Wednesday Newsletter 24th September 2025
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION FOR JUNIOR INFANTS
SCHOOL YEAR 2025–2026
| The school will commence accepting applications for admission on | 29th September 2025
|
| The school shall cease accepting applications for admission on | 24th October 2025 @ 3:00pm
|
| The date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application is | 14th November 2025 |
| The period within which applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission is* | 28th November 2025 @ 3:00pm |
Applications must include:
1. Completed application form
2. A copy of the birth certificate
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
Hollypark BNS School Nasal Flu Vaccine 2025
If you would like your child to have the nasal flu vaccine in school on October 2nd, please complete the booking form attached below.
Please complete this carefully with special attention to PPSN - the letters can sometimes look like numbers so please double check.
https://vaccinesandycovepharmacy.as.me/hollyparkbns
If you have any further questions, please email sandycovepharmacy1@gmail.com, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
NOTE: The school does not have access to the booking details, so please direct any queries to me and not the school team.
If your child is unwell on the days before the 2nd of October and you do not wish them to receive the vaccine, please cancel using the link in your confirmation email no later than 24 hours before the appointment.
Kind Regards
Laurence Gavin Pharmacist
KIND WORDS, KIND ACTIONS
It is wonderful to see our corridors once again filled with art pieces, creations, and projects. The boys are working extremely hard academically, while also showing their wonderful Hollypark manners.
This term, we are placing a special focus on respect and kindness — both in the classroom and in the yard. On my daily visits to classrooms, the boys have shared some excellent insights on how to play and interact kindly. Their suggestions included:
- Including everybody in your games
- Using kind words
- Helping classmates join in play
- Kind hands
- Keeping your hands to yourself while lining up
These thoughtful responses show just how much the boys are embracing our values of kindness and respect in keeping with the new Bí Cínéalta Policy 2025. We hope that you, our parents, will continue to reinforce this important message at home too.
https://hollyparkbns.ie/our-school/policies/bi-cinealta-policy
SPORTS BLITZ 2025
Calling All Sports-Loving Parents & Coaches! ⚽🏑🏀
We are gearing up for our Sports Blitz and would love some help from parents who are involved in sports or coaching to assist in running the activities on the day.
📅 Date: Friday, 10th October
⏰ Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
If you are available and would like to get involved, we would be delighted to hear from you!
👉 Please contact Sarah at: hollyparkboyspa@gmail.com
SCHOOL LIBRARY, HELPERS NEEDED IN 2ND CLASS
The school library team is looking for second-class parents to help in the school library. The library runs weekly for 2nd to 6th classes. Each class is allocated a library morning for approximately 1.5 hours. If you are interested in becoming involved in second-class library, please contact Siobhain Carney at 0863844089.
PEACE PROMS 24-25
Our 3rd class students are taking part in the music education programme ‘Peace Proms’. This involves participating in a choir workshop in November/December and performing in Peace Proms with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday, 7th February 2026.
(Tickets will be released on November 1st from www.tickettailor.com/events/peaceproms
Peace Proms gives children the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra in premier venues and work with internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists. Peace Proms is recognised as one of Ireland’s most valuable, dynamic, engaging, and fun Music Education initiatives. Peace Proms engages children in music and singing, enriching their lives by providing outstanding performance opportunities that promote peace, unity, and tolerance.
This is our 3rd year taking part in the Peace Proms, and it really is a night and an experience to remember forever.
Your Kids Online: What's Really Going On Tickets, Wed 15 Oct 2025 at 19:30 | Eventbrite
Click the link to book for Eoghan Cleary
HURLING- SENIOR INFANTS
The excitement was palpable on this morning as our senior infants donned their hurling helmets and head for the Astro. Hurleys in hand and smiles on faces greeted the 6 Kilmacud Crokes coaches. The boys had a great learning experience and played several games while working on their fundamental movement skills. Much to the delight of Mrs. Regan, our sports coordinator, the future of Hollypark hurling looks bright. The boys have a chance to do it all again for the next 6 weeks.
BUDDIES
One of the loveliest traditions we cherish in Hollypark BNS is our Buddy System. When a child starts in Junior Infants, he is paired with a 5th Class buddy. The bond continues as they move into Senior Infants and 6th Class together.
Over the two years, our buddies share lots of special moments — from Teddy Bear Picnics, reading time, and art displays, to Sports Day, Ice-Cream Day, Mini-Beast Hunting, and even Graduation. These experiences create friendships and memories that last well beyond their time in the system. Last week, even in Kimacud our buddies were in great spirits as they met each other on the football pitches! Well done to Oisin & Jack, pictured below.
In fact, our current 6th Class boys still fondly remember their own buddies from Junior Infants — an incredible eight years ago!
We’re delighted to share that our weekly buddy meetings have been up and running since Week 1. Pictured below are the boys from Ms. Brennan’s Room 1 meeting their buddies from Ms. O’Farrell’s 5th Class.
OPENING OF THE YEAR MASS
On Tuesday, 30th September at 10 am, 3rd - 6th class from Hollypark BNS and GNS will attend Foxrock Church for the opening of the year Mass.
All parents, grandparents, and family members are welcome to attend the Mass.
SACRAMENTS 2025-26
2nd and 6th Class
Dear Parents/Guardians,
You are kindly invited to attend an Information Meeting for Sacramental Preparation in Foxrock Church. The meeting aims to provide you with information about the Communion and Confirmation year ahead, as well as how to register for the Sacraments.
| First Holy Communion | Thursday, October 2nd @ 8pm |
| Confirmation | Thursday, October 9th @ 8pm |
Kind regards,
The Foxrock Parish Team
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
IN-SERVICE DAYS FOR 25/26 (School Closure)
| Junior Infant Information Evening | Tues., September 16th | Junior Infants |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Infant HSE Hearing and Vision | September 23rd-26th | Junior Infants |
| Jun. Infant Immunisation | October 6th-8th | Junior Infants |
| Sports Blitz | Friday, 10th October | Whole School |
| Hallowe'en Dress Up Day Presidential Election | Thursday, October 23rd Friday, October 24th - School Closed- Polling Station | Whole School |
| Midterm Break | 27th Oct - 31st Oct | Whole School |
| 6th class Christmas Show | Tues., 9th December | 6th class |
This week is a very special week for these boys: Quin Goodman, Ethan Sheridan, Shaurya Verma, Isaac Byrne, Cormac Loughrey, Shane Mc Donagh, Cormac Lynn, Finn McDonald, Milo Flannagan, Joe Sheahan & Cody Murphy.
Have a lovely celebration, boys!
Beir bua agus beannacht,
Principal
24.9.2025
