APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION FOR JUNIOR INFANTS IS NOW OPEN

SCHOOL YEAR 2024–2025

Applications must include:

1. Completed application form

2. A copy of birth cert

3. **A current utility bill** (only for applicants living within the parish) 

Click the link to view the Parish Map
https://hollyparkbns.ie/sites/default/files/image-uploads/Foxrock.pdf

**A current utility bill includes ESB, Gas bill, refuse collection bill, home phone bill etc. Please do not send personal bills. ie Bank statements, Mobile phone bills or insurance forms, etc**. 

To be returned to the school by hand or post only to:
Admissions
St. Patrick's BNS,
Hollypark,
Blackrock,
Co. Dublin
A94 FE02 

https://hollyparkbns.ie/our-school/policies/admissions-policy

ARRIVING SAFELY TO SCHOOL

Since our last newsletter, we are noticing that the majority of parents are driving and dropping their children with care. If everyone makes a concerted effort to drive, cycle, walk with consideration and safety, this will create a safer environment for our school community and our patient residents.
You must park your car safely before allowing your child to enter/exit. When crossing the road, please cross with the school wardens provided. 

We remind parents and students not to block the footpaths during drop off and collection. 5th and 6th classes know to stand in single file each side of their entrance gate. If Infant parents could leave space to pass and room for Caroline, our Warden, it would be much appreciated. School doors open at 8.40 am and drop off is between 8.40-8.50am. (8.35 am for 5th and 6th)

We have been in discussions with Active Travel and Safe Routes to School (DLR) for the past 24 months in an effort to make the school zone a safer one for our students. We understand surveys and drawings have commenced. We will keep you updated.  

COVID-19 AND ILLNESS

With the rise in the numbers of positive Covid cases within the local area and in the school community, we ask parents to be extremely vigilant. Please do not to send children to school if they are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or any other illness. If in doubt, please err on the side of caution. Pursuant to our policy, teachers or staff in Hollypark BNS are not in a position to administer non-prescribed medication to students. Please continue to teach good hygiene and respiratory etiquette to your sons. For more information on Covid-19, please click the links attached. 

If your child has COVID-19 - HSE.ie

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 - HSE.ie

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

PARENT TALK: 
NURTURING SELF-EFFICACY & GROWTH MINDSET IN YOUR CHILD

In a joint initiative, Fiona Forman, expert on wellbeing, has been invited to talk to the parents of Hollypark BNS & GNS on Thursday 19th October @ 7.30pm. Hollypark BNS are hosting the event in our school hall.

Fiona Forman (M.Sc. Applied Positive Psychology)

Nurturing your child’s sense of self-efficacy and Growth Mindset can play a powerful role in helping them to feel more resilient, confident and empowered to face challenges and grow towards their potential.

In this talk, Fiona will outline what self-efficacy means, as well as offering several ways to nurture it in your child.

Growth Mindset (Dweck,2012) - the understanding that our talents and abilities are not fixed, but that they can be developed through effort, practice, and persistence – will also be explored.

Fiona Forman - Bio

Fiona Forman is an author, speaker, facilitator and trainer in the area of well-being and Positive Psychology in education and parenting. She holds an M. Sc. in Applied Positive Psychology, the science of well-being, from the University of East London.

Having spent many years as a teacher, Fiona is passionate about placing well-being at the heart of school and family life, and she has seen first-hand the many benefits this brings to both children and adults alike. She is the co-author of Weaving Well-Being, an SPHE programme for children which is now widely used in Ireland and abroad. Fiona is also the author of Wired for Well-Being, a well-being programme for second level schools. Her junior programme, Welcome to Well-Being, has also been released in Ireland and abroad.

Fiona is also the mother of 2 young adults, which has deepened her awareness of the importance of equipping our children with the support and skills they need to thrive and flourish, despite the challenges of life.

Her latest book, BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE: A Parent’s Guide to Building Children’s Resilience using Positive Psychology Skills has recently been released.

JUNIOR INFANTS INFORMATION EVENING 

We look forward to welcoming our Junior Infant parents into the school on Tuesday, 10th October @7pm. Ms. Brennan, Ms. Reynolds and Ms. Doyle will hold an information evening for parents in rooms 1,2 and 3. 
The Parents' Association will welcome the parents into the hall for wine, cheese, tea/ coffee after the talk. We look forward to meeting you all. 
 

Geraldine O' Brien and Margaret Horan are former teachers in Hollypark BNS. They have written a book called Getting Ready for School. It contains practical advice to support your child's development through their early days at school. There is currently 50% off and the book is selling at 4.50e. I have attached the link below.
https://www.veritasbooksonline.com/ready-for-school-1853909297-34163/

STAFF INSERVICE: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17th

The Department of Education has sanctioned a half-day school closure in Term One 2023/24 to facilitate staff in-service on the Primary Language Curriculum. Hollypark BNS have agreed that this half day will be taken on Friday 17th November. We will operate a staggered finish on Friday 17th November. Please let minders, creche facilities, grandparents etc. know in advance. Thank you.  

JUNIOR INFANT PHOTO DAY 
 

STAR OF THE FUTURE

Andrew from Ms Regan’s 3rd class completed a 21 km charity walk from Booterstown to Howth on Sunday in just under 4.5 hours. The Challenge 21 walk was to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Centre in Sandyford where his sister, Margot, receives therapies. Well done Andrew, we are very proud of you.

SPORTING HERO!

Congratulations to Mr. Jones, our wonderful caretaker, who recently represented an Ireland Hockey team in a tournament in Spain. Mr. Jones is a goalkeeper and rumour has it, he is ultra competitive! Thankfully, he has his can of WD-40 ready each Monday morning to repair his creaking knees!
Mr. Jones is pictured in yellow below.