Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in St Colmcille's PS
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Group A Streptococcus Bacteria
Wed 07 Dec 2022Group A streptococcus bacteria usually cause a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very rare circumstances, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).
As well as an increase in notifications of scarlet fever, which is above the levels we usually see at this time of year, the PHA is also aware of a higher number of cases of iGAS being reported across the UK.
While iGAS is still uncommon, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms of illnesses caused by group A streptococcus bacteria and seek medical advice so that their child can be treated appropriately and to help prevent the infection becoming serious.
What to do if you suspect your child has scarlet fever
Scarlet fever mainly affects children under 10, but people of any age can get it. In the early stages, symptoms include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
The PHA is asking parents to contact their GP if they suspect their child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
“To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.”
Don’t put off seeking help if your child continues to get worse
There can be a range of causes of sore throats, colds and coughs. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop an infection and that can make them more unwell.
The PHA is also urging parents to seek help if their child is very unwell or seems to be getting worse – even if they have started treatment. Parents should contact their GP if they feel:
- their child is getting worse;
- their child is feeding or eating much less than normal;
- their child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration;
- their baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher;
- their baby feels hotter than usual when they touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty;
- their child is very tired or irritable.
Call 999 or go to the Emergency Department if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs;
- there are pauses when your child breathes;
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue;
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
Dr McClean continued: “The PHA has issued an urgent message to all primary and secondary care healthcare providers alerting them to increases in group A streptococcal infection. Acting quickly if you suspect anyone has this infection could make a difference to the outcomes.”
For further information on scarlet fever, visit www.pha.site/ScarletFever
Rises in recent cases of invasive group A streptococcus across the UK may be due in part to more social mixing, which may also result in other illnesses circulating at the same time. The PHA would therefore urge everyone eligible for the free flu vaccine to get it at the earliest opportunity. In particular we would urge parents of all pre-school children aged two years and over and those aged 6 months to 2 years who are in risk groups to avail of the free flu vaccine.
Find out who is eligible for the winter vaccines and where to get vaccinated see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines
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Minnie Vinnies - 12 hour vigil on 25th November
Sat 19 Nov 2022The "Minnie Vinnies" are holding a 12 hour vigil from 9.00am to 9.00pm, outside in the school grounds on Friday 25th November to raise money for SVP. With the PTA support, they are also having a Coffee morning on Sat. 26th Nov. - 10.00am - 1.00pm. We appreciate your support.
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STRANGER DANGER
Fri 18 Nov 2022Dear parents
Cons. Joanne Creighton, Neighbourhood Policing Team has just confirmed that a pupil in the school was recently approached by an unknown adult in a car in suspicious circumstances, while walking on a local country road with friends.
As there had been a similar incident in recent months, we advise that parents discuss the following points with their children.
Children should NEVER:
- agree to meet a stranger. Do not go anywhere or do anything, with someone that you aren't comfortable with.
- take sweets or presents from someone you don't know.
- get into a car or vehicle belonging to someone you don't know.
- give your personal details to a stranger.
Children should ALWAYS
- tell your parents or a responsible adult where you are going and who you are with.
- arrange a time to be back- stick to it!
- look out for each other when you are playing with your friends.
- make sure you know the contact details of your parents, or a responsible adult that you can contact in an emergency.
Cons. Creighton will present a talk to children within the next few weeks to reinforce this important message.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of Stranger Danger, please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards
Peter Cush
Principal
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Friends of St Colmcille's- Meeting Tues 8th november at 7.30pm
Fri 14 Oct 2022Dear parents
You are invited to attend the first meeting of Friends of St Colmcille's meeting since early 2020. The meeting will be in the school on:
Tuesday 8th November at 7.30pm
I'd like to thank all the previous committee members for their dedication to the school over the years and look forward to welcoming the team for 2022-23.
Yours sincerely
Peter Cush
Principal
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Are you packing a Healthy Lunch?
Fri 30 Sep 2022All schools are encouraged to advocate a consistent message about healthy eating, as per the Food in Schools Policy. This means all food and drink provided and consumed within the education setting should be nutritious and of good quality. School meals are a great choice, however if parents decide to provide a packed lunch, or morning break or snack, the following guidance may be useful for healthy eating tips and ideas. The ‘Are you Packing a Healthy Lunch?’, ‘Healthy Breaks for Schools’ and ‘Healthy Choices’ resources are all available at the following links should you wish to send them to parents through your usual communication channels.
• Are you packing a healthy lunch?
• Healthy breaks for schools
• Healthy Choices – Choose wisely: advice for parents on nutrition and activity for primary school children.
Copies of these booklets are on this website:
Parents/Useful Information/Healthy Lunches
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October Newsletter
Fri 30 Sep 2022The October 2022 Newsletter is now in "News & Events/ Newsletters
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October 2022: Mission Month
Thu 29 Sep 2022October is "Mission Month" and is an opportunity to consider our contribution to the wider Church, those in need and less fortunate than we are.
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Breakfast Club starts Monday 5th September
Fri 02 Sep 2022BREAKFAST CLUB
As outlined in the September newsletter which is on the school website, we will be relaunching our Breakfast Club on Monday 5th September. It will be available each morning from 7.45 am until 9.00am for children Year 2-7
(P1/R1 children from Monday 12th September).
The arrangements are as follows:
- There is no need to book places in advance.
- Children should be brought to the school reception each morning and they will be supervised in the assembly hall.
- Breakfast will be available to children arriving before 8.40am and include cereal, toast with milk or water.
- The charge is £2.00 per child each day or £8.00 for the full week.
(Even if the children don’t avail of the breakfast).
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Yours sincerely
Mr P CushPrincipal
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FREE SCHOOL MEALS & UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
Wed 03 Aug 2022Don't delay - apply today! All eligible parents should apply for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance now to ensure all is in place for the start of the new school year.
If you have yet to complete your application, please see the useful checklist below to ensure you are ready to submit.
Whilst there is no closing date for applications, there is an approximate four week processing time and we advise parents to be mindful of this when completing your application.
For more information, FAQs and to begin your application, see the EA website: http://ow.ly/1yOx50K4kb6
If you are having any difficulties accessing the website or if you need any help and advice you can contact the dedicated helpdesk on 028 9041 8044 or email mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk.
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Shared Education partners presented with Autism NI's Champions' Impact Award
Thu 30 Jun 2022Impact Award Champions!
Well done to the staff in our three schools' Shared Education Project who participated in training for Autism NI Impact Award!
One teacher from each school also achieved an award as Autism Champion. Mrs Cait Slane is St Colmcoille's Autism Champion.
Principals Peter Cush of St Colmcille's Primary and Nursery School, Barry Conroy of Roscavey Primary School and Sam Dennison of
McClintock Primary School completed the Impact Award within their school and made changes to increase autism accessibility.
What a way to end the school year !
For more information about our Autism NI Impact Award visit https://www.autismni.org/impact-award
#AutismNIImpactAward #AutismImpactChampions #AutismTraining #AutismFrendly #AutismAccessibility
