18/3/20 21:30

To all Parents and Guardians. In light of the announcement this afternoon Wednesday 18th March from the First Minister I write to remind everyone that school will be open as normal tomorrow Thursday 19th and will close for all our children from tomorrow afternoon and until further notice. Staff will be in school on Friday the 20th continuing preparation of work for children and a further email will be circulated. I would thank everyone for your understanding at this very stressful time. 

DTO Shields

17^th March 2020

Dear Parent/Guardian

NOTICE OF ONE DAY SCHOOL CLOSURE ON FRIDAY 20^TH MARCH 2020

In light of the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 and the need to prepare for the pupils when the schools are closed we have decided with the agreement of the Board of Governors to move one of our planned Inset Days for teachers from 22 May to this Friday 20 March.

This will mean your child should not come to school on Friday this week.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to you at such short notice but due to the exceptional circumstances we are all dealing with at this time we trust you will understand and support this decision to prepare for all our pupils.

It is our intention to follow the Chief Medical Officer’s and Government’s advice over the coming days.

Yours sincerely

T Shields

Girls Hockey NI Qualifying Tournament

Congratulations to the Girls Hockey Team who came Runners –Up in the Mid Ulster Qualifying Tournament, and will take part in the NI Finals at Stormont on 31^st March.

The matches were played at KIllicomaine JHS on 12^th March. In the group stages, we won 4 matches and 2 draws. Firstly, we drew 0-0 with Hardy Memorial, and then our first win came against Edenderry Banbridge (1-0 scored by Casey Cousins). Next up was Seagoe who we beat 2-0 (Millie Dowds), and then another 0-0 draw with Millington. In our final 2 matches we had convincing wins over Hart Memorial (3-0 Millie Dowds2 and Alex Kerr 1) and then Drumgor 7-0 (Alex Kerr 5, Millie Dowds 1 and Grace McNeill 1)

The semi-final was against Edenderry who we beat very narrowly after extra time with a super run from Alex Kerr and finished brilliantly from Millie Dowds. We were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Bocombra in the final.

The girls played really well throughout the tournament, well done! We look forward to the NI Finals on 31^st March (hopefully!)

Team; Sophie Tate (C), Alex Kerr (VC), Eve Adair, Abi Cherry, Millie Dowds, Casey Cousins, Grace McNeill, Chelsey Dickson

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We have contacted the 111 COVID-19 helpline this morning to get updated advice regarding the coronavirus.

They have advised us that:

1. Children or adults who have a new cough (24/48 hours ago) or other symptoms should self isolate for 7 days.

2. If they have been in contact with a person who is diagnosed with the coronavirus they should self isolate for 14 days.

3. If there are any concerns then parents should contact their GP or the 111 COVID-19 helpline.

All parents should follow this advice.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

ALL PARENTS ARE ADVISED THAT DUE TO INSTRUCTIONS RECEIVED THERE WILL BE NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS FOR ALL CHILDREN NEXT WEEK AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  ALL PARENTS ARE ASKED TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THEIR CHILD/REN COLLECTED AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR THE REST OF THIS TERM.

Mr T Shields (Principal)

Kerry O'Flaherty, ambassador for Northern Ireland Athletics visited school today. The girls' team having won the Northern Ireland Cross Country final received a visit from Kerry in her capacity as the sport’s ambassador. Both boys' and girls' teams were included. The champions were treated to a photo shoot and both teams were put through their paces by Kerry who is an established athlete, having represented at the Rio Olympics and many other prestigious events. The children had a thoroughly enjoyable time and have hopefully been inspired in their own quest to become the best that they can be in whatever sport they choose. Thanks to Catherine Ashford  from NI Athletics and Kerry O'Flaherty for putting this on.

Congratulations to the Boys Hockey team who won the Mid-Ulster Qualifying tournament.

In the group stage we had to play five matches. Firstly, we beat Hart Memorial 1-0 thanks to a goal by Michael. In our second match we beat Drumgor 4-0 thanks to goals from Michael (2), Peter and Austen. Our third match was against Hardy Memorial, with us winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Austen (2) and Daniel. Our next match ended with a 0-0 draw against Maralin. The last game in our group was against Edenderry Portadown. We ended up winning 2-0 thanks to a brace of goals from Austen.

These results meant that we topped the group and ended up playing Seagoe in the semi-final. This was a tight game, but eventually we came out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Austen and Daniel.

In the final we had to play Bocombra. This was our best performance of the day and we ran out convincing 4-0 winners, thanks to a hat-trick from Austen and one goal from Daniel. 

By winning this tournament the boys have qualified to play in the NI Finals on the 2^nd April. This is the first time in the school’s history that we have won the qualifying tournament. A massive achievement!

A special mention must also go to Daniel McClughan, who was awarded player of the tournament!

An excellent day of hockey, were we scored 16 goals, conceded none and remained undefeated!

Team: Charlie Gault, Jack Hollis, Michael Robinson, Jack Cowan, Daniel McClughan, Austen Gault, Peter Holmes, Dylan McGrath, Alfie Parker and Kacper Staniszewski.

Please use sign up sheets in nursery hallway to indicate which session you can attend.   If a parent is unable to attend then please ask a grandparent or childminder to attend on your behalf.   

Helen Coop and Andrew Evans from Policing and Community Safety Partnership delivered a safety talk to P3 pupils in Kings Park to teach them how to be safe on the roads, in cars, on bikes and in buses.