Wednesday Letter 26th November 2025

WELL DONE TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

As we begin the countdown to Christmas, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community for your positivity, support, and partnership over the past number of months. Thank you especially to the numerous positive emails I received from parents and grandparents following last week's 'Did You Know' section in the weekly newsletter. I didn't get an opportunity to respond to all the emails individually. 
https://hollyparkbns.ie/news/wednesday-letter-november-19th-2025

I have attached the link here for people who may have missed it. 
 

It is wonderful to see so many happy faces bouncing through the gates each morning, filling Hollypark BNS with energy and enthusiasm. I truly enjoy greeting all our families at drop-off and collection—it is a daily reminder of the strong community spirit that makes our school so special. Well done to all involved, and thank you for helping make Hollypark BNS the vibrant, welcoming place it is.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

6TH CLASS CHRISTMAS CAROL SHOW

December 9th at 7 pm. 
The 6th class Christmas Carol Show will take place in the school's PE hall. Please note that spaces are limited and reserved for 2 adults only per child. 

LAST DAY OF TERM

The final day of this school term is Friday, 19th December. We will operate a staggered finish on that day. Please inform minders, grandparents and after-school facilities. 

School will re-open on Monday, 5th January 2025

PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS

Parent-teacher meetings will take place the week beginning Monday, January 26th.

January 28th & 29th, school will close @ 2.15 pm to facilitate parent-teacher meetings. Collection time for 1st-6th class is 2.15 pm. 

STAFF IN-SERVICE: FULL-DAY SCHOOL CLOSURE

Hollypark BNS staff will have a whole-staff training day on Wednesday, February 11th & Wednesday, May 13th. The theme of the training is the New Primary Curriculum Framework.
Please inform minders, grandparents, and after-school facilities.

Admission to Junior Infants September 2026

The process for admission to Junior Infants 2026 has now closed. All applicants have been notified of the decision on their application.

Applicants who are offered a place on the first round have until Friday, 28th November 2025, to confirm acceptance of an offer.

CAPUCHIN CENTRE & THE PUPIL VOICE COMMITTEE 

Combating child poverty is the Pupil Voice Committee’s focus at this time of year. The Pupil Voice Committee is making a Christmas collection in aid of homeless children and families. The Pupil Voice Committee is collecting vouchers for The Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless. The centre provides hundreds of hot meals every day as well as food parcels for those in need. You can help by buying a voucher for SuperValu, Tesco, Dunne’s Stores, Aldi or Lidl.  The boys can bring these vouchers to school, where their teachers and the Pupil Voice Committee will gather them. We will drop these vouchers at the Capuchin Day Centre before Christmas so that they can be used to buy supplies for children and families in need. In addition, the Christmas Cards sold by the PA, all funds will go directly to the Capuchin Day Centre. We understand that families may have their own charities at this time of year, so there is no pressure to donate. 

Christmas Cards

We are excited to let you know that the boys' Christmas cards have arrived!  Each boy who participated has received their sample card to bring home today, with an order form attached.
If you would like to order the cards (sold in packs of 10 for €10), please detach the order form, complete it, and return it to your class teacher with the required payment.

The final deadline for accepting orders is Monday, 1st December. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept any orders after this date.
All funds raised from the sales of these cards will go towards supporting two charities this Christmas: St. Vincent de Paul and the Capuchin Day Centre, both of which offer essential support to families during the festive season.
Thank you for your support.

Thanks,
Sarah

ONLINE SAFETY DETECTIVES 

Please see the message below from Isabelle Gordon re Online Safety Detectives. 

I would like to thank you for this article on online safety: https://hollyparkbns.ie/our-school/parents/children-internet-safety-information
I came across your page while researching to educate myself as a parent. 
Our children are spending more time online, and most parents are unaware of the risks they're exposing their children to by allowing them unlimited internet access, especially through streaming services.
I thought you might be interested in sharing this guide I came across with your audience: https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/parents-guide-for-safe-youtube-and-internet-streaming-for-kids/
I found it extremely helpful and easy to understand, and it covers every important aspect that parents should be aware of. Please add it to your page as a resource.
Hope this helps. 
Isabelle Gordon

 

STAR OF THE FUTURE

A huge congratulations to Toby, who was the lucky recipient of a very special gift from Irish rugby star and role model, Josh van der Flier. Toby was presented with one of Josh’s own rugby boots—a treasured keepsake from one of the greats of the game. With his talent, determination and passion, we’ve no doubt that one day it will be Toby signing autographs and handing out boots to his own supporters!