days in an academic year, TESS (Tusla Education Support Services) is notified. Names of pupils who miss 20+ days are automatically sent to TESS regardless of the reason for absence or if the absence is explained or not. Reporting to TESS is mandatory. At this time of year children from 1st Class upwards complete Standardised Tests. If they are absent when testing takes place they have to complete the test on their return.
School Reports
End of year school reports will be available for viewing on Aladdin from 16th June. Please ensure you have access to Aladdin in order to view your child’s/children’s reports. If you haven’t notifications switched on on Aladdin I would encourage you to do so as not to miss messages from school.
Homework
Wednesday 10th June is the last night of homework this year.
Best wishes
We would like to wish Hannea, Jason, Luke, Amelia Graham, Aloise, Mikayla, Riley, Amelia McAdam, Jessica, Albina and Suleiman every good wish as they leave us in a few weeks. They are starting secondary school in Ballybay Community College, Castleblayney College, Monaghan Collegiate School and Our Lady’s, Castleblayney. We thank them for the contribution they have made to Ballybay Central School during their time with us. We also wish Ms Brown well as she starts her maternity leave at the end of August. Interviews will take place in June for a substitute teacher to cover in the Middle Classroom.
Classes 2026-2027
Junior Classroom Junior & Senior Infants & 1st Class Mrs Patton
Middle Classroom 2nd-4th Classes TBC
Senior Classroom 5th & 6th Classes Mrs Pepper
Special Education Teacher Mrs Boyle
SNA Pam Mullen
May I wish everyone a happy, safe and relaxing summer break and we look forward to welcoming you back on 27th August.
Ballybay Central National School
School Calendar 2026-2027
| School Re-opens |
Thursday 27th August 2026 |
| Mid-Term Break | Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October inclusive |
| Christmas Closing | Tuesday 22nd December at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening | Wednesday 6th January 2027 |
| St Brigid’s Day | Monday 1st February |
| Mid-Term Break | Thursday 18th February & Friday 19th February |
| St. Patrick’s Day | Wednesday 17th March |
| Easter Closing | Friday 19th March at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening | Monday 5th April |
| Bank Holiday Weekend | Friday 30th April & Monday 3rd May |
| Bank Holiday | Monday 7th June |
| Summer Holidays Closing | Tuesday 22nd June at 12.00 |
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.