Today is 𝕊𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕣 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕥 𝔻𝕒𝕪 2024

Safer Internet Day aims to create both a safer and a better internet, where children and young people are empowered to use digital technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.

#SID2024 #SaferInternetDay

This week we are proud to be taking part in CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK from 5th - 11 February.  The theme this year is MY VOICE MATTERS.  

Join us and help shine a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Please see 'Top Tips for Parents' ... https://www.stcolumsprimaryschool.co.uk/newsletters-2/

Next weeks menu, from Monday 5th February.😋

Please book lunches online through our SchoolMoney system. School lunches should be booked by 11pm the previous evening.

Today is the Feast of Saint Brigid. Saint Brigid is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick.

Saint Brigid was born in 454AD and she went on to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth. The Saint Brigid’s Cross, in legend used by Brigid to explain the Christian faith, remains a popular sign of God’s protection.

Tradition tells us that as Brigid explained the passion and death of Christ to the dying pagan chieftain, she took some rushes from the floor of the bothán and fashioned a cross. The Old Irish custom of placing a St. Brigid’s cross over the doors of dwelling houses and animal shelters thus began. People believed that in so doing Brigid would look after their households and stock and that full and plenty would be theirs in the year ahead. Later the custom of sprinkling the cross with holy water and invoking the following blessing began:

“May the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and St. Brigid bless this cross and all who look upon it.”

People ask her blessing on themselves, their families, and their work. They use her name in prayer.

𝔽ℝ𝔼𝔼 HALF TERM EVENT @ 🅽🅸 🆂🅲🅸🅴🅽🅲🅴 🅵🅴🆂🆃🅸🆅🅰🅻

🐟🐡𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒🐟🐡

WHEN: Thursday 15th February 2pm

WHERE: Portrush Yacht Club 

Join us for a family-friendly workshop hosted by celebrity chef Paula McIntyre MBE, who will show you how to choose, prepare and cook delicious meals, using fresh local fish. 

Hear from local scientists about the health benefits of eating fish, improving environmental sustainability and supporting the fishing industry in Northern Ireland

Book tickets online https://nisciencefestival.com/events/fish-for-families

If you would like more information please contact Dr. Maria Mulhern  m.mulhern@ulster.ac.uk

📢𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝟕 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 📢

✔️Post primary applications are now open for September 2024 via EA Connect!

✔️Applications are open until 22 February and are not considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

✔️ Please ensure you read the published admissions criteria for the schools you are considering.

📌 To begin an application, please visit https://ow.ly/sOaV50Qo6BU

✔️If your child is undergoing statutory assessment, you will need to apply for a place through the general admissions process.

✔️If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs, further information is available at https://ow.ly/BL2Q50Qvkj1

For more information and guidance on the application process, visit https://ow.ly/OTA150Qo6BV

If you need any assistance completing your online application please contact the office ☎02870833010

#EAadmissions #BigSchool

GENTLE REMINDER (Infection Control)

Please follow PHA Guidance and ensure that children who have a stomach bug DO NOT come to school until 48 hours has passed since their last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.

Many thanks.

Our PTA have organised a quiz night in Portstewart Golf Club on Friday, 16th February at  8.00pm.

Arrive 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm start. £3.00 per head, maximum of 6 adults per team. Form your own team or members of PTA will be on hand to organise teams should you wish to join another group.

This should be a great night and a chance for the adults to have a fun night out while raising much appreciated PTA funds.

There will also be a raffle on the night.  We are collecting donations for of raffle prizes. Perhaps you know a business who would like to donate a prize? Please drop off raffle prizes at the office by Friday 9th February.

Many thanks for your continued support.

PRIMARY 1 APPLICATIONS

The EA Connect portal has now closed for Primary 1 applications for September 2024.  

You can still submit a late application via the following link...  https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/primary-admissions-guide#how-do-i-apply

The deadline for late applications to be submitted is not later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 31 January 2024.    

A paper application form is also available on request (including Irish Language version) from the EA Admissions Office and must be returned no later than 4.00 pm on 31 January 2024.

Admissions Helpdesk

Email:                  primaryadmissions@eani.org.uk

Tel:                      028 9598 5595

If you still need to apply after 4pm on 31 January 2024 you will be able to apply after the Admissions procedure closes on 25 April 2024.

Further information will be available at that time.

Next weeks menu, from Monday 29th January.😋

Please book lunches online through our SchoolMoney system. School lunches should be booked by 11pm the previous evening.