May Newsletter 2024
5-A-Side Soccer
Congratulations to Adam, Max, Seamus, Suleiman, Luke, Bethany, Lisa and Aloise who represented our school at the FAI Schools Soccer Tournament in April. The conditions were atrocious and the children played two of their matches during wild, rain and hailstones! Although not victorious on the day everyone played their hearts out and did themselves proud. Many thanks to Euan for coaching the children in advance of the tournament.
Active School Week
Active School Week is always one of the highlights of the summer term and while National Active School Week is this week 29th April-3rd May, schools are free to choose an alternative week. Our school week will take place from Monday 10th – Friday 14th June. There will be a lot more details issued closer to the time but a good week of activities is being planned.
Ballybay Youth Club
Congratulations to Luke Gilliland, 4th Class who along with other boys in Ballybay Youth Club have qualified for the All-Ireland Young Environmentalist Award in the R.D.S. The eco-biodiversity group created items for an outdoor sensory space including a herb table, bug hotel and minion planter by up cycling disused item. Luke was the spokesperson of the group at the semi-finals, held during April. We wish Luke and his friends every success at the finals. Ballybay Youth Club is free to anyone who wishes to join. It takes place on various days (depending on class the child is in) at Birch Court after school.
Luke and the eco-biodiversity group meeting with Minister Heather Humphreys when she officially opened the sensory space at Ballybay Youth Club.
After Schools Activities
So far this year we have had Christmas Art & Craft, Lego & mine craft, Stem and soccer activities after school. The uptake and feedback has been positive. There will be no more after school activities this term but we do hope to continue with a monthly activity after school next year. If you know of anyone who might be interested in facilitating an after school workshop please let the Principal know.
P.E. in the Park
Many thanks to Monaghan Sports Partnership who part funded the PE in the Park activities during April. The school further subsidised the costs of each session. Children from 1st-6th Class took part in kayaking and orienteering in the park. This is a fantastic opportunity for our children right on the door step. Monaghan Sports Partnership have also invited some schools to participate in a Table Tennis Road Show delivered by Table Tennis Ireland with instructor, Ying Yi. Children from 2nd Class upwards will get an opportunity to take part on Friday this week. By providing children with opportunities to take part in different sporting activities we hope to encourage children to become more active and perhaps take up a sport activity outside of school hours.
Cycle Training
Garda James Gallagher, community guard in this area will visit the school on Thursday 6th June to deliver a cycle training workshop for children 1st-6th Class. Children will need to bring their own bikes to school and have a helmet in order to take part. Bikes may be left in school the evening before. If your child has no bike or helmet, unfortunately they can’t take part.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics for all classes will take place for 4 weeks commencing on Wednesday 22nd May with LA Gymnastics. We are hoping to use Hall Street hall and the children will walk to and from the hall. The cost per child is €20 payable online or via cheque in advance of the classes.
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.
Coffee Morning
The final coffee morning of the year takes place on Friday 24th May. All parents are very welcome to drop in between 9.20 and 10.30 for a cuppa and a chat with other parents. If you are free why not call in?
End of Year School Tests
Pupils in the Middle and Senior Classrooms will be completing standardized tests during the week beginning Monday 27th May and Monday 3rd June.
School Tour
A school tour has been arranged for Friday 14th June for all pupils to Todds Leap Activity Centre. Pupils will take part in different activities including team games throughout the day. Younger children (infants-1st class) will visit Granda Bens Ethical Zoo Trail while older children 2nd-6th will take part in Total Wipeout. This will be a great way to end our Active School Week. Further details will be issued next month.
International Day
In order to celebrate our diverse school community, an International Day is being planned for Friday 31st May. Children will get a chance to showcase their family’s culture and traditions at this event. It is planned to hold the event in Hall Street hall and members of the community, including parents, grandparents and pupils and teachers from Scoil Eanna will be invited. On the same day the Student Council will be organizing a cake sale in order to raise much needed funds for their playground equipment. The support of the whole school community would be greatly appreciated at this celebration day.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Friday 3rd May Table Tennis (2nd class upwards)
Wednesday 22nd May Gymnastics (for 4 consecutive Wednesdays) for all
Friday 24th May Last swimming lesson
Friday 31st May International Day & Cake Sale in Hall St 1.00-3.00
Mon 10th-Friday 14th June Active School Week
Wednesday 12th June School Reports released on Aladdin
Friday 14th June School Tour to Todds Leap for all pupils
Monday 17th June Parents’ Association end of term Fun Evening
Friday 21st June School closing at 12.00 for summer holidays
School Calendar 2024/2025
A copy of next year’s school calendar is included below. Any additional closures will be issued to parents as soon as they become known.
Ballybay Central National School
School Calendar 2024-2025
| School Re-opens
|
Wednesday 28th August 2024 |
| Mid-Term Break | Monday 28th October
– Friday 1st November inclusive |
| Christmas Closing | Wednesday 20th December at 12 |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 6th January 2025 |
| St Brigid’s Day
|
Monday 3rd February |
| Mid-Term Break | Thursday 20th & Friday 21st February |
| St. Patrick’s Day
|
Monday 17th March |
| Easter Closing | Friday 11th April at 12.00 (last day of school) |
| Re-opening
|
Monday 28th April |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 5th May |
| Bank Holiday
|
Monday 2nd June |
| Summer Holidays Closing
|
Friday 20th June |
Parents will be informed as soon as possible if there are any additional closures or changes to this calendar.