School Web Site
21/11/14
Past pupils Colm Barry, Thomas Murphy, Johnny Brennan and Paddy Abbey show the school their recent silverware and give a pep talk on their progress so far to the Leinster semi finals.
and some special attention for a special student
26/6/14 – Bernie Kearney School Retirement Party
Ballon National School held a retirement party for Mrs. Bernie Kearney on Thursday 26th June. Bernie came to Ballon in 1978 as a newly appointed teacher and has worked here ever since
Present in the hall were her colleagues past and present, Bernie’s family, current and past pupils, parents and friend. Bernie was presented with gifts by the Parents Association, Board of Management, pupils and staff as token of her wonderful service to the school over the past 36 years except for a period of two years when she taught in Ballinkillen and Garryhill Schools. . Her niece, Miriam Smyth as current Carlow Rose and Rose of Tralee finalist also attended.
We wish her a long and happy retirement.
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See YouTube link here
23/6/14
On the 23rd June 2014 the boys from 5th and 6th class went to New Oak soccer pitch to play in the CArlow school soccer final. We were up against St. Bishop Foley’s national school. They hit the net first with Daniel Hayden but shortly after Jamie Cooper equalised.
We reach half time with the score 1-1 and after ten minutes Jamie scored his second. Bishop Foley’s put the pressure on Ballon but our defense was strong and we won the cup.
By: Séamus Connolly and Jamie Cooper
17/6/14
Update 26/6/14
Overall winners are the Maher quads. Jamie, Robbie Johnny and Lilly
All the other winners
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Yesterday was judging day for the school’s biodiversity project towards another Green Flag. There were 32 entries covering a gamut of ideas where imagination and craft had no limits. Let the pictures tell the stories.
The overall winner
and all the other winners
12/6/14
‘A new fruit garden was created in the school under the guidance of Tom and Elizabeth Malone from Malone’s Fruit farm. They demonstrated how to plant the fruit bushes and these were planted by 3rd class – and their grandchildren!
A big thanks to Tom and Elizabeth who very kindly donated the fruit bushes and strawberry plants and pumpkin plants.’
6/6/14
The group had an unscheduled mini workshop on Composting with Pauline the manager of Altamont Gardens.
Among the many aspects of Biodivirsity encountered on the walk was Swallows in Flight, Bumble Bees at work, Blackbird singing, Tadpols swimming, Pond skaters, Lily Pads, Cow Parsley (queen annes lace), compost heap, five ducks, wasp, crows, red ladybirds, grey squirel, robins, red and blue dragon flies, brown butterfly, spiders and ants.
A visit was also paid to the Dogs Graveyard where Mrs North’s Dogs were laid to rest.
Many thanks to the two teachers Helen and Bernie and the children for a fantastic experience. We all felt at one with nature this beautiful sunny afternoon.
The names of the children are Katie Kennedy, Emma Cummims, Laura McGrath, Khiara Egan, Kate Murphy, Maebh Ryan, Eamon Lalor, Adam Tobin, Andrew Syronodski, Oisín Ward, Keelan Kirk, Jake Sommers.
http://www.biodiversityinschools.com/
21/5/14 First Holy Communion 17/5/14
7/5/14 – Junior Entrepreneur Programme
11/4/14 – Easter Egg Hunt for junior and senior infants
Some of the after school keep fit activities
Soccer, football and tennis
21/3/14 Confirmation
This morning the 5th and 6th class pupils took the spiritual step of Confirmation. The weather ignored the forecast and did its own thing – sunshine.
The ceremony was carried out by by the ‘tall and youthful and local’ (Fr Howard’s words) Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin , Most Rev. Dr. Denis Nulty, and supported by Fr Howard and Fr. Whelan.
Teachers Rebecca McCaffery, 5th class, and Michelle Townsend, 6th class, did a well rehearsed program and clockwork was imitated. Ann, John and Rose and the choirs gave great musical support. The children had a routine for getting into place for the group picture and did it to perfection.
Thanks were given to all who prepared for the day from the church cleaners to the sacristan.
If you want a larger version of this picture for downloading or printing click on the link below.
Group with title
14/3/14
Céilie Mór today The front yard of Ballon National School was filled with colour as the boys and girls from Junior Infants to 6th class showed their Irish or Carlow colours while enjoying their Céilí Mór. All classes have been working hard learning lots of dances. Children from Infant classes demonstrated ‘Pat-a-cake, 1st & 2nd classes performed Circle Waltz, 3rd & 4th classes showed the Waltz Country Dance and 5th & 6th classes demonstrated ‘Balla Luimnigh. Thanks to Maura George for doing MC and giving a display of seanós danceing. Máire also encouraged all the join in. Cáiliní who go to Irish dancing lessons after school performed beginners reel, light jig, slip jig and the clapping dance. Holly Ward gave a magical display with. Parents joined in the fun as they learned the Haka Gaelach with the children and the teachers. All at Ballon National School wish Mount Leinster Rangers the very best of luck on Monday in Croke Park. Beannachtaí no Féile Pádraig ar gach duinne.
12/3/14
6th Class present a cheque to Ken from Bothar from their Christmas fund raising activities. With teacher Bernie Mullins and headmaster Noel Heffernan on 11/3/14
6/3/14 A presentation of €1000 was made today by the KHA to the local St.Vincent de Paul from monies raised over the Christmas period. A similar amount was sent to the Kenya mission and €500 to Boher. 
Joint chairpersons Ava Clarke and Darragh O’Donoghue with Francis Fitzgerald president of SVP
The KHA group with teachers Bernie Mullins and Rose Whelan and headmaster Noel Heffernan
28/2/14 Ballon National School Green school’s committee and Ballon Improvement Group organised an art competition with a twist before Christmas. All pictures had to have a nature theme, to tie in with the schools work for their Biodiversity flag. The winners had their pictures put on a calendar – six different A4 size calendars were
produced and sold. Profits went to St. Vincent de Paul and a mission in Kenya.
Councillor John Murphy very kindly sponsored the prizes and these were presented on Thursday 27th February in the school.
