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

• Thank you Fr O'Neill

  Tue 05 Sep 2023

  We had a fitting, if not emotional, tribute to Fr O'Neill in the school today when pupils, staff (former and current) and governors had an opportunity to thank  Fr O'Neill for his ministry in the parish of Termonmaguirc but also as a governor and school chaplain for the past 16 years.

   

  P7 pupil, Cait McCallan opened the proceedings with an Irish blessing.

   

  Mrs Hendry read a poem that she had written about our experience of working alongside him.

   

  Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Mrs Ursula McElroy gave a deeply heartfelt speech thanking Fr O'Neill for his commitment to the school, his faithful ministry and wise counsel.  Mrs McElroy also presented Fr O’Neill with a beautiful Galway Crystal vase inscribed with a message on behalf of parents, pupils, staff and governors on the school and Naíscoil. We would like to thank Mrs Caroline Slane, Wrapped Up Luxury Gifts for the donation of this very beautiful and appropriate gift.

   

  Mr Cush presented Fr O’Neill with an illuminated picture of St Colmcille’s stained-glass window from the chapel which he’d created.

   

  The children in Rang 5- 7 sang a beautiful rendition on Fonn na Saoirse- The Sound of silence, accompanied by Mrs Geraldine Strain on the harp. 

   

  Mr Cush thanked everyone for helping to make this such a memorable occasion for Fr O’Neill including the kitchen staff for providing refreshments.

   

  Fr O’Neill thanked everyone in the school community for the welcome he had always received in the school and the pleasure it was to work alongside the staff, pupils, parents and governors.

   

  

• Credit Union Savings

  Fri 01 Sep 2023

  TERMONMAGUIRK CREDIT UNION LTD.

  SCHOOL SAVINGS

   

  We are delighted to inform you that the Credit Union school savings will recommence in September 2023.

   

  What is Credit Union School Savings?

  The School Savings Scheme is organised by the Credit Union and encourages children to save as much or as little as they want. Children will be able to pay money into their account every week on a Thursday, which we will collect and return to the school, and they will be issued with their own membership card and savings folder. Our school savings offers an excellent opportunity for pupils to save each week at school. We hope to combine financial education, family engagement and promote partnership working within the community to help teach children from an early age the value of saving while learning valuable money management and life skills.

   

   

   

  What is a Credit Union?

  Termonmaguirk Credit Union is a non-profit financial co-operative – which means we are owned and controlled by our members. The school savings have been very successful in previous years throughout the Termonmaguirc Parish and we would like to get the service for our junior members in your school up and running again.

   

   

  What do I need to do next?

  To open an account for a child (under 16) we require the parent/guardian proof of address (e.g.utility bill, bank statement, Government/Hospital letter dated within the last 3 months) and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. We will open the account, return the membership forms for signing and after all paperwork has been returned your child can commence saving. We look forward to welcoming new savers and re-connecting with those who have saved with us previously. We wish you all a wonderful school year ahead and look forward to receiving your entries for the Art competition and catching up at the Schools Quiz later in the year.

   

  Tel: 028 8076 1507                                                     e-mail: e.curran@tmcu.net

   

• 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.

• Thank you Mrs Donnelly

  Mon 03 Jul 2023

  Members of the school's Board of Governors and staff attended a function in An Creagán to celebrate Mrs Donnelly's four years in St Colmcille's PS as Vice-principal and wish her every success in her promotion to Principal in St Lawrence's PS, Fintona.

   

  During the evening, Mrs Donnelly was presented with a gold Miraculous Medal by Fr O’Neill and a bunch of flowers by Mrs Ursula McElroy, Chair of the Board of Governors and a beautiful print of St Colmcille’s by colleague Orlagh O’Brien. Mrs McElroy and Mr Cush praised Mrs Donnelly for her professionalism, dedication to the Catholic ethos, discretion and commitment to the school. Parents had also presented Mrs Donnelly with a gift.

   

  Mrs Donnelly thanked the staff and governors for the four wonderful years in the school and the friendships she had made in the school and wider community.

  

• Rosmary retires after 36 years in St Colmcille's PS

  Tue 27 Jun 2023

  We had a lovely afternoon to celebrate Rosemary Mullin's retirement after 36 years as cook in the school kitchen. She was joined by many of her former colleagues and the children who sang for her.  Bettie McGurk read a specially composed poem about Rosemary's time in the school.  Rosemary was presented with flowers and a cash present. We wish Rosemary a contented and joyous life in her retirement.

   

  An Ode to Rosmary

  Among the pots and pans in St Colmcille's,

  There worked a woman of many skills,

  Her tenure there was 36 years,

  Keeping children fed as well as her peers.

   

  There's a lot of things that you should know,

  How teachers and kids are sad to see her go,

  Her canteen group too will miss this woman,

  Their dear friend and colleague Rosie Mullin.

   

  An impeccable record, she was rarely ill,

  Her shoes, they will be very hard to fill,

  For Mr Cush, the school headmaster,

  Her pending departure, a pure disaster.

   

  How will he survive the long school year,

  Without Rosie to keep him fed and full of cheer,

  Her recipies, whether roasted boiled or fried,

  Had as much variety as the hair she dyed.

   

  So to you Rosie, we say adios!

  For your retirement you should make the most,

  But don't forget your friends in here,

  And call in for a chat when you are near.

  

• June newsletter is now available

  Thu 01 Jun 2023

   

   

• Pre-publication consultation for Statutory Náiscoil

  Wed 05 Apr 2023

  ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IRISH MEDIUM NURSERY UNIT AT ST COLMCILLE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR VOLUNTARY NAÍSCOIL.

   

  CCMS has launched a pre-publication consultation process with staff, governors and parents/guardians which will be open until 19th May 2023 to consider the potential to establish an Irish Medium nursery unit at St Colmcille’s Primary School as a replacement for the early years provision at Naíscoil Cholmcille.

   

  The Board of Governors and Naíscoil Management Committee had previously sought the provision of a Statutory IMU nursery between 2015-2017 but disappointingly it was not approved. Since then, the Naíscoil has grown from strength to strength and we would really appreciate if everyone could contribute to this consultation process.

   

  The electronic consultation documents will be activated on the CCMS website accessible only to the school stakeholders.

  To access the consultation, click on the link to the Response Form:

  https://www.ccmsschools.com/Page/STCPS/72700/Index.html

   

  The main reasons why the Board of Governors, supported by CCMS is seeking a statutory Naíscoil:

  1. DE has a statutory obligation to provide Irish Medium provision on an equitable basis to English Medium.

  2. A statutory Naíscoil would have 26 full-time places rather than 24 part-time places.

  3. There is an increased demand for places in the Naíscoil which has been over-subscribed in recent years.

  4. A statutory Naíscoil would be included in the school’s new-build programme.

  5. We would seek to redeploy our excellent Naíscoil staff in the school.

    

  Kind regards 

   

  Peter Cush 

  Secretary to Board of Governors

  

• Holy Week: Minnie Vinnies Prayer Stations

  Tue 04 Apr 2023

  A group of 48 Mini Vinnies led the whole school, parents and parishioners through a series of Holy Week Prayer Stations. At each station, the groups had a chance to listen to Jesus' journey through Lent and Holy Week. Children listened to bible readings, joined in with prayers and interacted with reflective activities.

   

  Stations included:

  • Station 1- Journey through Lent  (Leah, Ava & Katie)
  • Station 2 - Into the Wilderness                                                           (Mary Kate, Niamh, Aoibheann & Grainne) 
  • Station 3 - Palm Sunday Hosanna to the King                                    (Erin, Leah, Caoimhe)
  • Station 4 - Last Supper Servant King (Dan, Ronan & Eoghan)
  • Station 5 - Last Supper Bread and Wine                                               (Éabha, Hannah-Marie, Sadhbh & Grace)
  • Station 6 - Jesus and Herod (Róisín, Siomha & Clara)
  • Station 7 - Jesus and Pilate ( Mia, Ciara & Marcelina)
  • Station 8 - Jesus is put on the cross (Conan, Brendan & Cahir )
  • Station 9 - Jesus' Sacrifice (Cassie, Iona & Cáit)
  • Station 10 - Jeus is thirsty (Mary-Anna, Caoimhe & Gabija)
  • Station 11 - The Cross/ Forgiveness                                                  (Annie-Kate, Chloe Mai & Annie)
  • Station 12 - The Tomb (Ana, Ciara, Alannah, Keeva)
  • Station 13 - Prayer Wall (Cassie, Elizabeth, Anna Kate & Caoimhe)
  • Station 14 - Easter Garden/ Alleluia (Cara, Grainne & Beth)

  

• Bronagh Starrs: Successful parents' information night

  Thu 23 Mar 2023

  A special thanks to all the parents and staff who attended Bronagh Starrs excellent talk about supporting anxious children. Bronagh provided an outline of the conditions which contribute to children's anxiety and how parents can both inhibit or help children to extend their comfort zone.  Bronagh referenced a number of strategies which can be used to support canxious children, including yoga.

   

  As a follow-up to this session, I would like to thank Tara-Lea McElduff who has volunteered to provide a session for parents in the near future.

   

  We would like to thank the Friends of St Colmcille's for their support for this event. 

  

• Turkey - Syria Earthquake Appeal

  Wed 08 Mar 2023

  Thanks to all the families who donated much needed provisions for the school's Turkey-Syria Appeal organised by the Minnie Vinnies. We would like to pay tribute to Peter and Lynette O'Connor, O'Connor Transport, Creggan for undertaking this mammoth task on behalf of the whole community.