annual review of child protection

Notification regarding the Board of Management’s review of the Child Safeguarding Statement

To: All families and the school community.

The Board of Management of St. Patrick’s BNS,

Hollypark wishes to inform you that:

• The Board of Management’s annual review of the school’s Child Safeguarding Statement was completed at the Board meeting of 30.09.2021.
• This review was conducted in accordance with the “Checklist for Review of the Child Safeguarding Statement” published on the Department’s ‘website www.education.ie

Signed 

Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed

Principal/Secretary to the Board of Management

 

SSps report

Last June, Hollypark BNS welcomed our Department Inspector to the school. She carried out inspections relating to Covid-19 and child protection. We are delighted to report that we achieved the highest possible standards and no further recommendations were made by our inspector. Thanks to the great work of the staff, pupils, parents and school community for playing your part. Below you will find details of the SSPS guidelines. The report in full will be published on our website in the coming days.

What is a Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) Report?

The safe and sustainable provision of schooling in the context of the current public health pandemic is an important national priority. Ensuring that schools are safe learning and working environments for all is vital and the detailed guidance issued by the Department of Education (DE) to all schools and settings is designed to support the ongoing provision of schooling. The guidance provides key messages to minimise the risk of COVID–19 for staff, learners, families and the wider community while recognising the importance of the safe and sustainable provision of schooling for the health and

wellbeing of students and of society as a whole.

The Inspectorate carries out a programme of SSPS visits to schools and centres for education in order to provide an assurance to the public that the Department’s guidelines are being implemented and to support schools in implementing them.

An SSPS report is a report that is published following an SSPS visit.
 

safe cross code

There is no easy way to say this. The roads in and around our school are lethal. Speeding cars, motorbikes, bikes and hundreds of pedestrians all converging at one location each morning and evening are creating a very dangerous school route for children. I am asking all parents, children, road users and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution while in and around the estate. You must park your car safely before allowing your child to enter/exit.
 

Opening of the year Mass

On Thursday 7^th October, our 6^th class boys and girls from Hollypark will attend our opening of the year mass. Mass will be live on the church webcam at 11.30am. To tune in, please click the link attached https://www.churchservices.tv/foxrock

Thank you to the Pegum family for providing the music at the ceremony.
 

After School Activities Programme 2021/2022

Our After School Sports programme will begin after Halloween. We will concentrate on outdoor activities only while we await further guidelines on indoor activities from the Department of Education. Mr. Moloney will send communication this week regarding basketball and multisport activities. Mr. Mc Evoy will run GAA coaching and send communication to class groups this week also.
 

covid-19

On Monday, September 27^th, the rules around close contacts changed. The main points are as follows:

1. All children who are identified as close contacts in a non-household setting and are asymptomatic are not required to restrict their movements.
2. All household close contacts are to restrict their movements and get a COVID 19 test. Household contacts are defined as, "A child is a household contact if they were present over-night, in the household of a COVID- 19 case while the case was infectious."
3. All symptomatic children are to restrict their movements and get a COVID -19 test. If they receive a negative PCR test (Covid 19 not detected) they can return to the school setting when they have not had any symptoms for 48 hours
4. Children who are self-isolating due to being classified as a close contact can return to the school building provided, they are asymptomatic (Unless they are a household contact as defined above).

We must remain vigilant. Close observation of children for symptoms which are consistent with COVID -19 is recommended at all times. Always follow GP/ HSE advice.
 

Staff Inservice: Friday 22nd October

The DES has sanctioned a half-day school closure in Term One 2021/22 to facilitate staff in-service on the Primary Language Curriculum. Hollypark BNS & GNS have agreed that this half day will be taken on Friday 22^nd October which is the final day of this half term. We will operate a staggered finish on Friday 22^nd October to facilitate social distancing.

11.30am	Junior Infants
11.35am	Senior Infants
*11.45am	5th and 6th Class
11.50am	4th Class
11.55am	3rd Class
12pm	2nd Class
*11.45am	1st Class. *Collect from rear of the school.

 

communion

On Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th October, it will be the turn of our present 3^rd class boys to make their First Holy Communion. We hope the boys and their families will enjoy this special day.
 

Communion Photographs

County Photos will be onsite to take photos of Communion boys. 4^th class boys will have their photo taken on October 6^th and 3^rd class on October 12^th. Boys should wear their full uniform with white shirt and tie to school on those days. 3^rd class boys can bring their blazer for the photo.
 

trim trail

Great news! Work has begun on our Trim Trail. We look forward to the whole school benefitting from different pieces of apparatus. The boys will be challenged with balance, coordination, gross motor skills and teamwork as they navigate their way across the trail. Thank you to our Parents’ Association for funding the project. I look forward to updating you with photographs of the completed project next week.