Remote Learning

I hope this newsletter finds you and your families safe and well. My thoughts are with all families that have been affected by Covid-19 in any way. Thank you to parents for their lovely feedback and support in relation to our remote learning. The quality of the work provided by the teachers is excellent and we hope you are seeing the benefit of it at home. We understand that this is a difficult time and boys are missing seeing and interacting with their teachers. We hope the move to the learning platform Seesaw will help to bridge this gap. Please ensure you have signed up to Aladdin Connect where you will be sent a permission slip for the use of Seesaw. Teachers are preparing lessons that will be ready to share with you once all the permissions slips are returned.

Monthly Focus

Our monthly focus for the duration of May will centre on our school motto, Kind Words and Kind Actions. Our Hollypark boys are known for their lovely manners and helpful deeds around the school and the wider community. We hold our boys to the highest standards. This should be no different at home. Boys, remember to obey your house rules. Now more than ever, your parents are counting on you to show kindness and good behaviour as we are under Government instructed restrictions.

Admissions Policy

The 2021-2022 draft Admissions Policy is now available to view here. If you have any feedback in relation to this please email info@hollyparkbns.ie

Mental Health and Wellbeing

With Government restrictions on meeting friends and family, playing sports and attending school, it is a difficult time. We must look after ourselves and the people around us. Please see the tips below if you start to get worried or annoyed. This virus will not last forever. When we get back to ‘normal’ you will begin to appreciate the small things in life again, the freezing cold winter training, the long car journeys to grandparents’ house and even going to school everyday! I am very proud of all of you and how you have managed to stay so calm and accepting of the current situation - no parties, no sports, no playdates. You are doing Hollypark and the country of Ireland a great service by obeying the Government rules. Keep up the great work and continue to stay positive. This will end and ‘normal’ is not far away.

Remember to:

• exercise regularly, especially walking but keep within 2 kilometres of your home
• keep regular sleep routines
• maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises
• read a book
• search for online exercise or yoga classes, concerts, religious services or guided tours
• improve your mood by doing something creative

Stars of the Future

Thank you to Mr. Ryan for keeping our Twitter account up to date. Our first Star of the Future is Dexter Tubritt who sends us daily rugby challenges and skills. Leinster scouts will soon be knocking on your door Dexter!

A huge well done to Alex Carmody and Thomas Kane who were recognized by the Foxrock Tidy Towns committee for their excellent help and wonderful sweeping brush capabilities last Saturday. You are an inspiration to us all.

Frása na Seachtaine

Ní neart go cur le chéile
There is no strength without unity.

Communion and Confirmation

I have received official notification that First Holy Communion for our current second-class boys will not take place between now and June. Our parish Priest Fr. Kieran and the Archdiocese of Dublin are currently awaiting further instructions as to when it will be rescheduled.

Tomorrow, Thursday 30th April was meant to be our 6th class Confirmation. Foxrock Church have organized a special prayer service for all the boys involved. This can be viewed on the parish website www.foxrockparish.ie. on Friday morning at 10am. Again, we are working on the rescheduling of Confirmation and we will provide further details in the weeks to come.

Beir bua agus beannacht, 

29.04.2020