Wednesday Letter November 19th 2025

Did You Know? 

Did you know that Hollypark BNS is home to a state-of-the-art specialist classroom designed to support children with autism? This purpose-built learning space allows pupils to thrive in an environment tailored to their individual needs. The classroom incorporates structured teaching areas, calm spaces for regulation, and a layout that supports clear routines — all features recommended by the NCSE to promote comfort, security, and meaningful engagement in learning. We have applied to the Department to open our second autism classroom in September 2026. 

Alongside this, Hollypark BNS is proud to offer a range of high-quality sensory and movement facilities, including:

• Two sensory rooms, providing a quiet, calming environment for regulation and sensory exploration.
• Movement rooms and movement spaces that help pupils develop motor skills and meet their sensory needs throughout the day.
• Break-out spaces in the yard, including our much-loved dome structure and colourful seating areas, giving children additional options for play, rest, and social interaction during yard time.

These facilities are part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child feels included, supported, and valued in our school community. Guided by NCSE best-practice recommendations, Hollypark BNS continues to develop an inclusive learning environment where differences are understood, needs are met, and every pupil has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

At Hollypark BNS, inclusion is not just something we do – it is at the core of our ethos. We are proud of the steps we are taking, every day, to ensure our school is welcoming, responsive, and accessible for all.

Did You Know? – Our Sensory Garden is Growing!

Did you know that Hollypark BNS has now completed Phase 1 of our Sensory Garden? This beautiful new space has already become a calm and enriching area for our pupils, offering a place to explore nature, relax, and enjoy sensory experiences in a peaceful outdoor setting.

We are delighted to share that Phase 2 will be completed in Spring 2026, expanding the garden even further and creating new opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school.

A sensory garden offers a wide range of benefits for children, including:

• Enhanced sensory regulation, with plants, textures, sounds, and scents that help pupils feel calm and grounded.
• Improved well-being, as spending time in nature reduces stress and supports positive mental health.
• Opportunities for active learning, including science, environmental awareness, and hands-on exploration.
• Support for pupils with additional needs, providing a predictable, soothing environment that encourages self-regulation and relaxation.
• Creative and imaginative play, allowing children to engage with the space in their own individual ways.
• Social connection, as pupils enjoy a shared outdoor environment that encourages cooperation, communication, and friendship.

The development of our sensory garden reflects Hollypark BNS’s deep commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for all pupils. As the garden continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for our boys to learn, explore, and thrive.

Did You Know? Hollypark BNS is home to a state-of-the-art astro turf pitch

Did you know that Hollypark BNS is home to a state-of-the-art astro turf pitch, completed in 2019? This outstanding facility has transformed how our boys play, learn, and train every day.

The astro pitch provides a safe, high-quality, all-weather space where pupils can enjoy sport and physical activity all year round. Whether during PE lessons, training sessions, yard time, or informal play, the pitch allows our boys to develop skills, build confidence, and stay active.

Some of the many benefits of our astro turf pitch include:

• A dedicated space for skill development, allowing children to hone their skills in football, hurling, running, and a wide range of physical activities.
• Enhanced physical fitness through regular movement, exercise, and structured sport.
• Improved regulation and wellbeing, as physical activity supports positive mental health and helps pupils manage their emotions throughout the school day.
• Increased safety, with a consistent playing surface that reduces the risk of slips and falls.
• More inclusive play, because the space is accessible, welcoming, and suitable for children of all abilities.
• Greater opportunities for teamwork and social development, as children collaborate, compete, and learn from one another.

Our astro turf pitch is a key part of Hollypark’s commitment to fostering healthy, active, and confident learners. It stands as another example of our continued investment in facilities that benefit every child in our care.

Did You Know? – We have A Proud Sporting Tradition in Hollypark BNS

Did you know that Hollypark BNS has a long and distinguished sporting heritage, with several school teams competing at the highest level across a wide range of sports? Our pupils continue to excel year after year, supported by excellent facilities, a strong culture of participation, and the dedication of our staff who volunteer their time to coach and mentor our boys.

In recent years, Hollypark has celebrated remarkable achievements, including:

• Golf Champions 2023
• Tennis Champions 2024
• Soccer Champions in 7 of the last 9 years
• Gaelic Football Champions 2025, Junior A team & Senior A team 

These successes reflect the skill, commitment, and teamwork of our pupils, as well as the strong coaching tradition within our school community.

We are also immensely proud that many of our past pupils have gone on to represent club teams and national teams at the highest levels of sport. Their achievements continue to inspire the next generation of Hollypark boys to strive, train, and believe in their own potential.

With our wonderful facilities, including our astro turf pitch, sports hall, and outdoor play areas, combined with the ongoing volunteerism and passion of our teachers & SNAs, we are confident that Hollypark’s sporting excellence will continue for many years to come.

Did You Know? – Hollypark BNS is Leading the Way in STEM Education

Did you know that Hollypark BNS has invested significantly in STEM education in recent years? Across the school, pupils are engaging in hands-on, creative, and collaborative learning experiences that build essential skills for the future.

Every week, classes make regular use of Lego Spike, STEM boxes, Bee Bots, iPads, and other innovative resources that support exploration in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These tools allow children to design, build, problem-solve, code, test, and refine their ideas — all through playful, meaningful learning.

This strong STEM focus is fully aligned with the new Primary Curriculum Framework, which places emphasis on:

• Creative thinking and problem-solving
• Collaboration and communication
• Technology integration and digital learning
• Inquiry-based and experiential learning
• Cross-curricular links, especially between maths, science, and the arts

A rich STEM environment brings major benefits to pupils, including:

• Developing resilience, as children try new ideas, make mistakes, and learn to iterate and improve.
• Encouraging curiosity and imagination, allowing pupils to explore how things work and why.
• Strengthening numeracy and logical reasoning, as STEM tasks naturally weave maths into real-world challenges.
• Building confidence, especially for pupils who thrive through hands-on learning.
• Preparing children for a rapidly changing world where digital skills, creativity, and innovation are increasingly important.

In Hollypark BNS, we are proud to nurture future thinkers, makers, creators, and problem-solvers. Our investment in STEM ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and experience the excitement of discovery. 

Did You Know? – Hollypark BNS Supports Learners Through Assistive Technology and Specialist Literacy Programmes

Did you know that over 55 boys in Hollypark BNS use laptops regularly to support their learning? For many pupils, especially those with dyslexia, motor coordination challenges, or handwriting fluency difficulties, laptops offer significant advantages. They allow children to:

• Write with greater confidence and independence
• Focus on ideas and content, rather than the physical act of writing
• Use tools such as spell-check, voice typing, and formatting support
• Produce written work that is clear, organised, and easier to edit
• Access learning in a way that reduces frustration and boosts motivation

This approach ensures that every child can demonstrate their true ability and participate fully in class.

In addition to laptop support, Hollypark BNS provides a strong foundation in literacy intervention. We currently have over 60 boys using TTRS (Touch, Type, Read, Spell) each week. This highly regarded programme helps children develop:

• Touch-typing skills, which support long-term independence
• Spelling and reading accuracy, through structured, multisensory learning
• Improved confidence and fluency, particularly for children with dyslexia

TTRS empowers pupils to learn in a way that suits them best, combining digital literacy with essential literacy skills.

We are also proud that over 110 boys across the school access specialist literacy interventions such as Toe by Toe and Word Wasp. These evidence-based programmes provide:

• Systematic, step-by-step instruction tailored to each child’s pace
• Strong foundations in decoding, phonics, blending, and word recognition
• A clear pathway for children who need targeted, consistent support
• Immediate feedback and visible progress, helping to build motivation and perseverance

These programmes have transformed outcomes for many of our learners, ensuring that no child is left behind.

At Hollypark BNS, all minds are catered for. Through assistive technology, targeted literacy interventions, and a commitment to inclusive education, we provide every boy with the tools, confidence, and support he needs to thrive.

Did You Know? – Hollypark BNS Is a School of Committees, Teams, and Shared Leadership

Did you know that Hollypark BNS offers an exceptional range of committees and teams, giving our boys countless opportunities to lead, contribute, and shine? Across the school, pupils are actively involved in groups that shape school life, strengthen community spirit, and develop important life skills.

Some of the many committees and teams in Hollypark BNS include:

• Green Schools Committee, promoting sustainability, recycling, energy awareness, and care for the environment.
• Pupil Voice, where boys share ideas, influence decision-making, and help ensure that every pupil’s perspective is valued.
• Gardening Committee, supporting the development of our outdoor spaces — including our sensory garden — while learning about nature and responsibility.
• Sports Teams across a wide range of disciplines, representing the school with pride and dedication.
• Quiz Teams, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and a love of general knowledge.
• Chess Team, promoting strategic thinking, patience, concentration, and sportsmanship.

Being part of a school committee or team provides children with enormous benefits, such as:

• Leadership and responsibility, as pupils work together to make a positive impact on the school community.
• Confidence and communication skills, developed through discussion, collaboration, and presenting ideas.
• Teamwork and cooperation, as children learn to support one another and work towards shared goals.
• A sense of belonging, helping every child feel connected, valued, and included.
• Personal growth, as boys discover new interests, explore talents, and take pride in their contributions.

These committees and teams are a vital part of the Hollypark ethos, where every pupil is encouraged to take part, step forward, and play a role in shaping the life of our school. They help foster a culture of participation, respect, initiative, and community — qualities that stay with our boys long after they leave Hollypark BNS.

Did You Know? – Hollypark BNS Received an Excellent Whole School Evaluation

Did you know that the Department of Education carried out a Whole School Evaluation (WSE) in Hollypark BNS last spring? Whole School Evaluations are conducted to provide an independent, external review of how schools are performing. The Department’s aim is to:

• Ensure high standards in teaching, learning, leadership, and pupil wellbeing
• Support schools in continuous improvement
• Recognise and affirm areas of strong practice
• Provide clear guidance to help schools plan for the future

We are delighted to share that Hollypark BNS achieved an outstanding report, reflecting the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of our staff, pupils, and whole school community.

Some of the key strengths highlighted in the Department’s findings included:

• High-quality teaching and learning across all classes, with teachers described as well-prepared, purposeful, and highly effective in their practice.
• Excellent pupil engagement, with boys participating enthusiastically and demonstrating strong levels of motivation, curiosity, and cooperation.
• A caring, inclusive school culture, where pupils feel safe, supported, and valued.
• Strong leadership and management, with clear vision, effective communication, and a deep commitment to pupil welfare and school improvement.
• Rich curricular provision, including exemplary work in STEM, sports, Gaeilge, maths, the arts, and wellbeing.
• Positive relationships among staff, pupils, and families, creating a warm and respectful school atmosphere.

The Department also commended Hollypark BNS for its exceptional support for pupils with additional needs, its high-quality facilities, and its strong sense of community and pride.

The WSE report reflects what we already know: Hollypark BNS is a thriving, forward-thinking school, supported by an outstanding staff and a committed parent community, where every boy is encouraged to reach his full potential.

You can access the report in full here
 

Did You Know? – You Can Explore Hollypark BNS Through Our Virtual Tour

Did you know that Hollypark BNS is filled with exciting classrooms, movement rooms, sensory spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities — and you can explore them all from home?

We are proud to offer a full virtual tour of our school, showcasing the vibrant learning environments that make Hollypark such a special place for our boys. The tour highlights:

• Our bright, modern classrooms
• Movement rooms are designed to support regulation, motor skills, and well-being
• Sensory spaces that provide calm, comfort, and support for pupils who need it
• Our specialist ASD classroom
• The astro turf pitch, sports hall, and outdoor play areas
• Our library, STEM zones, and creative learning spaces

This virtual tour gives families, new pupils, and the wider community a wonderful insight into daily life in Hollypark BNS and the exceptional facilities we are so proud of.

You can access the virtual tour here:

Hollypark BNS continues to invest in facilities that support learning, inclusion, wellbeing, and creativity — and our virtual tour is the perfect way to see this in action.

All of these “Did You Know?” moments show what a vibrant, happy, and progressive school Hollypark BNS truly is. Our boys learn in exciting classrooms, explore brilliant facilities, take part in thriving teams and committees, and benefit from the dedication of a staff who always put children first. Hollypark is a school that works well because we work together — pupils, teachers, SNAs, and families — to make every day a positive learning experience.

As Hollypark BNS celebrates 60 years, we take great pride in how far we have come. With the same spirit, energy, and commitment that built this wonderful school, we look forward to continuing our excellent work long into the future. The next chapter of Hollypark is already shaping up to be just as bright as the last.