St. Patrick's GNS News

We understand that recent changes to our chicken goujons and potato cubes have drawn some attention, and we’d like to take this opportunity to explain the reasons behind these updates.

In line with the directive set out by the Healthy Ireland Nutrition Standards for Hot School Meals —and our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of our meals—we have adjusted these two popular items to ensure they provide more nutritious alternatives for students. Below are the key points we’d like to share:

New Chicken Goujons

• Sourced from one of our longstanding Irish suppliers, Glenhaven.
• 100% Chicken breast.
• Baked rather than fried—this explains the lighter, less crispy texture.
• Lower in fat and salt, ensuring they are not classified as HFSS foods. (HFSS – High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt – guidelines used by the Irish Heart Foundation. Foods that fall into this category are deemed less nutritious).

New Potato Cubes

• Steamed.
• Lower in fat and salt.
• Free from all additives and preservatives.

We’ve also listened carefully to feedback regarding the potato cubes. Some schools noted they appeared oily, and we are already working with our supplier to address this. From September 22nd, an improved version with less oil will be available in schools. While the overall oil content is low, the cooking method made them appear oilier than intended.

Looking ahead, we will make sure to communicate any menu changes with you earlier so that you and your school community are aware in advance. An update will also be shared with parents via our app, along with this link providing further details about these changes.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

If your daughter has asthma, the school needs to be aware of, this. Please complete this form so we can support her properly:

👉 Asthma/Medication Form

Thank you for helping us keep your child safe and well at school.

After-School Clubs

In response to requests from the Parents Group, and our successful trial last year, we are excited to offer after-school clubs for a 5-week block starting the week of September 22nd. Each club will require a minimum number of pupils to go ahead, and the clubs will run from 2:30 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. each day.

Children will be collected after school at the main entrance.

The final week of the clubs will take place during the week beginning 20th October.

Payment links for the after-school clubs will be available online from today.

We look forward to offering this opportunity and hope the pupils enjoy the clubs!

Please remember to pay your child's school fees. These fees help us to pay for the extras not normally covered by school grants such as swimming, violin tuition, dancing classes, camogie and football training as well as Aladdin Connect and online payments. Bar codes were sent home last Monday

Application forms will be sent home on Monday. Check your daughter's bag for these. Please fill in the forms and return to the office and pay the fee online via the easypayment button on the school website.

Homework Club started last on Monday . There are still spaces available. It is a great service Contact Lisa at 0873155681 for further information. It runs until 4 p.m. each day and is part of the ECCE scheme

Our Sciath na Scol campaign kicks off with three exciting fixtures this round:

• Monday 23rd September -Scoil Barra (Pitch is in the school) Ballincollig at 12 noon

• Thursday, 25th September – The Tank Field vs. Scoil Bhride GNS, Crosshaven at 11.30

We look forward to great support from pupils and parents at each game!

Secondary School Open NIghts

St. Patrick's College

Monday 29th September at 7 pm