March Newsletter 2020
Welcome
We extend a warm welcome to Michael and Grace Fletcher who have joined 5th Class and Senior Infants. We hope they will be very happy in Ballybay Central.
Upcoming Events
Table Quiz
The Parents’ Association annual table quiz will take place this Friday 6th March in Derryvalley Hall. Please encourage all you family and friends to support this event. If you are unable to attend, the Parents’ Association would greatly appreciate a monetary donation in lieu. Donations should be placed in an envelope with your family name on it and given to the school secretary or treasurer of P.A. Elaine Fuller. All families should have received a note regarding catering on the night. All help on the night will be greatly appreciated.
World Book Day
World Book Day takes place on Thursday 6th March. All pupils are going to dress up as a character from a book. There will be lots of fun activities on the day also. Please read to and with your children – encouraging children to read has immense benefits.
Safer Internet Day
Our Safer Internet Day on 11th February was very enjoyable. Children had an opportunity to have fun using technology while also learning about the importance of keeping safe while on line. The school has recently purchased 10 new ipads thanks to a Digital Strategy grant received from the Department of Education. Thanks to Monaghan Education Centre for allowing us to borrow Beebots and Lego Wedo, both enjoyed by the children. The local sergeant and guard visited us during the afternoon to reinforce what had been said about staying safe on line while also giving a demonstration on how to arrest somebody!
Christmas Walk to School
Many thanks to all who donated to Ballybay Cancer Society in December at our festive walk to school. Charlie Mills and Mary Duffy accepted a donation of €150 which was raised on the day.
Physical Education
We wish to thank Lisa Boyle from LA Gymnastics for organising a visit to the gym in Newbliss in February. The children had a great day and enjoyed their gymnastic session in a proper gym. Gymnastics are over for this year. All children should wear tracksuits and runners on Fridays for the remainder of this term as PE takes place on Fridays. Swimming lessons for all pupils will take place at Monaghan Leisure Centre after Easter.
Spellings For Me
Spellings for Me is a new online spelling programme for children in 1st Class upwards. Following an information session attended by the staff, the school has signed up for the programme. The Spellings for Me programme allows children to be challenged appropriately according to their ability not according to their age or class. Presently all children (1st class upwards) have received usernames and passwords and they are completing ‘tests’ on line in order to build up their bank of 96 Learning Words which we hope to have completed by Easter. After Easter we will no longer use the Jolly Phonics Spelling programme but children will be learning their own individualised spellings and each night will complete exercises/activities based on their spellings for the week. For more information on the programme please see spellingsforme.ie
Shared Education
Children in infants, 1st and 2nd class will be meeting with their friends from Clea Primary School on Wednesday next 11th March at Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill (weather permitting). More details to follow.
School Closures
School will be closed on Monday 16th to facilitate staff planning day and on Tuesday 17th March for St. Patrick’s Day
Dates for your diary:
Friday 6th March School Table Quiz in Derryvalley at 8.00
Monday 16th March Staff Planning Day – School Closed
Monday 17th March St. Patrick’s Day – School Closed
Friday 3rd April Easter Closing
Monday 20th April Reopening after Easter Holidays