Wednesday letter May 21st 2025

WSE-MLL Report – A Message from the Board of Management

The Board of Management of St. Patrick’s BNS, Hollypark, is very pleased to share the positive outcomes of our recent Whole-School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning (WSE-MLL). We warmly welcome the affirmations, commendations, and recommendations outlined in the Department of Education’s report and are encouraged by the many strengths identified across our school community.

The report highlights several key aspects that reflect the daily life and values of our school:

• A positive, welcoming, and collaborative school culture.
• Full compliance with Child Protection and Anti-Bullying procedures.
• Pupils who are confident, enthusiastic, and highly motivated in their learning.
• A wide range of co-curricular activities that enrich the learning experience and promote wellbeing.
• Well-prepared lessons in vibrant, organised classrooms that celebrate pupils’ achievements.
• A nurturing culture of professional expertise and high-quality teaching.
• Strong partnerships between our Special Education Team, pupils, families, and support agencies.
• The principal’s outstanding leadership and the excellent work of our deputy principal & In-School Leadership Team.
• A strong sense of belonging and wellbeing among our pupils.
• Opportunities for pupil voice and leadership throughout the school.
• An embedded and effective approach to school self-evaluation.
• The valuable and continued support of our Parents’ Association and Board of Management.

We are especially proud of the recognition given to the quality of teaching and learning, the exemplary standard of our learning environment, and the commitment of our staff to the highest professional standards. The report commends our pupils as engaged learners who take immense pride in their school, something we value deeply.

The Board would like to thank all members of the school community—staff, pupils, parents, and volunteers—for their ongoing dedication, support, and partnership. We remain committed to continuing our journey of excellence and growth and ensuring that Hollypark remains a place where every child can thrive.

Click the link below to read the full report. 

MATHS INSERVICE 

A reminder to all families, Hollypark BNS and GNS have a Primary Maths Curriculum in-service day on Monday, May 26th. The schools will be closed. Please inform childcare facilities and minders. 

Congratulations to our Second Class Boys!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the boys in Second Class who made their First Holy Communion last Saturday. It was a joyful and memorable occasion, and we are so proud of them. Sincere thanks to their dedicated teachers, Mr. Ryan, Ms. Costello & Mr. Lineen, along with their SNA team, Ms. Bane & Ms. Byrne, for preparing them so well, to Fr. Philip for leading the ceremony, and to the parish sacramental team for their invaluable support throughout the journey. 
A special word of appreciation goes to the many parent volunteers who gave up their time to help in the Pastoral Centre on Saturday morning. Their delicious food and tireless efforts serving tea and coffee helped make the celebration extra special for all. We also wish to thank the wonderful choir boys whose singing added so much to the atmosphere of the day, as well as the teachers, Mr. Mitchell, Ms. Ryan and Ms. Travers, who guided and supported our choir. 

Ireland’s First School Deposit Return Scheme – Right Here in Hollypark!

We are proud to announce that Hollypark is the first school in Ireland to install a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) machine on-site! In partnership with Zeeko Technology at UCD, we are now collecting plastic bottles and cans that carry the official return label. Every item recycled through our machine earns credit towards much-needed laptops and Chromebooks for our school. This initiative not only promotes sustainability and environmental awareness among our pupils but also directly supports digital learning. Well done to everyone involved in bringing this innovative project to life! Our pupil voice and green schools committee will lead the initiative. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

School Closures -Term 3