Newsletters Archived

Wednesday 9th September 2015

Junior Infants September 2016

Application Forms for Junior Infants September 2016 will be available for collection from the main office from Wednesday 16 September. Registration will take place on 12, 13 and 14 October from 10.00am -12 noon. There will be an evening session on Monday 12 October from 7.00pm-9.00pm.

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, entry is via the Diswellstown Door. 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.

Class	Date	Class	Date
		Third Class	Friday 11 September
Second Class	Monday 14 September	First Class	Tuesday 15 September
Senior Infants	Wednesday 16 September	Fourth Class	Thursday 17 September

Refugee Crisis

We will be collecting items to help refugees fleeing from conflict in their home countries. The items we are collecting are those which are currently most needed:

*toothbrushes

*toothpaste

*soap

*shampoo

*items for first aid e.g. plasters, antiseptic creams, antiseptic wipes

All items should be new and unused. If you wish to donate some of these items, labelled boxes will be left outside the main door of the school from 8:20-8:40, this Thursday 10th until next Friday 18th September. Children can also place the items into the boxes inside the school foyer, at any time during the school day. All donations will be delivered to France as part of a convoy organised by Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity. Should you wish to make a financial donation, this can be done through http://www.gofundme.com/9zwfscys.

Choir

Choir will not recommence until later this term. The exact date will be advised via Newsletter.

Homework Club

Homework Club will recommence on Monday 14 September. Limited places are available. Forms are available from the office.

Registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation 2016

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

Please note:

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 Paul Ward or Mary Greene at the Pastoral Centre on (01) 8213218.

St Declan’s College Nephin Road Dublin 7 Open Evening

Thursday 17 September 2015 - 6.45p.m. – 9.00p.m.

Parents and pupils of both fifth and sixth class are invited to attend. Registration will begin at 6.30p.m.

An opportunity to see how we at St Declan’s College meet the educational needs of our students.

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 5mof 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.

Upcoming Events

04 September – Junior Infant Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – PE Hall

08 September – Sixth Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

09 September – Girls GAA – Somerton 3pm

09 September – Fifth Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

10 September – Boys GAA Football – Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 3pm

11 September – Third Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

14 September – Second Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

15 September – First Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

16 September – Girls GAA – Somerton 3pm

16 September – Senior Infants Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – PE Hall

17 September – Fourth Class Parents’ Information Meeting 8.40am – Tigers Room

17 September – Boys GAA Football – Somerton 3pm

23 September – Girls GAA – St Vincent’s GAA Club 3pm

24 September – Boys GAA Football – CCC (Tir na nOg Park) 3pm

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.

Please ensure 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. 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 & 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.

Parking

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 5mof 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.

Extra Curricular Activities

Art & Craft Workshops

All enquiries to Blathnaid O’Brien Donovan BEd(Hons) 0874123247.

DramaWorks

There are a limited number of places available in the DramaWorks classes. The classes take place every Wednesday after school for Junior Infants - Sixth Class students. For further details contact Clodagh on 0863736056.

Platform Stage School

To register, please contact Liz directly at 0862245113. Website www.platformstageschool.ie.

Musical Theatre, Drama & Singing Classes

For further details please contact Toni Martin at 087 7913714 or email martin.toni1@gmail.com.

Spanish for Children (SPNS)

Spanish classes (La Jolie Ronde) Term 1 (14 weeks), starting back next week, 7^th Sept. Classes weekdays, between 1.15 and 6PM. Beginners very welcome. Five great courses (3+, 5+, 7+, 9+, 11+ year olds) to choose from. Enrol now to avoid disappointment. New term for 3 & 4 year olds starting week after next (mornings), parents welcome! Also, Spanish for Adults! Please call for more information. ¡Gracias! Mary

Contact Mary Galvin at 087 2674809 / marygalvinspanish@gmail.com / www.spanishclasses4children.com. TEFL Certificate, BA Mod Hons (TCD), H Dip Ed Hons (UCD), MA (TCD) Applied Linguistics (TCD). Fully registered Second & Third level teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Basketball – 2^nd/3^rd Class (Tuesdays)

Basketball commences on Tuesday 15 September. Places for the 2^nd/3^rd Class Basketball Club have now been allocated. Unfortunately, due to very high demand, not every child got a place. The remaining names have been put on a waiting list.

Basketball – 4^th/5^th/6^th Class (Wednesdays)

Basketball commences on Wednesday 16 September. Places for the Senior Basketball Club have now been allocated. Due to demand, unfortunately not every child got a place. All other names have been put on a waiting list.

Piano Lessons

Offered by pianist and musician Trudy Maguire 085 8869477, email tmagu10@gmail.com .

Tennis (3^rd – 6^th Class – Priority Given to Oldest) Mondays

Tennis recommences on Monday 14 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.

Badminton (3^rd – 6^th Class – Priority Given to Oldest)

There will be two sessions on Fridays, commencing 18 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.

Athletics

Athletics will recommence on Wednesday 16 September. Places have been offered to the successful children.

Please note that some after-school activities have been oversubscribed e.g. tennis, badminton and athletics and that priority will be given to older children. A lottery may have to be held in some cases. However, children who are not successful in getting places will be put on a waiting list and we will inform them if a place becomes available etc.

Classical Ballet & Hip Hop Dance Classes
For Students Age 2.5 – 18 years. Beginners Always Welcome.
Fully Qualified I.D.T.A. Teachers. Classes Every Monday from 4.15 in Diswellstown Community Centre, St Patricks National School.
- Pre-School Class (Age 2 ½ to 4 yrs) - 4.15-4.45pm
- Tiny Tots Ballet (Junior Infants/preschool Age 4+) - 4.45-5.30pm

- Tiny Boppers Hip Hop Dance (Junior & Senior Infants) - 5.30-6pm

- Classical Ballet & Theatre Craft (Senior Infants +) - 6.00-7.00pm

- Classical Ballet Primary & Grade 1 (3rd class +) - 6.30-7.30pm

- Hip Hop Dance (All Ages 1st class+) - 7.30-8.15pm

Registrations Mon 7th Sept @ 4pm. Sara Chester A.I.D.T.A 0877923955
www.chester schoolofdance.com

La Jolie Ronde French classes

La Jolie Ronde French classes – French classes are taking place in Diswellstown Community Centre from 4pm/Saturdays for children aged from 4 to 12 years. Please register your interest by sending an email to inasfrenchclasses@gmail.com with your full name, phone number and the age and class of your child. Thank you. Inas Zaki

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. Classes as follows:

Tuesday Luttrellstown Community College 3.30-4.30 pm

Wednesday Castleknock Community College 2.50-3.50 pm and 3.55-4.55pm

To reserve a place or for details of a FREE TRIAL, please contact Carol on 087 2868910.

National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Our Lady's Shrine at Knock on Sunday 13^th September. Blessing of the Sick at 2.30pm, Mass at 3.00pm. ?Chief Celebrant: Bishop Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick.? Guest Soloist: Fr. Liam Lawton. ?All welcome. Children are invited to compose a prayer for their grandparents and send it to CGA Office, Castlebar St, Westport, Co Mayo. All prayers will be blessed during the Mass. For further information please phone 098 24877 / email info@catholicgrandparentsassociation.com Note: A bus will depart from Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Rd - some seats may be available for neighbouring parishes (tel. Navan Rd parish office at 01 8380265).

Dublin Soccer Coaching Club

Dublin Soccer Coaching Club will take place at St Brigids National School Sports Hall, Beechpark Lawn, Castleknock, Dublin 15 commencing 23 September 2015. Information leaflets are available from beside the Parent Information Notice Board, inside the main door of the school.

Castleknock Hurling and Football Club

Castleknock Hurling and Football Club Annual Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday 19 September. Check www.castleknock.net for full list of activities.

Castleknock Celtic Children’s Football Academy (4-7 years)

New Term starts on Saturday 19th September. Contact Kieran, Academy Director, at 083-1871075, OR info@castleknockceltic.com, OR visitwww.castleknockceltic.com, for any more information. Learn the Soccer Basics and develop your Soccer Skills, in a friendly and fun-filled way.

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.