welcome from mrs callan - · pdf filewelcome from mrs callan . 2 st columba’s primary...

1 St Columba’s Primary School Newbuildings Prospectus 2014

Thank you for your interest in St. Columba’s PS, Newbuildings. This prospectus is to provide

you, as new parents to the school, with some information about the school. It is an insight into

the everyday life of the school and we hope it provides a simple introduction for you in what we

hope will be a happy and successful partnership, which will grow in the coming years as your

child/ren move through the school.

It is difficult to try to encapsulate all the school activities and the work it does in a paper

document, in reality seeing is believing and visiting the school and seeing it in action is the best

way to get a feel for the school and its life. That is why we would suggest you come to visit the

school and see for yourself what a wonderful school St Columba’s is.

St. Columba’s has been called by parents “the hidden gem in the Waterside” and it certainly is.

St. Columba’s PS is a small, friendly, family oriented school served by a committed and

professional staff. The staff engage fully with the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum

providing a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum appropriate to the children’s individual

needs enabling each pupil to achieve their full potential. The staff, supported by a range of

qualified external coaches, also provide a wide range of after school clubs.

For those parents hoping to enrol their child at St. Columba’s PS there is some availability

across the primary school from Reception through to P7. Our class sizes are smaller which

facilitates a greater level of one to one teacher support reflected in the children’s academic

performance which is well above the Northern Ireland average. The school operates an ‘open

door policy’ for new and prospective parents to come and visit the school and see it for yourself.

Please contact the school to arrange a time to come and visit.

Thank you.

Mrs Callan

Welcome from Mrs Callan


St Columba’s Mission Statement

St Columba’s P.S. recognises that the gospel values and the teaching of the church are central to the life of the school. Together with parents, who are the first educators, and the parish, we aim to create an environment where children can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and morally. Together we hope to lead our children towards understanding, tolerance, justice and sensitivity to the needs of others.


We have a school of happy, secure and very well educated children here at St. Columba’s and the warm, friendly, family atmosphere can be felt the moment you walk through the door. St Columba’s is a co-educational school which educates pupils between the age of four and eleven. We have four composite classes comprising over 75 children. As a result of the small school community we can offer a great deal of one to one support and we pride ourselves on catering for the individual. St Columba’s remains a small family orientated school where all pupils are known individually by all members of staff thus promoting confidence and self -esteem. We put very strong emphasis on the three-way partnership between home, school and our parish community. Regular contact between parents and the school is encouraged and a very active Parents’ Association continues to support the school through a variety of community-based events throughout the year. Our school Chaplain plays an important role in the life of the school and in the preparation of the pupils for the sacraments. Our pupils regularly take part in services at our local church, St Mary’s Oratory, either as altar servers or readers and all children from P3-P7 attend weekly mass at the oratory. We continue to maintain good relations with the local Newbuildings community and participate in organised events to foster positive relations with our partners in Newbuildings P.S. St Columba’s, with the dedicated commitment of our staff, and the excellent support of our parents, continues to maintain a very high standard of education. Provision is made for children of all levels of ability, where needs are identified, support is provided and challenges met. As a result, we have had extremely high levels of achievement in the Grammar school entrance tests, Key Stage Assessments and in UICT Accreditation. Our pupils are very well prepared for the transition to second level education and we regularly receive commendations from the schools we feed to, on their excellent attitude and performance We pride ourselves on our instrumental music, which is delivered with excellent support from the WELB tutors. A very high percentage of our pupils receive instrumental tuition. The very successful Musical Pathways Programme is taught throughout the school and a school choir has been established. We recognise the importance of the global aspect of the Curriculum and Spanish Language is taught throughout the school from P2 through to P7. Our pupils are encouraged to take part in a variety of music competitions such as the Derry Feis, as well as competitions in art, Poetry, Writing, Quizzes, Football, Netball, Technology and Public Speaking. We feel that all our pupils should be provided with opportunities to display their many talents to a wider audience, and participation in such competitions has resulted in a high level of success, further enhancing self-esteem of the pupils and adding to the sense of achievement for the whole school community

About our School


Mrs C. Callan Principal and R/P1Teacher Mr. P. Flanagan Vice-Principal and P6/7 Teacher Mrs C. England P4/5Teacher Miss R Whitehouse P3/4 Teacher Mrs S. Thompson Teaching Assistant Miss S. Henry Teaching Assistant Miss L Baber Teaching Assistant Peripatetic Music Teachers Violin Mrs Heather Buick Woodwind Mr. Ancillary Staff Miss P. Capatti Secretary Mrs R. Warnock Kitchen Supervisor Mrs J. Ferry Lunch-time Supervisor Mrs H. Guy Lunch-time Supervisor Mr L. Dawick Building Supervisor Mrs H. McClelland Cleaner Rev.R. Colhoun CC School Chaplain Board of Governors

Chairperson VANCANCY Vice- Chair Mr Randal Parlour Trustee Mrs Mary Kelly Trustee Mr John Coyle WELB Mrs Deirdre Rafferty DENI Mrs Margaret Cradden WELB Ms Martina Callan Parent Representative Mrs Victoria Harrison Teacher Representative Mr Paddy Flanagan Secretary Mrs Caroline Callan

School Staff


At St. Columba’s we aim to: - recognise the individual needs and talents of each pupil and to provide for development of

moral, physical, social and creative capacities;

to ensure delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum according to the New Revised Curriculum, catering for the needs of all pupils.

provide a stimulating learning environment in which all pupils feel safe and are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Stages in the Primary Curriculum The Foundation Stage: Years 1 and 2 Key Stage 1: Years 3 and 4 Key Stage 2: Years 5, 6 and 7 Structure of the Primary Curriculum

1. Language and Literacy 2. Mathematics and Numeracy 3. The Arts (including Art and Design, Drama and Music); 4. The World Around Us (Geography, History, Science and Technology); 5. Personal Development and Mutual Understanding 6. Physical Education. 7. Religious Education

Language and Literacy

Curriculum

Literacy focuses on developing each child’s ability to understand and use language, both spoken and written, as an integral part of learning in all areas in order to interact effectively with the world around them, to express themselves creatively and to communicate confidently (through Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing) using a variety of skills and media. Language and Literacy are fundamental prerequisites for thinking, learning and interacting in personal, social and work contexts throughout life. Literacy is therefore a key to learning as well as a key to enjoyment and personal growth. The development of language and literacy is crucial to living and learning. Language and literacy should be considered in a holistic way, taking account of the integral nature of the areas of Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing which extend across all areas of the curriculum.


Mathematics and Numeracy Using ICT

Numeracy is the development and application of mathematics across the curriculum and in real life situations. Skills developed in the area Numeracy should help children to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. In St Columba’s children are engaged in a wide range of purposeful activities which involve them in different modes of mathematical learning, including playing, exploring and investigating, doing and observing, talking and listening, asking questions, reflecting, drafting, reading and recording. Across the curriculum, at a level appropriate to their ability, pupils in St Columba’s are enabled to:

choose the appropriate materials, equipment and processes to use in a particular situation

use mathematical knowledge and concepts accurately use mathematics to solve problems and make decisions develop methods and strategies, including mental mathematics explore ideas, make and test predictions and think creatively read, interpret, organise and present information in

mathematical formats use mathematical understanding and language to ask and answer

questions, talk about and discuss ideas and explain ways of working

develop financial capability use ICT to solve problems and/or present their work.

All of which involves the children in using and applying mathematics in practical tasks, real-life problems and within mathematics itself and across the curriculum as a whole.

Using ICT (Information and Communications Technology) describes the ability to handle and communicate information, solve problems, pose questions and be creative through the use of technology. ICT across the curriculum has the potential to transform and enrich pupils' learning experiences and environments. It can empower pupils, develop self-esteem and promote positive attitudes to learning. The creative use of ICT also has the potential to improve pupils' thinking skills, providing them with opportunities to become independent, self-motivated and flexible learners.

Using ICT at St Columba’s means that pupils have opportunities to transfer their knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of meaningful contexts across the curriculum. This includes:

collaborating inside and outside the classroom sharing and exchanging work; and exhibiting and showcasing their learning.


Religion Religion is a way of life that you have already begun at home; we at St Columba’s strive to continue this important area of our pupils' lives by developing an atmosphere of love, respect for others and forgiveness. Each day begins with a whole school assembly allowing our school community to reflect quietly for a few moments together before moving on with the challenges of the day. Every Monday the Children from P3-P7 attend mass at St Mary’s Oratory and one Sunday each month our children lead the liturgy of the Mass. By attending mass together, the children gain a deeper insight into the meaning of the Mass, as well as learning reverence when in or around the Church. Our School Chaplain Fr Roland Colhoun is a great support to the school particularly with the classes who are receiving sacraments. The Arts The WAU Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) focuses on encouraging each child to become personally, emotionally and socially effective, to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives and to become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives.

This Area of Learning comprises the subjects of Art and Design, Drama and Music. It provides rich opportunities for developing creativity, allowing children to express their ideas, feelings and interpretations of the world through pictures, sound, drama and dance. St Columba’s recognise the importance of this area of learning and offer MPL throughout the school, the opportunity to be part of the school choir and annual whole-school musical productions. Individual instrumental tuition is available from P 4 to P 7 from WELB tutors. There is a programme of Art and Design activities in each year group with the children encouraged to be creative through the mediums of painting, printing, model making and textiles. There is also an afterschool club which promotes Art and Craft which the children thoroughly enjoy.

This Area of Learning consists of geography, history and science and technology and aims to help children develop a sound understanding of themselves, their community and the wider world in which they live. In St Columba’s, the World Around Us is delivered through a range of Thematic Units, interconnected learning and educational visits. The WAU is also developed further in our after school provision through the Gardening Club where the children have “real” opportunities to explore their environment and learn more about it through practical activities and investigations.


Physical Education, Physical Development and Movement Physical Education and Physical Development and Movement in the curriculum provides the opportunity for specific attention to be given to the physical development, health and well-being of children. There is a full programme of activities in St Columba’s PS including Gaelic, Cricket, Netball, Football, Fitness for Kids, Multi Skills, Energy Clubs, Playmakers, and Swimming. We at St Columba’s believe that through participation in the various activities on offer that the pupils will gain personal enjoyment, satisfaction and an understanding of healthy living. Each class have 2 weekly PE sessions in school delivered by a mixture of class teachers and external coaches as well as having access to the wide range of activities available through After School Activities. Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities Thinking skills and personal capabilities are divided into 5 strands

1. Managing Information 2. Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision Making 3. Being Creative 4. Working with Others 5. Self-Management

St Columba’s values the development of these skills as an important development for lifelong learning and participation in society. The staff work to engage pupils in active learning to develop these skills across all area of the curriculum. Learning Through Play The creation of a distinct Foundation Stage within the NI Curriculum means that greater emphasis is now placed on practical work and on developing the 'foundations of learning'. This takes the form of what in St Columba’s is known as 'Learning Through Play' and forms a large part of our youngest pupils' day. Play is at the core of young children’s learning and through it they gain confidence and independence, We enhance this by putting a very definite structure in place, building on the children’s prior knowledge and through carefully planned activities certain specific skills are being developed. The staff use a thematic approach to play which stimulates the children’s interest and encourages their involvement in their play. Activity-based learning in the upper school develops the children's intellect, language skills and imagination, helping our pupils to develop socially, emotionally and physically. Through engaging in practical activities the children discover what they can do and how they think and feel, and learn how the lessons they are learning at school relate to real life.


Additional Educational Needs In line with SENDO all staff in St Columba’s are committed to our inclusive ethos and the belief that every pupil has an entitlement to develop their full potential while being educated alongside their peers. Educational provision in St Columba’s ensures the individual educational needs of each child will be catered for by their class teacher. Children do not all develop at the same rate and through observation and assessment teachers will identify children who are experiencing difficulties and plan for their needs within the class environment, as well as facilitating the efficient education for other children with whom they are educated, whilst also ensuring efficient use of resources. Parents will be made aware of concerns as soon as possible and we at St Columba’s recognise and value the importance of early intervention. The staff work with the WELB, Educational Psychologist, WEST, SEBD and a range of outside agencies to support children who have individual education needs in liason with the SENCO. We provide educational experiences which develop all pupils’ achievements and recognise individuality. We value diversity and embrace it to support the learning of all. As an inclusive school we at St Columba’s work towards identifying and minimising the barriers to learning and provide equal opportunities for all. We provide a broad, balanced, relevant and appropriately challenging curriculum suitably differentiated to meet individual needs. At St Columba’s we are committed to providing a safe, secure environment in which are children can learn and grow. INSPECTION REPORT!! We strive to positively influence our pupils values, opinions and attitudes and work together building strong relationships throughout the school underpinned by mutual trust and respect. Through its Pastoral Care provision the school seeks to demonstrate a continuing commitment to the moral, intellectual, personal and social development of all the pupils as secure, successful and participating members of the school and wider community. We are committed as a community to provision of a caring, friendly and safe environment in which all pupils will feel valued. All staff, parents and members of Board of Governors will work together to promote and facilitate an atmosphere of care and respect within the community. However, we also need to have systems in place should there be any cause for concern, and we provide our parents with information detailing our approaches to such concerns annually. This information is also available on our school website. Our Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs Caroline Callan and our Deputy Designated Teacher is Mr Paddy Flanagan.

Pastoral Care


Good behaviour in any school is central to providing a good learning environment. At St Columba’s we are committed to a positive approach to discipline and we support this with our team reward system through which we promote and reward good behaviour across the whole school. The children are grouped into coloured Teams across the school and work hard to earn points to be the winning team each week. The school also operates a pupil of the week system rewarding pupils who have displayed particularly good behaviour or engaged in good work each week. These children enjoy a week of pupil of the week and then have a week as class captain and vice-captain. The promotion of Positive Behaviour throughout St Columba’s aims to help our pupils to realize that they are responsible for their own behaviour and that the school recognizes, values and rewards their efforts, using a rage of stickers, certificates, golden time, lucky dip prizes and class and whole school rewards. We encourage our pupils to act in a positive and caring way towards each other and have simple school rules that are implemented fairly and consistently across the school for all pupils.

Positive Behaviour

St Columba’s School Rules We keep our hands, feet and objects to ourselves

We always walk We are polite to one other

We listen to each other We are honest and tell the truth

We always try our best


In keeping with WELB and DENI recommendations we operate a healthy break system encouraging healthy activities and healthy eating options. Only fruit or water should be provided as a mid-morning snack. We greatly appreciate the support of the parents in encouraging the children to eat healthily throughout the day. All children throughout the school can avail of Milk at break time ordered half termly at a cost of 18p per day. Our canteen follows all healthy eating policies and the menus available are both wide and varied, offering the healthiest of choices. We fully support healthy lunchboxes and encourage our parents to give some thought to the contents of packed lunches from a healthy option perspective and we also pass on to parents any advice we receive about best options for kids' lunchboxes including healthy eating leaflets and suggestions. Hot meals are available daily in the school canteen at a cost of ₤2.40 per day. Meals for the week should be paid for on the Monday morning each week. Each child is issued with a 4-week menu. If you think you may be entitled to free school meals, please contact: Free Meals Dept., WELB, 1 Hospital Road, Omagh. Tel: 028 BZ 411477. The criteria for entitlement has changed and you can check online at www.welbni.co.uk to see if your circumstances meet the criteria. Children all eat together in the school hall for both Canteen Dinner and Packed Lunch. Children who bring a Packed Lunch should ensure their bag is clearly labelled. Any allergies should be identified on the SIMMS form so these can be handled appropriately by school staff. The school operates a No Nuts policy in keeping with allergy advice. In keeping with child safety requirements, plastic bags and glass bottles should NOT be sent to school with any pupils.

Healthy Eating

Dinner and Lunch


It is important that parents are kept fully informed of all that is happening in school. To do this, we use a range of tools to ensure that you are always kept up to date.

Website: visit our extensive site at www.stcolumbasps.net Text Service: we text important information directly to the preferred mobile number

provided Monday Notes: both paper-based and online covering events and school information Parent Meetings: in November this is a formal parents’ meeting providing an opportunity

for parents to discuss their child/children’s progress with class teachers or seek advice/ clarification about work being done and target expectations. Parents may also request meetings at other times by arranging an appointment with the class teacher.

Termly SEN review meetings with parent and class teacher to review and set Individual Education Plans.

End of Year Report: by mid-June. Any parent who wishes to discuss this report is welcome to make an appointment with the class teacher.

Open-Door Approach: Mrs Callan is available to meet with parents please contact the school office to arrange a time.

At St Columba’s we recognise that excellent attendance is the key to achievement at school and we would urge parents to make every effort to ensure that children are in school daily where possible. St Columba’s utilise the SIMMS computerised attendance systems, enabling us to keep detailed records regarding whole-school, class and individual attendance patterns. In addition to stating if a child is 'present' or 'absent', teachers are now required to also state if the child arrives late, leaves early or is absent for a part of the day. As good attendance is so important any concerns will be raised with parents at an early stage. At St Columba’s we recognise that attendance is the responsibility of pupils, parents and all school staff, who will work in partnership to ensure excellent attendance so that pupils reach their potential. Please note: The school cannot give permission for children to be taken out of school for family holidays.

Home/School Communication

Attendance


School uniform jumpers, ties and PE T-shirts can be purchased from Max Fashions/Select Kidz,

All uniform items should be clearly marked with the child’s name.

Uniform

Girls

Grey pinafore / skirt / trousers

White blouse Green jumper

Grey socks Green & silver tie

Sensible (plain black) Shoes

Boys

Grey trousers White shirt

Green jumper Grey socks

Green & silver tie Sensible (plain black) Shoes

PE Uniform

School PE T-shirt

Grey Jogging Bottoms Black Plimsoles (R-P3)

Trainers (P4-7) NO HIGH TOP TRAINERS


Copies of all our school policies can be obtained on request from our school office. A copy of our school’s policies can also be found on our website www.stcolumbasps.net . Parents who wish raise a concern about any matter can also make an appointment to see the class teacher or Principal at a time which is mutually agreeable by contacting the school office. Our Parent, Teacher Association provides opportunities for parents and school staff to meet and work together on fund raising activities. Fund raising includes events which are ‘Fun’ Days for the children, sponsored spells, discos, Santa visits, raffles, Halloween activities and other activities for all the extended school community e.g. ladies pamper nights, school dances, cookery demonstrations, quizzes, fashion shows, sponsored walks etc. We value the help of Parents and encourage all to be part of our PTA. The money raised by the PTA helps to provide treats such as theatre visits, transport and educational visitors. Money raised also helps to buy resources for the school. The PTA’s fundraising intitiatives are vital to the school’s continued development and the whole school community greatly appreciates the work done by the entire PTA group. It is also a great way to get to know other parents and become involved in the wider school community. St. Columba’s Primary School faciltitate a Parent / Toddler Group called ‘Active Angels.’ The Group meets every Thursday morning between 10am and 12pm in the playroom of our school. Healthy snacks, tea and coffee are available for parents, carers and toddlers. Admission is £2. Everybody is more than welcome.

School Policies

Active Angels

Parent Teacher Association


New pupils entering P.1 must have reached age 4 on or before July 1st prior to starting school. Reception pupils can start school on their 4th birthday. We regret that due to insurance regulations, we cannot accept any pupil prior to his / her 4th birthday. On entry to school, the parent of each pupil will complete a data collection sheet providing the school with accurate records, which include contact numbers and relevant medical information. A full copy of our Admissions criteria is available in school or telephone 02871 347190 Children can avail of the Bus Service provided with Translink from Prehen. These are ordinary service buses FY6 and 102/102C which leave Prehen each morning and have drop off points on the Duncastle Road near the school. The FY6 leaves Prehen at 8.22am and the 102/102C leaves at 8.52 and cost of 75p per single journey, £1.25 per return ticket payable to the driver. The afternoon bus leaves the school at 3.05p.m. We would ask parents to ensure that your children are aware of their own safety when travelling on the school bus and support the school in encouraging all pupils to remain seated until the bus has stopped at the drop off points. 8.10am-9.00am Children can be dropped off at school for supervised play outdoors 9.00am-9.10am Whole School Assembly and Prayers Assembly Hall 10.45am – 11.00am Break time 12.10pm – 1.00pm Lunch Time 2.10pm R-P2 children finish 3.10pm P3-P7 children finish 3.15pm -4.15pm After schools Clubs Daily

Admissions

Bus Service

School Day


The school provides a range of activities to develop the children further through after school activities. These change throughout the year and support not only the children but also you the parents in offering extended schools hours which helps support those working parents facilitate childcare arrangements. The After Schools provision includes:

Football Netball Fitness for Kids Choir Lego Club Craft Club Gardening Club Film Club Homework Clubs Irish Dancing Rhythm and Rhyme Music Club

Parents are also encouraged to avail of after school support provided by the school in supporting their child’s education. Courses are available for parents including:

Linguistic Phonics Parental Involvement in Numeracy Paired Reading Curriculum Support

After School


1. Learning: At St Columba’s PS we aim to put our children at the centre of their own learning and place great emphasis on their acquisition of essential Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, and UICT. We aim to bring the curriculum alive and make relevant links between children's learning and real life.

2. A friendly atmosphere: Visitors to our school always notice how welcome they are made to feel. St Columba’s PS aims to make everyone feel welcome, both children and parents. The school aims to work alongside parents in order to make school a positive and enjoyable place for the children to learn.

3. Clubs: At St Columba’s PS we have a wide variety of after school activities which are sporting, musical, academic and creative. We like to encourage the children to try new things and take part in different activities from football to gardening, from Irish Dancing to Film Club. We are also proud of the musical opportunities offered to our children. We have a Choir, Instrumental tuition is offered to all children P4 –P7 (yes...all of them!) who learn to play the woodwind or strings if they wish to through the support of WELB tutors and the whole school avail of MPL supported by Miss Gormley.

4. The P.T.A.: We have a very active P.T.A. who organise all sorts of events throughout the year, the summer fair, for example, and a variety of other events from School Discos to Quizzes. We really appreciate all the work they do to forge links and to help raise money for the school. This helps build our school community and offers parents a chance to get to know one another too.

5. The Staff: We have high expectations not just for our children but ourselves too! At St Columba’s PS we are extremely lucky to have a dedicated and experienced staff who aim to deliver a quality education in a way that is fun and that engages with the children. We have a wide range of talents and skills throughout the staff and aim to utilise these to enhance the children’s learning experience.

10 Reasons to Chose St

Columba’s PS


6. Track Record of Success: The children at St Columba’s PS year on year are achieving above both the WELB and NI Average in their End of Key Stage Assessments at Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. At transfer the children who choose to sit the Transfer Test have fantastic results and ALL the children whether they chose to engage in transfer or not move on to the Grammar/Secondary Schools of their choice.

7. Small Class Sizes:

Being a smaller school means our class sizes are smaller than those around us allowing us more time to offer individual support to the children in our school. The ratio of adults to children particularly in the Foundation stage is much higher than other schools with 2 adults in each class of 15(R/P1) and 22(P2/P3). This allows the adults more time to interact with the children individually and in small groups and extend their learning tailored to their needs.

8. Space: We have loads of it! Our school has two playgrounds and lots of grass to play on when it’s dry. We have a play trail for children to play on to further develop their physical skills and a wonderful school garden which the children look after themselves through the Gardening Club. Inside we have a library, playroom and ICT suite and Multi-purpose hall for all the children to use

9. A School Community: As a small school there is a real sense of community within the school. All the children know each other and play together. It allows the younger children to see the older children as role models and gives the older children a sense of responsibility. The school can go on whole school trips and perform whole school concerts where everyone is welcome and even Granny and Grandad can get a seat!

10. It’s the place to Be!

One of our P7 pupils put it so well when he said that if you want to “go places” St Columba’s Primary School is the place to be! The school work hard to praise and reward the achievements of the children and develop their self-confidence and self-esteem ensuring they are well equipped to deal with the world of life and work.

welcome from mrs callan - · pdf filewelcome from mrs callan . 2 st columba’s primary...

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