Wednesday Newsletter 11th February 2026
SAFER INTERNET DAY
This week, we celebrate Safer Internet Day. It is a great opportunity to remind our school community of the importance of using the internet in a safe, respectful and responsible way. We encourage parents to take a few moments at home to talk with their child about how they use the internet.
🔐 Top Tips for Parents
- Talk regularly with your child about what they do online and who they talk to.
- Encourage kindness and respect in online games and chats.
- Remind children not to share personal information such as passwords, addresses or school details.
- Check privacy and safety settings together on devices, apps and games.
- Agree on clear rules around screen time and online gaming.
- Reassure your child that they can always talk to a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
Working together, we can help children develop safe, responsible and respectful online habits.
Webwise provides excellent, up-to-date advice for parents on online safety and digital wellbeing. They have put together a guide for parents on advice and talking points with your child regarding screen time, which can be accessed here: Screen Time - Advice for Parents
Our Hollypark BNS Online Safety Awareness Group successfully launched our Smartphone-Free Voluntary Code of Practice for parents/guardians in Hollypark BNS, where parents/guardians choose to agree, via an Online Form, to not purchase a personal smartphone for their child(ren) while in Primary School. We recognise that this is not the only solution to the growing problem, but it is potentially one tool which may be helpful to those parents/guardians who wish to avail of it.
By taking the Smartphone-Free Pledge, we can work together to help our children enjoy a happy, play-based childhood — one filled with friendships, creativity, and real-world adventures, rather than screen time and social media pressures.
If your child already has a smartphone or smart device, you can still take part in the pledge by keeping phones at home - during meet-ups, after-school activities, parties or when they’re out and about in Granada or Mount Albany after school. Every small step helps build a more balanced and connected school community.
Together, as Hollypark parents, we can:
- Learn more about how to protect and guide our children as they begin to explore the online world.
- Support one another in making thoughtful choices about technology.
- Foster a healthy, balanced approach to growing up in the digital age.
- Sign the Pledge
If you would like to get on board with the many Hollypark families who have already signed up, you can access the Smartphone-Free Voluntary Code form to make your pledge here: https://forms.gle/dd9UHweVFgZ9jivD6
Learn More & Get Support
To help parents and children navigate online safely, please see below some links to trusted resources for parents:
Webwise (https://www.webwise.ie/) - Irish government-funded website offering free advice and resources for parents.
Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) - a world of resources and recommendations about apps, games, TV show and, movies and much more.
CyberSafeKids (https://www.cybersafekids.ie/about-us/) - a trusted advocate for online safety, empowering children, parents and educators to navigate the internet safely and confidently.
The Parents’ Association has arranged for CyberSafeKids to visit Hollypark BNS on the 2nd & 3rd of March. They will deliver age-appropriate talks to our 4th, 5th and 6th class boys on how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Topics will include online privacy, personal information, digital footprints, social media and gaming, misinformation and cyberbullying.
Thank You for Your Continued Support During the Recent Miserable Weather
Thank you to all parents and guardians for your patience, cooperation, and understanding during the miserable wet weather we are currently experiencing. Your support during these challenging conditions is greatly appreciated.
At times like this, ensuring that all children arrive at and go home from school safely is our top priority. We ask you to park with caution and care for the many students and parents making their way through the miserable rain. When crossing, please cross the road in front of Caroline, our school warden.
We kindly remind parents to ensure that children come to school with a warm coat and appropriate footwear, particularly on days of persistent rain and poor conditions.
For clarity around weather warnings:
- Yellow Weather Warning: School will operate as normal.
- Orange Weather Warning: School will remain open, with parental advisory and caution. Parents are encouraged to do what they feel is best for their family and personal circumstances.
- Red Weather Warning: School will be closed.
Thank you once again for your continued support and good sense during this spell of poor weather. Thankfully, brighter days are ahead, and it is lovely to see the daffodils beginning to bloom in the beautiful gardens of Hollypark, reminding us that sunshine is not far away.
STAFF IN-SERVICE
A reminder, school is closed on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, for staff in-service on the new Primary Curriculum Framework. For more information, click https://www.curriculumonline.ie/primary/
3rd Class Shine at the Peace Proms
Our 3rd class boys delivered an incredible performance at the Peace Proms last Saturday, and what a day it was for everyone in Hollypark. From the moment they took to the stage, the energy, enthusiasm, and joy they brought to the performance were truly unforgettable.
The Peace Proms event in the RDS was unbelievable. The boys were offered the opportunity to sing with the Cross Border Orchestra Ireland, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The boys didn't disappoint, and they sang and danced their hearts out alongside 2,000 children from other schools in Leinster. We couldn't be prouder of our boys. Well done, boys, you were truly magnificent. Feedback from parents has been hugely positive, and we thank you for the several complimentary emails and letters.
A huge thank you to Ms. Ryan, Ms. Larkin, Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Harkin and Mrs. Cabases for their work in organising & preparing the event and for accompanying the boys on Saturday, February 7th.
For more information on the Peace Proms, please click the link attached
https://peaceproms.com/
Valentine’s Nut Free Cake Sale & Raffle
We are looking forward to our annual Nut Free Cake Sale & Raffle, which will take place this Friday, 13th February.
Whether you love baking or prefer to pick up some sweet treats from the shop, every donation counts! Cupcakes, Brownies, Rice Krispies Cakes, Muffins, Cookies, Rocky Road…all sweet treats are welcome! Please ensure the treats you are donating are nut-free. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the Cake Sale safely, including those with allergies. We will be accepting donations for the Cake Sale in the school hall from 8.15 am on Friday morning.
For the safe return of your cake box/containers, please ensure that it is labelled clearly with your son’s name, class and teacher.
A reminder for your son to also bring in an extra lunchbox on Friday to safely transport his Cake Sale treats home! All boys will visit the Cake Sale during the morning with their class and teacher. Our Junior & Senior Infant boys will also have their buddies with them.
An Allergy-Friendly table will be available for those with specific allergies.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in our Raffle! Tickets will be on sale for €1.00 per strip. Join in the excitement and support our school event! Incredible Raffle Prizes are listed below. Online Raffle Ticket sales will close at 8:00 pm on Thursday, 12th February. Don’t miss out - purchase online now:
Cake Sale Raffle Tickets
If you would like to help out at the Cake Sale on Friday morning, please contact hollyparkboyspa@gmail.com. All help is greatly appreciated.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Please see the calendar below for the period February–June.
Kindly note that the Paráid will now take place on Thursday, March 12th, which is a change from the previously scheduled date of March 11th.
Get Into Golf – A Great Success for 4th Class ⛳
Our 4th class boys have been thoroughly enjoying taking part in the Get Into Golf programme over recent weeks, and it has been a fantastic experience for all involved.
The programme has introduced the boys to the basic skills of golf in a fun, inclusive and engaging way. They have shown great enthusiasm, improved confidence, and a real willingness to try something new. It has been wonderful to see their focus, teamwork and enjoyment grow with each session.
A huge word of thanks must go to Coach Aaron, whose positive energy, patience and encouragement have been central to the success of the programme. His ability to connect with the boys and make the sessions both educational and enjoyable has been outstanding.
Well done to all the boys for their excellent participation, and we look forward to building on this great sporting experience in the future.
VIKINGS 4TH CLASS
Last week, 4th Class brought history to life with an impressive showcase of Viking projects, transforming classrooms into vibrant centres of creativity and learning. Pupils went far beyond textbooks, using videos, quizzes, games, and PowerPoint presentations to explore the world of the Vikings in imaginative ways.
Students enjoyed interactive quizzes, student-designed Viking games, short films demonstrating flatbread baking, and even samples of Viking food. The boys spoke confidently about Viking gods, traditions, and daily life, explaining their projects with great enthusiasm. Dramatic performances and well-known Viking speeches added to the excitement of the day.
Technology played an important role throughout the project, from initial research on iPads to the creation of high-quality final displays. Highlights included detailed models, Viking instruments and villages, and an impressive 3D-printed Viking longship, showcasing a wonderful blend of historical understanding and modern design skills.
Overall, the projects reflected excellent teamwork, creativity, and presentation skills. The displays were visually striking and thoughtfully prepared, and the boys should be extremely proud of their achievements.
Congratulations, Aidan and Oisín!
Congratulations to Aidan and Oisín on their fantastic achievement in the recent 4 × 100 relay, where they proudly won a medal. This is a wonderful accomplishment and a credit to their hard work, commitment and teamwork.
As a result of this success, the boys will now run in a Leinster competition. We are extremely proud of them and wish them the very best of luck in the next stage.
Best of luck, boys — we’ll be cheering you on!
Confirmation
Mass for Confirmation children and their families is on Saturday evening next, 14th February at 6 pm.
First Communion
Mass for First Communion children and their families is on Sunday next, 15th February at 10 am.
This week is a special week for these great boys: Otto Townes, Conor Radford, Matthew McMillan, Rian Aherne, Cillian Hanly, Barry Maxwell, Jafar Ahmed, Ms. Clarke, Antoni Kowalewski, James Dillon, Eoghan Kenny, Yakoub Derkaoui, Noah Dundon and Harry McKeogh.
Have a wonderful celebration, boys!
Beir bua agus beannacht,
Principal
11.2.2026
Hurling & Soccer | Soccer | Testing Month | Reports | ||||||||
February | March | April | May | ||||||||
1 | Su | 1 | Su | 1 | We | Easter Holidays | 1 | Fr | |||
2 | Mo | School closed St. Brigid’s Day | 2 | Mo | 2 | Th | Easter Holidays | 2 | Sa | ||
3 | Tu | 3 | Tu | 3 | Fr | Easter Holidays | 3 | Su | |||
4 | We | 4 | We | 4 | Sa | Easter Holidays | 4 | Mo | Mid Term | ||
5 | Th | 5 | Th | 5 | Su | Easter Sunday | 5 | Tu | Mid Term | ||
6 | Fr | 6 | Fr | 6 | Mo | Easter Holidays | 6 | We | Mid Term | ||
7 | Sa | Peace Proms 3rd | 7 | Sa | 7 | Tu | Easter Holidays | 7 | Th | ||
8 | Su | 8 | Su | 8 | We | Easter Holidays | 8 | Fr | |||
9 | Mo | 9 | Mo | 9 | Th | Easter Holidays | 9 | Sa | |||
10 | Tu | 10 | Tu | 10 | Fr | Easter Holidays | 10 | Su | |||
11 | We | Staff Inservice School Closed | 11 | We | 11 | Sa | 11 | Mo | |||
12 | Th | 12 | Th | Paráid | 12 | Su | 12 | Tu | |||
13 | Fr | Cake Sale | 13 | Fr | Back up day for Paráid | 13 | Mo | School Re-opens | 13 | We | Staff Inservice School Closed |
14 | Sa | 14 | Sa | 14 | Tu | 14 | Th | ||||
16 | Mo | Engineers’ Week | 15 | Su | 15 | We | 15 | Fr | |||
16 | Mo | 16 | Mo | School Closed | 16 | Th | 16 | Sa | |||
17 | Tu | Engineers’ Week | 17 | Tu | School Closed | 17 | Fr | 17 | Su | First Communion 11:30 | |
18 | We | Engineers’ Week | 18 | We | 18 | Sa | 18 | Mo | Ceremony of Light 18:30 | ||
19 | Th | Mid Term | 19 | Th | 19 | Su | 19 | Tu | |||
20 | Fr | Mid Term | 20 | Fr | 20 | Mo | 20 | We | |||
21 | Sa | 21 | Sa | 21 | Tu | 21 | Th | ||||
22 | Su | 22 | Su | 22 | We | 22 | Fr | ||||
23 | Mo | 23 | Mo | 23 | Th | 23 | Sa | ||||
24 | Tu | 24 | Tu | 24 | Fr | 24 | Su | ||||
25 | We | 25 | We | 25 | Sa | 25 | Mo | ||||
26 | Th | First Penance 19:15 | 26 | Th | Mass | 26 | Su | 26 | Tu | Confirmation | |
27 | Fr | 27 | Fr | Easter Holidays | 27 | Mo | 27 | We | |||
28 | Sa | 28 | Sa | 28 | Tu | ISM | 28 | Th | |||
29 | Su | 29 | We | 29 | Fr | ||||||
30 | Mo | Easter Holidays | 30 | Th | 30 | Sa | |||||
31 | Tu | Easter Holidays | 31 | Su | |||||||
