Newsletters Archived
Wednesday September 5th 2012A very special welcome to our Junior Infants and also to our new Senior Infant to 6th Class children who started this week.
With the rapid expansion of the school, the reception/office area is extremely busy. The office hours are 08.30am to 2.30pm, closing for lunch from 12.00-12.30pm daily.
It would be much appreciated if telephone calls to the school were made
only in emergency situations (after 9.00a.m.).
Registration – Junior Infants September 2013
Application Forms will be available from the office from Wednesday 12 September. Registration will take place on 15, 16 & 17 October.
Contagious Illness
Whilst there is no need to telephone the school if your child is sick, we would greatly appreciate if you would contact us if your child contracts a contagious illness e.g. measles, mumps, rubella, etc. There are children in the school who are at increased risk of contracting these illnesses. Parents should acknowledge their child’s absence from school due to minor illnesses on their return, in writing, in the child’s School Journal.
Contact Details
It is essential that we have the correct address and contact details (e.g. home telephone, parents’ mobile numbers) for your child on our database. If any of your details have changed over the summer, please complete a Change of Address/Contact Details Form as soon as possible.
Dropping in lunches, bags, homework etc.
It would be greatly appreciated that if you are dropping in any of your child’s forgotten belongings e.g. lunches, bags, homework, etc., that they are clearly marked with your child’s name and their class teacher. For your information and to ensure forgotten lunches arrive in time, the following are the breaktimes for the children.
Junior & Senior Infants
10.20-10.30am Small portable snack taken to yard for eating under supervision
10.30-10.50am Eating time in the classroom
12.00-12.30pm Any remaining food can be taken to yard to be finished under supervision.
First Class upwards
10.20-10.30am Small portable snack taken to yard for eating under supervision
11.45-12.00noon Foods not suitable for outdoor eating can be eaten in the classroom
12.00-12.30pm Any remaining food can be taken to yard to be finished under supervision.
Labelling/Lost Property
The chances of returning lost property are greatly increased if items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please ensure jumpers, PE sweatshirts, coats, etc are labelled with your child’s name.
Healthy Lunch Policy
We operate a Healthy Lunch Policy in the school. Fizzy drinks, crisps or sweets are not permitted. On Friday, children are allowed one treat, e.g. a bar. Please help us maintain the health of our children by following the guidelines in the School Booklet which is available to view at www.stpatricksns.ie.
Hand Towels
We request that every child brings a small hand towel/facecloth to dry his/her hands after using the WC. This should be kept in a school bag pocket and changed regularly.
Parking
We would ask all parents to please show due consideration to residents when parking in the locality. Please do not obstruct local residents’ driveways.
Staff Car Park
Please note that parents are not permitted to park in the Staff Car Park when dropping or collecting children. If you are returning to the school to drop off forgotten lunches, schoolbags, etc. during the school day, we would ask that you park in the bus stop area and enter via the Pedestrian Gate. (Please close gates after you leave). Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Reminder re dismounting bicycles, etc
In the interest of everyone’s safety, all cyclists (pupils, parents & siblings) should dismount from their bicycles at the main gates of the school avenue. For safety reasons, we would ask that you do not allow your children to use scooters, rollerblades or Heelys on school grounds.
Temporary PE Timetable
A temporary PE Timetable will be in place for the first few weeks. Children will be informed of their PE times by their class teachers. Children should wear their school tracksuit/runners on these days.
Assistance with Books, Extra Curricular Activities etc
If you require assistance with books, Extra Curricular Activities, etc for your child/children, please email assistance.stpats@gmail.com as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may telephone the office to make an appointment with Mr Clerkin. All requests will be dealt with complete confidentiality.
Lost Property
There are a lot of unclaimed uniform items from the last school year. These items will be on display at Pick-Up times outside the school (beside the Pedestrian Exit) for the remainder of the week. Any items not claimed by the end of the week will be donated to St Vincent de Paul.
Homework Club
Homework Club commences this Monday (10 September). There are limited places available at a fee of €3 per child per session (Monday to Thursday). Application Forms are available from the office.
Extra Curricular Activities
Bravo Drama Club
Welcome back everyone; I hope you all had a wonderful summer and that you are looking forward to a new school year. The Bravo Drama Club will commence again on Tuesday the 11th of September for fifth and sixth class boys and girls and on Thursday the 13th of September for third and fourth class boys and girls. Classes focus on developing self-esteem and also aim to encourage children to foster an interest in various elements of drama, such as theatre sports, improvisation, poetry, speech development, mime, puppetry, scriptwriting and much more. Children can also complete examinations with the Leinster School of Music and Drama in the New Year if interested. Limited places available as class sizes are small. Application forms will be available for collection from Ms Barrins after school on Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of September at reception. Further information will be available on the above dates. Application forms must be returned at latest Monday the 10th of September. Thanking you, Ms Barrins.
Musical Theatre, Drama & Singing Classes
Musical Theatre classes provide vocal and acting skills to children of all levels in a creative and fun environment. As well as musical ability, the classes help children build confidence, learn teamwork and develop their individual talents. Our new term will begin on Tuesday, 18 September in St. Patrick’s N.S. Enrolment takes place on Tuesday, 11 September between 1 – 2.30 pm. Classes are 1.10 – 2.10 pm for Junior and Senior Infants, 2.10 – 3.10 pm for 1st and 2nd class and 3.10 – 4.00 pm for older children. Individual lessons are available upon request. Preparation for Royal Irish Academy of Music and Leinster school of Music singing exams and Junior and Leaving certificate practical exams is also provided. For further details please contact Toni Martin at 087 7913714 or email martin.toni1@gmail.com.
Platform Stage School
It’s that time of year again when we start to look ahead and prepare for another year of singing, dancing, drama and fun. Last year we had a huge number of medal winners at the D15 Performing Arts Festival in Draiocht Theatre. The adjudicator was very impressed with the extremely high standard of acting and singing performances. ‘Oliver’ was the highlight of the year and we were packed to capacity for the four performances. The audience sang along to all the familiar tunes and the children were very excited and thrilled to be performing for their parents and friends. Fees for this year Jun/Sen infants €90 and older classes €130 for term of 13 weeks payable in two installments. Next years show is ‘MARY POPPINS’ and you can get further details on the website www.platformstageschool.ie
Dramaworks (Speech & Drama)
The DramaWorks (speech and drama classes) enrolment will take place this Thursday 6th September from 11.30-12pm for Junior Infants and 12.30pm-2pm for Senior Infants - Sixth class students. Term one fee €130. For further details contact Clodagh on 086 3736056.
Irish Dancing
In St Patrick's N.S: Tuesday Junior and Senior Infants 1.10 - 2pm; Tuesday and Thursday 2.10 to 3.10 1st - 6th backstage room; Wednesday Advanced and Championship 7.15pm. Saturday 12-1pm all grades. Children prepared for examinations, shows and stage craft, to develop confidence teamwork and poise. Competition to World level if desired. Or simply learn Irish dancing for fun and cultural development. Please contact Bernadette 0876204772. Congratulations to the children who participated in our fundraiser Ceili in June which raised €340, we have given this to the school for their Bernardo fund.
Stretch-N-Grow
The World’s leading fitness programme for children, 1:10pm to 2pm, New Term starts Friday 14th September running for 10 weeks for only €60!
Contact Graham on 0862495698 or sngkidz@gmail.com or www.stretch-n-grow.ie
Choir
Friday Choir rehearsals start back on Friday, 14 September. Free of charge. 2:10pm - 3:10pm. Line up after school outside the Coolmine door on line A (near the walkway). Looking forward to starting back. Ms Meade.
Art & Crafts Workshops
Art & Craft Workshops will take place on Mondays from 2.10pm to 3.45pm. Wide range of skills used to foster creativity. Enrolment will take place on Monday 10th September at 1.10pm and 2.10pm. New 10 week term classes will commence on Monday 17th September. Please contact Bláthnaid O Brien-Donovan, B.Ed (Hons) on 087 4123247 for full details.
French for Children at St. Patrick’s
French for Children runs classes per age group in St. Patricks for young children as young as 3 right up to 6th class pupils. Beginners welcome, no previous knowledge needed. Great preparation for secondary school for older children. Classes available weekdays or Saturday. Enrol now as places limited to 12 children per class. Due to interest, a special class/playschool may start for babies/toddlers from 0 to 3 yrs with their parents. Secure a place quickly (vite, vite!). Enrolling now. Sabine 087 227 9027 www.frenchforchildren.ie Merci!
Spanish for Children (LaJolie Ronde)
¡Apúrate! Hurry! 30 wks (Sep - June) of choice of 5 great, after-school, age-specific classes for 3-13 yr olds, starting 10th Sept. Own book & CD. Enrolment takes place this Thurs 6th/Fri 7th, 1PM-1.20PM & 2PM-2.20PM, outside entrance to main school door. For more information / to enroll on-line, please contact Mary Galvin on M: 087 267 4809 E: marygalvin@upcmail.ie W: www.spanishclasses4children.com ¡Gracias!
Stretch-N-Grow
Stage Area, Friday's 1:10pm - 2:10pm (10 weeks). €60 per child. For more information and bookings, please contact Graham at 086 249 5698 sngkidz@gmail.com www.stretch-n-grow.com
CLASSICAL BALLET & HIP HOP DANCE CLASSES
For Students Age 4 – 18 years. Beginners Always Welcome. Fully Qualified I.D.T.A.Teachers.
Classes Every Monday from 4.30 in Diswellstown Community Centre, St Patricks National School.
- Pre-School Class (Age 2 ½ to 4 yrs) - 4.30pm; - Tiny Tots Ballet (Age 4-6 yrs) - 5pm
- Classical Ballet (Age 6+) - 5.45pm; - Hip Hop Dance (All Ages) - 6.30pm
Registrations Tues 4th Sept @ 5pm. Sara Chester A.I.D.T.A 0877923955 www.chesterschoolofdance.com
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:
- A vehicle may not park on double yellow lines in any circumstances.
- A vehicle may not be parked within 5m of a junction.
- 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.