Newsletters Archived
Wednesday 30th November 2017St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Appeal is once again in aid of St Vincent de Paul and we thank you for your continued support and generosity to this appeal over the years. There are three different options to support this initiative:
- Hampers (non-perishable food items). Items for hampers can be placed in the boxes beside the Christmas Tree in the school foyer between Monday 27 November and Friday 01 December only.(see below for suggested items).
- Toys/Gifts Donate an unwrapped toy/gift for a child (new items only) between Monday 27 November and Friday 01 December only.
- Financial Donations. If you would like to donate money to the SVP through the school, please drop it in to the office in an envelope marked “SVP” on or before Wednesday 06 December.All monies donated will be lodged directly into the SVP Account on Wednesday 06 December.
SVP have asked that they receive the items no later than 06 December to allow them sort the items and make deliveries in time for Christmas. The SVP Collection Van will therefore call to the school first thing on Monday 04 December.
Money Found at Christmas Fair
A sum of money was found at the Christmas Fair. Also a purse with a sum of money was found at the Fair. Please contact the school office if you are the owner/owners.
Parking
Local residents have again approached the school regarding the issue of dangerous and illegal parking. Lack of parking space is a major problem for all schools. However, cars must be parked in a safe, legal and considerate manner, irrespective of the situation.
Unfortunately, a small number of parents continue to park and block access to/from driveways, and park dangerously close to junctions and entrances to estates. This is highly inconsiderate towards the residents of these estates, who are our neighbours, and is also illegal.
There are also a number of parents who stop at the roundabouts 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.
As has been stated before, 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 and our pupils 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.
“Don’t be mean behind your screen” Internet Safety Workshop
Paula O’Connor of Cyber Safety Programme “Don’t be mean behind your screen” has appeared on RTE Documentaries and Claire Byrne Live speaking about the dangers posed to our children by everyday web-based games and activities, such as Facebook, SnapChat, Club Penguin and Grand Theft Auto. We are very lucky that Paula has agreed to host workshops for our 5th and 6th classes, on Monday 04 and Tuesday 05 December.
There will also be a talk for parents on Cyber Safety and Cyber Bullying on Tuesday 05 December at 7.30pm in the school foyer. Please do your best to attend as this is a great opportunity to hear Paula give advice on how to prevent our children from becoming victims of cyber-bullies. Feel free to bring a friend and all parents throughout the school are invited.
Donation to Irish Heart Foundation
A donation of €1020 has been made to the Irish Heart Foundation on behalf of the children from St Patrick's. The collection was made following the recent 'Around Europe Run' organised by our Active Flag Team before the mid-term break. May we take this opportunity to thank everybody for their participation and generous contribution.
No Presents Please
In view of the present economic state, we would prefer if children made a donation to our St Vincent De Paul appeal rather than bring presents into school.
Upcoming Events
4 & 5 December –Internet Safety Workshops 5th & 6th Classes (Don’t be Mean behind your Screen)
5 December - Parents Internet Safety Workshop 7.30pm
12 December- Ms Parker 11.00am
13 December- Ms McDermott 11.00am
15 December- Ms Harte 11.00am
18 December- Mr Thynne 11.00am
23 December to 07 January (inclusive) – Christmas Break
15 January – 2nd Parent Communion Meeting 8pm
12–16 February – Mid Term Break
26 February – Confirmation Retreat (during school day)
26 February - Confirmation Service of Light 7pm St Mochta’s Church
19 March – St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday
26 March to 08 April (inclusive) – Easter Break
16 April – 3rd Parent Communion Meeting 8pm
07-08 May – May Bank Holiday
12 May – First Holy Communion Ceremony
06-05 June – June Bank Holiday
Parents Association News
St. Patricks NS Parents Association's Facebook page is now live at www.facebook.com/schoolPA . Please follow our page to keep up to date on our activities and events.
Thank You!
The Parents Association would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers who helped out over the weekend, with set up, clean up and on the day. We would also like to thank all the parent body for all the donations received; the local businesses for their support and the staff of the school. And a big thank you to all who came on the day to help make the fair a very exciting and fun filled day. We hope you enjoyed it.
Without all of your support, this annual event would not be the success it has become over the years.
Many thanks,
Cupcake Competition Winners
Thank you to all our wonderful bakers for the Cafe at the Christmas Fair. The entries were all of a very high standard - and very tasty by all accounts. We appreciate all the effort and hard work that went into these and we would also like to thank Mrs Corcoran for judging these on the day.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
Children aged 8 and under - Aoife McDonagh.
Children 9 - 13 - Jasmine McDermott.
Adults Winner - Christine Callinan.
Reminders
Letters of Attendance
We would ask that if you require Letters of Attendance for Child Benefit/Travel/Visa purposes for your child/children, that you give the office as much advance notice as possible. Please email your request to info@stpatricksns.ie stating the purpose of the letter. If it is for travel/visa request purposes, please advise date of travel so that the letter can be dated within a week of travel.
Dropping in lunches, bags, homework etc.
With the volume of pupils in the school, it is vital 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.
Extra-Curricular Activities
If your child takes part in a number of Extra-Curricular activities, it might be useful to write the activities into his/her school journal on the appropriate days. This will help him/her remember the activity and, if there is any confusion, the teacher can help by checking the journal.
Information regarding extra-curricular activities can be found on the website www.stpatricksns.ie under archive newsletters.
Child’s Pose Winter Workshop
Yoga & Story: Over and Under the Snow
Age group: Senior Infants - Third Class
Day: Saturday 9th December
Time: 11am - 1pm
Cost: €20
Place: Green 2 (Ms. Nolan’s room)
Come along and explore yoga (breathing and movement) through story, games and crafts.
Please contact: Sorcha Nolan - yogaplaychildspose@gmail.com
Futsal
8 week Futsal (indoor football) programme starting November 21st from 3.05-4pm in school hall at a cost of €30.
Places are limited and is only open to 3rd,4th, 5th & 6th class students. Contact Noel McManus on 0879830443 for registration
Art & Crafts
The second term of art and craft begins on Monday 4th and Fri 8th Dec. classes 2.10pm-3.45pm. Last sessions in December will take place on Friday 22 December. Limited places available . All enquiries direct to Blathnaid at 0874123247.
Badminton
The new BadmintonTerm commenced on Friday 17 November, 04 and 11 December. PLEASE NOTE, there will be no Badminton on Friday 22 December. Perhaps you could ask your child to make a note in their Journal so that he/she does not forget.
Tennis
The new Tennis Term commences next week and will take place on 27 November, 04 and 11 December. PLEASE NOTE, there will be no Tennis on Monday 18 December. Perhaps you could ask your child to make a note in their Journal so that he/she does not forget.
Athletics
Athletics will take place tomorrow 23 November and 30 November, 07 & 14 December. PLEASE NOTE, there will be no Athletics on Thurday 21 December. Perhaps you could ask your child to make a note in their Journal so that he/she does not forget.
Diswellstown Community & Recreation Centre and Local Community Activities
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School Open Evening
Hansfield ETSS invites you to an Open Evening Monday 11th December 2017 from 7pm – 9pm. Parents/Guardians of 5th and 6th class students are invited to join us on Monday 11th December for an opportunity to:
- Meet and talk with students, teachers and special needs assistants
- Take a tour of the school and view the range of facilities available
- Observe teaching and learning artefacts and listen to the experience of students in the school
- Ask some questions.
The evening is intended for Parents/Guardians only as students will be invited to join us for an afternoon in the New Year. However, if a student wishes to come along, they are welcome. To help us manage the evening we would appreciate if you would let us know in advance if you are attending by emailing info@hetss.ie or by texting 086 189 6361.
Porterstown ParkRun
What is it - A Free Weekly 5km Timed Run.
When is it - Every Saturday at 9:30am
What does it cost - Nothing - it's free! But please register before your 1st run.
Do I need to be a Runner - ParkRun is for ALL abilities (walk, jog or run)
This is a free community event so please lend your support.
website: http://www.parkrun.ie/porterstown/
email: porterstownoffice@parkrun.com
Songs for a Winter’s Evening “A Christmas Celebration”
With Mary Flynn, Mary O’Donnell, Teresa O’Donnell and friends. Sunday 3rd December in St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown at 7.30pm sharp. Tickets €25. All proceeds in aid of St Francis Blanchardstown. Tickets available from Parish Office, phone 01 8213218, Mary at 087 2585398 or Mícheál at 087 2449908 and from St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown Reception.
Touch Type, Read and Spell
Many students have completed this wonderful course recently with many more due to receive their Certificate of Completion before the end of this term. As a result there are now places available. For details of how this course can benefit your child and for details of a FREE TRIAL, please contact Carol Pitcher - castleknockttrs@gmail.com - 087 2868910. Details of locations/class times.
MONDAY - St. Brigid's NS, Castleknock : 2.40-3.40 pm and 3.45-4.45 pm
TUESDAY - Luttrellstown Community College 3.10-4.10 pm and 4.20-5.20pm
WEDNESDAY - Castleknock Community College 2.50-3.50 pm and 3.55-4.55 pm
THURSDAY.- St. Francis Xavier Senior 2.45-3.45 pm
School (beside Tesco Roselawn)