world mental health day

Last Sunday, we celebrated World Mental Health Day. Our key message to our pupils is always to ask for help if/when needed. We as a school community are always here to help our current and past pupils. Weaving Wellbeing Programme began in all classes this week as we try to educate our boys on positive mental health within our SPHE curriculum.

fire safety week

Dublin Fire Brigade have this week launched their Fire Safety Week. The message to parents and homeowners is to check your smoke alarm regularly and plan an escape route. We encourage our pupils not to play with fireworks and know the dangers of bonfires, as we build up to the Halloween celebrations. Keep safe please boys.  For more information and activities please click on the link below.

Kids' corner - Fire Safety Week
 

Halloween dress up

On Friday, 22^nd October, the boys are allowed to dress up in costume. It is optional but certain rules must be followed to ensure the safety and welfare for all.

• No accessories i.e. nothing the boys need to hold in their hand or items that can be put down for others to potentially pick up and handle.
• Be mindful that the costume is not going to scare a younger student. If you think a junior infant will be frightened then tone it down and reconsider.
• No long capes, onesies, or dangly material or anything that may be a tripping hazard.
• Costumes should be comfortable and practical for sitting in the classroom for the day. i.e. no inflatable costumes etc.
• Please remember to maintain social distancing measures at drop-off and pick-up times.
   

sports blitz 2021

The Parents' Association are delighted to announce the return of the annual fundraising Sports Blitz on Thursday 21st October.

Sports activities on the day will include Soccer, GAA, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Table Tennis, Playball, Yoga, Pilates to name just a few! It will be a great fun filled day for the boys. Activities will be held outdoors so hopefully the weather will be good!

This is our main annual fundraising event for the school and the funds raised will also go directly towards classroom supplies, new books for the library and also helps with covering the PA costs for events during the year such as communion celebrations, Santa visits and graduations.

Sponsorship cards were sent home this week. The boys are being encouraged to do chores / jobs in return for sponsorship.

All support is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Sarah Walsh
Hollypark BNS Parents’ Association
 

Cyber break

Cyber Safe Kids is looking for children and parents to ditch their devices from 5pm, 15^th Oct (Fri) - 5pm 16^th Oct (Sat) www.cybersafekids.ie/cyberbreak. Cyber Break 2021 is aimed at schoolchildren aged between 8-12 years of age but all young people, as well as parents are encouraged to get involved.

The aim is to promote a healthy balance between our online and offline lives.
 

After School Activities Programme 2021/2022

Our After School Sports programme will begin after Halloween. We will concentrate on outdoor activities only. Notes will be sent out this week and places will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
 

Aistear

Junior, Senior Infants and 1^st class continue to actively engage in play-based learning. Aistear is a vital component of the junior curriculum and the teachers are noticing many positives in the boys’ use of language, social skills, imagination and communication. Furthermore, the boys are really enjoying this type of learning! Investigating, questioning and using imagination are key elements to the success of the programme. Pictured below are boys from room 4, Ms. Dunne’s, enjoying their Aistear time.

safe routes to school

During the past number of weeks, I met with representatives from DLR and An Taisce to express my concerns about the safety of our roads in and around our school. Both DLR and An Taisce are currently working with each other to draft a safe route to school for our pupils. The Safe Routes to School Team would like your input to determine how students travel to school and where they start their journey.

Our school will benefit from any improvements in the area and we hope to create a safer environment for children walking, cycling and scooting to school. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you could complete this short survey by 31^st October.

Survey:  https://arcg.is/bOHW8
 

Opening of the year Mass

On Thursday 7^th October, our 6^th class boys and girls from Hollypark attended our opening of the year mass. Fr. Kieran was very impressed with the maturity and leadership shown by our eldest pupils. Well done boys and girls, you continue to do both schools proud!
 

communion

Last weekend, our 3^rd class boys made their First Holy Communion. It was a very special weekend and it was well worth the wait! Congratulations boys. The ice-cream party in Granada also went down a treat!

trim trail

Great news! Our Trim Trail has been installed. We look forward to the whole school benefitting from different pieces of apparatus. The boys will be challenged with balance, coordination, gross motor skills and teamwork as they navigate their way across the trail. Thank you to our Parents’ Association for funding the project.