St. Patrick's National School, Diswellstown, Castleknock.

Email: info@stpatricksns.ie Phone: 01 824 9930 Fax: 01 824 9928

Address: Diswellstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15, D15 PH21.

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Newsletters Archived

Wednesday March 14th 2012
St Patrick’s Day
The school will close on Monday 19 March for St Patrick’s Day. The school will reopen on Tuesday 20 March.

Mór Shúil
We will be having a “Mór Shúil” for the children during the school day this Friday 16 March.  Children may wear a green top or tshirt with their school tracksuit bottoms if they wish.

Bekind Ireland Living Shamrocks
As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge and in celebration of St Patrick, our patron saint, a group of students from CCC will be selling living shamrock on today,ay, Thursday and Friday morning at €3 each.  All proceeds go to Bekind Ireland, a locally run Charity which supports street children in Calcutta and works closely with students from CCC. More information is available on their website www.bekind.ie.  

10 Year Anniversary Celebrations
The school is hosting a concert tonight.  The concert will start at 7.30pm SHARP.  Please note that all children attending must be accompanied by an adult.

A special celebration Mass for children from 1st to 6th class will take place in the PE Hall during the school day tomorrow Thursday 15 March.  There will also be a special ceremony for Infants on the same day.  School will finish at the normal time for all children.

Many thanks to the PA for the commemorative pencils which will be given all children on Friday 16 March.

Trócaire Boxes
Trócaire Boxes are available for collection from Reception.

Story-time in the Library
Would there be any parent who might be interested in reading a story in another language to younger children? If so, could you please inform Andrea, our school secretary at 8249930 or by email to info@stpatricksns.ie and we will get in touch with you shortly. Many thanks.

Tigers After School Care
There are a number of places available in Tigers After School Care now and in September.  Please contact Tigers directly on 086 2253781.  More information is available on www.tigersafterschoolcare.com.

Green Schools - Walking Bus

In order to encourage more children to walk to school a Walking Bus might be the answer. To find out more please check out www.fingalcoco.ie  (Click first on Road and then the Road Safety Section). If you would be interested is helping to set up and run a Walking Bus system in St Patrick’s, please leave your name and contact details with Andrea at Reception or email info@stpatricksns.ie putting “Walking Bus” in the subject line.  

Parking
The Gardaí and local residents have again approached the school regarding the issue of dangerous and illegal parking.  We appreciate that lack of parking space is a major problem for all parents.  However, cars must be parked in a safe, legal and considerate manner.

Unfortunately, a number of parents continue to park and block access to/from driveways, and park dangerously close to junctions and entrances to estates.  This is both highly inconsiderate towards the residents of these estates and is, in fact, illegal.

There are also a number of parents who stop at the roundabout on the main road which is also a dangerous and illegal practice.  It is also an unnecessary practice as we have a safe procedure in place for dropping children off at the main entrance of the school.

The following are extracts from the Rules of the Road:

  1. A vehicle may not park on double yellow lines in any circumstances.
  2. A vehicle may not be parked within 5m of a junction.
  3. Vehicles may not be parked near: a bend, the brow of a hill, a humped back bridge, a continuous white line, where it would obstruct a sign, at an entrance, at a bus stop or opposite another vehicle on a narrow road.

The Board of Management will have no hesitation in supporting local residents who choose to report drivers who park illegally or trespass on their property. The Board will also support those parents who choose to report instances of dangerous parking that may put the lives of their children at risk. 

There is ample parking available at Spar car park which is a short distance from the school. Cars must be parked properly in the car park.  Under no circumstances should a car obstruct one of their patrons or interfere with delivery truck access.

National Day in France
“Le 14 juillet il y a un grand Defile sur les Champs Elysee. On le regards a la television.  Je voyais les avions passer au dessus de chez moi. Le soir il y a des feux d’artifices dans toutes les villes.”
“On the 14 July there is a huge parade on the Champs Elysees. We watch it on tv. I used to see the planes passing by over my house. At night there are fireworks in every city.”  Ilyes Demamen 3rd Class

National Parents’ Council – Primary
The NPC are looking for a representative from St Patrick’s Parent Body on their NPC Special Interest Group.  This parent must have a child in the school and be the parent of a child with Special Educational Needs; from the Migrant Community; from the Traveller Community or of a Minority Religion.  If you would be interested in taking part, please contact Andrea in the office or email info@stpatricksns.ie putting “NPC Special Interest Group” in the subject line.

Parents Association News

Family Fun Quiz
The PA have organised a Family Quiz for Sunday, 25th March at 3pm.  Free entry with prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th teams.  There will be a raffle and refreshments on sale.  This is a social event and will be great fun for all the family.  Teams should consist of at least 4 players (max 2 adults per team).  Questions to suit all ages on general knowledge, sport, entertainment etc.  Come along and join the fun !

Extra Curricular Activities

New After-school JSTA Tennis Academy
Two coaches from the JSTA Tennis Academy will begin a new 10-week course on Tuesday 20th March from 3.05pm-4.00pm for children in 2nd-6th (Priority will be given to older children). Cost of course is €30 for 10-week course. All equipment will be provided. Those interested should sign up at Reception. See www.jsta.ie for further information about the programme on offer. 

Open Morning at Donore Harriers
A.C.Donore Harriers Athletic Club has kindly offered to host a Free Open Morning for children from St Patrick’s who are in 4th - 6th Class. This is an opportunity for children to try a variety of athletic events e.g. hurdles, long jump, high jump and shot putt. It will take place from 10.00 – 12.00 on Sat 24th March. Numbers are limited. If too many children wish to attend, a lottery may need to be held.  Please note: Parents must accompany their child to/from venue and are responsible for him/her while there. Parents who are interested in coming along should complete a form, available from the Parents Notice-Board at Reception, and return to collection box at reception by Fri 16th March, at the latest.

French for Children @ St. Patrick’s
Try La Jolie Ronde French classes for children aged 3 to 12 years!  French, music and drama all into one!  A few places are still available Thursdays or Saturdays.  Grinds can be organised on request for older children also.  Phone/text Sabine Maher on 087 227 9027 & visit web www.frenchforchildren.ie Merci!

Spanish for Children (La Jolie Ronde)
Learn lots of Spanish after-school, in fun and interesting way with qualified linguist and teacher, Mary Galvin.  Very few places left this term and just 9 classes left until end of May.  Join now (3 – 13 yr olds) or enrol today and guarantee your place for September 2012 (places filling fast).  A good level of Spanish leaving Primary will give your child a great start in Secondary.  For information, please contact Mary on 087 2674809; marygalvin@upcmail.ie or check out www.spanishclasses4children.com.  Gracias.

Guitar Lessons
FREE CLASSICAL GUITAR, RAIN COVER & TUTOR BOOK (or 20% reduction & tutor book for the first 10 lessons) to all new pupils (or parents) of St. Patricks NS.  Learn easy guitar in a warm and friendly fully equipped studio.   This is one the best times to prepare for the Junior and Leaving Cert music curriculum! Limited offer while stock lasts.  Brian Farrell 086 380 9624;  Web www.brianfarrell.eu; Email info@brianfarrell.eu.

Girls Soccer Easter Camp at St Patrick’s
The Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Camp takes place at St Patrick’s from Mon 2nd to Thurs 5th April (inclusive). It will run daily from 10am-1pm, costs €40 and each participant will receive a free Soccer Sisters kit. Those interested should pick up a leaflet from beside the Parent Information Notice-Board or contact Martin Doyle, FAI Development Officer directly on 086 7700772. 

Coder Dojo
Coder Dojo is coming to Dublin 15. Coder Dojo is a new, innovative and free youth computer coding club for boys and girls ages 10-18. It's all voluntary and to get started we're looking for adult mentors with coding/online skills. If you have some time on Saturdays we would delighted for any help possible. Enrolment for interested kids will start after Easter. Contact Ivo (086 7947744) or Colm (087 979 1769) or email CoderDojoD15@gmail.com"

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