Hannah and Ella McDonald are HFSS students. Details for the family's fundraiser in the link below.

https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/AntoinetteOKeeffe

The PA Lotto Jackpot is over €1900 and as part of the January giveaway, one HFSS lotto subscriber is guaranteed to win €100 this week. Just click on the link to join.

 https://www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/holyfamilyssnewbridge

Thert is also the BONUS National Giveaway Competition for 30th January (tomorrow night!) €1500 Holiday voucher, €1000 cash prize and 2 x Oasis tickets to be won!

Save the date for the 2nd Annual Parents' Association Quiz Night on Thursday, 10th April 

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are delighted to announce that Holy Family Secondary School is holding an Attendance Week drive ‘All Day, Every Day’, to highlight the importance of regular school attendance and to provide support for families in ensuring that their children make the most of their education. We believe that education is the cornerstone of your child’s future, and regular attendance is key to their academic success and personal development. This week students will focus on the importance of good attendance during tutor time, they will be given tips to improve their attendance and punctuality and there will be prizes for best attendance this week in school. We are also running a poster competition that illustrates the importance of good attendance in which we invite our students to enter by Friday 31st January. 

How You Can Help Your Child Attend School Regularly

Your involvement as parents and guardians is crucial in supporting your child’s attendance. Below are some practical tips to ensure your child attends school regularly and thrives:

• Make education a priority: Let your child know that school is important and that regular attendance is non-negotiable.
• Show interest: Listen to your child’s experiences at school and ask about their day-to-day activities.
• Celebrate good attendance: Praise your child for their efforts and achievements in maintaining a good attendance record.
• Build confidence: Encourage and support your child by recognising their strengths and progress.
• Stay informed: Read letters and reports from the school and familiarise yourself with school rules and policies.
• Stay involved: Attend school meetings, get to know the teachers, and meet your child’s friends.
• Plan holidays wisely: Avoid scheduling family holidays during term time to ensure your child’s attendance is not disrupted.
• Be proactive: If your child expresses reluctance to attend school or faces challenges with schoolwork, communicate with the school immediately.
• Limit part-time jobs: Ensure your child’s focus remains on their studies, as tiredness from part-time work can hinder their performance at school.
• Stay up to date: Keep informed about your child’s progress and important school updates by regularly checking the school app and VSware. These platforms provide essential information about the school year and your child’s activities.

Top Tips from Parents

Here are some tried-and-tested tips from other parents to make mornings and school days run smoothly:

• Bedtime routine: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep, especially on school nights, to help them stay alert and focused.
• Set alarms: Use an alarm clock to establish a consistent morning routine and avoid rushing.
• Prepare the night before: Help your child pack their school bag and prepare their lunch the evening before to reduce morning stress.

Working Together for Success

At Holy Family Secondary School, we are committed to supporting every student in achieving their full potential. By working together with parents, we can ensure that your child’s education remains a priority and that they attend school regularly. If you have any concerns or would like additional support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Let’s work together and make HFSS the place to be, all day, every day. 

Dear Parents/Guardians

A reminder, as per our calendar, classes finish at 3:25pm this Thursday 30th January to facilitate the 2nd year Parent/Teacher meeting

Please see the lnk below below from the Social Inclusion Unit, Dept of Education regarding the Schoolbook Scheme and looking for parents' feedback

Please note: The closing date for responses Wednesday 29th January.

Junior-Cycle-Schoolbook-Scheme-202425-Parent-Survey

Congratulations to HFSS Class of 2024 graduate, Lola Carthy who received a Trinity College Entrance Exhibition Award yesterday (awards for students who achieve the highest Leaving Certificate points nationally) Lola is currently studying Clinical Speech and Language Therapy Studies. Lola pictured with Eimear O'Brien (HFSS Deputy Principal) 

During times of severe weather, we remind our students to stay indoors and remain safe as the storm passes. Further information for storm safety is included in the link below. 

www.met.ie/warnings/friday/kildare

https://live.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/security-and-emergency-services/severe-weather/

All are warmly welcomed to attend, and get involved, at the next PA meeting in the school on 27th January. 

Spring wardrobe clear out? A reminder that the PA cash-for-clothes fundraiser runs all year. Drop off any bags of unwanted clothes and shoes any time that the school is open.

HFSS Parents' Association