WARINGSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

GOVERNORS’ REPORT

2011 / 2012

Waringstown Primary School

Governors’ Report 2011/12

Dear Parent,

The Board of Governors of Waringstown Primary School is pleased to present the Annual

Report for the academic year 2011/2012.

While this report can only give a snapshot of the school year, it clearly illustrates something

of the very dynamic life of a bustling well organised community of teachers, support staff and

pupils doing and preparing for life together in a safe and caring environment.

The Governors welcomed a Focused Inspection of the school by Department of Education

Inspectors during April 2012. The Inspectors in their comprehensive report concluded that 'In

all areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is outstanding; the quality

of pastoral care is also outstanding; the school has demonstrated its capacity for sustained

self-improvement'.

In their summary of main findings the Inspectors reported that the significant strengths of the

school include

- the highly motivated, well mannered children who engage enthusiastically in their learning

- the outstanding quality of the pastoral provision which reflects the ethos of the school and

the excellent working relationships at all levels

- the outstanding standards attained by the children in literacy and numeracy and their wider

achievements

- the quality of learning and teaching in the lessons observed was always good or better; in

three quarters of the lessons it was very good or outstanding

- the outstanding quality of the broad and balanced curriculum provision

- the outstanding leadership and management of the Principal and the Vice-Principal

supported effectively by the co-ordinators and all the staff

We congratulate Mr Kennedy, Mr McCambley and all the staff on obtaining the 'Outstanding'

report. As Governors we are very proud to be associated with this wonderful school.

Once again our children excelled in sport and music & drama. A very successful production

of "The Wizard of Oz" was staged by the P7 classes on two matinee and two evening

performances.

Another highlight of the year was the provision of the multi use sport and games arena which

will greatly enhance the ability to practise/participate in all weather.

Charitable contributions for the year resulted in £3,162 being donated to Charlene's Project

(Hidden Treasures School), £425 to Children in Need and £750 to the Royal Belfast Hospital

for Sick Children - outstanding amounts in these difficult financial times.

Finally, on behalf of all Governors I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to our

Principal Mr Kennedy and all teaching and support staff for their dedication and commitment

and to you, the Parents for your support and understanding in what has been another

memorable year for Waringstown Primary School.

I commend the following report to you and thank you for your continuing support.

Robin Morrison

Chairman

Waringstown Primary School Board of Governors 2011/2012

Chairman Mr R Morrison Clanconnel Gardens Waringstown Tel. 3888 1773

Secretary

Mr G G Kennedy Waringstown Primary School Tel. 3888 1367

Transferor (Trustee) S.E.L.B.

Representatives Representatives

Rev P Thompson 2013 Mr T Fitzpatrick 2013

Mr T McKay 2013 Mr R Morrison 2013

Mrs B Ellis 2013

Rev B Martin 2013 Teacher Representative

Mr C McCambley 2013

Parent Representatives Principal

Mr A Dunn 2013 Mr G G Kennedy

Mr B Thompson 2013 (Non voting member)

NB: Each Governor's name is followed by the date on which his/her term of

office expires.

Dr John McGrath resigned as interim Transferor’s Representative when the new

Minister of Waringstown Presbyterian Church was installed. He gave first class

service to Waringstown Primary School in his short period as a Governor for three

years. Rev Philip Thompson was nominated as a Transferor’s Representative to

succeed Dr McGrath and in Spring 2012 was welcomed to his first Governor

Meeting.

What are the main responsibilities of the Board of Governors? School Governors are essential units of educational governance, empowered to

make important budgetary, educational and administrative decisions regarding

Waringstown Primary School. The legislature has given them the primary

responsibility for school governance and improvement under the Education

Reform Order 1989. They are required to meet for a minimum of three times each

year but in practice meet more often than this. During the 2011/2012 Educational

Year Waringstown Board of Governors met on eight occasions.

Some of their duties include:

1 The oversight of the curriculum.

2 The control of the budget.

3 The provision of information to parents.

4 The selection of staff.

5 The maintenance of the premises (shared responsibility with

SELB).

6 The Admissions’ Policy.

7 Fostering links with the local community and pursuing the

objectives of Personal Development and Mutual Understanding.

STAFFING COMPLEMENT FOR 2011/2012

Teaching Complement

1 Mr G G Kennedy Principal

2 Mr C McCambley P7 Vice Principal

3 Mrs S Sloan P7 member of Senior Management Team

4 Mrs C Munce P1

5 Mrs J Usher P1

6 Mrs J Boyce P2

7 Mrs J Sloan P2

8 Mrs J Matthews P3

9 Mrs A McCollum P3

10 Mrs D McCelland P4

11 Mrs J McElhinney P4

12 Mrs S Williamson P5

13 Mrs J Peacocke P5

14 Mr T Brown P6

15 Mr I Somerville P6

16 Mrs J Erskine Whole School Numeracy Support (F/T)

17 Mrs J Humphreys Whole School Provision/Literacy Support (P/T)

Ancillary Staff

Mrs J Fitzpatrick Executive Officer/Principal’s Secretary

Mrs J Jenkinson Classroom Assistant

Mrs N McCracken Classroom Assistant

Mrs J Morrissey Classroom Assistant

Miss C Hill Classroom Assistant

Miss S Edwards Classroom Assistant

Mrs A Parker Classroom Assistant

Mrs N Parks Classroom Assistant

Mrs V McKee ClassroomAssistant/Supervisory Assistant

Mr S McKittrick Building Supervisor/School Crossing Patrol

Mrs L Fry Ancillary/Supervisory Assistant

Mrs K Gibson Ancillary/Supervisory Assistant

Mrs K Walker Ancillary

Mrs I Curran Unit Supervisor School Meals

Mrs T Beattie/Miss J Lindsay/Mrs C Lyle School Meals

Mrs P Sinnamon/Mrs M Leathem School Meals

Mrs E Hall Lunch Time Supervisory Asst./Ancillary

Ms K Hill Lunch Time Supervisory Asst.

Annual Attendance Rate

Attendance at the school was very good.

The average attendance for the year 2011/2012 was 97.20.

S.E.L.B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM - 2011/2012

OUTTURN STATEMENT

APRIL 2011 MARCH 2012

WARINGSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

BUDGET EXPENDITURE Final Revised Planned Budget Share £991640 Teacher Costs £811108

Underspend from previous year £27293 Non-Teacher Staff Costs £144710

Non-Staff Costs £61919

Underspend Carried Forward to April 2012

DELEGATED £ 1196

NON-DELEGATED £0

TOTAL £1018933 TOTAL £1018933

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011/2012

AUTUMN TERM

School Year begins

World Around Us Day with Mrs Joan Shine (CASS Officer SELB) Modelled Lessons Sept

Swimming for P6/P7 commences at The Waves Complex, Lurgan Sept

New Extended Day for P1 Classes commences 01 October Oct

Chris Wright Football Development Officer commences coaching Primary 2 and Primary 3 Classes Oct

Incas Assessment Tests for P4, P5, P6 and P7 pupils Oct

P7 Pupils attend Lurgan Junior High School for a Sampler Day Oct

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Child Protection/Policy distributed and signed by all parents Oct

P5 Classes in school wearing their costumes for Egyptian Day Oct

P4 Visit to The Planetarium Armagh ‘The Mystery of The Christmas Star’ Nov

Introduction of Healthy Eating Initiative – Fruit Stop Nov

Non Uniform Day –raises £425 for Children In Need Nov

P7 Visit to The Argory - Preparing for a Victorian Christmas Dec

Charlene’s Project – Hidden Treasures School Uganda – School Walk raises £3162 Dec

P6 pupil Louise Hall wins overall Art competition for local schools Dec

P1/P2 visits to Santa’s Grotto and Lurgan Town Hall for Christmas Production Dec

Christmas Post Box and Christmas Fun Day raises £750 for Children’s Haematology Unit RVH Dec

Autumn Term ends 21 December Dec

SPRING TERM

Open Evening in school for prospective P1 pupils Jan

P6 Classes had a Viking Day in school Jan

Fire Safety Inspection conducted by SELB Jan

School Book Fair - £2152 books sold raising 20% commission Feb

Ian Patterson - Flying Falcons Birds of Prey display to Junior Classes Feb

Visits and Talks to P1 Classes from The Emergency Services - Fire, Ambulance, Police Feb

Portadown Speech & Drama Festival winning 6 first places Feb

Parent/Teacher Interviews Feb

Governors' Report presented on School Website Mar

Mid Ulster Girls’ Hockey Tournament qualify for Mid Ulster Finals Mar

Tag Rugby Team compete in the Mid Ulster Tournament and win all their matches Mar

Girls’ Football Team compete Mid Ulster Tournament & qualify for NI Finals Mar

Boys’ Football Team win their League Section and qualify for Mid Ulster League Play Offs Mar

Boys’ Football Team reach Semi Finals – Mid Ulster Cup – narrowly losing 2-0 to St John’s Portadown Mar

SUMMER TERM

Visit to school of celebrated children’s author Andrew Cope (Spy Dog Series) Apr

Focused Inspection Seven Inspectors led by Mrs Stafford in school week beginning 23 April Apr

NI Girls’ Hockey Championship at Lisnagarvey Apr

P7 Visit to The Argory – A Day with the Victorians 1847 Apr

Visit of School Nurse for Annual Medical Inspection Apr

Visit of Fire Safety Officer to P5 classes Apr

P7 Educational Visit to London – Parents able to follow London Blog on new school website Apr

P5 Visit to Oxford Island Apr

P5 Educational Visit to the Tayto Factory May

P1 Educational Visit To Streamvale Farm May

P2 Educational Visit to W5 at The Odyssey, Belfast May

School Diamond Jubilee Parade through the village June

P6 Educational Visit to W5 Science Project June

P3 Educational Visit to Belfast Zoo June

P4 Educational Visit to Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra June

Inter Schools Swimming Gala – Finished as Champions for the first time all participants won medals June

P7 Educational Visit to Ulster American Folk Park June

P6 Residential Educational Visit to Shannaghmore Outdoor Centre – Parents able to follow blog on website June

Girls’ Football Team as holders compete in Northern Ireland Cup June

P1 Induction Afternoon - New Induction Booklet given to parents of P1 September Intake June

Cycling Proficiency Tests - 100% Pass Rate June

School Cricket Team win Mid Ulster Kwik Cricket and qualify for NI Finals June

School Yearly Tests - Progress Reports to Parents June

Young Enterprise NI presentation workshop to leavers – Reference of the World of Work June

Third Family Fun Day and Film Show proves very successful and raises £1373 for school funds June

School Sports Day on New MUGA Pitch (Refreshments raised £227) June

P1 Visit to Tannaghmore Gardens - Teddy Bears Picnic June

BBC Presenter Mr John Anderson to record School Choir for a BBC Radio Ulster Broadcast June

End of term Leavers Assembly - School Year ends June

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR

The school year 2011/2012 has been a highly successful one in which many

noteworthy achievements have been made in all aspects of school work.

Our Teachers have continued to place the development of a caring

relationship with the pupils high on their list of priorities. They work

hard to fulfil the potential of every child and to make sure that each

child achieves what for them is the best performance of which they

are capable. Their satisfaction comes from the high standards achieved

by the pupils as they make their way through the educational process.

The school’s ethos is based on the quality of relationships within our school

community. Everyone in and connected with the school is greatly valued and

respected for the work they do. The good relationships in the school have been

evident to the Governors and the Department Inspectors on the occasions when

they visited the school.

The children enjoy and benefit from a varied programme of extra curricular

activities; they display the same commitment and enthusiasm as they do in their

formal work. As a result they attain high standards and achieve numerous

successes at local and regional level in various performing arts and sporting

activities.

In April the school received a Focused Inspection led by the Department of

Education District Inspector Mrs C Stafford and six colleagues. Their

comprehensive Report which was published and placed on the ETI website

concluded that

‘In all areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is

outstanding’ the quality of pastoral care is also outstanding. The school

has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.’

In their summary of main findings the Inspectors reported that the significant

strengths of the school include

the highly motivated, well-mannered children who engage

enthusiastically in their learning;

the outstanding quality of the pastoral provision which reflects the ethos

of the school and the excellent working relationships at all levels;

the outstanding standards attained by the children in literacy and

numeracy and their wider achievements;

the quality of learning and teaching in the lessons observed was always

good or better; in three quarters of the lessons it was very good or

outstanding.

The outstanding quality of the broad and balanced curriculum

provision; and

The outstanding leadership and management of the Principal and the

Vice-Principal supported effectively by the co-ordinators and all the

staff.

The Inspectors acknowledged that ‘the quality of the arrangements for pastoral

care is outstanding. The Principal and Vice Principal foster a culture of genuine

care and respect for one another within the school and value the contributions of

all members of the school community. There are excellent working

relationships at all levels which contribute to a caring and friendly learning

environment for the children. The staff is committed to high standards of

learning and teaching to enable each child to reach their full potential and social

development is enriched through their participation in a wide range of extra-

curricular activities; they experience notable success in sport, music, speech and

drama. The children display exemplary behaviour, courtesy and good manners

towards others. They have very good opportunities to take on responsibility

through, for example, the buddy system and managing the healthy breaks, and

their opinions and views are valued.’

The Inspectors reported that ‘the teachers are conscientious and hard working.

They have high expectations and use skilful questioning to build on the

children’s prior learning and to prompt extended responses. They create a

climate for learning in which the children are encouraged to ask questions and

are willing to take risks. They use educational trips, external visitors, and real-

life contexts to inspire, enrich and challenge the children in their learning. The

liaison across the school amongst the class teachers, classroom assistants and

the support teachers is very effective.’

‘The Principal and Vice Principal provide outstanding leadership and

management of the school through a clear focus on promoting high quality

learning and teaching. The Principal who has been in post for 21 years inspires

confidence, respect and loyalty from the staff, parents and governors. He

provides exemplary pastoral support for his staff and he has high expectations

for meeting the individual needs of all the children. The Principal and Vice

Principal promote a distributed style of leadership and management effectively

through the opportunities given to co-ordinators.’

The Inspectors noted that ‘the clerical and ancillary staff make an invaluable

contribution to the life and work of the school. The secretary and governors are

very knowledgeable about the life and work of the school and they play a

strategic role in the school’s development through their expertise in finance,

administration and links with the community.’

The Governors were delighted to see the school honoured to have as special

visitors Mr Gavin Boyd Chief Executive of the Educational Skills Authority

(ESA) and Mr Tony Murphy Chief Executive SELB to congratulate all of the

staff and pupils on the excellence of the inspection. Both gentlemen were most

complimentary of the outstanding education that is provided at this school and

the excellent quality of relationships among all members of the school

community and the superb partnership and support given by parents.

Another outstanding highlight was the provision of our new multi use games

arena (MUGA) which was showcased in the glorious sunshine of a most

colourful and exciting Sports Day. All the children and the many adults

watching thoroughly enjoyed the morning’s festivities. The Sports Day in the

year of The London Olympics was opened by a relay of children representing

each of our classes holding an authentic Olympic Torch kindly loaned by a

former pupil Natalie Barr.

Another highlight was the production of the Wizard of Oz in four public

performances to parents, relations and friends last Spring,

Another championship performance was the school for the first time winning

the Inter Schools’ Gala at Lurgan Pool with everyone competing winning at

least one medal which this year featured the Olympic motif. Other highlights

came in the performing arts and sporting achievements of the children which is

recorded further in the Report.

A happy conclusion to the school year was the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

beginning with a parade through the village on 01 June 2012 and ending with

the Family Fun Day on 15 June 2012.

THE CURRICULUM

As part of the ongoing cycle of development and implementation of

the Education Reform Order the responsibility of Governors for the curriculum,

ie what is taught in the school, continues to increase. The Governors and Staff

of Waringstown believe the primary purpose of our school is to support the

personal growth of pupils in their development of understanding, knowledge

and skills. The most important skills to be taught are how to think and how to

learn. This means that the emphasis of the curriculum is on wanting pupils to

reason independently and to use criteria to think critically so that they acquire a

growing competence at intellectual skills and be able to make intelligent

choices in all areas of their lives.

The day to day organisation of the curriculum remains the Principal's

responsibility. The Principal in co-operation with his Staff has produced a

management and development plan for the school which identifies a number of

important curricular and management priorities for development and

implementation during the next three years.

The Governors, mindful of the legal requirements of the Education

Reform Order are entirely satisfied that the school is offering a broad and

balanced curriculum to every pupil in the five main areas of study and that the

inspectorate in their report April 2012 wholeheartedly agrees with this view. To

this end the school has implemented the statutory requirements of the New

Northern Ireland Curriculum in English, Maths, IT, The World Around Us,

Music, Art, RE and Physical Education. At present the Department has just

completed a major review of these subjects and the Governors have followed

the advice of the Department of Education. The subject co-ordinators in

consultation with their colleagues, have devised detailed policies to support the

teaching and learning. Teachers have attended inservice courses to assist in the

implementation of the NI Curriculum. During the year the Principal and

Teachers in their respective Year Groups further developed their Performance

Review and Staff Development (PRSD) to enhance their professional expertise.

The school continues to provide help for pupils with learning difficulties. A

policy for pupils with Special Educational Needs has been reviewed and

updated to meet the requirements of the Children’s Order 1996. Progress in the

core subjects of English and Maths was formally assessed at the end of the Key

Stages and the results provided to parents.

Key Stage 1 Assessments 2012 Total number of pupils = 56

Key Stage 1

Level Two and Above

WPS NI Average

English

98.22%

93.57%

Mathematics

98.22%

94.63%

Key Stage 2 Assessments 2012 Total number of pupils = 60

Key Stage 2

Level Four and Above

WPS NI Average

English

100.00%

82.03%

Mathematics

98.33%

82.97%

During the year the school received many visits by members of the wider

community to assist the children in their learning. (see calendar of events). The

Governors express delight that the children in Waringstown School enjoy a rich

and varied curriculum that enables them to progress in their acquisition of

knowledge, understanding and skills. There is a strong sense of community and

the children are taught by teachers who value them and are keenly interested in

their welfare. The teachers are hard working and committed to the children’s

education and well-being. This is a very good school that serves its community

well.

The Principal and other members of the teaching staff are to be congratulated

for the exceedingly high standards expected and achieved in Waringstown

School. This reflects the high commitment and professional and managerial

skills of the Principal ably supported by the Vice Principal and demonstrates the

dedication and expertise of the other teachers. The clerical and ancillary staff

make a valuable contribution to the life and work of the school. The school

meets the needs of the pupils in an effective and challenging way.

As a complement to this, the Northern Ireland Curriculum requires the

involvement of the school in the community. The school made good use of the

wider partnership in our community by taking part in musical concerts for local

churches and charities involving many of the children who had taken part in the

various festivals.

At Portadown Speech & Drama Festival the school achieved six first places in

the Primary classes. In June the Senior Choir was recorded for a BBC Radio

Ulster programme presented by Mr John Anderson which was broadcast on 15

July 2012.

It is intended that these visits into the local community and national broadcasts

when appropriate will continue and we are grateful to those parents who help

with transport when necessary.

In Waringstown, the curriculum is also enriched by an extensive programme of

extra-curricular activities, including visits to places of interest and of talks to the

children by visitors to the school. As part of the school's programme for Mutual

Understanding a study of Waringstown Past and Present is undertaken by

various classes who go on conducted walks in and around the village.

Invitations are regularly given to Speakers to come and talk to the children

about their work. (see calendar of events). There were regular visits to different

schools for sports' matches and Waringstown played hosts to many during the

course of the year. Education for Mutual Understanding is not only concerned

with external relationships but also with relationships in our own school. The

Governors are pleased to note the caring emphasis that is at the heart of school

life and the respect which the children are encouraged to develop for

themselves, other pupils and adults.

Waringstown Primary is a caring, responsible school with the children at the

core of our activities. We strive to respond to the personal, emotional, social

and educational needs of our pupils through our interaction with them in the

classroom and beyond. The emphasis of our child protection education

programme is on the dangers involved in abuse by adults or by other children.

As our programme responds to need, we will include other good practice when

appropriate.

This programme is delivered mainly through health education, the world around

us curriculum and personal development and mutual understanding (PDMU).

All other subjects contribute to this, where and when appropriate. The

programme we provide helps to equip our pupils with the skills to respond and

react appropriately to situations which are hazardous to their welfare.

Underpinning our teaching is the belief in building the children’s self-esteem; in

helping them value themselves and others and in giving them a sense of their

responsibility to themselves and others. We recognise this as a partnership

between the school and the parents, where we work together toward educating

and preparing our children for each stage of their lives. At the end of the

Summer Term the Primary Seven pupils commenced a programme involving

post primary children in assisting the school leavers to prepare for their move to

secondary school. Each pupil was presented with a book entitled ‘It’s Your

Move’ published by the Scripture Union.

Due to the present nature of primary education the class teacher is initially

responsible for the pastoral needs of his or her class. The class teacher is

supported in this by the Principal, Vice Principal and Mrs S Sloan. Staff are

always grateful for information from parents that may help with the welfare of

children in the school. All parents received a copy of the school’s child

protection policy and pastoral care programme. The designated teachers

mentioned above will always inform parents in the case of a referral to the Chief

EWO (Educational Welfare Officer) or Social Services.

Close relationships were also continued and developed with those Post Primary

schools which our children attend after leaving Waringstown. Regular visits

were made by Staff and pupils as part of the Liaison Programme. During the

month of June Principals and Senior Teachers of the local schools spent a

morning in this school providing first hand experience in a post primary school.

The Governors are conscious that the very large number of curriculum changes

have greatly increased the pressure on the Staff and wish at this point to

recognise the existence of this pressure and acknowledge the work that has been

done to ensure a smooth implementation of the changes.

In summary, the Governors welcome the recognition of the school as being well

ordered and where children are valued and respected. Relationships throughout

the school are excellent. It is important to note that the Governors, parents and

the wider community hold the school in high esteem. As Governors, we would

wish to congratulate the Principal, his staff and pupils for the high quality of

teaching and learning that exists in the school which was affirmed by the

Inspectorate during their Inspection.

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

Of the sixty pupils who transferred to Post Primary school, thirty

seven went to Lurgan Junior High, thirteen to Banbridge Academy,

three to Newbridge Integrated College, two to Dromore High, two

to Friends School, Lisburn one to Methodist College, Belfast, one

to Clounagh Junior High School, Portadown and one to Royal School, Armagh.

As already indicated it was an outstanding year on the academic, sporting and

cultural front.

At the Portadown Speech Festival held in February, the school again

achieved tremendous results in the Primary School Classes.

In Portadown they had another outstanding success winning six first places.

The winners were Ethan Paul P1, Sam Gough P2, Lucy Johns P4, John

Dumigan P4, Lydia McNeill P5, and Sarah Sandford P6.

All of our children competing gained very high marks. This year we won 4

trophies, 6 gold medals, 9 silver medals, 10 bronze medals and 21 certificates of

merit. Ethan Paul won The Muriel Todd Boys’ Cup and John Dumigan won

The Martin Cup, Lucy Johns won The Flower Shop Cup and Sarah Sandford

won The Derryhale Primary School Cup.

The School production of ‘the Wizard of Oz’ was one of the

highlights of the School Year. All the hard work and practice undertaken by all

sixty pupils in the P7 classes under the astute direction of the Producers ably

supported by the teachers and support staff were brought to fruition during two

matinee and two evening performances during the last week of the Spring Term.

Two alternating casts doubled the workload but everyone involved in the

production was certainly enriched by the experience. The performances were

filmed and edited and presented on DVD. Each member of cast was presented

with a block coloured tee-shirt as a memento of the occasion.

The senior choir continued to take part in musical concerts for the local

churches.

The Spring and Summer Terms proved to be very busy for the school choir. As

well as providing the choral support for the Wizard of Oz they were invited to

take part in a radio programme presented by Mr John Anderson and broadcast

in July. John as creator of the UTV Choir of the Year, which the school won in

1998 having been runners-up the year before, has had a long association with

our school choirs since the mid 1990’s and was keen to feature them again in

his radio show. The programme consisted of a series of interviews with staff,

children and parents interspersed with recordings of the choirs through the years

and was very successful.

The school thanks everyone who contributed to these events in various ways

and thanks also to those parents and friends who attended the public

performances.

The London Trip was another successful enterprise thoroughly

enjoyed by all fifty seven P7 pupils and six staff. This year we

again stayed at the Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington and on

many occasions, the children were praised by the hotel staff for their excellent

manners and courtesy. This is how it should be, particularly when one is

representing our school. Highlights included, Wembley Stadium, being shown

around St Paul’s Cathedral, particularly by Mr Sills our dear friend for over 25

years and who is now in his 97th year, watching an evening performance in the

West End of the award winning musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and travelling on

the London Eye. Each place we visited held its own fascination for our children

and the memory of it will linger with them for a long time. Behaviour

throughout the Trip was again exemplary and all are to be congratulated. This

year’s visit will be in late April 2013.

A residential field visit for five days in June to Shannagh-More

Outdoor Pursuits Centre provided a challenging and exciting

adventure for our Primary Six pupils. It is seen as ideal

preparation for the London visit. Shannagh-More is a large

comfortable house converted by the Southern Education & Library Board for

use as a residential centre. It has extensive attractive grounds including

gardens, a lake and woodland, situated between the Mourne Mountains and the

Irish Sea.

The programme designed by our teachers and the centre staff included

abseiling, hillwalking, camping, orienteering, bouldering, swimming, cycling,

canoeing on the small lake at the centre, rope courses, problem solving activities

and natural history walks.

The pupils had a choice of these physical challenges given under expert tuition

which is intended to build independence, self confidence and life skills now

more essential in today’s world. Everyone who participated thoroughly enjoyed

the experience and it is the intention of the school that this annual visit to

Shannagh-More will continue for our Primary Six pupils. This year’s visit will

be in late June 2013.

An extra highlight was the London and Shannaghmore Blogs on the school

website to enable parents to follow their children on those residential visits.

The Governors believe that all the class trips which are well prepared for and

carefully selected by the Teachers provide enrichment to the good work done in

the classroom. The Governors also thank you for your full and continued

support for each collective enterprise.

In relation to school endeavour awards, the format has been changed

these past few years to reflect the increasing number of children in

the senior classes. We have decided not to award achievements

individually but to present scrolls to each child as a recognition of

their contributions to the life of the school during their seven years attendance.

All primary seven leavers received a book entitled ‘It’s Your Move’ as well as a

school tie of their new post primary school to act as a reminder of happy days

spent at Waringstown Primary School. This tradition of presenting their new

school tie has continued for a good number of years and is well received by the

children and their parents.

On the Sporting side it was another very successful year and

congratulations to our girls hockey, rugby and joint Kwik cricket

teams in reaching the finals of their respective National

competitions and the boys football team which reached the District

Semi Final in the Mid Ulster Cup and the final of the Mid Ulster

League Playoff. In the Summer Term, however, the inclement and

unseasonable weather caused many cancellations of final tournaments.

On 25 April at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club the girls played in the NI Finals and

finished third in the Group Stages which qualified them to enter The Plate

competition. Waringstown had been the Northern Ireland Champions in 2008,

2009 and runners up last year. The team was Caitlyn Young, Katie Humphreys

Captain, Jessica Sandford, Anna Phillippi, Beth Cairns, Lydia McNeill, Sarah

Sandford, Isabella Innocenzi and Lauren Armstrong. This was perhaps a

transitional year considering the exceptional success of previous years, but all

the girls performed in an exemplary and sporting manner throughout the year.

The Tag Rugby Tournament was held at Pollock Park, Lurgan on Tuesday 28

February. This year the format was again in a round robin series of friendlies

against various schools from the local area and they won all their games. The

team was Jack Carson, Peter Hutchinson, Andrew Denver, Ben Davidson, Jon

Woods, Josh Best, Ryan Armstrong, Theo Dixon, Joshua Abraham, Katie

Humphreys, Lauren Armstrong and Sarah Sandford.

The Rugby Team again qualified as one of four schools to represent Mid Ulster

at Ravenhill in the Northern Ireland Finals. Unfortunately due to the inclement

and unseasonal stormy weather in June the finals tournament was cancelled.

However, many members of the squad represented Lurgan Tigers at a Rugby

tournament in Turin, Italy and were very successful.

The Kwik Cricket Squad also reached the Northern Ireland finals by

winning the Mid Ulster Tournament at The Lawn for the 6th year

running. However, once again the stormy weather intervened and

the Finals at Civil Service Grounds, Belfast were cancelled. The bad

weather in June was playing havoc with all cricket matches, although

the annual friendly with Inchmarlo Prep took place in the last week of term

which resulted in a narrow loss by one run. We are very grateful to the officers

of Waringstown Circket Club for the use of their superb facilities for practices

and matches. The cricket squad was Jack Carson, Captain, Peter Hutchinson,

Matthew Froggatt, Joshua Abraham, James Humphreys, Jon Woods, Jonathan

Warren, Michael Newton, Mark McElhinney, Andrew Denver, Josh Best and

Ryan Allen.

The Footballer of The Year trophy was won by Andrew Denver and the

Rugby Player of the Year was presented to Peter Hutchinson. The Cricket

Achievement Award went to Jack Carson. The Girls’ Hockey Improved

Player of The Year award was presented to Beth Cairns. The Girls’ Footballer

of the Year trophy went to Kirsty Fairley.

Congratulations to our Senior Boys’ Football team for their excellent

performances throughout the year. In the Mid Ulster League and Cup the boys

played in a series of matches against local schools. They finished top in the

group stages of the league and narrowly lost 2 – 0 to St John’s Portadown in a

double header of Mid Ulster Cup Semi-final and League Playoff. The team

squad this year was Jack Dunn, Ryan Armstrong, Owen Vennard, Jon Woods,

Mark McElhinney, Ryan Irvine, Andrew Denver, Captain, Joshua Woods,

Joshua Abraham, Josh Best, Joshua McClune, Jack Carson, Peter Hutchinson,

Michael Newton, James Humphreys and Aaron Hancock. Congratulations to

the Team Captain Andrew Denver who was selected for the Mid Ulster Schools

Team which won the Celtic Cup Tournament in Belfast against representative

teams from Scotland and Republic of Ireland.

In relation to sporting success mention has already been made of the school

swimming squad winning the Annual Schools’ Gala for the first

time in the school’s history. The swimming champions were Ryan

Armstrong, Theo Dixon, Ross Cockcroft, Andrew Denver, Jack

Dunn, Holly Rae, Katie Humphreys, Jessica Sandford, Emma Hilditch, Lauren

Armstrong, Louise Hall, Lauren Lyttle, Rebecca Spence, Ryan Irvine, Philip

Hayes, Troy McConville and Joshua Rae. All senior pupils completed their

swimming programme for the year. Over one hundred pupils succeeded in

swimming distances between 10 – 1500 metres. A wonderful justification for

the school’s P.Ed Programme for swimming. The ability to swim is a valuable

asset in the physical development of children.

These were wonderful occasions and everyone in the school community was

delighted with the successes of the various teams in reaching National and

District finals.

In Cycling Proficiency there was a hundred percent pass rate and all

our cyclists reached a high standard of good cycling.

A Gardening Club commenced in the Summer Term for some of the

senior pupils, meeting also in the Autumn Term in order to see the

fruits of their efforts. This partnership with those in the wider

community all help to enhance the children’s perspective of their

local environment and is to be welcomed.

This year Sports Day was held on the new multi-purpose pitch in

front of a large crowd of parents and friends on a sunny morning in

late June. Every pupil took part in at least three races and

thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The overall sports day winners for the girls

were Ellen Wilson (Foundation Stage), Katie Sandford (Key Stage 1) and

Lauren Lyttle/Suzy Neill (Key Stage 2) and for the boys Callum Johns

(Foundation Stage), John Patience (Key Stage 1) and Joshua Froggatt (Key

Stage 2).

The Tesco bonus vouchers realised equipment for school use. The Sainsbury’s

vouchers allowed playground equipment to be used in the middle playground

with the help of the Buddy System involving P7 pupils. Thanks are due to the

generosity of everyone connected with the school who in a variety of ways and

means continue to contribute to the different appeals throughout the year. This

very positive partnership among staff, pupils, parents and governors in our

school community is recognised by the Chief Executive Officer of The

Southern Board Mr Tony Murphy and his Senior Educational Officers who

have visited the school.

The Scripture Union Club continues to grow in popularity with our

senior pupils. They were extremely successful last year in attracting

large attendances with the highlight being visits from teachers and

former pupils now attending Banbridge Academy and Lurgan Junior

High School.

All children benefit from taking part in after school activities and throughout the

school year a wide range of extra curricular activities are offered to our Senior

pupils; the policy is to give access to all whilst maintaining the pursuit of

excellence. This is achieved by the unstinting efforts of Staff willingly giving

of their free time and who by their abiding interest in the activity encourage and

give the children the opportunity to take part. Complementing this is the

eagerness of the children and the desire of the parents who give each different

activity their full support. The Governors are delighted to be associated with

this home/school partnership for educational excellence.

In the Spring term the Book Fair Week had an excellent

response. A total of £2152 worth of books was sold and the

school realised 20% of this in commission. The Governors,

Staff and members of PTA collectively agreed to continue with

a fun day for our own school community in June. The

programme was planned for fun activities in the morning followed by hot dogs

and burgers and in the afternoon a film show. It is the intention of the school

that this fun day will again take place in June 2013. The excellent efforts of the

PTA Committee is to be commended for all their hard work in raising much

needed funds for our school.

The Governors are pleased to report that the school raised the following in

charitable contributions throughout the year 2011/2012.

Charlene’s Project, Hidden Treasures School £3,162 (Sponsored Walk)

Children In Need Appeal £425 (Non Uniform Day)

Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children £750 (Post Box and Christmas Fun Day)

Your outstanding support for these major efforts as part of our school

community are highly commendable and deeply appreciated by the Governors

and Staff.

The Governors would wish to take this opportunity to express their thanks and

appreciation to the Principal and Staff of the school (teaching and non teaching)

for their level of commitment and the high standards achieved both inside and

outside the classroom. This unity of purpose continued to be highlighted on the

success of the school regarding the outstanding Focused Inspection Report.

Parents must also be commended for their continuing support of the Staff in

achieving this high level of success. Thanks are also due to the SELB’s support

services and to the representatives of various external agencies who visited the

school during the year.

PREMISES Waringstown Primary School is situated on an elevated site in

picturesque surroundings and occupies extensive modern premises.

Its well designed classrooms are furnished with the most up-to-date

equipment and teaching aids to enhance pupils’ learning and help

them meet the challenges of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

In 2010 major refurbishment and new build was completed which meets the needs

of both the School and the Department of Education. In achieving this target the

School is best placed to offer excellent educational provision for all its pupils in

the school community. In 2012 a new multi-use games arena MUGA was

completed on the top pitch creating an excellent playing surface for all in the

school community.

The Governors place on record their gratitude to Ms Glenda Hall (Senior Principal

Architect) and her team for continuing to oversee the new multi-games arena and

for the excellent and professional manner in which they manage on behalf of the

Southern Education and Library Board.

SELB maintenance under the astute direction of Mr Declan Hagan and Mr Jim

McConnell continued to carry out minor repairs around the school. Playground

markings were again completed as an assist to children's free play and many trees

in the grounds continue to receive remediation. All help to enhance the beautiful

environment in which Waringstown Primary School is situated.

ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The Management Team of Senior Teachers meets regularly to

discuss management and curricular issues. The School

Management and Development Plan has been agreed with the

Staff and Governors; it identifies the curriculum management

and teaching priorities for development and proposes a plan of

action for implementation over the next three years. This plan also looked at all

aspects of school organisation and in particular at administration and development

in relation to full delegation of the Budget granted in April 1992. A Finance

Committee consisting of Mr Robin Morrison, (Convenor), Mr Tom Fitzpatrick, Mr

Barry Thompson and the Principal has been delegated to oversee the school’s

budget and report regularly to the full Board of Governors. In regard to PRSD Mr

T Fitzpatrick and Mr B Thompson have been appointed by the Governors to liaise

with the external moderator Mrs Isobel Keenan to oversee the implementation of

this initiative.

The changes in financing the school, maintaining and improving the premises,

assessing pupils, reporting to parents and promoting the professional extension of

teachers will continue to play a significant part in the overall development of

Waringstown. The pupils, staff, parents and Governors who make up the

community at Waringstown are united in their determination to face the challenges

of the new curriculum and its educational implications with renewed vigour.