News

SEPTEMBER 2003 NEWSLETTER

Dear Parents

Welcome back to school and a special welcome to all the new children (and parents) starting St. Mary's for the first time. We hope they all enjoy their time here. This has certainly been a summer of change. Fr Murray has left the parish .We thank him in his role of school chaplain and wish him well in Upper Mourne. We welcome Fr O'Hare to the school and we wish him well in his new ministry in Lower Mourne.

The school itself has changed. The new extension is now finished and staff are looking forward to our new surroundings. Feel free to have a look around. The hall and kitchen has been painted and a beautiful mural based on book characters has been painted on the back wall by Miss Rooney. Many thanks to everyone who has been involved in the process and a special thanks to Mrs. Beeks for having the school looking so well for everyone coming back.

As you know there has also been a change in uniform and it has been a smooth transition thanks to your help. The children looked really smart on Tuesday morning.

Thank you for your anticipated support in the year ahead.

REMINDERS:
School is intended to be a happy and secure place for a child to be educated in. The following should encourage this:

We operate an "open door" policy. However, any parent wishing to speak to a member of staff about a serious issue should do so by appointment.
If a pupil is absent or ill a letter/phone call is required from a parent or guardian.

The school has a discipline policy. This policy expresses the responsibilities imposed on pupils. Parents and staff for good discipline and safety in and around the school. A system of rewards and sanctions is in place to help make this policy work.

Good manners is expected and LISTENING is essential.

A summary of the policy will be sent out later.

HOUSE SYSTEM:
A reminder to parents that as part of our Pastoral Care we have a House System within the school. Each child has been allocated to one of three houses. The Houses have been named Binnian (Red), Donard ( Blue) and Mourne (Green).Each child will be presented with a house badge which they should wear on their jumper cardigan etc whilst at school each day.

During the week each child will be awarded house points for effort, quality of work and good behavior. These will be collected and displayed in class. At the end of each week overall totals will be calculated for each house and announced at Friday assembly.

A score board will be kept and the House with the most points at the end of each term will win an award.

P7 children will be appointed as House Captains.

NEW STAFF;
Mr. Rooney has been appointed as Reading Recovery teacher in the school for the upcoming year. He will work with some P2/P3 children in the mornings. This is a joint appointment with Moneydarragh PS for a year. We wish him well.

NEW PUPILS:
A special welcome to the following new pupils who are joining St Mary's for the first time: Lauren, Briannian, Chloe, Lauren, James, Anna, Christopher,

HEALTHY EATING:
Healthy Eating Break times take place on Tuesday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's. On these days children are only allowed fruit for breaktimes. Fruit is usually on sale in the kitchen at break time.

Thank you for your support.

CONGRATULATIONS:
Well done to Shane Harrison who represented Down Bunscoil football team at half time in the Ulster Senior Final in front of 30 000 at Clones.

RECORDERS :
P4's will be given a recorder but If your child does not have a recorder they can be purchased for £3 from Miss Walsh.

SWIMMING:
Swimming begins next Thursday morning for P4/P5 in Kilkeel . Swimming costs £1. The lessons will continue for 13 weeks. Please make sure the children have the correct costume and towel.

The children will not require any other money.

CLUBS:
After-school clubs will begin on Monday 15th September for P4-P7children. Netball and Football will run on alternative Mondays starting with football. Orchestra will be on Wednesdays. There will also be Netball, Football and other activities taking place on Friday afternoons during school time.

START OF YEAR MASS:
Mass will take place in the school on Tuesday 9th September at 11 am. Everyone is welcome.

FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL NIGHT:
A reminder that the first social night organised for the year will take place in The Halfway House in early October. The Annual Raffle will also take place that night.

As this is one of the main fund raisers for the year we hope that there will be a good attendance.

Raffle tickets shall be issued to the children shortly.

More details to follow.

PHOTOGRAPHER:
The school photographer will be in the school on Friday 12th September. If any families wish to have their pre school aged children photographed with their brothers/sisters please come to the school around 9am.

Please make sure that your child/children is wearing their full uniform. Thank you.

GUITAR LESSONS:
P5-P7 children have the opportunity of learning the guitar this year.

Further information shall be sent out next week.

HOMEWORK DIARY:
P4-P7 have homework diaries. Please encourage your children to use these.

Please feel free to use them for messages.

TEACHER TRAINING/ HOLIDAY:
The school will close at lunch time on Friday 19th September. The teachers have ICT training in the afternoon.

The school will be closed on Monday 29th September.

Mid term break is on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October.


Best wishes for the year ahead.

M Madine

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