May Newsletter 2023
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for all pupils continue this month. The last swimming date is Thursday 25th May. If a parent is at the pool to dry and dress a younger pupil, siblings may also go home from the pool. Please ensure you let your child’s class teacher know if they are going home from the pool by emailing the school ballybaycentralns@gmail.com beforehand.
Active School Week
We had great fun last week during Active School Week and the weather was kind to us also. Dessie Ward put the children through their paces on Monday. Circuits in the playground and a scavenger hunt in the park took place on Tuesday and Friday. Elaine Keogh from Jungle Body got everyone moving on Wednesday. This was followed by fruit skewers which the children created themselves. We also enjoyed our lunch outdoor on Friday. It was great to see the range of activities children took part in each evening – it is safe to say we have some very active children in Ballybay Central School!
School Tour
We have booked Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre from 10.00am – 3.00pm on Monday 22nd May. Please arrive for 9.40am and drive to the main gates and keep straight towards the ‘castle’. There is parking space at the castle and this is where we will meet everyone. Please do not drive over to the Adventure Centre or park in another car park. When everyone has arrived we will walk down the path to the centre together.
One half of the group will be rotating around land sessions (Archery, Team Games, Orienteering, and Climbing), while the other half will be on the water(weather depending either Paddle boarding or Canoeing).
Children in Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st class will not be in the water but should bring spare clothes in case they get wet/dirty. They will need to wear old clothes and suitable footwear.
Children in the middle and senior rooms will be in the water. Wetsuits are provided and are sanitized after each use. Water shoes/old runners can be worn also but children must bring their own. They will need togs/shorts and t-shirts to wear under their wetsuits and suitable old clothes and footwear for the land activities.
Children will need to bring a substantial packed lunch. Instead of packed lunches from Fresh Today we are getting treat bags for each child so there is no need to bring additional treats. Also remember to send sun cream, if required.
Children should be collected from the car park in front of the castle at 3.00/3.15pm.
Please forward payment of €27.50 per child to the school via on line banking.
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.
Induction Morning
An induction morning for those enrolled in Junior Infants for September 2023 will take place on Wednesday 7th June, 10.00-12.00. Parents of those enrolled will receive further information.
Stranooden Group Water Scheme
Pupils in 2nd-6th Class have been invited to learn more about water quality and water protection while also exploring The Journey of Water from Source to Tap. A trip to the lake at Baird’s Shore will be followed by a visit to the water treatment plant at Corcaghan on Thursday 8th June. This trip is being organised by Ross MacDonald, Stranooden Group Water Scheme.
Dogs Trust
For the month of May, 2nd and 3rd Class will be taking part in ‘100 skips a day in May’ for Dogs Trust Ireland. They plan to go outside every day in May and complete 100 skips each day and in doing so; we hope to raise money for Dogs Trust Ireland. Dogs Trust Ireland is an amazing charity that work hard to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs throughout Ireland.
Aladdin
Please check your Aladdin Connect for any outstanding unexplained absences. Any absence that hasn’t been explained is marked unexplained. Please note teachers are not responsible for filling in reasons for absences.
End of Year Fun Night
Please keep Monday 19th June free for the End of Year Fun Night. This year the Parents’ Association are organising a treasure/scavenger hunt around the town with refreshments being served in school afterwards. More details to follow.
Dates For Your Diary
- School will be closed on Monday 5th June for the Bank Holiday.
- Reminder: school will be closed on Tuesday 6th June due to a staff planning day.
- School closes at 12.00 on Wednesday 21st June for Summer holidays.
- School will re-open for the next academic year on Wednesday 30th August for all pupils.