SEPTEMBER 2021

I would like to take this opportunity of welcoming everyone back to a new school year.  I trust that those pupils who are new to the school will have an enjoyable, educational time with us. 

The new school year started with a welcome to 31 new pupils in Primary 1. 

Leaving and Collecting of Children       I would ask any parent dropping off, or collecting pupils by car to use a one way system via Larne Road and Edenvale Avenue towards Trailcock Road.  Using this route should help avoid congestion in Edenvale Avenue.  Could I also remind parents not to park at the school railings at School Court or beside the traffic barrier at the gate.  No child is permitted to enter the school via the staff carpark gate in the interests of safety.  Thank you.

Breakfast Club      This club will continue tooperate on Monday – Friday from 8.05 am until 8.40 am each morning starting from Monday 6^th September 2021.  Please note children will not be admitted into the school before 8.05 am and last entry will be 8.25 am  The cost is £2.00 per morning and children are served a variety of cereal, toast, breakfast juice or milk.

Tuck Shop     The Tuck Shop will not be operating this term.  Please ensure your child brings a snack and a drink to school with them.

School Finishes at the following times:-

P1 will follow their own timetable and this will be communicated to parents. 

P2 pupils will finish at 1:55pm and should be collected from the senior playground.

P3 pupils will finish at their normal times and should be collected from the senior playground.

P4 pupils will finish at their normal times and should be collected from the senior playground.

Parents should use the space in the playground to socially distance whilst waiting for their children.

P5 pupils will finish at 2:50pm (2:35pm on Wednesdays).

P6 pupils will finish at 2:55pm (2:40pm on Wednesdays).

P7 pupils will finish at their normal times.

Whilst all staff are available to discuss parents’ concerns regarding their children, could I remind you that teachers are not available first thing in the morning.  If your problem needs to be addressed first thing, please arrange to discuss this with the Principal.  Any other appointments with teachers can be arranged through the Principal/Office.  Primary 1 parents are of course welcome, but it is hoped that by the end of the second week of term, they will be leaving their children at the infant playground gate/door.

School Meals  The cost of a meal at present is £2.60 per day.  Please pay for all meals on Monday of each week indicating the day(s) required as money cannot be taken on a daily basis.  The Education Authority no longer accept cheques for payment of school dinners, so please remember to pay with cash.

Free Meals     Anyone who is in receipt of recognised benefits for a child is entitled to claim a free school meal for them.  If you think you may qualify please ask at the office for an application form as soon as possible.  It is important that all claims for free meals are submitted by the second week in September as this reflects on the school budget.

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Milk Payment       The milk order has been sent through and children will receive milk from Monday 6^th September 2021.

Attendance     Please remember it is a requirement of the Education Authority that each child achieves 96% at least in their attendance.  The school has an excellent attendance record, and I look to you for this to continue!

After School Clubs    A separate note has been issued regarding this.

Contact information   As Mrs Logan updates all the contact details at the beginning of September, could I ask you to notify us of any changes that may have occurred over the summer ie change of address, mobile numbers etc.  Can I also remind you to notify us of any changes that may occur throughout the year.

Uniform         The staff thank you for the excellent turn-out of your children on return to school this term.  I would remind you that Gordon’s in Green Street and Gary’s in North Street, supply the PE and casual school items together with the formal uniform.  The P1 – P4 pupils will wear the polo shirt, sweatshirt, joggers and trainers to school on PE days.  To help with your planning, the PE days for P1 – P4 are Tuesday and Thursday.  Pupils in P5, 6 and 7 will be notified by their teachers of the days they will have PE.

Crossing Patrol    We have been notified by ISME (Saltmines) that they will fund the Crossing Patrol again this year.  We as a School are extremely grateful for this generous gift in support of this role which will ensure the safety of our children on this very busy road.

Support from local business    We would like to thank The Secret Bookshelf, Mauds and Dominos who very kindly provided vouchers for the Accelerated Reader prizes in KS2 in June 2021.