THANK YOU

Thank you to our school community for your patience and support over the last number of weeks. We are really delighted with the compliance shown by all to ensure the safety of our boys and staff. Work continues as normal in all classes and boys have been excellent since their return.
 

EASTER HOLIDAYS

Easter Collection Times Friday March 26th

• Junior Infants – Collection – 11.30am (Front of school)
• Senior Infants – Collection – 11.35am (Front of school)
• 6th and 5th class – Collection – 11.45am (Front of school)
• 1st Class - Collection - 11:45am (Junior Yard, back of school)
• 4th Class – Collection – 11.50am (Front of the school)
• 2nd Class- Collection- 11:55am (Front of the school)
• 3rd Class - Collection -12:00 pm. (Front of the school)

 

STAFFING

We are experiencing many difficulties and challenges with 35% of our staff absent. We are currently using a combination of SET team teachers and substitute teachers to keep our classes open and avoid returning to remote learning.
 

COVID-19

If your child is UNWELL (unwell in any way including a sick tummy) or has any of the following symptoms of Covid-19, do not send them to school and contact your GP:

• A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more
• Any other common symptoms of Covid-19 – a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath or an existing breathing condition that has become worse.
• Been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
• Been living with someone who is unwell and may have Covid-19.
• Other uncommon symptoms of Covid-19, such as sore throat, headaches or diarrhoea
• Returned from another country in the last 14 days.
• If your child requires Calpol or Nurofen, they are unfit for school and they are not to attend.
• After any absence, parents must fill out a return to school declaration on Aladdin Connect App.
• Parents and guardians must wear masks and follow public health advice during drop off and collection times.
   

FORGOTTEN LUNCHES

We are unable to take any lunches, water bottles, copies etc. in through the office. Please ensure boys have all their belongings with them prior to leaving the house. These rules are in place to keep the whole school community safe and we appreciate your understanding.
 

STAR OF THE FUTURE

Congratulations to Junior Infant, Cillian Rooney who won 1st prize in a local art competition. Cillian’s masterpiece ‘What St. Patrick’s Day Means To You’ wowed judges with its colour and imagination. Well done Cillian, we are very proud of you. Enjoy spending your Smyths voucher!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYS!

This week is a special week for these boys.

Dylan Murphy, Kyle Roberts, David Mc Nulty, Michael Igoe, Jashvanth Vijayababu, Vishvanth Vijayababu, Conan mc Gee, Aidan Mc Gee, Alvin Linjo, Finn Brophy, Cillian Lardner, Brian Mc Mahon, Patrick Duggan Geary and Jonathan Darby.

We wish you a Happy Birthday boys!
 

EASTER MASS

Our boys tuned into Foxrock Parish webcam on Tuesday morning as Fr. Kieran celebrated a lovely mass marking the end of Lent and beginning of Easter. Thank you to our chaplain Maeve for organising.

Foxrock Church is looking resplendent this Easter with a fabulous altar reminding us that Lent is a time for reflection. Well done to parishioner Marie Anne Mc Cusker for creating this showpiece.

 

CYCLING

It was great to see a return of the schools cycling programme this morning. The bright blue skies and happy 5th class faces lit up the junior yard as they learned the rules of the road. We love to see boys cycling to school and the exercise is a great start to their day.

 

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

IT'S OK NOT TO FEEL OK

Boys, what a year it has been for you. Sacrifices, school closures, sport closures, not getting to see your friends. It has been difficult in the extreme. A year like no other. The good news is, that things are beginning to get brighter and better and you will be more resilient than any child has ever been at your age.

All of us in Hollypark are here to help you. We look out for you every day. We know some days you may be feeling sad and off form. That is totally natural and it is ok. Adults and teachers can feel off form too. What we do ask you is that you share these feelings with us or with a trusted adult. We can help, we can explain things, we can understand how you feel. We can help you to feel better. My door is always open, please come and see me anytime. We can talk, listen, discuss and understand your feelings. Help is only a conversation away.

There is a great saying, a problem shared is a problem halved.

WEBINAR FOR PARENTS OF HOLLYPARK BNS

WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL

Topic: Raising Resilient Children - Approaches from Positive Psychology - Hollypark BNS.

Fiona has added extra places. Register in advance for this webinar by clicking here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
 

REMAINING A POSITIVE PARENT WITH DR DAVID COLEMAN

TUESDAY MARCH 30TH, 19.30

Join Dr David Coleman in discussing positive parenting and how best to respond to our children to support their emotional development.

Click here to register.
 

TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE ONLINE

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure a safe online experience for your child.

• Check the age rating of the games and social media apps your children are playing/using and ensure games are age appropriate.
• Advise your child not to share personal details online or in their profiles. In the case of teens, it may be best to discuss the dangers of sharing information online.
• Encourage your child to play fairly and treat other users with respect.
• Use family safety settings to protect your child from discovering games which may not be age/content appropriate.
• For many parents it is useful to agree time limits on gaming with their children.
• Playing games online can leave computers/devices open to risk of a virus. Protect your computer by ensuring you have up to date anti-virus software in place.
• Ensure your child knows how to report or block other players who engage in online harassment or any other unsuitable behaviour.
• Teach your children about the importance of reporting inappropriate behaviour to a trusted adult.

Click here for more information.
 

CAROLINE, OUR SAFETY HERO!

Day in day out, week in week out, rain or sun, Caroline our safety hero is with us in Hollypark. Everybody in Hollypark would like to thank Caroline and the team of School Wardens, Rionagh, Prue and Pauline who keep us safe each day. Please continue to use the wardens when crossing the roads and training boys into this practice at a young age is very important. Do not let children cross the roads by themselves and please refrain from letting exit cars while stopped in traffic.
 

5TH CLASS PROJECT

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD

Our 5th class boys have been busy at work researching, documenting and presenting projects on the topic of inspirational women around the world. This week saw the boys present their projects to the class and there has been lots of inspiring information shared in all 3 classes. The boys have also taken inspiration from jockey Rachel Blackmore who dominated in Cheltenham last week. Well done boys, your teachers Mrs. Regan, Ms. Power, Ms. Manning and Ms. Crowe are all very proud of your work.

 

COLLECTION OF CHILDREN EARLY

For the safety of the staff and pupils at this time, we ask parents that they do not pass beyond this sign when collecting children early from school. Please follow the details outlined, phone the school on 01 2896042 and await further instructions. Thank you for your co-operation.

Beir bua agus beannacht,

B. O’Donovan
24.03.2021
 

5TH CLASS PROJECTS