Newsletter
22 05 2026
Good afternoon, everyone,
I hope your week has been a good one.
As always, it has been another busy week in school – 1st Class attended the Literary Festival in Merrion Square, D7ETNS Spelling Bee final, we had a hurling game where our children showcased incredible skill and determination, and 3rd Class enjoyed their school tour. We are also all looking forward to the Summer Fete, which we have been busy preparing for. A special thank you to Natallia and Maria for giving face-painting tuition to our 4th Class children today.
Our play therapist has asked me to share the link to an interview on RTÉ Radio 1’s Oliver Callan Show about “Sibling Rivalry”, as well as a flyer for the Playful Parenting Workshop.
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22613723
Our Spelling Bee D7ETNS Champions
Family Equality Day
To mark International Family Equality Day Jennifer’s 4th class have been exploring the different structures families can come in. We decided to celebrate the love in all families by creating a poem and artwork. You can see our creation here: https://vimeo.com/1194387625?fl=pl&fe=sh
GAA News
D7 Boys had a convincing win yesterday in TUD v St Brendan’s Artane. Our opponents, playing with a strong breeze, started the stronger and had a few goal chances in the first few minutes, however our goalkeeper proved up to the task.
Once D7 got into their stride and began to dominate possession but found it hard to register scores. A few speculative efforts drifted wide before the lads found their range. As the half time loomed, D7 began to build a substantial lead.
With the wind in the second half, D7 piled on the pressure and the difference in class was obvious. As we ran the bench, our opponents gained some confidence but our defence held firm. Onwards now to our date with destiny in the semifinal.
The team had great support on the day and hopefully some of the spectators will be inspired to emulate the boys in the next few years.
Both teams are now one step from a Croke Park final match, both teams will be in action on Wednesday, the boys have a home fixture v Glasnevin ET while the girls are in the Phoenix Park for a 2.30 start v Gaelscoil Cnoc Liamha.
Martin, Peadar & Padraig
Santry Sports art competition
Congratulations Ailbhe from Padraig’s 4th who came 3rd in Santry Sports art competition.
D7 School attire
Please see link below if you wish to buy school attire. Link will close today.
Mountaineering
In the photograph, 5th Class pupil is modelling high performance mountaineering gear for a class demonstration. Mountaineer Martin dropped in to tell us about his adventures climbing some of the world’ tallest peaks, including Aconcagua in the Andes , Denali in Alaska , and Kilimanjaro in Africa. He has also rambled up all of Ireland’s best peaks like Carrauntoohill and Lugnaquilla.
Thanks, Martin
Russborough House
Yesterday we went on a school trip to CP Adventure Centre in Russborough House. On the way there, we sang songs on the bus. First, we went on a zipline and a ropes course. Next, we had a break. Lastly, we did archery and we made fires to roast marshmallows. On the bus back, we chilled and sang more songs. We had a great time, it was very fun!!!!!!
By: Annie, Baxter, Harlow and Louise
Irish Literature Festival in Merrion Square
The 3 first classes went into the Irish Literature Festival in Merrion Square today to see author-illustrator Paddy Donnelly talk about his new book The Upside-down Lighthouse. He read his book to us and told us all about seeing things from a different perspective. At the end of the story he told us that there is a real Upside-down Lighthouse on Rathlin Island off the coast of Antrim. And a really upside-down waterfall!!!
He was able to draw animals for us upside-down which was really cool. Phoenix got to keep the picture as it was his birthday. He drew imaginary creatures for us which were a mash-up of real animals such as a capybara, unicorn and tiger.
We then got to draw our own mash-up creatures. It was lots of fun!
Afterwards we had a lovely picnic lunch in Merrion Square and then spent an hour in the playground there before getting the Luas home.
Stoneybatter 2026 Festival
On behalf of the Stoneybatter 2026 Festival and to celebrate a whole decade of the Festival (yes, we’re officially vintage now!), we’re inviting all local National School students to get creative and design a poster for this year’s festival.
What to do:
Create a poster capturing one of the following themes:
- Sport
- Family
- History
- Food (always a strong contender!)
- Gaeilge
- Culture
Who can enter:
All national school students in the area – budding Picassos and enthusiastic doodlers alike welcome!
Prizes:
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will have their posters printed and proudly displayed on Saturday 20th June at the Holy Family Community Centre on Prussia Street.
And that’s not all — every single entry will feature online on stoneybatterfestival.ie (instant fame guaranteed*).
*Fame may vary depending on sibling rivalry.
Important Dates:
- Closing date: 5th June (no extensions… even if the dog ate your masterpiece)
How to Enter:
- Upload a photo (a clear snapshot is perfect) of the poster to the Stoneybatter Festival 2026 Art Competition Folder before the deadline. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AcL9DLFAn6f_mUyJTS66KhctJzyMRBqX
- Make sure the student’s name and school are clearly written on the poster (we love a mystery, but not this kind).
- If possible, name the image file with the student’s details as well — it keeps us sane and organised!
We can’t wait to see your creativity – let the masterpieces begin!
HSE Health Promotion Service.
HSE have asked us to share this with you
Welcome to Issue 5 of Health Bites, the bite sized newsletter for parents and teachers in north Dublin from your local HSE Health Promotion Service. Big congrats to Stapolin Educate Together NS who were the lucky winners of a €150 sports equipment voucher for their school in the last edition. This issue includes more child related health information and of course, our popular parent and school competition.
We’d love if you could share this newsletter in whatever way works for your school (app, email, text).
The newsletter is attached and can also be found here: https://bit.ly/3PmVVJ5
The competition closes on Friday 19 June, so be sure to send it on to parents in plenty of time. We’ll be in touch with the winners soon after the after the 19th. Good luck!
Education Research Centre
The Educational Research Centre (ERC), provider of the “Drumcondra” standardised tests, is inviting parents to complete a short anonymous survey on their knowledge of and views on standardised testing to help inform future developments.
Please take a few minutes to complete it here: https://erc.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_510cVR0Vz5Q9K18
Play Therapist
