FIRST HOLY COMMUNION '22-23 

We look forward to the 3 Communion ceremonies that will take place in Foxrock Church this weekend. A reminder of the times and dates:
Mrs. Lawlor, Saturday 11 am 
Mr. Mc Evoy, Saturday, 1 pm
Ms. Cotterell, Sunday, 1 pm 
Ceremonies will also be broadcasted on the parish webcam at https://foxrockparishchallenges.com/home/webcam/ 

Commnunion photographs will take place on Tuesday, May 17th. Please wear white shirt, blazer and tie for that day. 

Thank you our 5th class choir group, under the direction of Ms. Maloney & Goretti Newell, for giving the time to make the ceremonies extra special. You sound fabulous in practice and I can't wait to hear you singing from the gallery. 

SUNFLOWERS 

Thank you to Ms.Perera and her team for helping all classes to plant sunflowers. Planting sunflowers with Ms. Perera has been a tradition in Hollypark BNS for the past 30 years and it is one of our favoutite times of the year. Pictured below are boys from Junior Infants proudly showing off their morning's work!  

DID YOU KNOW?

In July 2021, Microsoft and SSE Energy funded the installation 26 solar panels on the roof of Hollypark BNS. We benefit from reduced bills, lower carbon footprint and less polution from burning oil. Our school has also embraced wildflower planting to the front and rear of the building. Many thanks to our active green schools committee who continue to lead us in the right direction.  

Using solar panels as his inspiration, pictured below, is a competition piece from James Barron in 2nd class. James was set the task of designing a car of the future. What a brilliant design James! 

FIONA FORMAN, COPING WITH ANXIETY WEBINAR

Worrying doesn't mean that that there is something wrong with you. It means that someting you value is at risk. Anxiety is a sign that you care.

Adam Grant 

A huge thank you to Fiona Forman for an excellent webinar last night. Fiona offered a number of evidence based coping strategies that children can use to help feel safe, strong and confident. The webinar was very well attended and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  

Thank you also to  Assistant Principal, Ms. Brennan for leading us in all things Wellbeing. The introduction of the Weaving Wellbeing Programme, wellbeing committee within the school and many initiatives throughout the year. We, at Hollypark BNS are now not afraid of storms. We are learning to sail our ships with all the helpful strategies Fiona and Ms. Brennan are empowering us with. 

I will share the PowerPoint slides with you in next week's letter. 

LEAGUE FINAL & GRANADA SOCCER 

The 6th class boys are setting a very high soccer standard in our school. With a draw in yesterday's match versus St. Pats, Drumcondra the boys are joined top of the table with Ballyroan BNS. Hollypark and Ballyroan will go head-to-head in the final. (Date and venue to be decided) Well done to our 6th class team, Mr. Mitchell & Mr. Mc Evoy, the early morning training sessions are paying off! 

Many thanks to Granada FC for supplying coaches for our 2nd class PE.(pictured below) The boys had great fun learning new skills, tips and tricks. The 'Carver Coaching' method will be rolled out over 6 weeks to our 2nd class boys. 

INCOMING INFANTS

It is always a special day in Hollypark when we welcome the new infants to our school. Thankfully, after suspending this event for the previous 2 years due to Covid, we are now able to revive the tradition. Boys and their parents will be welcomed by their new teachers on Tuesday, June 14th at 1.45pm. Thank you to the PA who will be in attendance to serve refreshments. We can't wait to meet you, boys! 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

School closure Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th of June

ADHD Ireland flag raising ceremony, May 24th (further information next week) 

Sports Days
June 10th (4th, 5th and 6th class)
June 13th (2nd and 3rd) and
June 16th (Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st class) 

Following on from a very positive experience in 2021, Hollypark BNS & GNS have decided to use the astro pitch for their sports days this year. We are so fortunate to have this state-of-the art facility on our campus providing an all-weather surface and a safe environment for our pupils.  Regrettably, due to limited capacity, we are not in a position to invite parents to the event. I will share photographs and details of the day with you in our weekly newsletter. Further Sports Day information will be shared with the boys closer to the date. 

*Due to our large numbers, Hollypark BNS may also use Granada for some smaller events.