Wednesday letter 18th May 2022

VISIT FROM MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, NORMA FOLEY

We are delighted to welcome Minister for Education, Norma Foley to our school on Friday, May 20th. It will be a lovely opportunity show off our amazing school, staff and pupils. 

Boys will attend school in full uniform, jumper, shirt, tie, trousers and shoes. 6th class boys will wear their white shirts. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION '22

What an incredible weekend! Our three 2nd class boys celebrated their First Holy Communion in style. The boys were magnificant and Fr. Kieran could not believe they were only 2nd class students. Their teachers, Mr. Mc Evoy, Mrs. Lawlor, Ms. Cotterell, Ms.Power, Ms. Fitzsimons and SNAs Ms. Drury Byrne and Mrs. Grennan deserve huge credit for having the boys so well prepared. Our fabulous choir made up of 5th and 6th class boys under the direction of Ms. Maloney, Mrs. Goretti Newell, Mrs. Webbley and Ms. Crowe added so much to this special occasion. 

Thank you to our Parents Association for organising a lovely celebration in Granada today. The boys were treated to a magic show from 'Ruben' and Teddy's ice-cream, a well deserved day of fun for all.  

We look forward to the Confirmation ceremonies (x3) in the coming weeks. 

SCHOOL CALENDAR '22-23

SPORTING SUCCESS

It has been another hugely impressive week for Hollypark sports teams. Our Senior A hurling team continues to go from strength to strength and beat St. Colmcilles, Knocklyon in a thrilling match. 

Our 6th class soccer team will play Ballyroan BNS in the league final on Wednesday, June 1st in UCD Bowl. It promises to be a great occassion and we look forward to having swathes of supporters to cheer the boys on. Classes from 3rd to 6th will attend the match! 

The DDSL (Dublin District School Boy/Girl League) cup finals were held this weekend and 2 Granada teams won in their cup finals with significant involvement from Hollypark boys. U12 Granada Green won the Farry cup final which followed their 2021-2022 league win a few weeks ago (they took the double!). The Hollypark boys on this team are: Conor Leonard & Ross O’Toole (4th class) and Ethan Sheridan, Christian Smyth, Aaron Murphy, Ben Rogan, Charlie O’Reilly and Eoin Martin (5th class)

U12 Granada Black won the Price Cup and the Hollypark boys on that team were: John Paul O’Grady, Dylan Heir, Adam Byrne and Charlie Elliott (5th class)

Congratulations all round on a magnificent weekend boys!

STANDARDISED TESTING AND REPORTING 

We are in testing season here in Hollypark. Standardised tests are carried out in all classes from 1st-6th class. It is important to note that these tests are just one snapshot of one particular subject area. In Hollypark, we champion creative thinking, imaginative flair, sporting achievements as well as academics.

These tests commenced in the school over the past two weeks. It is mandatory to take standardised tests in 2^nd,4^th and 6^th classes. The two tests we use are a reading test: Drumcondra Primary Reading Test (DPRT) and the Sigma-T maths test. We also use the Drumcondra Primary Spelling test (DPST). The pupils have been very calm and have responded very well to the test situation. 

These tests will guide and support us in the future. We will be able to plan better for the year ahead and see if pupils may need some additional support, particularly as we know the pandemic has affected pupils learning in different ways. We do not rely on these tests alone in assessing a pupil’s ability. Class teachers and SET teachers use a variety of other tests and observations to inform our teaching and a pupil’s learning.

The NCCA (National Council for Curriculum Assessment) have put together this quick video to explain how testing and reporting work throughout Ireland. 

https://twitter.com/PSullivan28/status/1526287675061411842?t=J5vWxVyd7AX_Vk6WOh_0tw&s=09

For further information, go on to the NCCA website: english_tip_sheet_sten.pdf (ncca.ie)

Annette Lynch ( Deputy Principal)