Newsletters Archived

Staff Meeting
There will be a Staff Meeting next Monday 13 October.
All children will finish at 12.00noon.

PE Timetable 2008/2009 – PLEASE NOTE CHANGES **
The following is the updated PE Timetable for this school year. As we now have 24 classes, it is only possible to have one formal PE session per week. The second day listed below for your child’s class will be an informal PE session. The school tracksuit should be worn only on the two designated P.E. days but will be permitted on days when children are involved in extra curricular sporting activities.

Please disregard last week’s timetable and replace with the above.
We apologise for any confusion caused.

Green Schools
For those entering the Model-making Competition, Monday 13 October is the last day for submitting your entries. Please make sure you also complete the Entry Form. Remember, it is important that all entries are the children’s own work.
Yesterday, Ms Patricia Kennedy, Green Schools Coordinator (Fingal County Council) visited our school and gave an informative power-point presentation on Composting to the children in 6th Class. She welcomed questions from them and afterwards remarked how impressed she was with some of their queries and comments.

Dublin 15 Primary Schools GAA League (Sponsored by Cumann na mBunscoil)
“St Patrick’s played two matches and they lost both. But they both played well. We all had a great day and we hope to do better next time. I hope everybody will be cheering for St Patrick’s in our next match” Sergei – Fifth Class & Jack – 6th Class

Milk Scheme
We hope to start the School Milk Scheme after the mid-term break. More details will be sent home with the children in the next couple of weeks.

Extras Fee
The fee for Junior Infants is €75 and the fee from Senior Infants to Sixth Class is €68. Cheques/Postal Orders or Bank Drafts only please, made payable to “St Patrick’s N.S.” We would ask that you please use the envelope provided to return your Extras Fee and please return directly to the Class Teacher of your eldest child. Please do not drop envelopes into the office.

Unaccompanied Children
Pupils may not enter the school grounds until the pedestrian gates open. Under no circumstances should children enter the school premises via the Staff Car Park gate at any time. We would ask that all Infant children be accompanied by a parent/guardian/older sibling until handed over to the care of their teacher at 8.30am. If an older child is bringing a younger brother/sister to school, it is important that you instruct that he/she must wait until the teacher takes in the infant classes. Children who make their own way to school should time their arrival for 8.30am.
PA Reminders
The St Patrick’s N.S. Parents Association AGM will take place on Tuesday 14 October at 7.45pm. Please note this is a different date and time from the original notification you received from the Parents Association.
The Sponsored Walk takes place on Sunday 19 October. All children were given a Sponsorship Form this week. Please note that if you have more than one child in the school, it is only necessary to return one form on behalf of your family.

First Holy Communion Dates
The dates for First Holy Communion have been set as follows:
09 May 2008 10.00am - Mr Heneghan 12.00noon - Ms Threadgold
16 May 2008 10.00am - Ms Murray 12.00noon - Ms McDermott
An Enrolment ceremony for children in Second Class preparing for First Penance/First Communion will take place in St Mochta’s Church next Thursday, 16th October 2008 at 7 pm. Due to space restrictions, there will be room for only one parent to sit with each child. There will be limited seats for additional parents/family at the back of the church. Second class will attend a practice for this on Tuesday morning. Children who did not attend class masses will remain in school. If any other parents do not wish their child to go, please send a note to the class teacher.

Healthy Lunch Policy
We operate a Healthy Lunch Policy in the school. On Friday, children are allowed one treat, e.g. a bar. Fizzy drinks, crisps or sweets are not permitted.
Younger children can be overwhelmed by the volume of food packed into their lunchboxes and find that, with so much to choose from, it takes most of their break time to make the selection! With this in mind, we have put together a list of suggested items, that may be of some help to you in making healthy choices for your child’s lunchbox. These are merely suggestions and the most important thing is that your child has foods that he/she will eat, enjoy and manage easily.

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 and general belongings is not an emergency!) a child needs to gain access to his/her classroom outside school hours, the following procedure must be followed:

• He/She must speak to either Brendan or Graham who will accompany him/her to the classroom.
• An adult must also accompany the child.

All school personnel have been made aware of this procedure and have been asked to ensure it is followed. This procedure has been put in place to prevent further loss or damage to school property.

Junior Infant Toy Chest
We are currently piloting the idea of a Toy Chest for the Junior Infant Courtyards. Perhaps you could donate some items to the chest. We are looking for small dolls and dinky cars only at this stage. Please note, only items in good condition should be donated. A collection box will be placed inside the Blanchardstown Door.