COVID-19

On Monday, September 27th, the rules around close contacts changed. The main points are as follows:

1. All children who are identified as close contacts in a non-household setting and are asymptomatic are not required to restrict their movements.
2. All household close contacts are to restrict their movements and get a COVID 19 test. Household contacts are defined as, "A child is a household contact if they were present over-night, in the household of a COVID- 19 case while the case was infectious."
3. All symptomatic children are to restrict their movements and get a COVID -19 test. If they receive a negative PCR test (Covid 19 not detected) they can return to the school setting when they have not had any symptoms for 48 hours
4. Children who are self-isolating due to being classified as a close contact can return to the school building provided, they are asymptomatic (Unless they are a household contact as defined above).

We must remain vigilant. Close observation of children for symptoms which are consistent with COVID -19 is recommended at all times. Always follow GP/ HSE advice.
 

STAFF INSERVICE: FRIDAY 22ND OCTOBER

The DES has sanctioned a half-day school closure in Term One 2021/22 to facilitate staff in-service on the Primary Language Curriculum. Hollypark BNS & GNS have agreed that this half day will be taken on Friday 22nd October which is the final day of this half term. We will operate a staggered finish on Friday 22nd October to facilitate social distancing.

11.30am – Junior Infants
11.35am – Senior Infants
*11.45am – 5th and 6th Class
11.50am – 4th Class
11.55am – 3rd Class
12pm – 2nd Class
*11.45am – 1st Class. *Collect from rear of the school.
 

CONFIRMATION

I had the pleasure of meeting our past 6th class boys (young adults!) last weekend. The Confirmation ceremonies were very meaningful and the boys enjoyed the special occasion. Thank you to Fr. Kieran and Maeve, our Chaplain, for their commitment to our boys and our school. It is great to have the Parish and the school working so closely as a team. Thanks also to teachers, Mr. Mc Evoy, Ms. Smyth, Ms. Maloney, Ms. Kearns and Ms. O’ Neill and our 6th class SNA Ms. Fennell for all of their wonderful work in preparing for the celebration.
 

COMMUNION

On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October, it will be the turn of our present 3rd class boys to make their First Holy Communion. Each boy will wear the Hollypark blazer and full uniform. A letter from the Parents’ Association has been sent to all 3rd class parents re. blazer fittings. If you have not received this letter, please let us know via info@hollyparkbns.ie. Once again, we will mark the special occasion with Reuben the Magician and Teddy’s ice-cream. Thank you to the PA for their help in organising this event.
 

COMMUNION PHOTOGRAPHS

County Photos will be onsite to take photos of Communion boys. 4th class boys will have their photo taken on October 6th and 3rd class on October 12th. Boys should wear their full uniform with white shirt and tie to school on those days. 3rd class boys can bring their blazer for the photo.
 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME 2021/2022

We await updated DES guidelines regarding the resumption of our After School Activities Programme. While the priority of the Board of Management will remain the safe return of our boys, we are very hopeful that we will be able to resume outdoor activities very soon.
 

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS /SET

We thought it would be helpful to introduce you to the SET team that are working with your boys this year. Our SET team who work with our classes and our boys with SEN (Special Educational Needs) are coordinated by Mrs. Annette Lynch who is also Deputy Principal. We are extremely lucky to have a Special Education Teacher working with each year group. These are qualified primary school teachers with additional qualifications and expertise in special educational needs. We give support beginning in Junior Infants, as early intervention can minimise greater difficulties when boys are older. Our SET team also work with the whole class. Support is given in-class, in small groups or on a one-to-one basis depending on the needs involved.

SET Team

Junior Infants: Ms. Ní Ghabhann
Senior Infants: Ms. Hynes
1st Class: Ms. Larkin
2nd Class: Ms. Fitzsimons & Ms. Walsh
3rd Class: Mrs. Smyth
4th Class: Ms. Quealy
5th Class: Mrs. O’Callaghan
6th Class: Mrs. McCarrick
 

SCHOOL WARDEN

When crossing the road, please cross with the school wardens provided. We have seen an increase in traffic around our school and we appeal to all boys to cross with extreme caution and follow the rules of the Safe Cross Code. Stop, look, listen. Please do not cycle or scoot on busy footpaths. If you need to, please wheel your bike or scooter to a place where it is safe to cycle.
 

LOST AND FOUND

Car keys have been found and handed into the school office.
 

CONTACT WITH TEACHER

We have two methods of contacting your son’s teacher. Method one, send an email via info@hollyparkbns.ie with FAO: the teacher’s name or method two, via the contact section of the school website. In the contact section, a drop-down menu will appear with the names of all the teachers.
 

ENROLMENT DAY

Enrolment for Junior Infants 2022-2023 will take place on October 4th from 8am.

The school will commence accepting applications for admission on 4th October 2021

The school shall cease accepting applications for admission on 5th November 2021 @ 3:00pm

The date by which applicants will be notified of the decision on their application is 26th November 2021

The period within which applicants must confirm acceptance of an offer of admission is* 10th December 2021