Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Carol Service, Wednesday 14th December

  Thu 08 Dec 2022

  Join us at our

  Christmas Carol Service

  on

  Wednesday 14th December

  at

  St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church at 6pm.

   

  Everyone welcome.

  

• REMINDER:CHRISTMAS DINNER, CHRISTMAS JUMPERS AND EARLY CLOSURE THIS FRIDAY

  Wed 07 Dec 2022

  Reminder: Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas Dinner and Santa this Friday, 9th December. Early closure at 1pm for all.

  

• PHA Announcement: Public urged to be alert to signs of group A strep

  Wed 07 Dec 2022

  Parents and guardians are being urged to be alert for the signs of group A streptococcal (GAS) infections by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

   

  Group A streptococcus bacteria usually cause a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very rare circumstances, these bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

   

  As well as an increase in notifications of scarlet fever, which is above the levels we usually see at this time of year, the PHA is also aware of a higher number of cases of iGAS being reported across the UK.

   

  While iGAS is still uncommon, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms of illnesses caused by group A streptococcus bacteria and seek medical advice so that their child can be treated appropriately and to help prevent the infection becoming serious.

   

  What to do if you suspect your child has scarlet fever

  Scarlet fever mainly affects children under 10, but people of any age can get it. In the early stages, symptoms include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel. 

   

  The PHA is asking parents to contact their GP if they suspect their child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.

   

  Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but anyone who thinks they or a child may have it should contact a GP for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

   

  “To limit the spread of scarlet fever it is also important to practise good hygiene by washing hands with warm water and soap, not sharing drinking glasses or utensils, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. People should also stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the first dose of antibiotics.”

   

  Don’t put off seeking help if your child continues to get worse

  There can be a range of causes of sore throats, colds and coughs. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop an infection and that can make them more unwell.

   

  The PHA is also urging parents to seek help if their child is very unwell or seems to be getting worse – even if they have started treatment. Parents should contact their GP if they feel:

  • their child is getting worse;
  • their child is feeding or eating much less than normal;
  • their child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration;
  • their baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher;
  • their baby feels hotter than usual when they touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty;
  • their child is very tired or irritable.

   

  Call 999 or go to the Emergency Department if:

  • your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs;
  • there are pauses when your child breathes;
  • your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue;
  • your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

   

  Dr McClean continued: “The PHA has issued an urgent message to all primary and secondary care healthcare providers alerting them to increases in group A streptococcal infection. Acting quickly if you suspect anyone has this infection could make a difference to the outcomes.”

   

  For further information on scarlet fever, visit www.pha.site/ScarletFever

   

  Rises in recent cases of invasive group A streptococcus across the UK may be due in part to more social mixing, which may also result in other illnesses circulating at the same time. The PHA would therefore urge everyone eligible for the free flu vaccine to get it at the earliest opportunity. In particular we would urge parents of all pre-school children aged two years and over and those aged 6 months to 2 years who are in risk groups to avail of the free flu vaccine.

   

  Find out who is eligible for the winter vaccines and where to get vaccinated see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

  

• CHRISTMAS TOTE BAGS AVAILABLE FROM THE SHOP ON SCHOOLMONEY

  Wed 07 Dec 2022

  🎄Christmas is coming!

   

  It's a busy time of year, but if you are going shopping, don’t forget to ‘bring your own bag’ and ‘reuse your bags as often as you can.♻ Why not grab one of our Tote Bags from THE SHOP on SchoolMoney.

   

  Super for yourself or as a stocking filler for family and friends.😀
   

  

• MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS JUMPER FOR CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY!

  Tue 06 Dec 2022

  🎄Make your own Christmas jumper for Christmas Jumper Day!

   

  🎄Just grab any old thing from the back of the cupboard and cover it with stickers, felt, tinsel, glitter, baubles, whatever. Yule look woolly wonderful!

   

  🎄Christmas jumpers are a perfect opportunity to upcycle as you can really make a jumper that stands out and shows your love for the festive season.

   

  🎄 Check out this video from Save the Children on how to make a somple Christmas Jumper.. https://youtu.be/ENKQd5zc_so

   

  Eco-Schools Northern Ireland Official Live Here Love Here

  #ChristmasJumperDay #StColumsChristmas2022 #reduce #reuse #recycle #repurpose #MakeYourOwn #upcycle

  

• PTA CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

  Mon 05 Dec 2022

  We have some great prizes in the PTA Christmas Raffle!

   

  If you missed tickets at the Christmas Coffee Morning, tickets are still available to purchase from THE SHOP on SchoolMoney until Thursday 15th December.... £1 per strip or 6 strips for £5.

   

  Many thanks to all who have donated prizes. Please give them your support.

   

  Good luck everyone!

  

• CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY, FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

  Mon 05 Dec 2022

  It's Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 9th December. It's a non uniform day. Wear your festive tops to school. 

   

  Remember you don't need to buy a new jumper... why not customise an old top or jumper and design your own Christmas Jumper.

   

  Voluntary donation through SchoolMoney in aid of Save the Children.

   

  Many thanks for your support. 😀🎄🎅⛄❄

   

  #ChristmasJumperDay2022 #festivejumpers #nonuniform #SaveTheChildren #whynotmakeone #StColumsChristmas2022

   

  

• WHAT A LOVELY TIME AT OUR CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING!

  Sun 04 Dec 2022

  What a great time at our Christmas Coffee morning today!🎄🎅

   

  Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to organise a super event, those who donated prizes, prepared and manned activities, rolled tombola tickets, served refreshments, baked cakes and other yummy treats.🍰

   

  And a huge thank you to all who came along...we’re sure you are in the festive spirit now! 🎅🎁✨

  
  #ChristmasCoffeeMorning #StColumsCommunity #ChristmasIsComing #StColumsPTA

  

• MENU FOR WEEK COMMENCING 5TH DECEMBER

  Fri 02 Dec 2022

  Menu for next week, from Monday 5th December. 

   

  Please book kids lunches online through our SchoolMoney system. School lunches should be booked by 11pm the previous evening. If you have any problems accessing SchoolMoney, please contact the office ☎ 02870833010.

   

  If you require additional information on Allergens or Special diets, please contact the school to complete a Special Diets Application Form.