NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK
March 21st – 24th 2022
We appreciate all different types of brains here in Hollypark, and this week we are celebrating Neurodiversity!
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an idea that has been around for a while- since 1998 in fact! It is the idea that different brain types are a normal part of being human. Some neurodivergent conditions that you may have heard of are:
Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Tourette’s Syndrome.
Why does Neurodiversity matter?
For some people, having a neurodivergent condition means that they are better at some things than many other people. While for others, it means that they might need extra support at times. Neurodivergent people can learn, think, and behave in unique ways. Sometimes, this can mean that there are challenges for them. However, it can also mean we have new ways of thinking, exciting ideas, and creative ways of doing things.
The more we know about brain differences, the more we can understand and appreciate the amazing things that different brains bring to the world! It also allows us to be understanding and helpful when our neurodivergent friends and family members might face challenges. We want our school to be an inclusive and happy place, where all our boys can grow and learn.
But I don’t know anyone who has a neurodivergent condition?
You almost certainly do! Classrooms, like the world, are diverse places.
|
% School aged children |
Children in an average class of 25 |
|
ADHD 1-5% |
1-2 |
|
ASD 1.5 % |
0-1 |
|
Dyslexia 10 % |
2-3 |
|
DCD/ Dyspraxia up to 8% |
Up to 2 |
|
Dyscalculia 6-6.5% |
Up to 1 or 2 |
Some of the lingo….
|
Neuro = brain |
Neurodivergent = a person with an ND condition. |
|
Diversity = what makes a person unique or special. |
Neurotypical= a person who is not ND. |
|
ND = short for neurodiversity. |
Inclusive = including everyone of all brain types. |
Neurodiversity Resources for Children:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kids-part-neurodiversity-celebration-week-tickets-274185304627
https://www.twinkl.ie/search?q=neurodiversity+celebration+week&c=103&ca=95&ct=ks1&r=teacher&fco=17459
Neurodiversity Resources for Adults:
All Abilities Ireland:
https://www.allabilities.ie/neurodiversity-celebration-week
https://www.ucd.ie/equality/groups/neurodiversitygroup/neurodiversitycelebrationweek/
Seachtain Na Gaeilge 14ú -16ú Márta 2022
Bhí an-spraoi againn an tseachtain seo caite le Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Bhí immeachtaí éagsúla ar siúl timpeall na scoile ar nós comórtas ealaíne agus tráth na gceist. Bhí teaspáintais ar siúl idir ranganna ar an astro agus bhain gach duine taithneamh astu.
Ba mhaith linn buíochas speisialta a gabháil do Ms.Brennan agus Ms.NíGhabhann. Chuir siad ceoilchoirm traidisiúnta ar siúl duinn leis an fheadóg stáin agus an bosca ceoil. Tá múinteoirí éirimiúil againn anseo i Hollypark!
DEBATE WINNERS - 5TH CLASS, MS. O' NEILL
Congratulations to the 12 boys pictured below on winning Ms. O' Neill's 5th class debate. There were 3 rounds of debates with 3 different motions in each round. The boys were excellent at researching their topics, forming their arguments, gathering supporting evidence and preparing rebuttals. I was invited to watch the final rounds and it is safe to say, Ireland's political future is in safe hands! Well done to all involved.
SACRAMENT OF FIRST RECONCILIATION
Congratulations to our wonderful 2nd and 3rd classes who this week made their First Penance. The boys were excellent in the Church and represented us with great dignity. Thank you to all the teachers and SNAs involved, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Ryan, Ms. Costello, Ms. Smyth, Ms. Conroy, Mr. Mc Evoy, Mrs. Lawlor, Ms. Cotterell, Ms. Drury Byrne, Mrs. Drennan and Mrs. Lynch.
A special thank you to Fr. Kieran for making each of the ceremonies very special. We look forward to having parents and grandparents attending the First Holy Communion in May.
CUMANN NA MBUNSCOL-FOOTBALL
Cumann Na mBunscol plays a very important role in the lives of our pupils. Each year our boys take to the fields to play Gaelic football and hurling against other schools across Dublin. We have had great success for many years and we have been crowned champions on a few occasions in the past number of years. Our Senior A team is once again through to a semi-final and we hope for a trip to Croke Park to play in the final!
The history of the Cumann na mBunscol is outlined below and it is great to see a Mayo man lighting the first flame! The founder, Tom Ryder, is a great grandfather of Thomas Gilmore in 1st class Ms Morgan's. Thomas' grandaunt Kay Ryder also won 10 All Ireland senior medals for Dublin. It is great to have such a close link with the GAA in our school and it will give our 6th class boys some extra motivation for the semi-final. We hope that Thomas will be able to present the cup to the winning Hollypark team!
PARKING - DROP OFF AND COLLECTION TIME
We kindly ask that parents do not park in front or behind the School Warden. Caroline, our Warden, does a fantastic job at keeping our pupils safe. Unfortuntely, with cars parked in front and behind, her line of sight of oncoming cars is being affected.
We also ask that all pupils cross the road with the help of the School Warden. There have been some very near misses in recent weeks, where children are allowed to cross the road unsupervised.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN A TIME OF WAR
Talk and images of countries at war can be very upsetting for children and adults. It can threaten their view of the world as a safe and predictable place. It can cause different reactions and emotions with some children and young people, being more affected than others. NEPS 2022.
Attached is an information sheet from the National Educational Psychological Service on how to talk to your children about a time of war.
We continue to pray for peace in our world.
Beir bua agus beannacht,
B. O’Donovan
Principal
23.3.'22