Midterm Break: October 28th -3rd November I can’t believe how quickly the last 9 weeks have gone! I would like to thank all teachers, parents and boys for helping me to settle into my new role. The atmosphere in the school is incredible and the standard of teaching and learning in every class is something to be proud of. I wish everyone a lovely, peaceful and relaxing week! Monthly Focus This month we focused on ‘kind words, kind actions’. I will continue with this focus for another month. In general, all boys are extremely well behaved and following our rules, but there are times when boys can forget themselves and get into trouble. It is important that school and home are working together to promote positive behaviour. Parents’ Association Sport Blitz Fundraiser 1 day to go! Boys from Infants to 2nd will stay in the building with specialist coaches employed for the day, while 3rd will travel to Newpark Astro Pitch, 4th travel to Bluepool Sports Pitches, 5th will enjoy GAA based activities in Kilmacud Crokes and 6th will be entertained in UCD Sports Hall. We are really looking forward to a sports- filled and fun day. All sponsorship cards will be collected by the Parents’ Association this week. Thank you for your generous contributions and all proceeds will go to the school. Nut Free I would like to remind you that our Junior and Senior Infant classrooms are nut free zones. There are also other classrooms from 1st to 6th that are nut free zones due to boys suffering from nut allergies which you will have been made aware of. We ask all parents to be mindful of this while packing school lunches. ________________________________________________ Dates for your diary: Midterm Break: October 28th -3rd November ___________________________________________________ Health and Wellbeing Ms. Maloney’s 5th class added their beautiful art pieces to the Wellbeing Wall this week. Slogans and inspirational banners included, ‘If you’re angry and you know it, walk away’, ‘with a little help, I can get this’, ‘mistakes help me improve’ and my personal favourite, ‘never forget to tell yourself you are awesome!’ Thank you 5th class for encouraging the whole school to be positive and to always look on the bright side of life! Frása na Seachtaine Oíche Shamhna shona daoibh go léir. (Happy Halloween to you all.) Stay Safe With Halloween just around the corner, I am encouraging all boys to stay safe and to be extra careful while enjoying Halloween festivities. Stars of the Future Patrick Foley arrived back to school today fresh off the plane from Abu Dhabi where he was sailing for Team Ireland in the World Championships. Patrick competed against 20 different countries and represented Ireland with distinction. Congratulations Patrick on a marvellous achievement and we wish you every success in the future. Cumann na mBunscol (Gaelic Football) Congratulations to the Junior A football squad and coaches Ms. Costello and Mr. Cunnane on winning the annual Cumann na mBunscol A Division in Meadowvale yesterday. The boys were 5/5 before yesterday’s game V’s St. Joseph’s, Terenure. A victory in this game would see Hollypark end the year as champions. The boys were down by 5 points at half time and looking a little nervy. A rousing half time team talk from their wonderful coaches had the boys ready and primed to take the cup back to the Hollypark trophy cabinet. A superb performance all round saw Ross Mahon score a vital goal to get us back within touching distance of the lead. Still 2 points down, Matthew Quinn and captain Jack O’ Neill were pulling the strings in midfield and each scored two wonder points to help us retake the lead. St. Joseph’s were not happy to let their lead slip and chipped their way back into the match. Standout performances from Harry Cruise, Sam Ennis and Robert O’ Connor got us back into the lead, but it took a vital save from our amazing goalkeeper Conor May and an excellent piece of defending from Jack O’ Connor to finally see us over the line! It was wonderful to see such amazing teamwork at play and the whole squad should be very proud of their displays over the past number of weeks. The reaction at the full-time whistle would not be out of place in Croke Park on All Ireland Final Day! It was great to see so many parents and grandparents in attendance to cheer on their mighty men! The victorious squad paraded their silverware in front of the adoring fans at assembly this morning. Well done to all the boys involved, I am so proud of you all. Beir bua agus beannacht, ______________________ 23.10.2019