SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE 8Ú - 15Ú MÁRTA 2023
Beidh Seachtain na Gaeilge a chéiliúreadh againn sa scoil ar an 8ú - 15ú lá de Mhárta. Tá na buachaillí are bís! Beidh imeachtaí ar siúl timpeall na scoile- Comótas Ealaíne, Grúpa Ceoil, Tráth na gCeist, Céilí leis na Cailiní, Raidió Sheachtain na Gaeilge are an idirchum agus Rásaí ar an Astro. Beidh seans ag na buachaillí duaiseanna a bhuacaint sa chomórtais “Gaelgeoir an Lae” agus “Gaelgeoir na Seachtaine”. Tá na buachaillí gnóthach ag foghlaim amhráin, dánta agus rainn le haghaidh an Pharáid. Beidh an Pharáid ar siúl sa chlós ar an 15ú lá de Mhárta ag 11:00.
School Parade on March 15th @ 11am. All parents, guardians/grandparents are welcome!
Thank you to Mrs. Regan and Mrs. Webbley for organising 10 days of fun activities.
ENGINEERS WEEK
Last week, Ms. Hynes organised an incredible week of activities for Engineers Week. It was enjoyed by all from Infants to 6th. To view photos and read Ms. Hynes' report, please click the link attached.
Engineers Week 2023 | Saint Patrick’s Boys’ National School (hollyparkbns.ie)
Click the link attached to watch Mr. Molyneux's class use our Indibots.
https://youtu.be/aZUnPknZYbM
MASS
Yesterday, our 2nd-6th class pupils attended Mass with their girls' school counterparts. Thank you to Fr. Gerry for his lovely welcome. The choir was fabulous with boys and girls participating. Thank you to Ms. Maloney from BNS and Mrs. Gunning, Ms. Lamont and Ms. De Freyne from GNS for organising the choir. It added so much to the lovely mass.
1ST CLASS SHOW: HATS OFF! THE MUSICAL
Rehearsals are well under way in 1st class for a very special performance. The boys in Mrs. Webbley's, Ms. Clinton's & Ms.Dennan's classes are delighted to be putting on ‘Hats Off!’ the musical this term. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the boys to perform for their parents and the school, something which we know they have been eager to do. This year group were not able to experience the usual Junior & Senior Infant Christmas shows due to Covid restrictions.
Our performance for parents will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 29th (time to be confirmed). Parents will be treated to a fabulous repertoire of farmyard tunes!
NEURODIVERSITY WEEK
From March 14th-16th, Hollypark BNS will celebrate Neurodiversity Week. Please see the poster attached for upcoming events. Various classes will be involved across the week. Click the link below to access the parents' tickets.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/parents-neurodiversity-celebration-week-2023-tickets-529502896417
We appreciate all different types of brains here in Hollypark, and we are delighted to be 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. |
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Celebrate World Down Syndrome day with us on March 21st. Details of the event on the poster attached.
TRAFFIC ISSUES
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. Last Friday, I had the pleasure of joining the Residents' Association of Hollypark, Cllr. Marie Baker, An Garda Siochana and members of DLR roads department. We saw first hand the traffic issues that are prevalent in and around our school during drop off and collection time. DLR's aim is to make our roads safer for our pupils. I have asked for an extra Warden or zebra crossing for Park Avenue as this is a very dangerous junction. I will keep you updated on progress. In the meantime, please ensure your son arrives safely to school. Remember, we operate a one-way system during drop off and collections times.
STARS OF THE FUTURE
Congratulations to Dylan, 4th class, who was recently awarded with a certificate of excellence at the Stagecraft Poetry Festival. Dylan performed the poem My Parents Sent Me To The Store by Kenn Nesbitt.
WILDFLOWER GARDEN PROJECT
We are looking to increase our biodiversity within the school grounds. Our Wildflower Garden Project is well underway. Thank you to our volunteers for making yourselves available. Pat Kane from Reuzi.ie has supplied a fresh batch of seed bombs ready to plant. Volunteers are still welcome. If you would like to help out, please email info@hollyparkbns.ie Subject: Wildflower Garden. Thank you in advance
SPRING CLEAN: MARCH 25th 2023
After the success of last years Spring Clean, we will once again come together as a school community to clean up areas of our school. If you are interested in raking leaves, pulling weeds, power washing walls, planting flowers and general upkeep of the surrounds, please come along We welcome all volunteers, young and old!
We will have a small amount of rakes, shovels and gardening equipment available on the day. We would be very grateful if you could bring some equipment (labelled) with you on the day also. Thank you in advance.
DANCING CLASSES
Have you been inspired by Dancing with the Stars? If so, Dancecraft Dance Studio would love to hear from you. Join the fun of Ballroom and Latin dancing classes for an active and enjoyable way of keeping fit. All details are attached on the poster below.
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE HOLLYBOP!
Date: Saturday, 11th March 2023
Venue: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney
Dress code: Smart casual.
Thank you to all who have contributed prizes to the raffle. It promises to be a great night!
• €250 voucher for Big Mike’s restaurant Blackrock from AskPaul.ie financial consultants • 6 Horse riding lessons from Carrickmines Equestion Centre • A tour and dinner for 2 at Dáil Éireann • 2 x Tickets – Ireland 6 Nations *2024* any game from Le Chéile Group financial services • A whole terms lessons at Take2 Performing Arts School – Foxrock • Signed copy of both “All Her Fault” and “Hide and Seek” authored by Hollypark’s very own Sunday Times best seller Andrea Mara • Signed fine art print by local artist Róísín O’Farrell • Voucher for Hills Hire – Tool and equipment hire Cabinteely • Deluxe hamper containing wax burner, melts and candles from Common scents • Afternoon tea for 2 at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel - Killiney • Classic manicure from Looks Beauty Deansgrange • Yoga and Pilates lesson with Yoga for everyone Deansgrange • Voucher for Suesey Street restaurant • Camp place with Hi5Sports • €200 Dundrum Voucher from Bernie & Wise Estate agent • Family portrait sitting and 10 x 12 mounted print worth 250 from Lorcan Brereton Photography • €25 voucher for Grumps of Foxrock • 1 month’s training at Un1t gym Stillorgan • Powerscourt Annual Membership • €100 voucher for Fox Hair Salon • Wine and Chocolate Hamper from Pattersons Londis • Family day pass to Airfield • Alive Outside Voucher • INSS Voucher • Family adventure zone ticket Russborough House • Voucher from The Leopardstown Inn
Your support is always appreciated.
Thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
This week is a very special week for these great boys, Niall Buckley, Conor Whelan, Tadhg Mulholland, James Daly, Harvey Kiernan, Joey Veitch, James Barron, Henry Balfe agus Robert Carrigy.
We hope you have a wonderful celebration boys!
Beir bua agus beannacht,
Principal
8.03.2023