Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in St Colmcille's PS

• Welcome back September 2023

  Thu 31 Aug 2023

  Welcome back

  At the beginning of each new school year, we try to adjust to the forthcoming changes facing us while remembering previous years, former colleagues and pupils. This year we are adjusting to significant changes with Fr O’Neill’s move to Co Armagh, Mrs Donnelly’s move to Fintona, Miss Owens’ move to Australia and Rosemary Mullin’s retirement. We’re also mindful that for some this time of year marks positive changes or difficult challenges in their own lives.  

   

  We are conscious that as Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher wrote, “the only constant in life is change.”- and We welcome Mr Treanor into P6/7 as our new Vice-principal; Mrs Hackett into P3 and Miss O’Hagan into P3/4.There are a number of new faces among our support staff:- Classroom Assistants- Emma McGaghran and Natasha Cush join the team and we extend best wishes to a number of assistants taking up new roles throughout the school. The new school year signals a new chapter in the history of the school community.

   

  The new year unfortunately heralds an extremely difficult financial environment with frightening forecasts moving forward but regardless, we are all rejuvenated and excited about the new year.

   

  There is a fantastic buzz in the school over the past few days as staff get ready for the new year and getting everything in place for the children to settle well into the familiar routines.

   

  THANK YOU FR O’NEILL

  It is with great sadness that we have to accept that Fr O’Neill’s tenure in the parish is coming to an end. Fr O’Neill has been a true friend, confidant, spiritual adviser and inspirator. We plan to show our appreciation for his years of devoted service to the school with a presentation on Tuesday morning.  

   

  BREAKFAST CLUB

  The club runs each morning from 7.45 am for children Year 1-7 from Friday 1^st Sept. The arrangements are as follows:

  • There is no need to book places in advance.
  • Children meet in the assembly hall.
  • Breakfast is available to children arriving before 8.30am and includes cereal, toast with milk or water.
  • Children can avail of the service even if they don’t require a breakfast.
  • The daily charge for supervision and/or breakfast is £2.00 which can be paid to staff on duty either daily or weekly.

   

  Morning arrangements

  • We ask parents to park in the chapel carpark;
  • Official school opening time is 9am and on arrival children enter their classrooms via the Emergency doors, where available;

   

   

  Nursery children

  The Nursery will run from 9am – 11:30am during the settling in phase and these times will be reviewed in mid October.

   

  Collection arrangements

  • Year One – Two:  Teachers have informed parents about the transition arrangements for the first two weeks via Seesaw. Thereafter, Year One and Two children will be collected at 2.15pm.
  • Primary Three / Rang a Tri, as part of the transition into KS1, children’s formal day ends at 2.15pm, this arrangement will be reviewed towards the end of the autumn term.
  • Year 4 to Year 7: The school day finishes at 3.00pm - 3.15pm, depending on bus collection times etc.

   

  2.15pm – 3.15pm Bus group supervision.

  If your child is entitled to a 3.15pm bus and didn’t get a place with Camowen Smart Kids, we are reinstating the ‘spill over’ in-school supervision between 2.15pm and 3.15pm at the same cost as Camowen - £3.00. This service will be available from Friday 1^st Sept, please inform your child’s teacher if you require this supervision. Payment should be made weekly.

   

  School holidays

  A list of the school holiday dates will be issued soon and will be available on the school website.

   

  School Money App

  • Parents will need to book their child’s dinners in advance on the School Money app rather using than the website.
  • If no booking is made on the App then please send a packed lunch with your child/children.
  • New Nursery and Year One pupils will not be able to use the School Money App until their admission date.
  • There are a number of parents who are still in arrears from last year. The EA has advised that packed lunches should be sent until all arrears are cleared.
  • If you have any queries about using the App, please contact the school office for help. 

   

  Seesaw

  Teachers use the Seesaw App for communications with parents. A copy of the Seesaw Policy will be circulated via Seesaw and be available on the school website.

   

  Free School Meals & School uniforms

  If you feel that you are eligible for Free School Meals & School uniforms, you will find information on the school and EA websites.

  We have a large supply of unclaimed uniforms from previous years. Parents are welcome to take these and use as spares. They will be in boxes in the covered area of playground every afternoon next week.

   

  School building improvements

  There have been several improvements made to the school building during the summer months;

  • Work has been completed on the new school roof
  • The nursery outdoor play area has had a canopy and soft play surface installed
  • The staffroom has been painted and a new kitchen and appliances installed.
  • The main playground will also be getting soft play surface installed in the coming weeks.