Newsletters Archived
January Newsletter 2020School Breaktimes
Please note the following if you are collecting your child early from school:
Junior Infants – 2nd Class:
Small Break 10.15am-10.25am
Big Break 11.35am-12.05pm
3rd – 6th Class:
Small Break 10.35am-10.45am
Big Break 12.15pm-12.45pm
Infant Children
It is not safe to leave Infant children (Junior & Senior Infants) unsupervised in the yard in the morning.Can parents/guardians remain with their child/children until they are passed over to the care of their teacher at 8.30am? Infant children should not be dropped at the school gate to enter school grounds alone, particularly if the arrival is after the classes have gone in. This is particularly important given the increase in traffic around the school.
Meeting with Teachers
All questions/queries re school should be directed initially to the class teacher. Please contact the school secretary to make an appointment. (For safety reasons it is not possible for class teachers to meet with parents without an appointment as supervision arrangements have to be put in place. For the same safety reasons, teachers cannot take or make phone calls during class time). Parents of Infant children may be able to have a quick informal word with the class teacher when collecting their child at home time.
Absences due to illness
Whilst there is generally 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 must acknowledge their child’s absence from school, in writing, at the back of the child’s School Journal (Education Welfare Act). Parents of children in Infants should speak to the teacher at the class line on the morning of their return.
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..
Dropping in lunches, bags, homework etc.
It is essential that all your child’s belongings e.g. lunches, bags, homework, etc., are CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME AND THE NAME OF HIS/HER CLASS TEACHER, especially if you are dropping in items during the school day.
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, lunchboxes, beakers, etc, are labelled with your child’s name. Order forms for www.mynametags.ie are available from reception.
Hand Towels
Foam Soap dispensers are fitted in all WCs. Please ensure 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.
Reading Buddies
Our annual Reading Buddies Programme for first to fourth classes will commence in January. This will involve the children in third and fourth classes doing paired reading with the children in first and second classes for fifteen 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.
Irish After School Club (5th & 6th class)
Fáilte Romhaibh! Gaeilge classes will commence on Wednesday, January 15th from 2.10p.m.until 3.10pm for twelve weeks (Term 2). The class is aimed at improving the children's ability and confidence with spoken Irish. The classes will also aim to improve writing ability, grammar and aural skills in preparation for secondary school.
For further details please contact Kerrie Donnelly (current 6th class teacher at St Patrick’s NS) at info@stpatricksns.ie
Intel Mini Scientist Regional Finals
"On the 6th December we represented our schools at the Regional Finals of the Intel Mini Scientist at the I.T in Blanchardstown. We had a really enjoyable time and we were lucky to get there. Thanks to our parents and teachers for helping us.
Our project was about Pollution, Littering and Recycling. As part of our project, we did some surveys in school and recorded how much plastic and tin foil the children were bringing to school as part of their lunch. We found ways of reducing the amount of rubbish going to landfill which will really help our environment. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Instead of using tin foil or cling film for wrapping a sandwich, use biodegradable paper sandwich bags from any big supermarket.
- Instead of using small yogurts such as frubes, buy a large pot of yogurt and bring a small amount of it to school in a reusable container. This is much cheaper also.
- Instead of using a single use plastic bottle for a drink, buy a reusable drinks container and fill it up each morning.
If we all made small changes, it would make a massive difference to our environment. Thank you.
Alyssa, Jasmine, Emma, Aisling from 5th class.
Upcoming Events
16 January – In-Service Training for Teachers (School Closed)
17-21 February inclusive – Mid Term Break
16-17 March – St Patrick’s Day Break
31 March – Confirmation Ceremony
06 – 17 April inclusive – Easter Break
04 May – May Bank Holiday
09 May – First Holy Communion Ceremonies
01 June – June Bank Holiday
26 June – School Closes for Summer Break
Reminders
HSE Documents/Permission Slips/Order Forms etc.
Throughout the school year, various Permission and Consent forms are sent home with the children. As there are currently 536 families and over 800 students is St Patrick’s N.S., it is now even more important that all forms are fully completed and returned to your child’s class teacher by the requested date. Deadline dates will be strictly adhered to.
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 Blanchardstown doorremains 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.
Access to Classrooms After Hours
With the exception of those attending Extra-Curricular Activities, children are not permitted to re-enter the classroom after 2.10pm. If in an absolute emergency (forgotten books, copies and general belongings does not generally constitute an emergency!) a child needs to gain access to his/her classroom outside school hours, he/she should come to Reception.
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 on the Extra Curricular Activities tab and under archived newsletters.
Yoga Adventures with Jana
Yoga after school classes are recommencing this week, 8th January :
Wednesday class (1st class up to 4th class) at 2.10-3.15pm: 1 or 2 places available
Monday class, 2.10pm-3.10pm (senior infants up to 2nd class): Limited number of places available
Please contact Jana, a fully qualified children’s yoga teacher, by email: adventuresyoga@gmail.com or on 0863130992 www.facebook.com/Yoga-Adventures-with-Children
ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Some places available for term 2 .Classes take place on Monday or Friday 2.10pm to 3.45pm.Wide range of skills taught in a fun environment. Contact Blathnaid 0874123247.
Lego Challenge Classes - e2 Young Engineers Ireland
Lego Challenge classes resume this Friday 10th January as normal.
If any queries please contact us on 0877198128 or email to knowitedu@gmail.com
A new term of guitar lessons will begin next week.
A beginners class will commence on Tuesday, 14th January in a ten week term for children from 6th to 4th class. Older classes will get preference for the class depending on demand. If you are interested you can get a registration form from Mr. Heneghan in Red Room 8.
Spanish for Children
Age-specific, after-school Spanish Courses for Primary School children (Juniors - 6th class), in St Patrick’s NS & locally, Sep. - May (30 week year). Packed with Songs & Role-plays and fun exercises, with strong emphasis on getting children to speak Spanish from day 1! Course Book & Audio App and regular Summary Notes of work covered to help parents help their children learn – and for parents to learn themselves - included. Term 2 (16 week (Mons) / 17 week (Weds) starts week beginning 6th September. Beginners welcome. For information and Booking Form, please contact Spanish for Children ASAP. Don’t miss out! Muchas gracias, Mary M Galvin.
*** Individual overall winner of La Jolie Ronde Regional (Ireland & N. Ire.) Licensee of the Year Award, 2017 ***
BA Mod Hons (TCD), H Dip Ed Hons (UCD), MA - Applied Linguistics Hons (TCD). Fully registered teacher with Teaching Council of Ire.
M: 087 267 4809 E: marygalvinspanish@gmail.com
Diswellstown Community & Recreation Centre and Local Community Activities
Free 'Couch to 5k Programme' starts Tuesday, 14th January 2020
The Porterstown Panthers hugely successful ‘couch to 5K’ training programme is back for 2020.
Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit.
Our running plan is for absolute beginners. It works because it starts with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina. Our coaches guide you through each session, letting you know when to walk and when to run.
The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between. Training takes place each Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7.10pm, meeting at The Carpenter pub car park. On Saturdays, we head to Porterstown parkrun in Porterstown Park at 9.30am.
More on www.Facebook.com/PorterstownPanthers
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: www.parkrun.ie/porterstown
Email: porterstownoffice@parkrun.com
Castleknock Celtic
Children’s Soccer Academy for Boys & Girls age 4-7 years, resumes in New Year for Castleknock Celtic. Learn the football basics in fun/friendly environment and make friends. Saturday mornings at 10am beside Clubhouse in Porterstown Park. Information at www.castleknockceltic.com and 083-4111721
Lift Me Up Yoga: Yoga trapeze classes for children and adults
Classes are run in Junction 6, Castleknock, Dublin 15 on Fridays from 4.40pm-6.50pm
Free taster classes on Friday, 10th January. Very limited places available.
Trapeze classes for children and teens from the age 8 upwards:
Children will explore a variety of yoga poses and much more with the support of the hammock. While safely flying through the air they will build strength, flexibility, balance and gain a sense of calmness.
Adults’' classes : are suitable for all levels, beginners are welcome. Classes will help you relieve back pain, increase flexibility and upper body strength through fun and dynamic postures. Expect to relieve stress while hanging upside down.
To book, please contact Jana at 086 313 0992, liftmeupyoga@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/Lift-Me-Up-Yoga