St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents,

 

 

School will close on the 30^th of June at noon for all pupils for the summer holidays.

 

We’re flying towards the end of the school year. Thanks to the Parents Association and

Ms. Daly who organised our Art Exhibition/Fair which has been taking place this week. Seeing the younger boys especially admire their own work as it is displayed ‘professionally ‘ is wonderful. Our boys have so many talents – it is great to celebrate their artistic ability.

Your son’s painting can be collected from his class teacher. €8.00 per picture/€7.00 if you have two or more sons. Please send the money into the class teacher.

 

Unfortunately for us, Mrs. Horan is retiring after giving 12 wonderful years to our school. In that time she has had a huge impact on all the boys who were lucky to have had her as their teacher. She will be missed!

 

Our sixth class boys will be having their graduation ceremony on Monday night at 7.30 p.m. We look forward to hearing great things of them in the future.

 

Congratulations to David Cullen who was selected as U11 Dublin player of the year in Mini Olympic Handball. Well done to Eamonn Keating and Eoin Barr who played on a Dublin schools hurling team recently. We look forward to seeing Ronan Hayes playing at half-time in the All Ireland hurling semi-final in August.

 

LOST PROPERTY will be on display in the hall on Tuesday and Wednesday the 29^th and 30^th of June – items not claimed will be disposed of during the summer.

 

SCHOOL CALENDAR for next year is on the back of this letter.

 

On behalf of all our staff, I would like to thank you as parents for your constant support and involvement throughout the year. It makes all the difference to us and to your sons. I hope you have a lovely summer and we look forward to seeing the boys bright and early on

August the 31^st.

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

23.06.10.

                                                                                   >>>>>>>>P.T.O.>>>>>>>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. PATRICK’S BOYS’ NATIONAL SCHOOL, HOLLYPARK, BLACKROCK, CO. DUBLIN.

Tel: 2896042                              Fax: 2898501

SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR ****2010/2011****

 

 

AUGUST

Tuesday 31st                                                    School opens after summer holidays

 

SEPTEMBER

Thursday  30^th                                                  School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

 

OCTOBER:

Friday 1^st                                                          School closed for Curriculum Development Day

Thursday 21^st                                                   School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

Monday 25^th – Friday 29^th                                School closed for Halloween break.     

 

NOVEMBER:

Thursday 25^th                                                   School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

 

DECEMBER:

Thursday 23rd                                                  School closes for Christmas Holidays at noon.

 

            JANUARY:

            Monday 10th                                                    School re-opens after Christmas Holidays

Thursday 27^th                                                   School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

 

FEBRUARY:

Monday  21st  – Friday 25th                             Mid-term break

 

MARCH:

Thursday 17^th   + Friday 18th                           School closed for St. Patrick’s Day

Thursday 31st                                                   School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

 

 APRIL

Friday 15^th                                                       School closes for Easter Holidays at noon

           

MAY: 

Tuesday 3^rd May                                             School re-opens after Easter Holidays

Thursday 26^th                                                   School closed at 1.25 pm for Staff Meeting

 

JUNE:

Monday 6th                                                      School closed bank holiday

Thursday 30^th June                                           School closes at noon for summer holidays.

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents

 

The time is literally flying! The boys are working hard on our June focus of a) manners, using people’s names etc. and b) eye contact. Senior classes are busy doing their summer tests. The standard of essays being written from 4^th to 6^th is very impressive. All their reading is really paying off.

 

There is much excitement about the World Cup and even more about the Mini All Irelands taking place in Kilmacud this week (and hurling last week). I was delighted to watch the boys play their matches yesterday – hundreds of our boys! It is some sight to see the Under 6’s negotiating their matches with much excitement and enthusiasm. It was great to see some of our 5^th class boys managing teams so ably. Well done boys! Well done to all our boys who also took part in the Mini World Cup competition in soccer at the weekend.

 

Miss Ní Ghabhann’s class put on a performance of a play, songs, and poems for their parents in the hall today. They did a great job. Well done to the boys and Miss Ní Ghabhann for all her hard work preparing them for there stage performance.

 

The 4^th class lunchtime league will finish tomorrow . Thanks to Mr. O’Donovan and Mr Devlin for all their work.

 

Our new Junior Infants were welcomed into their September classrooms today, by their teachers, Mrs. Burke, Ms. Hennessy and Mrs. O’Brien. Thanks to the Parents Association for putting on tea and coffee for the parents, who were more anxious than the boys!  

 

Thank you to our Parents Association Committee who have been so busy getting everything ready for our Art Exhibition which will take place next week (Please see overleaf for further information).  Thanks to Ms. Daly who has been organizing the teachers and boys for the event.

 

We love to declutter in this school so this is an unusual request! Could you search your attic or elsewhere and ask family friends and neighbours for copies of the now out of print “Busy at Maths” 3, 4, 5, and 6. We would love a set for each of these standards.

 

The gardaí have been monitoring traffic and parking outside the school over the past two weeks. We have a one way system (which we hope will be official and signposted). Please observe this system. Parking near the lollipop lady and crossing is not allowed. Please do not park at the school entrance at pick-up time. This is exactly where the junior and senior infants are handed over to their parents.

 

Parents – please monitor your children at pick-up times – some boys are putting themselves in danger climbing tress beside the car park.

 

Because we now have so many interactive whiteboards we have a few surplus televisions. They are quite large. St. Vincent de Paul will not take them so if you would be interested, please let the office know.

 

Reminder: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown are running an ECO Summer School (for over 5years of age). It will be held in Archbishop McQuaid N.S. in Loughlinstown. Contact:01-2054817

 

TESCO TOKENS – we are still collecting tokens. Next week is the last week!!!! If you have any at home please ask the boys to bring them in.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

16.06.10.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    June 2010

 

Dear Parents,

 

You are invited to the Hollypark Boys School Art Fair.

This event is being hosted by the Parents Association.

The event will take place from Monday 21^st of June to Wednesday 23^rd of June.

 

The viewing times are as follows:

 

Junior Art Fair for the boys in Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1^st Class and 2^nd Class

 

Monday Evening from            8pm to 9pm

Tuesday Morning from           8.30am to 10.00am

Tuesday Afternoon from        1.30pm to 3pm

 

Senior Art Fair for the boys in 3^rd Class, 4^th Class, 5^th Class and 6^th Class

 

Tuesday Evening from            8pm to 9pm

Wednesday Morning from      8.30am to 10.00am

Wednesday Afternoon from   1.30pm to 3pm

 

The boys work will be on display for you to admire and purchase during the above times. The cost is €8 per picture and for those with more than one boy in the school the price is reduced to €7 per picture.  This is a fundraiser that the Parents Association are running and as always we are hoping for your support.

In advance we wish to thank you and hope that you enjoy the Art Fair.

 

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

 

____________________

 

Sandra Kealy

Chairperson

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents

 

The time is literally flying! The boys are working hard on our June focus of a) manners, using people’s names etc. and b) eye contact. Senior classes are busy doing their summer tests. The standard of essays being written from 4^th to 6^th is very impressive. All their reading is really paying off.

 

There is much excitement about the World Cup and even more about the Mini All Irelands taking place in Kilmacud this week (and hurling last week). I was delighted to watch the boys play their matches yesterday – hundreds of our boys! It is some sight to see the Under 6’s negotiating their matches with much excitement and enthusiasm. It was great to see some of our 5^th class boys managing teams so ably. Well done boys! Well done to all our boys who also took part in the Mini World Cup competition in soccer at the weekend.

 

Miss Ní Ghabhann’s class put on a performance of a play, songs, and poems for their parents in the hall today. They did a great job. Well done to the boys and Miss Ní Ghabhann for all her hard work preparing them for there stage performance.

 

The 4^th class lunchtime league will finish tomorrow . Thanks to Mr. O’Donovan and Mr Devlin for all their work.

 

Our new Junior Infants were welcomed into their September classrooms today, by their teachers, Mrs. Burke, Ms. Hennessy and Mrs. O’Brien. Thanks to the Parents Association for putting on tea and coffee for the parents, who were more anxious than the boys!  

 

Thank you to our Parents Association Committee who have been so busy getting everything ready for our Art Exhibition which will take place next week (Please see overleaf for further information).  Thanks to Ms. Daly who has been organizing the teachers and boys for the event.

 

We love to declutter in this school so this is an unusual request! Could you search your attic or elsewhere and ask family friends and neighbours for copies of the now out of print “Busy at Maths” 3, 4, 5, and 6. We would love a set for each of these standards.

 

The gardaí have been monitoring traffic and parking outside the school over the past two weeks. We have a one way system (which we hope will be official and signposted). Please observe this system. Parking near the lollipop lady and crossing is not allowed. Please do not park at the school entrance at pick-up time. This is exactly where the junior and senior infants are handed over to their parents.

 

Parents – please monitor your children at pick-up times – some boys are putting themselves in danger climbing tress beside the car park.

 

Because we now have so many interactive whiteboards we have a few surplus televisions. They are quite large. St. Vincent de Paul will not take them so if you would be interested, please let the office know.

 

Reminder: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown are running an ECO Summer School (for over 5years of age). It will be held in Archbishop McQuaid N.S. in Loughlinstown. Contact:01-2054817

 

TESCO TOKENS – we are still collecting tokens. Next week is the last week!!!! If you have any at home please ask the boys to bring them in.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

16.06.10.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    June 2010

 

Dear Parents,

 

You are invited to the Hollypark Boys School Art Fair.

This event is being hosted by the Parents Association.

The event will take place from Monday 21^st of June to Wednesday 23^rd of June.

 

The viewing times are as follows:

 

Junior Art Fair for the boys in Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1^st Class and 2^nd Class

 

Monday Evening from            8pm to 9pm

Tuesday Morning from           8.30am to 10.00am

Tuesday Afternoon from        1.30pm to 3pm

 

Senior Art Fair for the boys in 3^rd Class, 4^th Class, 5^th Class and 6^th Class

 

Tuesday Evening from            8pm to 9pm

Wednesday Morning from      8.30am to 10.00am

Wednesday Afternoon from   1.30pm to 3pm

 

The boys work will be on display for you to admire and purchase during the above times. The cost is €8 per picture and for those with more than one boy in the school the price is reduced to €7 per picture.  This is a fundraiser that the Parents Association are running and as always we are hoping for your support.

In advance we wish to thank you and hope that you enjoy the Art Fair.

 

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

 

____________________

 

Sandra Kealy

Chairperson

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents

• School will close early on Thursday 27^th of May for a Staff Meeting. Collection Times: Junior and Senior Infants 1.15 p.m.  1^st -6^th  Classes 1.25 p.m. After school activities will be held at the usual time with the exception of basketball which will be held at 1.30 p.m.
• Our son will receive his school books for next year this coming Friday 28^th May –  with the exception of homework journals, and SRA copies which will be delivered in September. Please check that he has received all books/copies that were ordered. Some parents asked me last year to let you know in advance so they could arrange to collect their son on the day.
• Foxrock Summer Festival (75^th Anniversary of Foxrock Church) will be held in the Parish Centre on Sunday the 30^th of May from 1.30 – 5.00 p.m. It will be a fun day for all!
• School will be closed on Friday the 4^th of June for a Planning Day.
• School will be closed on Monday and Tuesday the 7^th and 8^th of June, for the June break.

Time is racing by and the school is very busy. The boys are working hard. Please support them in their homework especially learning. It makes all the difference. Summer tests are beginning and senior classes should be busy with their revision schedule.

 

There was a great turn out at the meeting for parents of our incoming infants last Thursday night. Well done to Philip Mulvey and Ross Buckley (6^th) who spoke with confidence about their 1^st  day at school and other memories – to an audience of 130 adults.

 

Our 6^th class boys went on a three day tour to Killary Adventure Centre today. There was much excitement and some anxiety. We know they will have a great time. I look forward to going there tomorrow. It’s always great fun! Our 2^nd classes are off to UCD and the Senior Infants are off to the Pine forest today. Our 5^th go on their tour to Croke Park and Viking Splash tomorrow.

 

 Many of our boys are entering the Mini All-Irelands (Gaelic Football and Hurling) which take place in Kilmacud. (7^th – 11^th June Hurling, 14^th – 18^th Football). It was fantastic last year to see so many of our boys taking part, playing so many matches. Teachers are being encouraged to give ‘homework light’ for the two weeks.

 

Well done to our soccer team who made it to the semi-final of the league. They played a great match against St. John Bosco and we are so proud of them for getting so far in the Cup and the league.

 

Well done to our 3^rd class team who won the festival of hurling tournament in Kilmacud last week. We have had to adjust the trophy cabinet to fit it in.

 

Well done to all the boys who took part in all the events on Sports Day. It was a really enjoyable day, and it was great to see so many parents in attendance.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Helen Kelly                                                                               

26.05.10.

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

Dear Parents,

• School will close early on Thursday 27^th of May for a Staff Meeting. Collection Times:

Junior and Senior Infants 1.15 p.m.  1^st -6^th  Classes 1.25 p.m. After school activities will be held

at the usual time with the exception of basketball which will be held at 1.30 p.m.

 

Sports’ Day has arrived. There has been much practising and fitness homework done to prepare for this day. Junior, Senior Infants have been going to bed earlier than usual for the last two nights! (Or so they promised at assembly). Thanks to Mr. Glynn for organizing operations on the day. It promises to be a great success.

 

Congratulations to our 6^th class soccer team who played their cup semi-final on Monday against Swords. They had been unbeaten up until then – a fantastic achievement. We are so proud of them for getting so far. They are still top of the league so something also to play for. Thanks to Miss Larkin, Miss O’Brien and Miss Coghlan for all their work and time spent with the team.

 

Congratulations to our Junior Hurlers who also got to the quarter final only to lose out by a point. It was a nail-biting match with the boys putting their hearts and souls into it. We were very proud to them and look forward to next year. Thanks to Mr. Burke and Miss Melia for all their work with the teams.

 

Well done to our chess team – who for the first time in history reached the All-Ireland finals which took place in Limerick on Saturday. They did a great job and were placed 12^th in Ireland. Well done to Jordan, Stephen, Oran and super-sub Nikita. Hard luck to Peter who could not play on the day. The team have had a great season. Thanks to a parent – Ms McDonnell for organising matches and ferrying the teams to all the matches and – to Mr. Lawless for ferrying the boys on the big trip and to Mr. Scott  for his great work and motivation in the area of chess. Our 3^rd classes are showing great promise and enthusiasm at their lunchtime session with

Mrs. Smyth.

 

I was delighted to attend a debate on ‘School Children should not have to wear uniforms’ with Miss Melia’s and Miss Morgan’s class last week, The standard was very high and the debate was heated at times. We are delighted to have a past pupil Conor McAndrew, an All-Ireland debating champion coming in to share some tips with the boys next week.. It’s great to see the boys learning such important skills so early.

 

Well done to many of our past pupils who were part of the U15 Feile winning hurling team at the weekend. They go on to represent Dublin in the All-Ireland feile in June. Mr. Burke can take some consolation from this!

 

Miss Larkin’s class are showing great promise as designers. Their impressive work can be seen outside their room. Miss O’Neill’s class have been busy with the Vikings and their excellent ‘longboats’ can be seen outside their room.

 

On behalf of the school, our 5^th class presented a cheque for €3,130.90 to G.O.A.L. representative Lisa O’Shea last Thursday. She explained the situation in Haiti to them and how the money would be used. They wrote about what they had learned so that the rest of the school could know where their cake sale money went. (See noticeboard  between room 12 and 13.)

 

The Third Class hurling league with Miss Melia is nearing completion and our third class team take part in their blitz final in Kilmacud today – following an impressive two match win last Wednesday. Well done to our 2^nd class team who were runners up in their blitz final last Thursday.

 

Our 4^th class gaelic football league began yesterday with Mr. O’Donovan. There is much excitement.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

18.05.10.

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

 

Dear Parents,

• 2^nd Class boys are having their Communion photographs taken on Thursday 13^th May. Please ensure they are in their uniform, white shirt and wearing their rosette/medal.
• Sport’s Day Wednesday 19^th May at 9.30 in Granada – weather permitting.
• School will be closed on Friday the 4^th of June for a Planning Day. Apologies – not on original school calendar.
• School will be closed on Monday and Tuesday the 7^th & 8^th of June for the June break

 

Congratulations to our great 2^nd class boys who celebrated their First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were so proud of ‘our’ boys. Thanks to their teachers Miss Fitzgerald, Miss Hennessy and Miss Coade for all their work in preparing the boys. Thanks to Mrs. Fennell for preparing and directing the choir. It was lovely to have Mrs. Newell accompanying the choir. Thanks to Mrs. O’Sullivan for all her work with the boys. Thanks to Fr. John for a beautiful ceremony and to our chaplain Maeve Davidson. Our 5^th class boys did a great job with the choir and some of our 6^th class boys were on hand in the Parish Pastoral Centre. They did a great job and we appreciate them giving up their Saturday morning. Thanks to Sandra Kealy, chairperson of the Parents’ Association, the committee and a great number of volunteer parents for putting on such a lovely “Communion Breakfast” in the Parish Pastoral Centre. It was amazing. Also thanks once again to Mrs.G. Deegan who did a wonderful job organising the rental/ distribution of the school blazers.

 

It’s a busy time sports wise for us at the moment. Our soccer team had a great victory on Friday, 4:3 against St. Brigid’s in the league. They played in the quarter final on Monday against Neilstown and pulled off another nail biting 4:3 victory. Well done boys!

 

Our Junior hurling team played a challenge match against Lucan yesterday, to prepare themselves for their quarter final tomorrow. Our  2^nd class hurling team play the second part of their blitz this Thursday in Glenablyn. They were fantastic last week. We can’t wait for the final this week. Good luck to our 3^rd class hurling team who play the first round of their blitz today.

 

Good luck to our tennis team who play their last match at home on Friday against Malahide.

 

Fitness is still part of this month’s homework. Boys from 1^st to 6^th must write fitness as a subject and fill in the activity they do. Our Junior and Senior Infants seem to spend a lot of time on fitness homework if reports at assemblies are anything to go by!

 

Our main focus for May however is on how we treat each other.’ If you wouldn’t like it done to you: don’t do it’ and ‘If it’s not nice, don’t say it’. If we employ these ‘simple’ rules – everyone would get on very well. Please talk to your son about these rules and encourage him to use them.

 

School Tours are all starting now. Our Junior Infants had a brilliant day at Glenroe farm and were quite exhausted after all the fresh air. Our 4^th classes went to Lullymore today, to challenge themselves both mentally and physically.

 

1^st Classes have delved into Greek Mythology and there is great art on display. Miss McDonnell’s class have even written their own book of myths! Well worth a read! They are fantastic ‘volcano’ projects on display in the 2nd class area, and spelling of the Icelandic volcano – forwards and backwards – seems to be a past time with many of the boys.

 

You will remember that the boys raised a great amount of money for Haiti at the Valentine’s Day cake sale. We will be presenting the cheque for €3,130.92 to John O’Shea of Goal tomorrow. He has just returned from Haiti and will be able to talk to the boys about the situation there and also where their money will be going.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

12.05.10

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents,

 

• School will close early on Thursday 29^th of April for Staff Meeting. Collection Times: Junior and Senior Infants 1.15 p.m.  1^st -6^th  Classes 1.25 p.m. After school activities will be held at the usual time with the exception of basketball which will be held at 1.30 p.m.

 

• School will be closed for all pupils on Monday and Tuesday the 3^rd and 4^th of May.

 

Our April focus on fitness and healthy eating (a good breakfast and a healthy lunch) is going well. It’s great to see the amount of activities the boys are involved in. 1^st and 6^th are logging what they do as ‘fitness’ homework and it is a great record of what they do. Senior infants are also engaged in fitness homework, and assembly news on Monday was filled with all the sports etc. they do. They seem to spend hours everyday engaging in at least five sporting activities!!

 

Our Confirmation takes place on Friday and the boys and teachers have been working very hard in preparation. Each boy has completed a Confirmation Workbook – a record of his journey through the church to date – and Confirmation what it is all about. These workbooks will be presented during the Mass and we will have them on display in the school next week.

 

Sport. It’s a busy time. Lunchtimes – there is a sea of boys moving up and down the corridors on their way to various pitches – with junior and senior hurling – Junior football, soccer and indeed gardening! Indoors – quiz and chess is going on. Mrs. Smyth over the last few weeks has been doing great work with the 3^rd classes – offering them chess at lunchtime.

 

The garden is starting to look magnificent. The ‘outside classroom’ is in place. The pond has been filled and raised beds are ready to go. Some classes have planted out what has been growing in their classrooms for weeks. We look forward to seeing the garden progress. Thanks to Mr. Ryan and his team of helpers for all their work in the garden.

 

Well done to our soccer team – who won the third round in the cup against North Brunswick Street in a nail biting match. After full time the score was 2-2. Twenty minutes of extra time left it at 2-2 After penalties we won 5-4. An incredible match. Well done to the team and to the boys who kept their nerve taking the penalties. Thanks to Ms. Larkin, Ms. O’Brien and Ms. Coghlan for all their work with the team.

 

Hurling is edging closer to Croke Park. Our Junior team are unbeaten after 4 matches. One to go to get into the semi-final. Good luck to our seniors who play today in Glenalbyn.

 

Congratulations to our U11 Quiz team who took part in the All-Ireland credit Union on Sunday – a fantastic achievement. As expected the questions were very difficult. Our boys did a great job and we were very proud of them for getting so far. Thanks to Mrs. Brennan for her great work with all the quiz teams.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

21.04.10.

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents,

 

It’s great to have such good weather now for the beginning of last term in the current year. Hopefully – it will last. The boys are all refreshed and raring to go. Our month’s focus for April is appropriate. Fitness – boys from 1^st to 6^th will have fitness as a subject. Your son engages in  physical activity and writes down what he does as part of his homework. Junior and Senior Infants will be encouraged to do ‘fitness’ homework also. We are also focused on healthy eating – healthy breakfasts and lunches. They will all be in great shape for our Sport’s Day which takes place on Wednesday 19^th of May.

 

• Trocaire boxes should be returned by Tuesday 20^th of April.
• Thank you to parents who have sent in Tesco vouchers we are collecting them again this year!
• Booklists for next year at due back on Wednesday the 21^st of April, if you do not wish to order books/copies through the school please just forward monies for ‘extras’. Where possible we encourage you to get secondhand books.
• We have a few places left for ‘games after school’ for 2^nd to 5^th classes if any boys are interested.

 

Well done to our Junior hurlers who won their third league match yesterday against Scoil Lorcáin. Mr. Burke is getting ready to book buses! Well done to our B team who narrowly lost against Scoil Lorcáin – after a great match. Good luck to our seniors who play tomorrow against Scoil Marino. They had a fantastic victory against St. Fiachra’s before the Easter break.

 

Good luck to our tennis team who play Terenure on Friday. They too had a great win against Willow Park before the break. Congratulations to two memberst of the team. Over Easter – David Cullen and Sam O’Kelly – both 5^th class took part in the National Tennis Championships. They have both been placed in the top ten. David at 9^th and Sam at Number 1 spot in Ireland U12 tennis. Well done boys.

 

Good luck to our soccer team who are playing Lorcan’s, Palmerstown today. They have had an unbeaten record so far.

 

Well done to our chess team who played a crucial match against Haddington Road – their last match before the final. Hard luck to our senior quiz term who took part in the Leinster Pioneer Quiz in Monasterevin on March 28^th. It was very tough and they did extremely well.

 

We are delighted to be welcoming Shane Lynch back to 1^st Class. He has been undergoing treatment for a serious illness over the past year. It is imperative if your son contracts measles, chicken pox or shingles –or is in contact with these illnesses that you let us know immediately.

 

Our 6^th class boys are busy preparing for their Confirmation which takes place on Friday 23^rd April at 11a.m. All boys should wear their full uniform with white shirt and dark shoes on the day. Our 5^th class boys are busy practising singing with Mrs. Fennell for the occasion. Their dulcet tones can be heard regularly, wafting through the air.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

14.04.10.

 

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

 

• School is closed on Wednesday the 17^th of March for St. Patrick’s Day.
• School will close at noon on Friday the 26^th of March for the Easter holidays and will re-open on Monday the 12^th April.
• Communion blazers – if you have a blazer you no longer need and wish to donate it to the Parent’s Association please drop it into the office.
• The lollipop lady has again expressed concern about the boys crossing the road outside the school – please talk to your boys about obeying the lollipop lady. It is for their safety! It is extremely difficult for drivers to spot younger boys flying across the road near the crossing point please make sure your son crosses at the crossing point.

 

 

Tá gach duine ag iarraidh gaeilge a labhairt agus a usáid i rith an lae don mhí seo.  Our focus ‘Caint, Ceol agus Craic’ is going very well.  Each class is doing a performance for three other classes throughout the school.  The hall is decorated fully with our taispeantas and is well worth a look.  The final of ‘Trath na gCeist’ took place last Friday with Mrs. Smyth. 36 boys from 3rd to 6th (9 teams) took part.  The teams were mixed across class levels and the competiton was intense! Team F were the eventual winners. Well done to Robert McCarthy (6^th), Harry Forde (5^th) Adam McGovern (4^th) and Johnathan Browne (3^rd). 

 

Our 3rd to 6th classes are busy preparing for the Irish mass on Monday 15th March at 10am.  You are very welcome to attend.  Our paráid, with the school becoming a ‘living flag’, takes place next Tuesday on the junior yard at 11am.  Most classes are having a ceilí during P.E. sometime this month.  I attended a ceilí in Miss Hynes Junior Infants this morning.  They were amazing.

 

Great news!  Our U11 quiz team took part in the Dublin final of the Credit Union Quiz  on Friday night.  The boys did a great job coming first – winning trophies, money for themselves and a cheque for the school.  Well done to Killian Farrelly, Liam Reddy (4^th), Eric Hutchinson,  and David Cullen (5^th) and good luck to them when they take part in the All Ireland in the R.D.S. in April.  On Sunday our two U13 teams took part in the Pioneer Quiz in Greystones.  With 16 teams taking part – our teams finished 1st and 3rd.  Our third team lost out by one point.  Well done to Philip Mulvey (5^th) Harry Forde , Conall Keane and Kevin Nolan (5^th), who now take part in the Leinster Final in Monasterevin on March 28th.  Thanks to Mrs. Brennan for directing the teams to such success. Good luck to our chess team who play their next match today against a school in Wicklow.

 

The hurling season began officially yesterday with matches against Johnstown.  The teams were very well matched, with the A team playing a fantastic second half to secure a victory.  Our B team had a most thrilling match – fighting to the bitter end.  Had the disallowed goal been allowed it would have been a draw!  Mr. Burke and Miss Melia were delighted with the determination, spirit and skill displayed by all the players.

 

 

 

 

                                                                           >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>P.T.O.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olympic Handball: Ireland play Scotland in St. Columba’s College on Saturday 20^th March from 5.00 – 7.00 p.m and on Sundaly 21^st of March from 2.00 – 4.00 p.m.

 

Lunchtimes are very busy and the weather is playing its part.  During yesterday’s lunchtime, in Granada, we had a 3rd class hurling league with Miss Melia, senior hurling training with Mr. Burke and a 6th class league with Miss Larkin, Miss O Brien and Miss Coghlan.  On our own field we had football training for the Junior panel and in Mrs. Smyth’s room, quiz teams were busy training.

 

Work in the garden is really getting underway now  -  with seed trays organised in most classes. We will be hoping for a great vegetable harvest later in the year. Thanks to Mr. Ryan for his work in this area

 

The Book Fair is taking place all this week -  Late night opening this Thursday from 6.30 – 8.00 p.m. – the Fair closes at 3.00 p.m this Friday. There is much excitement particularly  among the younger classes get to pick a book to read – when they visit with their class.  Thanks to Mrs. Lynch and Mrs. Rowan for their work with the event  and the Parents’ Association for organising a rota of parents to run the Book Fair in the morning and afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

10.03.10.

 

 

 

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

Ta béim ar an nGaeilge an mí seo agus ta gach duine ag iarraidh Gaeilge a labhairt agus a usaid i rith an lae.  For the month of March, we will be focusing on all things Irish.  All greeting on the corridor is through Irish and the boys are making a great effort.  Every Tuesday we will be having la na gaeilge which will mean only gaeilge being spoken up to 10.30a.m.  There are so many activities taking place for Mí na Gaeilge.  Thanks to Miss Morgan and her committee for organising the various events.  There is a taispeantas in the hall, with all class groupings displaying gaeilge through art.  You are very welcome to come in and see the boys’ beautiful work.

 

Class groupings from 3rd to 6th were treated to a story telling session with a seanchai today.  You could hear a pin drop – the boys were rivetted!

 

Classes have begun paying  visits to other classes throughout the school to perform their Irish music or drama and to be entertained by other classes.  Trath na gCeist takes place in all senior classes tomorrow with the final of trath na gceist taking place on Friday under the stewardship of Mrs. Smyth.

 

Our Aifreann Gaelach, will take place on Friday 12th or Monday 15th March.   It really is an amazing sight to see and to hear so many children with all their responses.  You are very welcome to attend.  Classes 3rd to 6th have been practising the mass responses and hymns,   These classes will have a practice tomorrow with Miss Smith. Please help your sons as they learn their responses and the words to the songs.  The boys are doing a great job and we look forward to the Mass.

All classes are preparing for their performances in our school parade which takes place on the Junior yard on Tuesday16th March.  If you would like to attend, there will be ‘some’ viewing room on the girls’ school yard.

 

Our three second classes had their first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Foxrock Church last night.  It was a beautiful ceremony and we were very proud of our wonderful boys.  Thanks to their teachers Miss Fitzgerald, Miss Hennessy and Miss Coade for all their work bringing the boys to this stage.  Thanks to Mrs. O Sullivan for her work with the teachers and the classes  throughout and to Mr. Burke for accompanying the beautiful singers.

 

Sport –The hurling season has well and truly started!  Our teams are well and truly ready for competition with all the training they have been doing.   It was great to see so many boys playing for Hollypark on Monday.  Three Junior teams played against St. Mary’s – in perfect conditions.  The matches were very exciting and there was great skill on show.  Two out of three wins was a good result! Thanks to Mr. Burke and Miss Melia for all their work with the boys.  We are replenishing our stock of helmets.  If you have any hurling helmets at home (fully functioning)– that you are finished with – please send them into the school. Well done to our chess team who secured another victory, in great style against St. Mary’s on Monday – winning all four matches.

Our quiz teams are training hard for the upcoming Pioneer Quiz, which takes place this weekend.  Thanks to Mrs. Brennan for her work with the teams.

 

Social networking sites – a cautionary note.   Children are getting involved in social networking sites at the senior end of primary schools.  At this age social networking should really involve actually playing with their friends!  It is important that you monitor (and restrict) all your son’s computer and mobile phone activity for their protection. Seriously restricting time on computer games etc. for children is advisable. As teachers we do see the serious lack of concentration in children who have access to computer games etc for prolonged periods.

 

 

                                                                                            >>>>>>>>>>>>>P.T.O.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A reminder of our mobile phone policy.  The boys are not allowed mobile phones in school at all unless you have written giving permission for a specific reason. In these cases, mobiles are in schoolbags, turned off.

 

Goal badges will go on sale from tomorrow, from your son’s class teacher.  The cost is €2.00.  It is great to see all the boys wearing them on their uniform at our St. Patrick’s Day Mass and even better to know that by doing so, the boys are helping others!

 

The Book Fair will take place next week – open to parents from 8.45a.m. to 10.00a.m. and from 1.30p.m. to 3.00p.m.  The Book Fair will also be open from 6.30p.m. to 8.00p.m. on Thursday 11th.  Thanks to Mrs. Lynch for organising the event and to members of The Parents’ Association for running it.

 

Booklists for next year will be released on March 15^th – orders to be placed by April 21^st.Many of the books are available second hand from boys in more senior classes, so please don’t feel the need to buy all new books.

 

 

Le dea-ghui,

 

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

03.02.10.

St. Patrick’s B.N.S., Hollypark, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

 

Dear Parents,

 

• School will close early on Thursday 25th of February for Staff Meeting. Collection Times: Junior and Senior Infants 1.15 p.m.  1^st -6^th  Classes 1.25 p.m. After school activities will be held at the usual time with the exception of basketball which will be held at 1.30 p.m.

 

 

The Book fair will be held on Monday 8^th March – 12^th March – open to parents from 8.45 a.m. to 10. a.m. and from 1.30 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. The book Fair will also be open from 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on Thursday 11^th. Thanks to Mrs. Lynch for organising it.

 

Booklists for next year will be released on March 15^th – orders to be placed by April 21^st.

 

It is hard to believe that it is the last week of February already. The boys are working so hard at this very busy time.

 

We are preparing feverishly for Seachtain na Gaeilge which will in fact be Mí na Gaeilge in our school as this will be the focus next month. Miss Morgan and her committee Miss Melia, Miss Ni Ghabhann, Miss Hynes, Miss Doherty, Miss O’Brien and Miss Hennessy have been busy organising many Irish based events for the boys and the school – our own parade, various class performances, a story teller, trath na gceist, a display in the hall and of course our Irish Mass on Friday, March 12th at 10.00 a.m. Parents are very welcome to attend the mass. Please encourage your son in his practising of responses and words of hymns – in his homework over the next two weeks. Miss Smith has organized the schedule of learning for us.

 

Our focus for this month has been on a) positivity b) shoelaces (1^st – 6^th) c) ‘if it’s not nice don’t say it’! In general it has been going extremely well. In assembly on Monday in individual class groupings – particularly for 5^th and 6^th – adopting that motto, both in school and at home for the period of Lent- would be a very useful Lenten promise. Trocaire boxes have gone home and perhaps the boys could do jobs to earn the money they put into the Trocaire box.

 

Our 2^nd classes have been preparing for some time now for the Sacrament of Reconciliation which takes place on Tuesday, March 2^nd  at 6.30 p.m. They are paying regular visits to the church and their teachers Miss Fitzgerald, Miss Hennessy and Miss Coade are delighted with them.  Thanks to Mrs. O’Sullivan and Mr. Burke for their help in the preparations.

 

We were treated to a great performance of ‘ I Am Yours’ by Brian Stedmond and Conor Montayne (6^th) at Mondays assemblies. The guitar playing and singing was very impressive and many in the audience were moved to join in.

 

I visited the new theatre in Grand Canal with Miss Melia and her class yesterday. Mr. Daye, a parent, explained to the boys how such a project develops from the first sketch to the completed building we later visited. The boys were fascinated by the whole experience. Miss Morgan’s class visit today and Mrs. McCarrick will go tomorrow.

 

Good luck also to our U13 handball team who play in a plate competition on Friday in Ballinteer. Two of the players

will be selected to pay on an All-Star team against the U13 Dublin Champions. Thanks to Mrs. McCarrick for all her work with the team.

 

Junior Infants are amazing us artistically. Miss O’Donovan’s class have been inspired by Canadian artist Ted Harrison to produce paintings in his style

 

Our first Jack and Jill foundation interactive board has been ordered and we are well on our way to a second one now with over 700 phones collected. Miss Coghlan’s class who have just got a new interactive board are very keen. Louis (previously mentioned!) brought in another 41 phones this week along with Tom in the same class who brought in 40 phones. Businessmen of the future!

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Helen Kelly

Principal

24.02.10.