Newsletters Archived
Wednesday 10th December 2014Christmas Holidays
The school closes on Friday 19 December, at 11.30am for the Christmas Holidays. The school will reopen on Monday 05 January 2015 at 08.30am.
St Vincent de Paul
A huge Thank You to everyone who donated to our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal this year. Everyone’s generosity will be much appreciated. If you still wish to make a financial donation through the school, please do so on or before Thursday 11 December.
Favourite Sweatshirt/Fleece/Jumper
Children may wear their favourite Sweatshirt/Fleece/Jumper with their school tracksuit bottoms on Friday 19 December if they wish. **Please note this is NOT a Non-Uniform Day**
Battery Recycle Collection
It is estimated that 33 million batteries with be purchased over the Christmas period, accounting for around 40% of all the batteries sold in Ireland each year. Ensure used batteries don't end up in the bin by placing old and used batteries in our battery collection boxes at Reception.
Lost Property
If your child is missing any items, please take a moment at drop off/collection time to check the lost property rack (inside the Blanchardstown Door). Any items unclaimed by Friday 19 December will be donated to St Vincent de Paul.
Parent Helpers
If you would like to offer an occasional “helping hand” to the school, please put your name and telephone number on the list which is on the Parent Information Notice Board or email info@stpatricksns.ie with the days and times you would be available, putting “Parent Helpers” in the subject line.
Upcoming Events
11 December 11.00am SHARP - Ms McCormack’s Class Christmas Concert
12 December 11.00am SHARP - Ms Rothwell’s Class Christmas Concert
16 December 11.00am SHARP - Ms Murray’s Class Christmas Concert
17 December 11.00am SHARP - Ms Thomas’ Class Christmas Concert
19 December – School Closes at 11.30am for Christmas Break
05 January (2015) – School reopens at 8.30am
15 January – Communion Parent Meeting 8pm St Mochta’s Parish Centre
11 February – ACCORD Parent Information Evening
12 February – First Penance & Reconciliation 7pm St Mochta’s Church
23 February – ACCORD 5th Class Sessions (during school day)
23 February – ACCORD 4th Class Girls Session (during school day)
24 February - ACCORD 6th Class Sessions (during school day)
26 February – Meet & Greet Faith Friends (Confirmation) 8pm St Mochta’s Parish Centre
03-26 March – Tuesdays/Thursday – Faith Friends (Groups to be assigned)
16 April – Confirmation Retreat (during school day)
16 April – Confirmation Service of Light 7pm St Mochta’s Church
23 April – Communion Parent Meeting 8pm St Mochta’s Parish Centre
Other Dates of Interest
20 January (2015) – 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
School Calendars
School Calendars will be distributed, as per orders received, as soon as they arrive from the Printers.
Reminders
Attention Pedestrians & Cyclists
As a result of the commencement of the housing development by Park, all pedestrians and cyclists must enter and exit via the Pedestrian Entrance ONLY. This is a Health & Safety requirement. Please note, the drop-off/pick-up facility will remain in operation at the main gate. All Cyclists (parents, staff, pupils and siblings) must dismount at the outer gate.
No Presents Please
The staff at St Patrick’s do not expect presents at Christmas time. You may wish to make a donation to St Vincent de Paul instead.
Cards/Presents
We celebrate festivals such as Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter as part of the overall school curriculum. However, we discourage the practice of exchanging cards and/or gifts in school. Those who do not receive cards/presents and those who may not celebrate some of the festivals can feel upset and isolated.
Administration of Medicine (Extract from School Policies. See www.stpatricksns.ie )
Non-prescription medication is not permitted in school. Under no circumstances should any medication be placed in a child’s schoolbag or lunchbox. The school cannot consider requests to administer antibiotics, throat spray, Calpol, etc.
Children who have Asthma and need to use Inhalers/Ventilating Flasks should be able to self-administer under adult supervision in so far as this is possible. Parents need to make the class teacher aware of the condition.
However, if your child suffers from a condition that necessitates regular administration of medicine during the school day or which may necessitate administration of emergency medication, you need to speak with the Deputy Principal (Special Needs Co-Ordinator) who will arrange for the child’s medication needs to be met. You should also inform the class teacher of any medical condition.
Extra Curricular Activities
All enquiries re Extra Curricular Activities should be directed to the activity organiser (see contact numbers on our website). Where the activity is organised by a staff member, please email info@stpatricksns.ie
Choir
Choir takes place on the first Thursday of every month only.
Badminton
There will be no Badminton classes on Friday 19 December.
Tennis
Tennis will take place on Monday 15 December.
Badminton & Tennis
Badminton & Tennis Fees for the new term can now be paid online. A text or email has been sent to parents of all children signed up for these activities. We would appreciate if payments could be made as soon as possible.
Basketball
Basketball will take place on Tuesday 16 December with Ms C O’Reilly and Wednesday 17 December with Ms Parker.
e² Young Engineers
The final session of this term for Lego Challenge (1st class upwards) will take place this Friday 12 December. For more information and to book for next term, contact Arati at 087 7198128 or arati@youngengineers.ie.
Irish Dancing
There will be no Irish Dancing classes next week.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre will take place on Tuesday next, 16 December.
Platform Stage School
There will be no class next Thursday 18 December for Platform Stage School (Liz Brennan).
Art & Craft Workshops
The new 10 week term of Art & Craft began on Monday 01 December from 2.10pm – 3.45pm. This is a fun class with emphasis on developing skills and fostering creativity. All materials and equipment is supplied. All enquiries should be directed to Blathnaid O’Brien-Donovan 087 4123247.
Spanish for Children
Term 1 classes finishing up this week. Many thanks to children and parents for a very successful term! Please note: New 16-week term starts, week beginning, Mon 5th Sep. Beginners very welcome. 5 Spanish courses on offer, for 3+, 5+, 7+, 9+ & 11+ year olds. Not many places available so, if interested, enrol today to avoid disappointment. Classes weekdays, from 1.10PM up until 5PM. Contact: W: www.spanishclasses4children.com
E: marygalvin@upcmail.ie M: 087 267 4809. Feliz Navidad a todos!
Mary M Galvin - BA Mod Hons (TCD), H Dip Ed Hons (UCD), MA (TCD), Applied Linguistics Hons (TCD). Fully registered teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Castleknock Hurling & Football Club
Castleknock Hurling & Football Club is running a disco for 8-12 year olds on Sat 13th Dec in CCC from 6pm until 8pm. Entrance fee €5 per child and pay at the door.
Touch-type, Read and Spell
Touch-type, Read and Spell is a computer based literacy course for children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other learning difficulties. This course runs locally in the following locations:
Luttrellstown Community College –Tuesday, 3.30–4.30 pm
Castleknock Community College - Wednesday, 2.50-3.50pm and 3.55-4.55 pm.
To reserve a place, please contact Carol Pitcher on 087 2868910 for further details and a FREE TRIAL and discover how this course might benefit your child.