Dates for your diary
Parents’ Association AGM – Tuesday 5th November at 7.30pm, School Hall.
First Reconciliation (2nd Class) – February 25th, 2020 at 6.30pm, Foxrock Church.
Monthly Focus
This month we are focusing on ‘kind words, kind actions’.
Boys are making great progress with this month's focus. There is a great atmosphere in the school and boys are enjoying their time in school. It is very encouraging to see so many smiling faces around our corridors. Keep up the great work boys!
Parents’ Association Sport Blitz Fundraiser
Excitement is building around the school as we prepare for the Sports Blitz Day on Thursday 24th October. Boys are busy doing jobs around the house and collecting money. Donations will be collected by the Parents’ Association from Monday 21st -25th October. Thank you to all parents for contributing to our main fundraiser. All proceeds will go to the school.
Child Protection
Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for child protection in Hollypark BNS is Barry O’Donovan. Our School Child Safeguarding Statement is located just inside the main lobby outside my office and is available on request from our school secretary.
Lost Property
We are once again amassing a huge amount of lost jumpers and jackets. Parents, please ensure your son’s name, class and your phone number is clearly marked on all boys' belongings. It is the boys’ (and parents’!) responsibility to ensure boys have all their belongings with them before going home each day.
Homework
Homework should be a shared learning experience and partnership between pupils, parents and teachers. I have included an extra newsletter this week with some useful tips to make homework a more enjoyable experience for all!
Frása na Seachtaine
Tá mé ag gléasadh suas mar taibhse.
(I am dressing up as a ghost)
Health and Wellbeing
We celebrated World Mental Health Day last Thursday and teachers reported that boys were very engaged and came up with great ideas to pick themselves up when they are feeling a little off. We used the tag line, ‘happy or sad, it’s good to talk’ and we encourage all boys to open up to their parents or teachers if the need arises. Boys took part in yoga, mindfulness, various games and the DEAC (drop everything and colour) was a big hit! Thanks to Ms. Hynes, Mr. Cunnane and Mrs. Durning for leading the day and decorating the school so beautifully.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Mr. McEvoy who will tie the knot this weekend to his fiancée, Grace. It is a very special time and I wish them all the happiness in the world. (Child of Prague will be placed outside!)
Junior Football
The weather is wreaking havoc with our training and match schedules. The Junior A game this week was cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Our Junior B team had a great start to their match on Tuesday afternoon but unfortunately came up just short against a physical St. Michael’s side. Many thanks to Mr. Molyneux and Ms. O’ Farrell for coaching the team. It is great to see so many boys (167, from 4th, 5th and 6th) participating in GAA.
Gumshields/Mouthguards
There was a good uptake last week for custom fit gumshields. James from Impact Gumshields will visit again next week for anyone that is still looking to purchase. Follow the link to place your order.
https://impactgumshields.com/hollypark19/
Stars of the Future!
Last week, I was treated to some amazing displays of musical talent. Caolan Tokar 6th (guitar), Andrew O’ Reilly 6th (guitar), Conall Byrne 6th (piano), Oisin Gormley 6th (piano) Ansel Thomas 6th (piano) and Gavin Foong 6th (piano) all astounded me with their incredible ability.
Well done to Ajay Mullany who sang beautifully in the choir for Joseph, in the Bord Gáis Theatre last week. I’m sure it was an unforgettable experience.
Thank you to Ms. Ó Dubhagáin and Mr. Mitchell’s second classes who entertained us at assembly last week with some great poetry recitals.
Beir bua agus beannacht,
Barry O'Donovan
16.10.2019