Weekly Note & Reminders 15th December by Castle Park School

Castle Park School

Weekly Note & Reminders 15th December 2023

From Mr McKernan (Principal, Whole School) Dear Parents,

Early Years Nativities This week, the children from our Early Years Department took the stage for their Nativity plays on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. With infectious enthusiasm, the children delivered delightful performances, bringing to life the stories and spirit of Christmas through acting and song. It was particularly special for some of the children as it was their first time on stage. A special note of thanks to the teachers and Ms McKiernan for their hard work. They played a key role in guiding our youngest pupils, from learning their lines and songs in class to their seamless performances on the big day.

FCP Christmas Event What a spectacular success the FCP Christmas Event turned out to be! Mrs Claus brought the magic of Christmas to our Early Years and Form I pupils as each class took turns visiting her and the elves in the Winter Grotto. Meanwhile, our older pupils participated in some lively quiz sessions. Later in the day, the Sports Hall buzzed with excitement during the Christmas Race. After school, families gathered in the Assembly Hall for a cake sale, tombola and face painting, all accompanied by lively Christmas tunes performed by our School Choir. Once more, I would like to thank the FCP for organising this special event. This is another example of our school's strong sense of community, and we're grateful for everyone who contributed to making it a day to remember.

School Choir As you may have noticed, our School Choir has been spreading the festive spirit with their joyful Christmas song selection. They performed at the FCP Christmas Event last Friday afternoon and before each of our Nativity plays this week. All these efforts are in support of the 'Sing for Simon' (Dublin Simon Community) charity drive. You can donate to the choir's charity page HERE, and I assure you that the choir appreciates every contribution. I am delighted to announce that our School Choir will be featured on Evelyn Grant's Weekend Drive this Sunday at 4:00 pm, and the performance will be broadcast for all to enjoy. You can listen live HERE.

The Week Ahead No Morning Sports Sessions

Monday 18th December Carol Service Rehearsal @ Monkstown Church; Bus leaving @ 9:00 am; Returning @ 11:30 am School Choir visiting Our Lady’s Manor to sing carols for the residents.

Tuesday 19th December No Hobbies No Music Lessons House Certificates & Winning House Assembly Christmas lunch (pupil event); Pupils can wear Christmas jumpers and festive attire. Carol Service @ Monkstown Church. Service begins at 6:00pm, ends at 7:00 pm.

Wednesday 20th December Last Day of Autumn Term; School ends at 12:30 pm Non-uniform day No Hobbies No Music Lessons No Day Care Whole School Assembly.

Carol Service We are very much looking forward to our Carol Service at Monkstown Parish Church (Church of Ireland) next Tuesday. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of our school year, this special event provides a meaningful opportunity for families to come together and take a break from their busy schedules. The service will begin promptly at 6:00 pm (approx. finish 7:00 pm). Please allow time to park and take your seat. The church doors will be open from 5:30 pm, and all pupils should be in their designated seats by 5:50 pm. Attendance at the Service is compulsory for all pupils in the Prep Department, who should come dressed in school uniform. Early Years pupils and their families are also most welcome to attend. Please note that parking in Monkstown is Pay and Display until 7.00 pm. Parking on the church grounds is limited to those travelling with elderly or disabled passengers.

Safe Driving Reminder

Week Beginning Monday 8th January No Morning Sports

Monday 8th January Extra ECCE Day Staff In-service Day

Tuesday 9th January Spring Term Commences

On these darker mornings and evenings, we kindly urge you to exercise caution and be mindful of your speed when driving both in and out of the School gates and while on the School grounds. Your attention to safety ensures a secure environment for everyone in our school community.

Wednesday 10th January

From Ms Kennedy (Assistant Principal, Early Years)

Friday 12th January

Farewell Sara We are fast approaching the end of a very busy term, so a restful holiday is in order for all of us! I would like to express my thanks and say goodbye to Miss Sara, who is leaving us to return home to Spain. Miss Sara has worked as a Junior Infants and Day Care Assistant for the past 18 months and has been a valuable member of our Early Years Team. We will miss her very much and wish her all the best for the future.

Teaching Assembly

Prep Assembly Winning House Party

Sunday 14th January *** Swimming Competition

Last Day of Term Collection Times On Wednesday, 21st December, please ensure the prompt collection of pupils from their classrooms at the designated times: Early Years: 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm Prep: 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm Please note that there will be no Day Care available on this day.

Forest School I kindly request that each child bring their Forest School boots home for the Christmas break to avoid any potential loss resulting from bad weather damaging the storage boxes. Forest school activities will resume on Tuesday, 9th January 2024. May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas. Thank you all for your support throughout this term. I look forward to welcoming you back in January. To those children leaving us, we wish you every success in your new schools.

You can ﬁnd details of all ﬁxtures/events/activities on the Parent Portal Calendar

From Mr Hilman & Mr Nolan GAA Finals During their Monday morning GAA session, pupils from Forms IV, V, and VI have been participating in an All-Ireland Tournament, with pupils organised into county teams. This was an exciting week in the competition as we reached the final four teams: Tipperary, Cork, Westmeath, and Kerry, with Westmeath and Tipperary ultimately advancing to the final. The match, held in front of an excited lunchtime audience, was competitive and culminated with Oisin O'Neill's last-minute goal securing a win for Westmeath, earning them the title of Castle Park All-Ireland Champions.

Theme of the Week

PE Lessons

After the Christmas holidays, the girls will focus on Gaelic football during their PE lessons, while the boys will participate in soccer activities. Girls participating in Gaelic football are kindly reminded to bring gum shields and football boots suitable for the grass pitch.

Peace Composer of the Week

Gioachino Rossini Le gach dea-ghuí

Irish Phrase of the Week

Stephen McKernan Principal

Maireachtáil faoi

Artist of the Week

shíocháin - To live in peace

Audrey (II-C) The pupils in Form II have been making colourful cats using bright colours and patterns. After sketching out their designs in their sketchbooks, they went on to create paper-maché cats, taking inspiration from the artwork of Osa Rosti.

Quote of the Week

“Avoid popularity if you would have peace.” Abraham Lincoln

Junior Singing Competition

Harry II-C

Underneath the Tree

Freddie II-C

Walking in the Air

Audrey & Roxanne II-C

Love Shone Down

Rosie & Charlotte II-P

Santa Tell Me

Gaspard II-P

Jingle Bells

Hugh II-P

Deck The Halls

Poppy I-P

O Christmas Tree

Eli & Robin I-C

Frosty the Snowman

Junior Singing Competition

School Swimming We are delighted to announce that nineteen Castle Park Swimmers will represent our school in the Leinster Minor Schools Swimming Gala on the 14th of January 2024. A special mention to the seven non-club swimmers who will be competing and who have shown remarkable progress in the past few weeks. As a Pathway High Performance Learning School, we are delighted with the increasing level of achievement in our swimming offering.

A Note From SwimCamp

As we approach the Christmas break, it's a good time to highlight the importance of regular swimming. While our weekly school lessons provide a strong foundation, additional pool time significantly improves skill development. Family swimming during the Christmas break will enhance your child’s enjoyment in the water. New ADULT Courses are starting in January! We cater for all levels and have trained many swimmers towards their personal swimming goals, from those nervously taking their first step into the water to those racing in Ironman events. For more information, please visit our website HERE Happy Christmas from all of us at Swimcamp.

Form V Trip to the Jeanie Johnston and Epic Museum

Following their exploration of the key events and course of the Irish Famine in the Autumn Term, Form V went on an educational trip to the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship and the Epic Museum on December 12th. The Jeanie Johnston, a replica of the original ship that sailed between 1848 and 1858, stands out for an exceptional feat—none of its passengers died during the transatlantic journey, a rarity for ships of that era. Our guide, Catriona, shared many fascinating anecdotes about the crew and passengers of the ship. She praised our pupils for their impressive background knowledge, active engagement, and perceptive questions. Form V also thoroughly enjoyed the Epic Museum, which uses high-tech interactive exhibits to focus on Irish emigration from the 1600s to modern times. The museum highlights the remarkable achievements of Irish people on the world stage in areas such as science, literature, politics, sport and music. Mr Meade

Form V Trip to the Jeanie Johnston and Epic Museum

Posting Christmas Cards - Form I

Early Years Nativity Plays

FCP Christmas Event

Castle Park GAA Finals (Westmeath -v- Tipperary)

Form VI Boys Soccer -v- Ballyroan NS