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

• School holidays in "Parents- Useful information" folder

  Fri 07 Sep 2018

• September 2018 Newsletter in "News and Events" folder

  Fri 07 Sep 2018

• Mr Conway retires after 40 year career

  Wed 05 Sep 2018

  It was with mixed feelings that the governors, staff, parents and pupils bid farewell to our Vice Principal; Gerard Conway who was an esteemed colleague and friend; a father figure within the school who has retired after 40 years in “active service”.

  Mr Conway took up his first teaching post in 1978 in St Patrick’s PS Mulnahoe and in 1984 joined St Colmcille’s where he remained until his retirement, bar a short sabbatical as acting principal in St Patrick’s PS Augher. He was appointed as VP in 1988 and was responsible for curriculum coordination, Key Stage 2 coordination, Literacy and liturgical celebrations. He had served on the school’s board of governors as Teacher representative for twelve years. He took a keen interest in sports in the school particularly cross-country. He was an active participant in the school’s Comenius project having visited partner schools in Mesanger, France; Dambovita, Romania; Berlin, Germany and Palermo, Sicily. Mr Conway was popular with staff, parents and pupils who all enjoyed his witty anecdotes. School principal,

  In June, Mr Conway was presented with a special Holy Family icon by Archbishop Martin during the school’s 50^th Anniversary mass. A special evening was held recently in Glenavon Hotel, where his career was honoured by staff and governors. He was presented with a print, created by former pupil, Elwyn Colgan, monitory donation from staff and governors.

  Parish priest, Fr Sean O’Neill; who wasn’t able to attend the evening secured a very special award for Mr Conway – a St Patrick’s Certificate and Medal presented by the Archdioceses of Armagh for his commitment to liturgical services within the school.

  School principal, Peter Cush stated that his attributes of conscientiousness and reliability were the two mainstays of his character. His attitude to preparation and subsequent marking was commendable. His relationship with his class was excellent and he always endeavored to help each child achieve their maximum potential. During his speech, Mr Cush used a quote from Dead Poet’s Society “Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each one of us is a better person because of you.”

  Gerard’s moto had always been “Work hard, Play hard & Pray hard!”

  Mrs Ursula McElroy as Chairperson of the board of Governors, praised Mr Conway’s commitment to the school. She also acknowledged the excellent contribution of fellow governors; Damien Loughran and former Chairperson, Mrs Karen McElduff who like Mr Conway are retiring from the Board of Governors. A bouquet of flowers was also presented to Mrs Conway.

  During his speech, Mr Conway praised the governors, staff, parents and pupils for giving him the opportunity to serve them during his 35 years in St Colmcille’s.

  With all our hearts and with the blessings of everyone in the parish of Carrickmore, we wish Mr Conway a contented and joyous life in his retirement.

  

• Important information re:- Measles, Chicken Pox, Shingles etc

  Fri 17 Aug 2018

  Dear Parents/Guardians

   

  Measles, Chicken Pox, Shingles and Swine Flu

   

  Please may we ask your co-operation in an important matter.

   

  One of our pupils, is receiving medical treatment for immune dysregulation which puts her at risk if she is exposed to measles, chicken pox, shingles and swine flu.

   

  Should this child be exposed to these infections, prompt action is required as it could be life-threatening.

  Child may need to be hospitalised/given IV Antibiotics.

   

  We want to minimise the potential of infection being brought home from school.

   

  We therefore ask that you please let me know immediately if your child is suspected of having measles, chicken pox, swine flu or shingles.

   

  It is also important that you let us know if there is shingles in your household.

   

  Your child is not at any risk whatsoever from this situation. However, the health and well-being of our pupil, who is at risk, does depend on the co-operation of all other parents and we hope you can help us. Parents should remind their children to practice good hygiene i.e. using a tissue, covering their mouth and turn away when coughing, washing hands frequently and to use the hand sanitizers which are placed throughout the school, to minimise any risk of infection.

   

  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

   

   

   

  Yours sincerely

   

  __________________

  Mrs Bronagh Corey

  Pastoral Care Co-ordinator

• School Closure on Monday 3rd September due to Tyrone's anticipated victory in the All Ireland Final

  Fri 17 Aug 2018

  Dear Parent,

   

  As you are aware Tyrone are contesting an All Ireland final on September 2^nd for the first time in 10 years. Consequently, the school will be closed on Monday September 3^rd. Unfortunately, this has implications for P1 induction.

  We have decided that the children who were to commence school on September 3^rd will now have their induction on Thursday 6^th and will be joined by the whole class on Friday 7^th September.

  Please find enclosed the revised dates for your child’s P1 induction.

  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

   

  Yours Sincerely

   

   

  Peter Cush

   

  Mrs Rogers will begin admitting her P1 children from Tues 4^th, Wed 5^th and Thurs 6^th September.

   

  Name
  Emer Rafferty Sadbh Mullan Cora Mallon Ryan Mc Cullagh Riley Mc Atee John Ward Jamie Penrose Teagan Mc Mahon Caadhán Quinn Fintan Mc Williams	Mrs Rogers   Tuesday 4th September ***These children come on Tuesday and do not return until Friday 7th with the whole class****
  Ayla Fox Orla Hurson Shea Mullin Nojus Vaicekauskas Cathal Campbell Aoifrie Mc Dermott Colleen Nugent Keevon Magill Senan Quinn	Mrs Rogers   Wednesday 5th September ***These children come on Wednesday and do not return until Friday 7th with the whole class****
  Sadie Rose Boyle Hugh Daly Sinead Dobbs Eunan óg Donnelly Lily colgan Cara Mc NAmee Ryan Loughran Matthew Keyes Shea O’ Hanlon	Mrs Rogers   Thursday 6th September
  Whole class come to school 9am – 12 noon	Mrs Rogers   Friday 7th September

  
   

• Shared Education performance in Strule Arts Centre

  Fri 15 Jun 2018

  Children in Mrs Hendry's & Mr O'Neill's classes had a fabulous day performing at the Strule Arts Theatre as part of our Shared Education focus on the creative arts with pupils from Roscavey, St. Colmcille's & McClintock Primary Schools the 'Cave Kids' and 'The Gortin Highway Man' musical dramas that were composed by Gerarda Gallogly and Bob Quick.

  

• St Colmcille's PS crowned Ulster Indooor Hurling Champions

  Wed 25 Apr 2018

  ULSTER HURLING CHAMPIONS 2018!

  Our hurling team already crowned as Tyrone Champions travelled to Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, and came away with the Ulster title. the boys played brilliantly to beat St Patrick's & St Brigid's PS Ballycastle 3 - 0 in the final, especially when the Ballycastle team has beaten them 5 - 0 during the heats. Aidan Kelly, Emmet O' Neill &  Peter Cush are pictured with Manus O' Donnell (Uladh Rúnaí) with the trophy.

  the team includes:

  Back row: Luke Kelly, Shéa Munroe, Davagh Loughran, Cormac McCrystal, Martin McCrory

  Front Row: Padraig McCrystal, Conor McPhillips, James McCallan, Kevin Cuddy & Ciaran McKenna.

  We would like to particularly thank Mr O'Neill, Aidan Kelly and Eire Óg hurling club for their commitment and belief in these boys. Incidentally, Aidan Kelly was a member of the school's last Ulster Indoor Hurling champions team.

   

  Well done boys

  

• Archbishop Eamon Martin to celebrate 50th Anniversary mass

  Mon 23 Apr 2018

  We are delighted that Archbishop Eamon Martin will celebrate Mass for the 50th Anniversary of the school on Friday, 29 June, at 10.00 a.m.. During his visit he will also bless the recent improvement works on the school premises.

  

• Presentation to Jarlath Mullin

  Thu 29 Mar 2018
  Mrs Cush and Friends of St Colmcille's members; Lynne Hurson and Aisling Donnelly present a cheque for £330 to Jarlath Mullin and wish him the best of luck in the Special Olympics in Dublin shortly.

  

• Seachtain na Gaeilge

  Thu 22 Mar 2018

  Friday 16^th March - St Patrick’s pageant

  Pupils throughout the school present edvarious performances as part of the annual show to mark our patron Saint’s celebrations. The show included musicians, Irish Dancing, Recitations, St Patrick’s dramatization and prayers. Parents were invited to attend the performance and enjoyed teas with shamrock shortbread and muffins after the performances.