St.Patrick's GNS HOLLYPARK
Partnerships
Partnerships within and outside the school are an integral part of the Active School Flag process. An Active School Committee was set up in St. Patrick’s GNS, Hollypark with representatives from each of the 5th and 6th classes. From the outset of the process, pupils, teachers and parents were informed that the school had decided to work towards our second ASF and were kept up to date with progress via the Active School Committee, the school website and Ms Gunning’s Newsletters.
The Pupil Voice is central to all we do in Hollypark GNS and it was an important part of Active Flag process. Pupils in every class designed sports themed posters for our wonderful sports day parade in May. The Active School Committee was involved in bringing out equipment for our sports day and active school week and helped to organise the events on the day.
Pupils from the Active Flag Committee teach Game of the Week to the infant classes and plan to roll it out to first and second class in September ensuring that our break times are truly active. Our committee also update classes about upcoming events and distribute Active Break and Daily Mile Charts. The committee members are also committed to keeping our sports equipment tidy and accessible in our storage area.
Our Parents’ Association and wider parent body are truly committed to helping us attain our second active flag and they have already put plans in motion to organise a sporting fundraiser early next school year during our active week.
Our school has a great relationship with many local sports clubs and we inform our parents about physical opportunities that are available in the locality. Avoca Hockey Club , Granada Football Club and FoxCab GAA Club all had information stands at our sports day. We also invite several local clubs to give coaching sessions to our pupils throughout the year. St. Patricks GNS has a strong and proud tradition of Gaelic football and we are very closely affiliated with the Foxrock Cabinteely GAA Club. All class levels from Junior Infants to 6th Class are taught the fundamental components of Gaelic football – skills development, teamwork and participation. Our 1st and 2nd classes were taught fundamental soccer skills by an FAI coach . Kilmacud Crokes taught camogie skills to our first classes. Our 5th classes completed a cycling and road safety course in February with Cycle Ireland. All classes from 3rd to 6thwere expertly coached in swimming by Trojan coaches in Newpark swimming pool. RUGBY IRELAND?
This expert coaching and guidance from our Sports Coordinator Ms. Marnell as well as our strong links to local clubs have afforded our pupils past and present with great opportunity.
At St Patrick’s GNS we celebrate the physical achievements and success of our pupils both during and outside of school hours through our website and Ms. Gunning’s weekly newsletters. Pupils’ achievements are celebrated in Ms. Gunning’s daily announcements and there are regular assemblies to celebrate our participation in all sports.
