Newsletters Archived
Wednesday 27th September 2016Most 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. The office closes for lunch from 12.00-12.30pm daily. It would be much appreciated if telephone calls to the school were made only in emergency situations, and only after 9.00am.
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.
Junior Infants September 2017
Application Forms for Junior Infants September 2017 will be available for collection from the main office from Wednesday 14 September.
Registration will take place on 17, 18 and 19 October. Sibling Applications will be accepted at the office at any time on the above dates.
Please ensure you submit your Application during the above dates as Late Applications will not be accepted.
Registration for Confirmation 2017: will take place over two registration evenings in the St Mochta’s Parish Centre on Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th October from 5.30pm to 7pm. (Late registrations will not be accepted after this date).
Please note you will be required to present a Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate for your child on this registration evening so:
- If your child was baptised in St Mochta’s Church, please fill in the Date of Birth and Baptismal details on the Registration form. If you have a copy of the Baptismal Certificate at hand please bring it along with you to Registration.
- For children baptised in another church, a Baptismal Certificate must be presented with this registration form before your child can be enrolled on the First Holy Communion Preparation Programme.
If you have any queries or need more information please contact Mary Greene, St Mochta’s Church at (01) 8213218.
Registration for First Holy Communion 2017
Registration will take place over two registration evenings in the St Mochta’s Parish Centre on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th September from 5.30pm to 7pm. (Late registrations will not be accepted after this date).
Please note you will be required to present a Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate for your child on this registration evening so:
- If your child was baptised in St Mochta’s Church, please fill in the Date of Birth and Baptismal details on the Registration form. If you have a copy of the Baptismal Certificate at hand, please bring it along with you to Registration.
- For children baptised in another church, a Baptismal Certificate must be presented with the registration form before your child can be enrolled on the First Holy Communion Preparation Programme.
If you have any queries or need more information please contact Mary Greene, St Mochta’s Church at (01) 8213218.
Procedure for entering the school each morning
To ensure safe and orderly access to the school grounds, the gates will open at approximately 8.20am.
Parents and children walking to school must use the pedestrian gate entrance. Parents and children cycling
should cycle along the cycle path to the main school entrance, beside the bicycle stands.
No Cycling or Scootering is permitted on school grounds.
- The school bell rings at 08.30am. Children walk to their lines (in the early weeks of Junior Infants, parents may accompany children to the classroom).
- Classes are collected from the yard by their teacher. As soon as the classes have entered the building, the doors are closed.
- The Blanchardstown Door remains open until 8.50am.
- Children who arrive after 08.50am must 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.
Coolmine Community School
An Open Evening is taking place on Thursday 06 October at 7.30pm in Coolmine Community School.
Morning Meetings with Teachers
If you are scheduled to meet a Teacher for an early morning meeting, please come to the Main Entrance and take a seat at reception at the agreed time and the teacher will meet you there. For Health & Safety reasons, please do not enter the school via any other door.
Garda Vetting
Please note that Garda vetting is now a legal requirement for all those who work with children. Therefore, if you volunteer to help with school events e.g. school tours, sporting events, church visits, etc. you will need to go through our school Garda vetting process. It is a very simple procedure and only requires you to initially fill out a form (available from school office). There is no cost involved. Please bring photo identification and a proof of residence with you when you call to the school office.
We really appreciate any help that you can give us with supervision at these school events.
School Photographs
The School Photographer will be in the school from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th October. Booking forms have been given to each child. Can we please ask that only one form per family is returned to your eldest child’s
class teacher on/before Thursday 29th September.
If your preference is to have your child/children’s school photo taken in their school uniform, please ensure they wear their uniform for the full week (they can bring runners to change into on PE days). Unfortunately due to the scale of photographing children individually and with their siblings, children cannot be photographed at a different time or date if the school tracksuit is worn.
Labelling/Lost Property
The chances of returning lost property are greatly increased if all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please ensure jumpers, PE sweatshirts, coats, etc., etc., are labelled with your child’s name.
Lost Property
Lost Property is now stored inside the Diswellstown (Tigers) Door. Please take a moment at Pick-Up Time to check the rail if you are missing any items.
Upcoming Events
29 September - Open Evening 7-9pm in Luttrellstown Community College
29 September – Open Evening 7pm in St Vincent’s Castleknock College (see note below)
03-04 October – Confirmation 2017 Registration (see note above)
03-07 October – Whole School Photographs (see note above)
05 October – PA AGM
06 October – Open Evening 7.30pm in Coolmine Community School
17-19 October – Junior Infant 2017 Registration
27 November – Christmas Fair
Upcoming Sporting Events
28 September- Girls Gaelic Football vs Scoil Aine Esker (venue Somerton)
29 September - Boys Gaelic Football vs Scoil Thomais (venue Somerton)
04 October - GO Games (4th) vs Corduff (venue Somerton)
04 October – D15 Boys School League 5th Class boys vs St Lukes (venue Somerton)
04 October – D15 Boys School League 6th Class boys vs Mary Mother of Hope (venue Somerton)
11 October - GO Games (4th) vs Scoil Ghrianne (venue Phibblestown)
11 October – D15 Boys School League FINALS - Somerton
18 October - GO Games (4th) vs Huntstown (venue Somerton)
18 October – Cross Country – venue Porterstown
14 February 2017 – Cross Country – venue Porterstown
14 March 2017 – Cross Country – venue Porterstown
04 April – Cross Country – venue Morton Stadium, Santry
Dublin 15 Cross Country League
Congratulations to all those in 3rd-6th classes who made it onto our school cross country team this year. The children have been informed and permission letters, with further details, have been distributed.
In order to participate in the league we need volunteer parents/guardians to help accompany/supervise children at the cross country venues during the year. If you can help, please indicate on the permission slip or let your child's class teacher know. Without sufficient volunteers we will not be able to attend.
Reminders
St Vincent’s Castleknock College – Open Evening
An Open Evening for current 5th Class boys and their parents is taking place in St Vincent’s Castleknock College on 29 September at 7pm. Please Note: the closing date for prospective students for First Year in 2018 is 31 December 2016.
Rainbows
A peer support group for children from 1st to 6th class who have experienced a bereavement or separation will commence soon in St.Mochta’s Pastoral Centre. Rainbows is a secular 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
Parent Helpers
If you have already registered your interest, please drop into the office in fill in a Garda Vetting Form. Please ensure you bring photo ID and proof of address with you.
Parking
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.
Punctuality
It is imperative that all children are punctual in the morning. The 20 minutes between 08.30am and 08.50am is a very important time in the school day. This is when the younger children have activity time or structured play. It is also a time when teachers get to correct homework or hear children’s reading.
Infant Children
Infant children (Junior & Senior Infants) should not be left unsupervised in the yard in the morning. Parents/Guardians should remain with their child/children until they are passed over to the care of their teacher at 8.30am. Under no circumstances should Infant children be dropped at the school gate to enter school grounds alone.
Dogs
Under no circumstances should dogs be brought onto the school grounds or be left unattended adjacent to the school. Young children cannot resist the temptation of approaching and petting the dogs.
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.
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, 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 or rollerblades 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
The Emma Louise Dance Academy
The Emma Louise Dance Academy will take place on Thursday afternoons (2.10 - 3.05 and 3.05 - 4.00). Only €25 for 8 sessions (online payment only)! Great value and loads of fun. Places still available. Please email info@stpatricksns.ie if you would like to have your name added to the list.
Lego Challenge (Stage Area)
The new term for Lego Challenge will start on Friday, 16 September.
Tennis (Monday - 2.10pm & 3.05pm – PE Hall)
If you have not already done so, we would greatly appreciate if payment could be made before classes commence.
Badminton (Friday - 2.10pm & 3.05pm – PE Hall)
If you have not already done so, we would greatly appreciate if payment could be made before classes commence.
Athletics (Wednesday 3.05pm - PE Hall)
If you have not already done so, we would greatly appreciate if payment could be made before classes commence.
Art & Craft Workshops (Stage Area on Fridays, Back Room on Mondays)
Art & Craft Workshops take place on Mondays and Fridays. All enquiries to Blathnaid O’Brien Donovan BEd (Hons) 0874123247.
Musical Theatre, Drama & Singing Classes (Board Room 1)
Classes take place on Tuesdays. For further details please contact Toni Martin at 087 7913714 or email martin.toni1@gmail.com.
Irish Dancing (Stage Area on Tuesdays, Back Room on Thursdays)
In St Patrick's N.S: Tuesday Junior and Senior Infants 1.10 - 2pm; Tuesday and Thursday 2.10 to 3.10 1st - 6th backstage room; Wednesday Advanced 6.15pm. Saturday 12-1pm all grades. For more information or to register, contact Bernadette Downey Lanigan A.D.C.R.G. 0876204772.
Spanish for Children
Don’t miss out! Great courses for primary school children - taught by local secondary school teacher. Term 1 classes (13 weeks) just started, directly after school in St Patrick’s NS or up until 5.15PM close-by. For details, please contact M: 087 267 4809 / E: marygalvinspanish@gmail.com / W: spanishclasses4children/com. Mary Galvin - TEFL, BA Mod Hons (TCD), HDip Ed Hons (UCD), MA (TCD) and Applied Linguistics Hons (TCD). Fully registered 2nd & 3rd level teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Piano Lessons
To Register contact Kelley at 087 7679278 or email tmmusictuition@gmail.com
Platform Stage School
Platform Stage School takes place on Thursdays To register, please contact Liz directly at 0862245113. Website www.platformstageschool.ie.
After-school French classes in St. Patrick’s
French classes for children run after-school weekdays and also at week-ends for pupils from Junior Infants up to 6th class. Children love learning French through flashcards, songs, games and taking part in projects. A special early years class for 3 to 5 years old class is starting on Saturdays. All materials are provided. Enrol your child now as limited number of places for each age group. Merci beaucoup!
To register please contact Sabine directly at Mob 087 227 9027 ?Email info@frenchforchildren.ie ?Web www.frenchforchildren.ie
Sabine - BA Hons & Master in Linguistics, Teaching French as a Foreign Language
Diswellstown Community & Recreation Centre and Local Community Activities
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
To register contact Sara Chester A.I.D.T.A directly at 0877923955
www.chesterschoolofdance.com
Parents Plus Programme (0-6 years)
The Parent Plus Early Years Programme is a seven week course for parents of pre-schoolers and young children. The next course takes place from Thursday 03 November – 15 December, 7.00pm to 9.30pm in Fingallian’s GAA Club, Swords County Dublin. Places are limited on this course and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Booking is essential. Contact 8077660 or email info@fingalcountychildcare.ie.