November Newsletter 2025
We hope everyone had a great midterm break. As the days shorten and the weather gets cooler we look forward to a very busy few weeks ahead. The lead up to Christmas is always fun and exhausting in equal measures – there are many events to look forward to, not least our biannual school Christmas Shows in Derryvalley Hall on 17th December. Practise will start in all classrooms this week.
Student Council
Thursday 2nd October was a very exciting day for many children -their posters completed; they took to the podium to deliver their Student Council speeches. This year first class also participated. It is very uplifting to see children speak with confidence in front of their peers, our oral language programme has definitely benefitted children in this regard. On the following day votes were cast and the new Student council for 2025-2026 is as follows:
Sam, Brian, Charlotte, Eliana, Shiloh, Amelia, Riley and Jason.
Already the Student Council has been very busy. They organized a cleanup of the school grounds and are planting lots of daffodil bulbs which will really enhance the front of the school in Spring time.
Friday 24th October was our Colour Walk which was organized by the Student Council. They advertised the walk by making posters and also helped us cross the road safely.
School Events
On 9th October the author Mary Murphy spoke to the pupils from 3rd-6th class. The children had great fun drawing what they think “earthlings” might be. We were delighted when Mary gave the school a signed copy of her latest book ‘Let’s Be Earthlings’. We thank Karen McCague from Monaghan County Libraries for organizing this event as part of Children’s Book Festival.
The following week pupils in the senior class visited Knocknagrave Environmental Centre as part of Climate Action Week. The children learned so much about water conservation and hedgerow habitats. Everyone planted an acorn to bring home with them. Many thanks to Monaghan County Council for funding this trip.
We were very pleased to have two members of the Love For Life team in school recently. They gave very interactive and informative age based talks to all children. Later, the same day a talk for parents took place. This was very informative. Many tanks to the school’s Parents’ Association who funded the parents’ talk (€200). The school’s Board of Management funded the children’s talks (€425).
After School Activities
Our after school activity for October was great fun! Will Arkel from Monaghan Rugby Club coached the children in tag rugby. There will be one more after school activity this term. Details will follow.
TEAM HOPE Christmas Shoebox Appeal
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual campaign sending gift filled shoeboxes from Ireland to children affected by poverty in countries across Africa and Eastern Europe. It is a great opportunity to teach our young children about giving.
At Home –
- Wrap a regular shoebox in colourful paper, wrap the box and lid separately.
- Choose if your box is for a boy or a girl and choose the age group. Place the sticker on the top right hand corner.
- Fill your box with items from each of the 4 W’s listed.
- Donate your €5 in the envelope in the leaflet provided. (Leaflets will be available in school for those who wish to take part).
- Close your box with an elastic band.
- Leave your box into school by Monday 17th
Parent Teacher Meetings
Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Wednesday 19th December between 2.00pm and 6.00pm. School closes for all pupils on that day at 2.00pm. Parents will be informed before then to make their appointments on Aladdin Connect. Meetings will last for 10 minutes and will take place face to face.
Physical Education Activities
All children enjoyed their soccer activities with Euan which finished before midterm. This Friday sees the start of gymnastics for all children in Hall Street. Eimear from Core Kids will be with us every Friday for the next 6 weeks. Gymnastics will take place in Hall St. hall and we are very thankful to the committee of 2nd Ballybay Presbyterian Church for allowing us use the hall. The cost of both soccer and gymnastics is €25 per pupil. Payment should be made online.
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 name on the reference line so we know it’s your payment.
- Mrs McBride will issue receipts of payment.
Clothing Collection
Please spread the word we are having a clothing collection this term. Bags of clothes may be left into school from Monday 15th December. The collection will take place on Friday 19th December. Please note we have changed company this year. Towels, bedding (duvet covers, pillows etc) and curtains are not accepted. Please see note sent out on Aladdin today regarding the clothing collection.
Photographs
Children have been given their photo proofs. If you wish to order photographs please follow the instructions enclosed in the packet. Orders should be returned before Friday 14th November so as photos will be back before Christmas.
Important Dates
| Friday 14th November | School closes at 12.00pm for all pupils due to staff planning afternoon. |
| Monday 17th November | Collection of Team Hope Shoeboxes |
| Wednesday 19th November | Parent Teacher Meetings 2.00-6.00pm |
| Wednesday 17th December | Christmas Show, Derryvalley Church Hall |
| Thursday 18th December | Festive Walk to school |
| Friday 19th December | Clothing Collection Bag2School (See below)
School closes at 12.00pm for Christmas Holidays |