Tune in to Libraries NI YouTube channel every morning this week at 11:30am for Children's Storytime.  If you miss it at 11:30am you can listen later on at bit.ly/LNIStorytimes

And for more family fun check out BookTrust NI Hometime Hub... https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-readi…/have-some-fun/  Enjoy storytime with free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters. Fun for all ages!

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday SENTINUS NI will be posting a challenge for primary school pupils. The challenges are suitable for KS1 and KS2 primary children, which will involve at home experiments to engage their minds in the world of STEM 

When you have completed the challenge, post it online and mention Sentinus in your comments, as there are prizes up for grabs! Don't worry if you don't have social media... just email to stcolumsoffice186@c2kni.net and we'll share it for you.

Challenge 1: Create a building 

1.  Gather your Materials ... paper, tape, scissors, pencils

2.  Choose what you are going to build

3.  Plan and build your structure

4.  Send a picture of your structure... on social media remember to tag Sentinus or email to stcolumsoffice186@c2kni.net

Happy building!

Thinking of all our Rainbow Children this evening. 🌈👧👦👦👧🏠🏡

The Rainbow Children 

The history books will talk of now,
That time the world stood still.
When every family stayed at home,
Waved out from windowsills-
At those they loved but could not hold,
Because they loved them so.

Yet, whilst they did they noticed all the flowers start to grow.

The sun came out, they can recall,
And windows, rainbows filled.
They kicked a football in their yards,
Until the night drew in.
They walked each day but not too close,
That time the world stood still.
When people walked straight down the roads,
That once the cars did fill.

They saw that people became ill,
They knew the world was scared.
But whilst the world stood still they saw,
How much the whole world cared.
They clapped on Thursdays from their doors,
They cheered for the brave.
For people who would risk their lives,
So others could be saved.

The schools closed down, they missed their friends,
They missed their teachers so.
Their Mam’s and Dad’s helped with their work,
They helped their minds to grow.
The parents used to worry that,
As schools were put on hold,
Their children wouldn’t have the tools,
They’d need as they grew old.

But history books will talk of them,
Now adults, fully grown.
Those little boys and girls back then,
The ones who stayed at home.
They’ll tell you that they fixed this world,
Of all they would fulfil.
The RAINBOW children building dreams,
They’d dreamed whilst time stood still 

                                                                                           by Gemma Peacock

Science At Home Online - Kids Time

Everyday day at 10am Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Science at Home for kids. With easy experiments, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Join them on Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/armaghplanet/

And it's Storytime every Sunday evening at 7pm.

Our Sustrans Schools’ Officer, Johnny whom the pupils will know from visiting our school, will be sending through a weekly video activity which pupils can do at home. These activities are aimed at keeping active, having fun and learning as part of our schools’ involvement in the Active School Travel programme.

Follow the link to see this weeks activity. https://www.stcolumsprimaryschool.co.uk/sustrans/

Have fun!

ROAD SAFE NI have launched a 'Design A Mascot' for Primary 5 - Primary 7 pupils to help teach kids and youg people about road safety.

Closing date for entries is 1st May. Please follow the link for further information and application form... https://www.stcolumsprimaryschool.co.uk/road-safety-competitions/

And for our younger pupils, Road Safe NI have a colouring in competition. A selection of colouring in sheets are available in our Kids Zone... https://www.stcolumsprimaryschool.co.uk/road-safety-competitions/

Please return entries by 15/05/2020 via email to Tricia at roadsafenicharity@gmail.com or

via post to:

Davy Jackson

Road Safe NI

48 Copperthorpe

Drumahoe

Co. Londonderry

BT47 3LT

Remember to add your name, age, school and contact phone number.

Latest update on Free School Meals payments from the Department of Education... 

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/ministers-take-action-relation-free-school-meals-payment-0

If you require any assistance or support regarding this announcement please contact Mrs McCullagh...

email kmccullagh955@c2kni.net

As we all navigate these unprecedented times, Parentline NI would like to remind you all that their Regional Parents Helpline is in full operation throughout this period. They can be contacted on freephone 0808 8020 400 to provide advice, support and guidance to parents and carers.

Monday - Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday - 9am-5pm
Saturday - 9am-1pm

You can also contact them via webchat www.ci-ni.org.uk or email parentline@ci-ni.org.uk

Out of the Ark are sharing FREE resources with you all to help you and your children through these difficult times.

Why not build singing into your daily routine - it's a fantastic way to bond as a family and keep everyone smiling. As well as a free song for every day, they've also created lots of ideas to extend learning as everyone gets to grips with being at home. 

So, to help with the rhythms and routines of your new daily life, they are releasing seven songs, one for each day, all with challenges and activities related to each song. Every week for the next few weeks they will continue to add songs and resources.

https://www.outoftheark.co.uk/ootam-at-home/

Join Joe Wicks for PE wit Joe each morning at 9am during the school closure... and if 9am is too early you can watch later in the day. Follow the link...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyCLoPd4VxBvQafyve889qVcPxYEjdSTl