September Newsletter

Welcome Back

Welcome to the first Newsletter of our new school. Naturally we have encountered some teething problems with our new building but we are working to resolve these issues as we go.

The pathway connecting the top and bottom sides of the school is now complete. A request has been made to the architect and DENI to review the pedestrian entrance to the school. We feel a second pedestrian gate is necessary to avoid children needing to cross the road to gain to the school. We are still working to persuade Education Authority to provide a Manned Crossing at the Scarva Road junction.

School Closures

School will be closed for children from Monday 30 October to Thursday 2 November (inclusive) for the midterm break. School will be open as normal on Friday 3 November. A full list of school dates is available on the school website.

Fun Day/Open Day

Thank you for the tremendous support at our PTA Funday and Open Day. It was great to see such wonderful turnout. We greatly appreciate the support of all our parents who were able to help out on the day.

Our thanks to all the PTA members, volunteers and staff who made the event possible.

Football League

St Mary's were joint winners of the EVO 7 a-side at Cheney Park today. After a goalless draw in the final, St Mary's and Bridge Primary schools were declared joint winners of today's tournament.

Well done to the A Team who were undefeated and managed to complete the tournament without conceding a single goal. With excellent performances from all the boys in particular Pearce White, who was named Player of the Tournament, Robert Lorencs and Adam McCann.

The B Team played much better in their second set of games after a poor start. The boys winning their final 2 games helped by excellent performances from Jack Conlon and Jamie Trainor.

Well done both teams! Good luck in next week’s round of games!!!

Good luck to both teams who paly in the second round of games on Thursday at Cheney Park. Good luck!

Drop off

Please use the drop off bays in the school. Children can access both playgrounds from the bays. Supervision is in place from 8.45a.m. There is a set of steps next to the nursery which lead directly into the bottom playground. Children do not need to cross any roads or walk through the car park when using these steps.

On wet days children may enter their classrooms directly from 8.50am. P3 and P4 children may use the main entrance, there normal entrance, at this time. There will be no access before 8.50am.

First Penance

First Penance for our P4 children will take place on Wednesday 18 October at 7.00pm in the Church of St Therese. Children should be seated by 6.45pm. First Communion is confirmed as Saturday 12 May at 11.00am in St Therese.

Afterschool Clubs

Michael Feeney’s Gaelic coaching continues on Tuesdays for P2 to P3 from 1.45pm to 2.45pm and for P4 to P7 pupils from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Paul Evans EVO soccer coaching continues Wednesdays for P2 to P3 from 1.45pm to 2.45pm and for P4 to P7 pupils from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Irish Dancing continues on Tuesdays  for P2 to P3 from 1.45pm to 2.45pm and for P4 to P7 pupils from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Friday Clubs

Friday Clubs for P5 to P7 children will be fully up and running on Friday 6 October.

Indoor Bowls Club, The Fabulous Food Club, Gardening Club and Art and Craft Club will take place in school from 2.00pm until 3.00pm

Table Tennis will take place in the Parish Centre from 1.45pm to 3.15pm.

Netball will take place in the Leisure Centre from 2.00pm to 3.45pm.

Football will take place at Cheney Park from 1.45pm to 3.30pm. Please note, Down GAA coaches will be leading the Friday sessions.

Club finishing times are to allow parents enough time to make multiple pickups if necessary.

Children are requested to bring £1 each Friday to cover the costs of facilities.

Parent Teacher Meetings

Parent Teacher Meetings will take place on Tuesday 24 October from 4pm to 7pm and Thursday 26 October from 4pm to 8pm.

Daily Mile

Our Daily Mile will continue this year. Please ensure that your child brings a bottle of water to school daily.

School Menu

Please check the school website for the monthly school menu which is updated at the beginning of each month.

School Fund

Thank you to all our parents who returned their School Fund. This may be paid to the school office at any time.

School Certificates

Congratulations to Niamh Poland, Precious Dolan, Lennan Bell, Curtis Cummings, Eoghan McAdam, Danny Burns, Dan McEvoy, Gemma Cunningham, Callum Penny, Denisa, Lacatus, Chad Magee, Emer Smyth, Joseph McCreesh, Niamh Jordan, Aidan Knipe, Orla Fullerton, Leroy Reilly, Melissa Ross and Ala Trebunia on being awarded a class certificate for good work and excellent behaviour during the week ending Friday 22 September.