Newsletters Archived
Wednesday 13th January 2016We are very proud of our school website and most parent queries can be answered by accessing www.stpatricksns.ie or by viewing our Newsletters which are regularly emailed to each family and are also on our website. Please make our website your first “port of call”.
The Reception/Administration Office hours are 8.30am to 2.30pm. It would be much appreciated if telephone calls to the school were made only in emergency situations, and only after 9.00am. The office closes for lunch from 12.00-12.30pm daily.
There is no need to telephone the school if your child is sick, unless the illness is contagious. Parents should acknowledge their child’s absence from school on their return, in writing, with a note for Junior & Senior Infant classes or in the child’s Homework Journal for 1st- 6th Class.
New to website: Letter sounds videos
We have added a new set of videos to the school website. The correct pronunciation of each letter sound with accompanying action is demonstrated by some of our senior infants. This may be of particular interest to parents of infant children.
Active Flag
Our school is getting involved in an exciting & free health homework programme called Super Troopers. It's a great way for children and their families to become more active whilst encouraging the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in a fun way. Each child in the school will be receiving their activity journal & parent letter over the coming week. Please encourage your child to participate in the 'active homework' as this initiative is an aspect of our Active Flag programme.
Parentline – Parenting Tips
The above conference is for parents, educators and anybody who works with children. It takes place in Wynn's Hotel, Abbey St on Friday 29th January 2016 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The speakers will share their wealth of knowledge on what educational support children are entitled to and how to access it. The aim is that people will leave with confidence, knowledge and motivation that will allow them achieve the best possible outcomes for their child in school (primary, and secondary).
Speakers:
Helen Walsh, SENO, National Council for Special Education
Donald Ewing, Head of Psychological and Educational Services with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland since 2012.
Michael Keane, Neuroscientist and Director of the Actualise Neurofeedback Training Clinic at Dublin City University.
Title: Neurofeedback Training: A new perspective on changing brain function.
Gareth Noble, Gareth is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading litigators in the area of children with disabilities.
Title: Education and the Law – ensuring that the rights of children and their parents are vindicated.
Tickets: €20. Available from www.parentline.ie (PayPal) or email info@parentline.ie
Procedure for entering the school each morning
The school bell rings at 08.30am. Children walk to their lines.
Please note, Classes are collected from the yard by their teacher. As soon as the classes have entered
the building, the doors are closed.
- The Carpenterstown door remains open until 8.50am.
- Only children who arrive after 08.50am should enter via reception and sign the “late book”.
Children may not enter the school building until 08.30am. Parents are responsible for the welfare of
their children until the school’s duty of care begins at 8.30 am. On wet mornings, please time your
arrival for 8.30 – 8.40am.
LCC Information Meeting for Parents of Incoming First Years 2016
An Information Meeting for parents of incoming First Years 2016 will take place in Luttrellstown Community College on Thursday 28 January at 7.15pm. Assessments will take place on Saturday 06 February.
Head Bumps
It is school policy to inform parents if your child has a head bump of any kind during the school day. If the teacher feels that the child is ok and does not need to be collected, you will receive a text message for your information. If the head bump is deemed to be more serious, you will receive a telephone call from the office asking you to arrange collection of your child.
Athletics League (Cross Country)
The Athletics League Cross Country Final is on Tuesday 12 April and NOT the 19th as previously stated.
Upcoming Events
14 January – Confirmation - Meet & Greet Faith Friends 8pm St Mochta’s Church
21January - Thursday @ 7.30PM, PA Parent Talk in St Patrick’s NS: 'Guiding you Child through to Adolescence’ by Enda Murphy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. Open to all SPNS Parents & Guardians.
25 January – Communion – 2nd Parents Meeting 8pm St Mochta’s Church
28 January – Meeting in LCC re 1st Years September 2016
04 February – ACCORD Parent Meeting 8pm
06 February – LCC & CCC Assessments for 1st Years September 2016
09 February - Cross Country, Porterstown Park
29 February – Communion - First Penance & Reconciliation 7pm St Mochta’s Church
08 March - Cross Country, Porterstown Park
11 April – Communion – 3rd Parents Meeting 8pm St Mochta’s Church
12 April – Cross Country Finals, Morton Stadium, Santry ** Note date has changed
25 April – Confirmation Retreat (School Hours)
25 April – Service of Light 7pm St Mochta’s Church
Reminders
Sick Children at School
Please do not send sick children to school for the following reasons:
- Children are unable to cope with the demands of school when they are unwell.
- Infection spreads rapidly in the confinement of the classroom.
- There is no indoor supervision for sick children during breaktimes.
2nd Communion Parents Preparation Meeting
The next Parents Preparation Meeting for First Holy Communion will take place in St Mochta’s Church on Monday 25th January at 8pm. The meeting will give you, as parents, a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation so you can help prepare your child to receive the Sacrament in February. At least one parent should attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, please contact the Parish office at (01) 8213218.
Reading Buddies
Our annual Reading Buddies Programme for first to fourth classes has commenced. This involves the children in third and fourth classes doing paired reading with the children in first and second classes for ten minutes twice a week, over a 10 week period.
This is a simple and effective reading technique, which usually results in improvements in reading confidence for most pupils. We found in previous years that there was a positive response from the children, who enjoyed making new friends, as well as contributing to a positive attitude towards reading.
Extra Curricular Activities
All enquiries re Extra-Curricular Activities should be directed to the activity organiser (see Extra-Curricular Activities Page on our website). Where the activity is organised by a staff member, please email info@stpatricksns.ie
DramaWorks
There are a limited number of places available in our speech and drama classes for Junior Infants - Sixth Class students. Classes take place every Wednesday after school, this term we are preparing for an end of term performance.
For further details please contact Clodagh on 0863736056
Spanish for Children
After-school Spanish classes (La Jolie Ronde). Term 2 starts back, week beginning, 11th January. Great courses to choose from: JI & SI, 1st & 2nd, 3rd - 6th (beginners), 5th & 6th (non-beginners). Gracias! Mary
M: 087 267 4809 E: marygalvinspanish@gmail.com W: spanishclasses4children.com
TEFL, BA Mod Hons (TCD), H Dip Ed Hons (UCD), MA (TCD), Applied Linguistics (TCD).
Fully qualified Second & Third level teacher, registered with Teaching Council of Ireland.
French Classes for children
La Jolie Ronde French classes are available in Diswellstown community center for ages 4 to 12 years old. Please register your interest by contact 0868794166 or email inasfrenchclasses@gmail.com with your name and phone number. Thank you. Madame Inas