Newsletters Archived

Thanks
Christmas has arrived in our Reception Area! Many thanks to all the children who helped decorate our Christmas tree this year. Thanks also to the children who prepared and set up Santa's Sleigh-Ride! We also have our Nativity Scene on display, which you and your children are welcome to visit. However, we would ask that young children do not touch any of the displays. Many thanks to all of the families who have donated shoeboxes, money and items for hampers for Saint Vincent de Paul.

Junior Infant Christmas Shows
The Junior Infant classes are getting ready for their Christmas Show "The Sleepy Shepherd" (dates below). Performances begin at approximately 12.15pm for parents and friends.
Tuesday 15 December Ms Farrell's class
Wednesday 16 December Ms Murray's class
Thursday 17 December Ms Rothwell's class

Friday Choir and Choral Scholars:
St. Mochta's Parish Carol Service will be on Sunday 20th December at 4pm. This year St. Patrick's choirs will be singing at it. All welcome.

Phones for Boards
The Jack & Jill Foundation in association with Promethean are inviting schools to collect and swap unwanted mobile phones for a new Promethean interactive whiteboard. We have registered for this campaign. The deal is for every 300 old mobile phones collected, participating schools earn a 78inch Promethean ActivBoard. See www.phonesforboards.com for further information. A collection box is in place inside the main door of the school. Perhaps you could ask family and friends to help to acquire a new Interactive Whiteboard for the school.

Code of Behaviour NEWB Guidelines
Our Behaviour Procedures and pupil behaviour were assessed by the Inspectorate during Whole School Evaluation (WSE) and were regarded as a strength of the school.
Since WSE, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) issued guidelines to schools regarding Codes of Behaviour. Schools are obliged to ensure that their Codes of Behaviour are in line with current legislation. The NEWB audit of current practice has now been conducted.
Arising from the WSE and the NEWB audit, the Board of Management needs to develop more formal structures regarding:

• how parents can support their children(s) positive behaviour in school;
• the development of a written policy on how sanctions are used to help students.

If you would like to offer your views and/or suggestions, please email the school at info@stpatricksns.ie and insert "Code of Behaviour Review" in the subject line. They can also be dropped into Reception.

Swine Flu
We are awaiting notification from the HSE regarding Swine Flu Vaccinations for our pupils. According to the HSE Guidelines, children who have been diagnosed with or who have symptoms of Swine Flu are advised to stay at home for a minimum of 7 days. See Swine Flu - General Information for Parents on www.stpatricksns.ie.

Bogus Callers
If anyone calls to your house seeking sponsorship for St Patrick's N.S. Sponsored Walk, please call the Gardai immediately, 6667020. Please pass this information on to your neighbours who do not have children in the school.

Lost Property
Any property not claimed from the Lost Property press by Friday 18 December will be donated to Saint Vincent de Paul.

Extra Curricular Activities
Basketball
As the Tuesday 24 November Basketball session was cancelled, we will be having a session on Monday 14 December from 3.10pm - 4.00pm. (Tuesday group only).

Sporting Activities (3rd- 6th only)
Volleyball, Tennis and Badminton will begin again in the New Year.
Volleyball will continue to take place on Wednesdays at the new time of 3.05 - 4.00pm.
Tennis will continue on Tuesdays also at the new time of 3.05 - 4.00pm.
Badminton will run on Fridays beginning at 2.10pm. If there is a large demand for places, there will be a second session offered from 3.05-4.00pm.
Table-tennis will also be on offer in January. Sessions will be held on Thursday afternoons from 3.05 - 4.00pm (max of 15 participants).
If you are interested in any of these activities, please write your name and class on the correct Sign-on Sheet located on the table inside the main door. Priority for all these activities will be given to older children. Courses will run for 8 weeks and the cost of each course will be €24. Payment can be made in January.

Art & Craft Workshops
Art & Craft Workshops will begin new term in January - 10 weeks until Easter. Registration for existing students will take place on Monday 14 December after class. Any new students who wish to join, contact Blathnaid 087 4123247 for full details.

Junior Cookery School
Learn & enjoy Cookery in a fun environment - eight week course starting January 2010 on Tuesday evenings (1½hrs) taught by a fully qualified Home Economics Teacher with 24 years experience teaching cookery at Primary/Post Primary level. Course will include Food & Kitchen safety, Hygiene, Healthy Eating & Nutrition. Contact Blathnaid 087 4123247 for full details.

La Jolie Ronde Spanish Classes for Children
Congratulations and thanks to all my wonderful little and not so little students who've worked hard, laughed lots and learned loads this 1st term of the year! And ... a reminder that enrolment is taking place over the next 2 weeks for next term's Spanish Classes for 3 - 12 year olds. Small, age-specific classes, taught by a fully qualified, experienced and motivated language teacher. High quality teaching & fun material with student Book and CD so learning can continue between classes at home. All new comers most welcome. 10 week term starts week beginning 11th January. Half hour classes in St Patrick's on Tuesdays from 3.15 - 5.15PM and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1.15 - 1.45 and 1.45 - 2.15 (NB pre-schoolers & Junior & Senior Infants!). For details and to register your child and/or for more information on other available days, times and venues, please contact me on 087 267 4809 or at marygalvin@upcmail.ie. Muchas gracias y Feliz Navidad a todos! Mary.

French for Children - La Jolie Ronde French classes 3-12 years
French native Sabine Maher is successfully running French classes in Diswellstown Community Centre, here in St. Patrick's National School to over 90 children who enjoy learning French the fun way. Enrolment is now taking place for January 2010 term. Classes take place on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays here in St. Patricks. Suitable for all children from Junior Infant up to 6th class, grouped per age. Nursery class also on Saturday mornings (3-5 yrs). French native teachers and great books/CDs to practice between lessons. Great preparation for secondary school for 5th /6th class pupils. Contact Sabine Maher on 087 227 9027 or 01 442 8237. Merci bien!