News at St. Colmcille’s St. Colmcille’s Primary School, Ballymena Parents’ Newsletter

Publish Date: Summer Term 2012Issue Number 15

Welcome to the Summer term News from St. Colmcille’s marking the end of another academic year. It has been an action-packed term with the children immersing themselves in a variety of learning experiences, both in and out of school. Children in Years 4 and 7 received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Not only were these days of great joy for the families of the children, but also days of great celebration for the parish community. The children have been recognised for their achievements on many occasions throughout the term including academic, sport, music, drama and science awards. For the second successive year the school hurling team are SW Antrim primary school champions; the soccer team reached the finals of the Senior Schools’ Cup and, as this Newsletter is going to print, our Y7 children are travelling to Birmingham as the NI champions in the F1 in schools competition. We wish them well in UK finals. The school ECO and Student Councils have been very busy - achieving the school’s second ECO Flag and designing the outdoor play trim trails. It is hoped that the first phase of this project will be completed during the summer months. There have been many highlights this term but one which involved the largest number of children was the Disney Extravaganza production. This allowed the pupils in Years 4-7 to showcase their talents and following two sell out shows the children received outstanding reviews. I also congratulate the Year 7 children who have graduated from primary school and are looking forward to beginning their post-primary education. I wish them well and thank them for contributing so positively to the life of St. Colmcille’s. I trust you enjoy reading the newsletter and wish you all a restful summer holiday.

Mr B McKenna (Principal)

The Year 7 children celebrated their Confirmation on 25th April along with the children from the local parish schools. This wonderful event was preceded by the Service of Light on Wednesday 18th April, when parent’s handed the light of faith to their children in preparation for the sacrament. The confirmation ceremony was celebrated by Bishop McKeown. There was a great sense of reverence on the occasion and all of the children who took part were excellent ambassadors for St. Colmcille’s. We are grateful to Fr Toland and Fr Aidan for their support during the preparation for Confirmation and to Bishop McKeown for ensuring that the children had the opportunity to get a photograph with him after the ceremony.

Well done to the Year 4 children who celebrated their First Communion in All Saints’ Church on Sunday 27th May. The children successfully completed their preparation for this sacrament by participating in the “Come to Me Lord” programme with the parish core team, and also completing the programme outlined in Alive-O 4 in school under the direction of Mrs Smith and Miss Cunningham. The children were all beautifully presented on the day and music was provided by Mrs McDonald and Miss Stewart. The ceremony was a real celebration of how family, school and parish cooperate together for the benefit of all our children.

Year 7 competed in the F1 in School’s competition with over forty other primary schools on the 9th of May in the Ulster Museum in Belfast. They had to design, make and race a model F1 car as well as present their project to a panel of judges. The team performed brilliantly on the day and won the competition making them the N. Ireland champions. As a result they will now be competing in the UK finals at the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday 27th June. This will be a great experience for the team and we wish them luck. We would also like to thank all those who sponsored the team.

It has been another very successful season for the St. Colmcille’s soccer team. The boys were involved in a 5-A-Side tournament in St. Patrick’s College and were narrowly beaten on penalties in the North Ballymena 7-A-Side competition at Dunclug Primary School. The highlight of the season, however, was reaching the Senior Schools’ Cup Final for the second successive season. The boys played against Gracehill Primary School in a repeat of last year’s thrilling final and despite playing brilliantly, were beaten on a 2-1 scoreline. The boys deserve great credit for their efforts this season and they have firmly established St. Colmcille’s as a leading force in local primary school soccer. Well done boys!

These boys represented the school in the annual South West Antrim Hurling Blitz. This event was held at St. James’ GAC, Aldergrove on Wednesday 30th May. The school have participated in this event for two years running and have come away champions on both occasions. In this years event the boys showed great skill and commitment but most importantly, they were fantastic sportsmen on the day. Well done boys!

The Year 3 pupils took part in an Olympic-themed Fun Day on June 1st, organised by the Ulster GAA Council. The children were involved in Olympic style sports such as the javelin, shot-putt, sprinting and the long jump. Great fun was had by all! The school has had the opportunity to avail of expert coaching from the GAA in developing Fundamental skills with the KS1 children.

This year many of the children have had the opportunity to take part in weekly Gaelic and Hurling coaching with Dominc McKinley, PJ O’Mullan, Paul Doherty and Eoghan Grbben. We were delighted to show our budding Gaelic football stars the Anglo-Celt Championship Cup which was brought by Paul to our school as part of Healthy Living Week. We would like to thank all the coaches this year for their enthusiasm and hard work!

The PTA has once again been working throughout the year to help raise much needed funds to support projects in the school. With your support they have managed to raise over £6,000 through events such as the ‘Night at the Races’, ‘sports day’ and the ‘copper trail’. As you know this money will be used to create a trim trail, outdoor play area in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 2 playground as well as seating for the children during lunch-time. Plans for these can be viewed in the school foyer. We would like to thank the PTA for all their hard work throughout the year. We would especially like to thank Mrs Doherty who will be stepping down from her position as secretary to the PTA – one she has held since the school opened.

Our Pupil Council, along with Ballymena’s Primary Pupil Council, were invited to the Town Hall on Friday 4th June for the unveiling of panels for the Queen’s Jubilee. They were given a tour of the Town Hall and heard a little history about Ballymena,- the City of the Seven Towers. Inside the Council Chamber, The pupils were able to sit on the councillors’ seats and hear about what takes place during meetings. The Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Hubert Nicholl, who welcomed the children, provided light refreshments in The Mayor’s Parlour! It was a very exciting and interesting visit!

A new element of the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum is ensuring that the children have the opportunity to develop an understanding of finance and how to

be financially capable. As a result we invited the First Trust Bank to provide Year 2 and Year 7 children with ‘hands on’ learning about the history of money and the different currencies used in other countries. I’m sure we will see a few ‘Lord Sugars’ of the future among the children!

Year 6 were invited to attend St. Louis’ Grammar School for STEM activities. The children became detectives to solve a crime. They carried out forensic chemistry to identify an unknown compound and the pen which was used to write a ransom left at the scene of the crime. Everyone really enjoyed lighting the Bunsen burners and watching the colour of the flame changing when they placed different substances on the flame rod and put it into the flame. The children also learned about what happens to food in the digestive system by recreating an intestine using visking tubing; putting water and glucose into the tubing and placing this inside a test tube. The children were able to see a change in colour with the use of Benedict’s solution. This proved that food had passed through the tubing into the water. Year 6 all agreed that their STEM challenges were very interesting and enjoyable.

The Time to Read Programme is coming to a close as the end of the third term draws near. Once again the programme has been a great success and both the leaders of the programme and the children who took part commented on how well the year has gone. The children have read a wide variety of books and have really fostered a love for reading. To celebrate the success of the Time to Read initiative, the pupils were invited to the volunteers’ place of work. John McElrea, former principal of Ballymena Academy, took Callum and James for a tour of the school. We are indebted to all the volunteers who support this initiative and for Business in the Community for organising the programme.

Roll up! Roll up! Libraries across the UK are getting ready to introduce children to a summertime reading Voyage that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays....with the 2012 Summer Reading Challenge .

And it’s all free fun, which is top news for parents! The Summer Reading Challenge is just one of many exciting schemes public libraries are developing to help children love reading, gaining confidence and new skills. So mums, dads and carers, pop down to the Ballymena library and find out more!

The Summer Reading Challenge is simple. Children are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. Children can sign up at the Ballymena library as the summer term draws to a close and all materials are absolutely free. There are also story telling and craft classes every Saturday afternoon from 2.30-3.30pm based on the theme of Titanic!

The 2012 Summer Reading Challenge has a Titanic theme called Titanic Reading Voyage. So good luck to all who decide to take up the Summer Reading Challenge – we look forward to hearing about your favourite books and seeing your certificates in September.

Pupils from St. Colmcille’s took part in Walk to School Week, the aim of which was to encourage children to become more active and to consider how they can help reduce the amount of pollution caused by traffic. Pupils and their parents met up at points along the Galgorm Road, Ballymoney Road and Cushendall Road to walk to school with their friends and teachers. Children from Years 1 – 7 were involved and over one and fifty pupils walked at least one mile to school in the course of the week. Dogs, babies and pupils from other schools also joined us on our walk! Miss Stewart, Mr Kearney and Mr Rodgers accompanied the children. A big thank you to the volunteer parents who helped make the event such a success.

To coincide with Walk to School Week, St. Colmcille’s organised a Healthy Living Week. During this week children were encouraged to become more active and to think carefully about the choices they make with regard to their eating habits. Everyone in the school (pupils and staff!) were involved in daily physical challenges in the playground. These included sessions of dancing, aerobics, games and stretching.

The Eco Council were successful in renewing the Eco Schools Green Flag this term. The school was assessed by a representative from the Eco Schools organisation and the members of the Council had to demonstrate the school’s commitment to environmental issues. The assessor reported that she was impressed not only with the hard work of the Eco Council but also with the knowledge and understanding of pupils throughout the school. Well done everyone!

To raise awareness of the impact of dropping litter on the environment, the Eco Council organised an Art project with A-Level students from St. Patrick’s College. They designed a story board to illustrate the consequences of dropping litter. The project involved a visit to St. Patrick’s College to draw and paint the designs. The storyboard is displayed along the main school corridor.

The Year 7 children took part in the St. Patrick’s College annual Olympic themed sports day. The children created their banners and worked well as a team. They had the opportunity to hear a motivating speech from a local runner and current 100M and 200M Irish record holder, who officiated at the event. We would like to thank Mrs Thom and the students in St. Patrick’s for their effort in organising the event.

The Year 7 pupils had a wonderful three day residential trip to Gartan Outdoor Pursuits centre in Donegal during the second week in May. The children took part in a wide range of activities such as kayaking, orienteering, rock climbing, archery, gorge walking to name but a few. It was an early start each day beginning at 8.30am and the activities continued to after 9pm - so it certainly was an action packed week. A great time was had by all. We would like to thank the centre at Gartan for all their hard work throughout the trip.

Foundation Stage and Key Stage1 Traditional Sports

Key Stage 2 Alternative Sports

Once again the athletes of St. Colmcille’s paraded out as international Olympic teams for the alternative sports events. The children completed in a variety of games earning points for speed and accuracy. After a busy morning the parents and children had a well earned break and refreshments were provided by the parent/teacher association. Congratulations to all our competitors and in particular to those who were awarded rosettes and team prizes.

Mr Kearney cheering on his team!

Conor scores a final point as the whistle is blown.

Great Aim Girls! Miss Brady’s mental maths is tested.

Helen brings a little Olympic inspiration!

Dylan gives it his all as he scores another point for his team!

Great skills on display!

The summer term just wouldn’t be the same without a school trip. With that in mind classes planned their own adventure including visits to The People’s Park in Ballymena, Pirates Adventure Playpark, The Causeway, Ulster Museum, The Titanic Building, Greenmount College and the Gartan Ourdoor Education Centre, Co. Donegal. A great time was had by all and many treasured memories were made. Here are photos from some of the trips.

Year 2 Trip to The Pirate’s Adventure in Maghera

Year 3 trip to The Ulster Museum in Belfast Year 4 andY4/5 trip to the Causeway School

Y7 Trip to the Titanic Building in Belfast

The children from Year 7 took part in Cycling Proficiency training with Mrs Beattie and Mrs Sheehan. As part of the course the children had to learn a series of manoeuvres to teach them how to cycle safely on the roads. All the children passed their Cycling Proficiency Tests and have been awarded their certificates. As part of their ROSYPE project (Road Safety for Young People in Europe), Michelin distributed cycling helmets to the pupils who took part in the Cycling Proficiency programme. The pupils are pictured with Norman McBride, the Road Services Cycling Assessor.

Year 5 were involved in swimming lessons in Term 3 and were awarded certificates in recognition of their efforts. All the children have really enjoyed swimming and have been very successful. I think we have some future Olympians judging by the talent on show in Year 5!

Congratulations to our Year 4-7 pupils who gave a brilliant performance at our Disney Extravaganza; a fantastic rendition of music, song and dance retelling the story of The Jungle Book, Pocahontas and Beauty and the Beast, coordinated by Mrs McDonald. The children thoroughly enjoyed the show and once again had the opportunity to showcase their talents to two sell out performances. A big thank you to all those who worked so tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the show! We would like to especially thank our parents, who helped create some of the costumes that you can see in the photographs above and the PTA for their support on the night.

St. Colmcille’s extends its provision by offering a breakfast club and an after school childcare service. The school has acquired the services of the Sleepy Hollow Group – one of Northern Ireland’s largest childcare providers. As part of their ‘wrap around service’ the company offer a breakfast club from 8.00am – 8.45am and an after school childcare provision from 2.00pm – 6.00pm. The group also operate full days during school closures with the exception of Christmas week.

Diane, the director from the Sleepy Hollow Group, made a presentation to parents on Thursday 31st May. The response from those who attended was very positive remarking on the flexibility of the service (i.e. only paying for the days/hours the service is required), the competitive rates compared to other providers and as a registered childcare provider parents can use their child care vouchers/tax credits. But what pleased parents most of all was the fact that this childcare provision is based on the school site and their children did not have to be transported to another facility.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more information, or wish to reserve a place with the Sleepy Hollow Group should contact the school for an expression of interest proforma, or visit the company’s website www.sleepyhollowgroup.com.

In addition to the Sleepy Hollow Group’s childcare provision, the school will continue to operate its ‘Late Room’ facility. This allows the children in Years 1 & 2 who finish school at 1.55pm to remain in school until their older brother or sister finishes at 2.55pm. This is proven to be a very popular provision as it allows parents to have one collection time each evening. The ‘Late Room’ is lead by Mrs Sheehan. Anyone who wishes to enrol their child in the ‘Late Room’ for September should complete a registration form available from the school’s reception.

Mrs Smith Mrs Cunningham Miss Cunningham Mr KearneyMaths Award

Aimee McDowell Sian Zensque Jamie Reid Niamh Magill

English Award

Eimear Crawford Lucy Donaldson Patrick Dougan Maria O’Rawe

Best Effort Award Paddy O’Brien Sophie Doherty Aedan McAleese Hugh TottenSocial Spirit Award Chloe Brett Mark McCormick Joe Martin Kara McLaughlin

Mrs Kane Mr MurrayMaths Award

Luke Mulholland

Adam Dempsey

Mrs Kelly Cup Caolan Gordon

English Award

Taylor McNeill

Caolan Darragh ECO Award Niamh Boyd

Best Effort Award Dylan Kane

Claire Douglas

Social Spirit Award

Matthew Corr

Callum Brett

OVERALL AWARDS

Best Girl Athlete Anna DohertyBest Boy Athlete Eoghan Daly

Mrs McAleer Mrs BradyMusician of the Year Ellen Dougan

Maths Award

Aaron Magill

Roseanne Roche

Cyclist of the Year Ellie Barry

English Award

EmmaFlanagan

Conall O’Neill

Top Girl Award Niamh Wray

Best Effort Award

WicktoriaBabuszewska

Rory McLaughlin

Top Boy Award Paudie McKee

Social Spirit Award

Conor O’Rawe

Katie McConnell

Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7

Top Girl and Boy Athlete Special Achievement, Musician,Cyclist & Eco award winners

Anna & Eoin Caolan, Ellen, Ellie & Niamh

Attendance Awards

Head Girl, Niamh & Head Boy, Paudie

Star of the Month

Congratulations to all our Stars this term:

Year Group May June1 Korey Cushenan Serena Gallagher

2 Aisling ArdiffRory Butler

Eleanor Ireland Sofia Richmond

3 Oisin TierneyAodhan McGarry

Laura Hanghey Martin Czerski

4 Matthew WrayCormac Butler

Niamh McAuleyOrla McAtamney

5 Katie Logan Hannah Reid

6 Drew HanleyNicola Caulfield

Oskar MaleckiEmer

McAtamney7 Niamh Boyd

Anna DohertyKeavey

McGuiganPeter McCormick

Our Golden RulesIn creating an ordered and caring environment the staff and pupils have adopted six Golden Rules that permeate all aspects of school life. All of the Golden Rules have been introduced to the children through assembly. They are clearly displayed in classrooms, the corridors and out side in the playground to remind the children of positive behaviour that is expected. Teachers develop this further by using circle time as a tool to encourage positive behaviour in and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to the following who received attendance certificates:Full Attendance – 1 year

Niamh Agnew Arianna Chang Liam Heggarty Siannah McKeown

Sofia Agnew Harry Connon Eleanor Ireland James O’BoyleFreya Berrisford Korey Cushenan Cara Kane Conor O’RaweNiamh Bird Helen Donaldson Orla McAtamney Anna ReidCallum Brett Lucy Donaldson Pearse McAuley Michael ReidErin Buick Rory Dunne Amy McCambridge Hannah Reid Ellie-Jo Butler Serena Gallagher Rory McCormick TP McGurkBrogan Caughey Lucy Gilpin Leah McErlane

Full Attendance - 2 yearsOliver O’Rawe Emma Clarke Joe Martin Emma DuffySilvana Wilson Kevin O’Boyle Hugh Totten Luke Mullholland

Full Attendance - 3 years Full Attendance - 4 yearsJoel Cushenan Joseph O’Rawe Caolan DarraghShaun O’Callghan Niamh Wray

Full Attendance - 5 yearsMaria O'Rawe

We wish Miss O’Kane every blessing on her wedding day on Saturday 30 th June. The school choir are very excited about the ‘big’ day as they have been invited to sing at the wedding in St. Patrick’s Church, Maghera. ‘May the happiness of your wedding day last a lifetime.’

There is a strong tradition of music in St. Colmcille’s. Children play a range of string, brass and woodwind instruments. During the year selected children successfully completed the Associated Board Graded Music Examinations. Listed are the pupils who completed the examinations.GRADE 1 VIOLIN Maria O’Rawe, Hannah Reid, Katie Logan, Emma Duffy, Patrick Dougan, Odhran CosgroveGRADE 1 FLUTE Sinead McGarryGRADE 1 CLARINET Caolan DarraghGRADE 2 VIOLIN Emer McAtamney, Rebecca McDonaldGRADE 3 FLUTE Ellen Dougan

Congratulations to Miss Stewart, who successfully completed her NI Professional Qualification for Headship (PQHNI). Miss Stewart has been working towards this qualification for the last two years and graduated recently this month.

Mrs. McAleer’s Class

Miss Brady’s Class

This has been a truly adventure packed year for Year 7 and it is with sadness that St. Colmcille’s bids farewell to both classes. The Year 7 children finished their time at St. Colmcille’s by celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving with Fr. Toland. The ceremony was beautiful but tinged with sadness as Niamh and Paudie gave speeches about their time at primary school. However, with the talents all of the children have displayed throughout the year we are certain that they will have a bright future ahead of them, and we wish them well through their journey in life!

School closes on Friday 29th June at 12.00noon

2012/2013 Academic Year

Term 1 starts 3rd September 2012

Half-term 29th Oct- 2nd Nov 2012

Term 1 finishes 21st Dec at 12.00pm

The Governors, Principal and Staff wish you all a safe and fun filled summer.

visit our website:www.stcolmcilles.com