February Newsletter
St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballynahinch
Newsletter
February 2016
P1 applications
The closing date for application to P1 is now closed. However, late applications will still be accepted. Remember, you must still apply for a primary school place if your child currently attends the Nursery. Completed forms should be returned to reception.
Catholic Schools Week – Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy!
As in all schools throughout Ireland, Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated in St Patrick’s during the week of 1st February. Details of our celebrations have been sent to parents already and we would ask that you take some time to talk to your child about what they have been learning during the week. More details can be found on: http://www.catholicschools.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Catholic-Schools-Week-at-Home.pdf
Shared Education Programme
We are delighted to announce that the Education Authority has approved a three year Shared Education programme of learning which will see our school and Ballynahinch Primary School working closely together to enhance the learning in our two schools and to help develop the long-standing relationship and partnership we enjoy. As the programme progresses into Year 2 more classes will be linked and in Year 3, we plan to link all the classes in both schools.
This year two classes from each school are linked, P.3/4 & P.7, and are working on joint World Around Us projects.
The P.3/4 Teachers are working on a World War II project, which will include a trip to Castleward and hopefully the Steam Railway in Downpatrick.
The P.7 Teachers are doing a project on Titanic, which will include trips to Titanic Belfast and a follow up with a professional artist. In addition, the classes will get together for the (Health Education) “Love for Life” programme.
Both projects will involve the children visiting each other’s schools to work on their projects.
The after-school Drama Project (facilitated by Ravara Productions) has completed auditions in both schools, and 12 children from each school have been selected to do ‘showcase performances’ of “Hairspray Junior” in:
- St Patrick’s Primary School at 3.00pm AND 7.00pm on Tuesday 15th March
- Ballynahinch Primary School at 3.00pm AND 7.00pm on Wednesday 16th March
On the 16th our own P.4-7 pupils will be invited to stay and watch the 3.00pm matinee performance (free). Tickets for Adults will go on sale (£3 each) closer to the time.
