Newsletters Archived
Week Ending 16th September 2011Registration Junior Infants September 2012
Application Forms will be available from the office from Monday 12 September. Registration will take place on 17, 18 & 19 October.
Parking
Thank you to the majority of parents who show due consideration to our neighbours when parking in the locality. Unfortunately, a small number of individuals are not cooperating in this matter and therefore jeopardise the safety of children and the good relationship we enjoy with local residents. Please do not park on grass verges, in front of driveways, opposite continuous white lines, at corners, etc.
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.
Information Meetings
We are holding a series of informal meetings at 8.40am with the parents of each class grouping. The meetings will take place in the Tigers Room on the dates listed below. We request that you enter the school via the Diswellstown Door (Tigers Entrance) and up the blue stairs rather than through the main school entrance. Please note that teachers will return to their classes immediately after the meeting. Should you wish to speak to the teacher individually, please contact the office to make an appointment.
Class |
Date |
Class |
Date |
Sixth Class |
Tuesday 20 September |
Fifth Class |
Wednesday 21 September |
Fourth Class |
Thursday 22 September |
Third Class |
Friday 23 September |
Second Class |
Monday 26 September |
First Class |
Tuesday 27 September |
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, please contact Reception.
Healthy Lunch Policy
We operate a Healthy Lunch Policy in the school. Fizzy drinks, crisps, popcorn or sweets are not permitted. On Friday, children are allowed one treat, e.g. a bar. Please help us maintain the health of our children by following the guidelines in the School Booklet which is available to view at www.stpatricksns.ie.
Homework Club
As there were only a limited number of places available, Homework Club is now full.
Insurance Cover
24 hour Personal Accident Insurance is in place for your child, both on the school premises and at home! For further information, please see www.allianz.ie/schools.
Homework
Below are sample time guidelines for homework:
Junior and Senior Infants 5 - 10 minutes
(Informal homework such as the Paired Reading Scheme, sight words, reading review).
First Class 15 20 minutes.
Second Class 20 30 minutes.
Third and Fourth Class 30 40 minutes.
Fifth and Sixth Class 40 60 minutes.
If your child is having consistent difficulty with homework or is spending well in excess of the recommended time completing it, please speak with the Class Teacher. It is counter-productive for young children to spend too much time completing homework. If this is an issue, please feel free to sign the journal stating that your child finished after spending “X” amount of time at their work.
Registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation 2011-2012
A letter will be sent out this week to parents who wish to register their child in the Parish Preparation Programmes to receive the sacraments this coming year. Closing date for Registration is Thursday 29th September, 2011. Registration forms will not be accepted after this date. Please read the letter carefully and enclose a Baptismal Certificate if required for your child. The completed Registration Form can be returned to the Church Sacristy after weekday or weekend masses; to the parish office (9.30 12.30 weekdays); or post to St Mochta’s Parish, Porterstown Road, Dublin 15. If you have any queries about the receiving the sacraments or the Registration Form please contact Fr John Daly or Mary GreeneByrne at the parish office (01) 8213218.
Rainbows
Rainbows, a peer support group for children from 1st to 6th class who have experienced a family bereavement or separation, will commence soon in St.Mochta’s Pastoral Centre. If you believe your child would benefit from this programme, please contact rainbowsstmochtas@gmail.com to register to attend an information evening in the coming weeks. More info available on www.rainbowsireland.com
French Classes 6th Class
We are delighted to announce that we will be commencing the “Bonjour” programme from La Jolie Ronde for 6th class children on Tuesday 27 September. The programme will take place during school hours and will last 10 weeks.
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.
Assistance with Books, Extra Curricular Activities etc
If you require assistance with books, Extra Curricular Activities, etc for your child/children, please email assistance.stpats@gmail.com as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may telephone the office to make an appointment with Mr Clerkin. All requests will be dealt with complete confidentiality.
Labelling/Lost Property
The chances of returning lost property are greatly increased if items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please ensure jumpers, PE sweatshirts, coats, etc are labelled with your child’s name.
Parents Association News
Savvy Schools School Uniforms
The feedback from the parent body re Savvy Schools has been fantastic but if any parent has an issue or query please contact Savvy Schools on 086 7308525. Parents can also email Savvy Schools at geraldine@savvyschools.ie. Uniforms may be bought online all year round from SavvySchools.ie or until mid October, at Savvy Schools, Unit 1 Porter’s Road (opposite Postal Sorting Office), Coolmine Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Extra Curricular Activities
Soccer 5th & 6th Class Boys
Soccer will commence on Monday 19 September for 5th and 6th class boys. Children should line up on Line No 2 outside the Diswellstown Door at 2.10pm. It will finish at 3pm.
Art and Craft workshops Classes develop many skills and encourage creativity. Limited spaces available for classes, which are held on Mondays from 2.10pm to 3.45pm. Please contact Blathnaid on 087-4123247 for full details.
Little Whiz Kids Computer Classes
Starting Monday 26th September, new Term Computer Training Classes "Little Whiz Kids" for primary school children. We teach computers to children in creative ways they can relate too. 8 Week Term Commencing @ 3.10pm-4.10pm Module 1 (Ages 6-12); 8 Week Term Commencing @ 1.10pm-2.10pm Module 1 (Senior Infants Only). All classes held in school. Ring: 087 - 66 95 920 for bookings.
Musical Theatre, Drama & Singing Classes
Classes will take place each Tuesday from 1.10 pm 2.10 for Junior & Senior infants, 2.10 3.10 pm for 1st, 2nd and 3rd class and 3.10 pm for 4th, 5th and 6th class. Beginners very welcome. Classes commence on 20 September and will cover Musical Theatre & Drama including good vocal technique, acting and beginning musicianship and optional preparation for Musical Theatre exams. Group or individual lessons are also available for Junior & Leaving Certificate music preparation. For further details please contact Toni Martin at 087 7913714 or email martin.toni1@gmail.com
Platform Stage Schools (Liz Brennan)
‘OLIVER’ is Platform Stage Schools end of year show. Classes recommenced on Thursday 8th September. Classes cover speech work, drama, song and dance.
Junior & Senior infants -1.15 2.00pm; Older classes - 2.15 3.15pm.
Fees for Term of 13 weeks Junior & Senior infants - 100 per term; Older classes - 135 per term (There are two terms). To register, please tel: 8262813 or 086 2245113 Liz Brennan B.A., L.T.C.L. Website: www.platformstageschool.ie
DramaWorks
Limited places available for the new term of DramaWorks (Speech and Drama Classes) for Junior Infants to 6th Class. The term began on Wednesday 14th September 2011. Small Class Sizes Confidence Building - Mime Movement Theatre Games Puppetry Storytelling Creative Drama - Poetry - Speech Work. For further details contact Clodagh on 086 3736056
French for Children @ St. Patrick’s (3 12 year olds)
A few places for ‘’fun after-school French’’ are still available on Thursday or Saturday classes here at St. Patrick’s. A new class for Junior Infants up to 2nd class is starting next Tuesday 20th September @ 3pm (CETNS). For further information please contact French native Sabine on 087 227 9027 and visit www.frenchforchildren.ie Merci beaucoup!
Spanish for Children
Classes for Juniors 6th, just started this week (Mons/Tues/Thurs). Don’t miss out.
Special 6TH CLASS only class (beginners) - Mon @ 3.30PM. Please Email: marygalvin@upcmail.ie or text 087 267 4809 / www.spanishclasses4children.com for
more information. Enrol now by email to avoid disappointment. ‘Gracias! Mary Galvin
Stretch-N-Grow
Stage Area, Friday's 1:10pm - 2:10pm (10 weeks). 60 per child. For more information and bookings, please contact Graham at 086 249 5698 sngkidz@gmail.com www.stretch-n-grow.com
Guitar Lessons
Learn easy guitar in a warm and friendly fully equipped studio. Group or individual lessons available. This is one the best times to prepare for the Junior and Leaving Cert music curriculum! Special 20% reduction to all the pupils (and parents) of St. Patricks NS on the first 10 lessons. Further details Brian Farrell 086 380 9624 www.brianfarrell.eu info@brianfarrell.eu.
Guitar Lessons
Guitar teacher Claudia Murray has some vacancies for beginners and improvers on Wednesday afternoons. Phone 087-7739247 for details.
Irish Dancing Classes- Downey Lanigan Academy
In St Patrick's N.S: Tuesday Junior and Senior Infants 1.10 - 2pm; 2.10 to 3.10 1st - 6th backstage room; Wednesday Advanced and Championship 7.15pm; Thursday Prelim and Intermediate 2.10 - 3.10, meeting room. Saturday 12-1pm all grades. Children prepared for examinations, shows and stage craft, to develop confidence teamwork and poise. Competition to World level if desired. Or simply learn Irish dancing for fun and cultural development. Please contact Bernadette 0876204772.
Children's Swimming Classes
Children’s Swimming Classes will recommence from Wednesday 14th September (every Wednesdays 3-4p.m.) at Finglas Leisure Centre (just off M50 Finglas Exit). Beginners & Improvers - 8 Week Course: 68 per child (5 years +). For bookings and more information contact Swim-Fast - 085-7622247 (Ron).
Chester Dance School
Ballet Tap & Hip Hop Classes take place in Diswellstown Community Centre on Mondays from 4.30pm. Registration takes place on Monday 5th Sept @ 4.30pm. Ph 087 7923955
Email: schester@idtaireland.org; Website: www.chesterdanceschool.com
Children of Lir Gymnastics
This is an activity for all ages it includes, dance, apparatus gymnastics and team sports. This is a great introduction to sport and social engagement, and also physically assists with other sporting activities. Club Membership starts at 4yrs and upwards. www.lirgymclub.com or call 085 7218511.