March Newsletter 2025
World Book Day
This Thursday, 6th March is World Book Day. We look forward to this day every year when we celebrate books and reading. On Thursday all staff and pupils come to school dressed up as a character from a book. There will be a fashion show and children will get a chance to “strut their stuff” on the cat walk. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day to the most creative outfit in each classroom. Throughout the day children will be engaged in different book related activities as well as making their weekly trip to Ballybay library. Children have received their World Book Day vouchers – these can be exchanged for a free book in Eason’s Monaghan or can be used to get €1.50 off a book of their choice. A World Book Day Quiz has also been given to each child to work out the book titles, all of which are children’s books.
Dance with Lesley
Dance lessons have started in Hall St. on Wednesdays. Lesley Goggins is an experienced dance teacher and we are lucky to have her for six weeks. On the last day each classroom will showcase their dances for the other classes. We are looking forward to seeing all the dances! Remember to wear tracksuits and runners on Wednesdays until Wednesday 2nd April.
If payment has not been made please do so as soon as possible - €20 per child.
Payments should be made by:
- Online banking – IBAN IE20AIBK 9324 2601 2651 56 or
- Cheque/draft from bank or Credit Union
If using Online banking please put your child’s name and ’dance’ on the reference line so we know it’s your payment. Mrs McBride will issue receipts of payment.
Swimming lessons commence on Friday 2nd May in Monaghan Leisure Centre for 6 weeks. We will leave school at 11.20 and return at 1.30/1.40, more details will follow next month.
Internet Safety Week
Our Internet Safety Week, Think Before You Click, was very successful. Children worked on and talked about their digital footprints and how what goes online stays online. Parents received the ‘Same Rules Apply’ video. The internet, when used safely is a great tool and one we would find it hard to do without. It is important that children’s internet use is monitored by parents. Please ensure your child/children are using age appropriate apps and if watching videos or playing games online that they are suitable for their age.
After School Activities
This month there will be two after school activities:
Tuesday 4th March - Beebots & Lego We Do – these activities encourage children to use coding to make items move.
Tuesday 25th March – First Aid for Children
Junior Infants – 1st Class: 2.00 -3.00pm
2nd-6th Class: 3.00-4.00pm
Juice and biscuits are provided. After school activities are free as part of our DEIS plan.
Lots of Socks
We are pleased to be participating in Lots of Socks Day on Friday 21st March. On the day staff and children are asked to wear odd socks to school (the funkier the better!!) and bring €2 donation each for the Down Syndrome Centre North East, Carrickmacross.
Attendance, Late Arrival, Early Leaving on Aladdin
It is very important that all parents engage with the attendance section on Aladdin Connect. It has been noted recently that a number of children have had unexplained absences and/or are being collected early by parents without prior notice being given on Aladdin. If you need to collect your child early please let the class teacher know (well in advance) buy filling it out on Aladdin. This way your child can be ready and homework will have been prepared before they leave.
Dance Lesson With Gerard Butler
The Parents’ Association are hosting a fundraiser event on Thursday 27th March in Derryvalley Hall. Money raised from this event will go towards transport costs for swimming, school trips etc. Without this financial support from the Parents’ Association, tours and swimming would be a lot more expensive per family.
Please promote this event on Social Media and with family and friends. Additional tickets are available for the school office. Return envelopes to school on or before 25th March.
School Closures
School will be closed on Monday 17th March for St. Patrick’s Day.
School closes at 12.00 on Friday 11th April for Easter and reopens on Monday 28th April.