Newsletters Archived

Handball Tournament
“On 15 March, the St Patrick’s Boys Handball Team went to Russell Park to participate in the knockout stages of what turned out to be a very challenging tournament.  Our school made it to the final with St Brigid’s Castleknock.  We lost 21-19, but we had a lot of fun.  We would like to thank Mr Monaghan, Mr MacConámha and Mr Thynne for training and helping us”. Sean McC & Dorian – 6th class

Re-Registration Form 2013/2014
We have a number of children on our Waiting List for Senior Infants to Sixth class places for the 2013/2014 school year. It is important that we can confirm as soon as possible whether or not we will have school places for them. Therefore, we will be distributing a Re-Registration Form to all children (JI – 5th Class) in the next week.  The form will also be emailed.  We would ask that you return the fully completed form ASAP, confirming if your child/children will be returning to St Patrick’s for the next school year 2013/2014.  This will also ensure that we have correct contact details, (postal address, mobile numbers and email address) for all parents.

Easter Art Competition
Congratulations to Eveline Coman and Aliyah Maaref-Wilson from Ms M McDermott’s class who came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Blanchardstown Centre Easter Art Competition.

Dublin 15 Cross Country League
The third cross country meeting takes place on Tuesday 16th April at Porterstown Park. First race 11.30am sharp. All supporters welcome. Please note that the Grand Finals of the League will be held at Morton Stadium, Santry on Tuesday 21st May.

Junior Sport for All Day (Sen Infants – 2nd Class)
The Junior Sport for All Day (Senior Infants – 2nd Class) will take place, weather permitting, on Wednesday 17th April. Children should wear their school tracksuit and suitable footwear. They should also bring an extra drink with them, along with their usual lunch. Here’s hoping for a dry day and lots of fun for everyone!

“Knock-out Trials” for School Santry Team – Cumann na mBunscol Athletics Championships  
Trials are still on-going for this year’s school team. We now have a shortlist for each age category. The children who have made it onto the shortlists have been informed. Final selection will be made from these lists. It should be noted that selection is based on a number of points – athletic ability, team spirit, sportsmanship, etc. The remainder of the “Knock-out Trials” will be held after school. Those who make it onto the shortlists must attend if they want to be considered for the team. Those selected for the team must be available for the championships held at Morton Stadium, Santry, the last week in May and/or first week in June. The following schedule has been put in place, but further dates will be advised in the coming Newsletters:
Thursday 11th April U13½ Boys and Girls from 2.15 – 3.00 (outside, in Basketball Area, weather permitting)
Friday 12th April U12 Boys and Girls from 2.15 – 3.00 (outdoors as above)
Thursday 18th April U11 Boys and Girls from 2.15 – 3.00 (outdoors as above)
Friday 19th April U10 Boys and Girls from 2.15 – 3.00 (outdoors as above)

Children should line up in yard outside Diswellstown Door at 2.15 where they will be met by teacher. Please note that training may be cancelled if the ground is too wet. Also note that other dates/times may need to be added in order to prepare for the event. Children will be informed at school of any changes.

Water Saving Tip
'When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill the sink with wash water and a basin with rinse water.' 

Reminders

Absences due to 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 must acknowledge their child’s absence from school, in writing, at the back of the child’s School Journal (Education Welfare Act). Parents of Infant children should speak to the teacher at the class line on the morning of their return.

Meeting with Teachers
All questions/queries re school should be directed initially to the class teacher. Please contact the school secretary to make an appointment. (For safety reasons it is not possible for class teachers to meet with parents without an appointment as supervision arrangements have to be put in place. For the same safety reasons, teachers cannot take or make phone calls during class time). Parents of Infant children may be able to have a quick informal word with the class teacher when collecting their child at home time.

Parents Association News

Let’s Talk About Bullying - A Talk For Parents

Bullying, and in particular, cyber bullying has made national headlines in recent months.  With this very important issue in mind St Patrick’s Parent Association have secured Jennifer Ryan, MSc Forensic Psychology, HDip Guidance and Counselling to facilitate the above talk.  The purpose of this talk is to outline the definitions of bullying, types of bullying, what schools are doing to protect children, how to know if your child is bullying or being bullied, cyber bullying and what you can do to help.
The talk will be held in the school foyer on Tuesday 16th April, 8pm to 9pm with additional time available for questions.

Extra Curricular Activities

The DramaWorks Festival of Poetry
Parents and friends are invited to attend 'The DramaWorks Festival of Poetry' on Friday 12th April at 4.45pm in the Stage-room.  All DramaWorks students from Junior Infants to Sixth Class must arrive at 4.40pm. 

Badminton
There will be no Badminton today or Friday 12 April. The last Badminton sessions of this school year will take place next Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 April.