Newsletters Archived

Junior Infants September 2015
Application Forms for Junior Infants September 2015 will be available for collection from the office from the middle of next week. Registration will take place on 13/14/15 October.

Information Meetings
We are holding a series of informal meetings at 8.40am with the parents of each class grouping. The meetings will take place in the Tigers Room on the dates listed below. We request that you enter the school via the Diswellstown Door (Tigers Entrance) and up the blue stairs rather than through the main school entrance. Please note that teachers will only attend for part of the meeting. Should you wish to speak to the teacher individually, please contact the office to make an appointment.

Registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation 2015
Registration for your child to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion or Confirmation will be taking place in St Mochta’s Pastoral Centre at the end of September. Full details will be issued shortly.
Please note:

1. If your child was baptised in St Mochta’s Church, you will be required to fill out full details of the Baptism on the Registration Form. If you have a copy of the Baptismal Certificate at hand please bring it along with you to Registration.
2. For children baptised outside of St Mochta’s Church, a Baptismal Certificate must be presented with the registration form before your child can be enrolled on the First Holy Communion Preparation Programme.
   Baptismal Certificates will be returned at the Registration evening.
   Registration without Baptismal Certificates or Late registrations will NOT be accepted.
   If you require further information or wish to discuss any aspect of receiving the Sacraments please contact Fr John Daly or Mary Greene at the Pastoral Centre on (01) 8213218.

Access to Classrooms After Hours
With the exception of those attending Extra-Curricular Activities, children are not permitted to re-enter the classroom after 2.10pm. This is for health and safety reasons. If in an absolute emergency (forgotten books, copies and general belongings does not generally constitute an emergency!) a child needs to gain access to his/her classroom outside school hours, they should come to Reception.

Entry to School Building
All visitors to the school building must enter the school via the Main Entrance only. They must sign in at the office before entering the building and therefore must not enter via any other door. This is for the safety and security of our children and staff.

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. If you have an arranged appointment with a teacher before school starts, please take a seat at reception and the teacher will come to collect you at the assigned time.

Log On Learn (Computer skills for over 65s)
Castleknock Community College Transition Year students are running a fun and accessible eight week course to teach over 65s how to use a computer. It will take place on Wednesday mornings, 24/09/2014 – 26/10/2014 in the college. Contact 8221626 for more information and to register.

Rainbows
A peer support group for children from 1st to 6th class who have experienced a family bereavement or separation will commence soon in St.Mochta’s Pastoral Centre. Rainbows is a non-denominational programme.  If you believe your child or children would benefit from this programme, please contact rainbowsstmochtas@gmail.com  More info available on www.rainbowsireland.com

Luttrellstown Community College LCC
An Information Evening is taking place on Thursday 18 September 2014 from 7.30pm-9.00pm. This night will give you an opportunity to learn about the education journey for your children in Luttrellstown Community College.

CCC – First Years 2015
Application forms for First Year 2015 to Castleknock Community College were delivered to all last year’s fifth class students before the summer break.  The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 26th September @ 4.00p.m.Parents should pay close attention to the enrolment procedures and note that in 2013/14 Castleknock Community College was only able to provide places to siblings of existing students and those first time applicants living in Area B.  In 2013/14 we were unable to offer places to applicants from Area A or from outside the catchment area.  Applicants in these areas need to ensure that they have made applications to other second level schools. John Cronin – Principal

Luttrellstown Community College – First Years 2015
Application forms for First Year 2015 to Luttrellstown Community College were delivered to all last year’s fifth class students before the summer break. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 26 September at 4.00pm. Children from Area A who attend St Patrick’s N.S. and who name LCC as the school of first preference are guaranteed places. From 2015 onwards, places will not be guaranteed for applicants from Area A who list LCC as their second preference. (refer page 7 of Admissions Policy and Procedures).
Fionnuala Ní Chaisil – Principal

Upcoming Events

11 September – Third Class Information Meeting 8.40am
11 September – Boys GAA Match at Clondalkin
12 September – Second Class Information Meeting 8.40am
15 September – First Class Information Meeting 8.40am
16 September – Senior Infants Information Meeting 8.40am
17 September – Junior Infants Information Meeting 8.40am
18 September – Boys GAA Match at Somerton
25 September – Boys GAA Match at Clondalkin
01 October – Parents Association AGM
25 November – Parent Teacher Meetings
27 November - Parent Teacher Meetings

Other Dates of Interest
18 September – LCC Information Evening 7.30pm-9.00pm
19 November – CCC Registration of Students for First Year 2015
20 January – LCC Information night for new entrants 2015/2016
07 February – LCC Assessment of Incoming First Years 2015
07 February – CCC Assessment of Incoming First Years 2015
04 June – CCC Induction Night for First Year 2015

Parents Association News

Parents Association AGM
The Parents Association AGM will take place on Wednesday 01 October. More information to follow.

Reminders

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 and email addresses) 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.

Staff Car Park
Parents are asked not to park in the Staff Car Park between 8.10am and 2.30pm, the only exception being parents collecting disabled or injured children. We would be grateful if you could also inform anyone who may be collecting your child/children on your behalf of this procedure. 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, staff & siblings) should dismount from their bicycles at the main gates of the school. 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.

Extra Curricular Activities

All enquiries re Extra Curricular Activities should be directed to the activity organiser (see contact numbers below). Where the activity is organised by a staff member, please email info@stpatricksns.ie

DramaWorks
On Wednesday 10th September DramaWorks (speech and drama classes) will hold 'A Free Class Demonstration' and Enrolment in the stage room after school. So come along and sample a free drama class with DramaWorks.
Classes will take place as follows – 
11.30am - 12pm - Free class demonstration and enrolment for Junior Infants
1.10-1.50pm - Free class demonstration and enrolment for Senior Infants 
2.10 - 3pm - Free class demonstration and enrolment for First to Sixth Class Students  
For further details contact Clodagh on 0863736056

La Jolie Ronde French classes @ St Patrick’s
Fun & structured French classes for 3 – 12 years old. First class free for all new children. Small classes so your child can get plenty of individual attention & learn with children of his/her own age. Conversation, team games, role-plays & songs. Pre-school class: parents & siblings welcome to learn together through stories, songs, rhymes, drama and craft. 
Term 1 starting from Sept 13th! Fully qualified French native teachers, weekly & Saturday classes. elodie.bordet38@gmail.com 087 147 3153. Merci, Elodie

Art & Craft Workshops
Art & Craft classes will resume on Monday 15 September from 2.10pm to 3.45pm for 10 week course. A wide range of art and craft projects will be completed to develop skills and foster creativity. All enquiries to Blathnaid O’Brien Donovan BEd(Hons) 0874123247.

Platform Stage School
Platform Stage School with Liz Brennan recommences on Thursday 11 September. This year’s show is “Frozen”. In class we cover speech work, drama, dance and song.
Junior Infants €65 per term 1.15-2.00pm (2 terms of 8 weeks – starts after Halloween)
Senior Infants 1.15pm-2.00pm. Fees €65 per term (3 terms of 8 weeks) starts next week.
Older Classes 2.15pm – 3.15pm Fees €85 per term (3 terms of 8 weeks) starts next week.
Call Liz 0862245113. Website www.platformstageschool.ie

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 has just begun in St. Patrick’s N.S. 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 – 4.10 pm for 4th and 5th class and 4.10 pm – 5.10 pm for 5th and 6th class. Individual lessons (Classical Singing and Musical Theatre) 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.

Spanish for Children (SPNS)
Spanish courses, for 3+, 5+, 7+, 9+, 11+ year olds. New term just started. Only a few places available if still interested & due to demand, new extra classes for 3rd-6th, now starting Tue. 16th Sept. (4.10PM). Hurry, don’t miss out! Classes straight after school & up until 5PM, locally & in SPNS. Info 087 267 4809 / marygalvin@upcmail.ie / www.spanishclasses4children.com. ¡Gracias! M.Galvin - BA Mod Hons (TCD), H Dip Ed Hons (UCD), MA (TCD), Applied Linguistics (TCD). Registered teacher with Teaching Council.

Basketball – 2nd/3rd Class
Basketball is now full for this term.

Basketball – 4th/5th/6th Class
Basketball is now full for this term.

Tennis (3rd – 6th Class)
Tennis sessions will commence on Monday 15 September. The first session (2.10-3.05pm) is for beginners/younger age group, the second session (3.05-4.00pm) is for intermediate/advanced/older age group. Places will be offered to students in order of age.

Badminton (3rd – 6th Class)
Badminton sessions will commence on Friday 19 September. There will be no Wednesday class. There will be two sessions. The first session (2.10-3.05pm) is for beginners/younger age group, the second session (3.05-4.00pm) is for intermediate/advanced/older age group. Places will be offered to students in order of age.

Fingal Co.Council Parks Tennis
Tennis coaching programme takes place in Dublin 5 for 8 weeks
Wednesday l7th September at 3pm in Laurel Lodge Community Centre and
Saturday 20th September at l0am in Riverwood Estate, Carpenterstown.
Fee €25 for 8 weeks – use of racquets and balls provided. Enquiries to 8338711 or parkstennis@eircom.net.

St Patrick’s Parents for Business Network
Your First Choice for Products and Services supplied by parents.
Visit www.stpatricksns.ie for more information or see insert in your child’s Homework Journal.
“LIKE” us on Facebook to win a prize!

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/driving 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.