It's Children's Mental Health week and every day this week Libraries NI will have a special Storytime.

Follow the link for a new story each day ...  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMtCSpFst-K09mfiPOZ62hWmiYgNRv9LP

#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek

PLEASE NOTE - DATE CHANGE

Our next Cash for Clobber Collection is next Wednesday, 23rd February.

Arrangements are a little different this year and we would ask that bags of clean, unwanted textiles are brought to school on Wednesday at drop off time (before 9:15am) and passed ‘over the wall’ to staff for storage in our Car Park until collection time. Please observe social distancing guidelines.

What can you put in the bag??

• All types of clothing (even with holes/tears/missing buttons etc!)
• Bags and shoes (please tie shoes together with laces)
• Hats and belts
• Towels and curtains
• Bed linen (sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers)

** Remember NO QUILTS or PILLOWS and all items must be clean.**

Many thanks for your continued support.

Lunch menu for next week, from Monday 7th February.

Please book 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.

Our next Cash for Clobber Collection is next Wednesday, 9th February.

Arrangements are a little different this year and we would ask that bags of clean, unwanted textiles are brought to school on Wednesday at drop off time (before 9:15am) and passed ‘over the wall’ to staff for storage in our Car Park until collection time. Please observe social distancing guidelines.

What can you put in the bag??

• All types of clothing (even with holes/tears/missing buttons etc!)
• Bags and shoes (please tie shoes together with laces)
• Hats and belts
• Towels and curtains
• Bed linen (sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers)

** Remember NO QUILTS or PILLOWS and all items must be clean.**

Many thanks for your continued support.

REMINDER TO ALL PARENTS AND CARERS

Please remember to avoid parking on the school entrance markings and pavements, allowing pupils and parents a clear view to cross the road safely.

Reduce congestion in front of the school by using Convention Avenue Car Park(beside the fire station) and 'striding' the short distance to school. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Please share with childminders and carers who may be collecting or dropping off.

Many thanks for your support.🚶

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.

Online applications for Post Primary schools will open at 12noon tomorrow, Tuesday 1 February 2022 and will close at 4pm on Wednesday 23 February 2022. 

Please see the key information leaflet ‘Applying for a post-primary school place’.

Places are NOT allocated on a first come, first served basis. Post-Primary Schools WILL NOT consider applications until after the closing date.

It is important that you:

• Find schools in your area.

• Read the Admissions Criteria.

• Check what supporting documentation is required to be uploaded with your application

• List at least four preferences on your application.  

• Check whether transport assistance will be available for your child. Transport Eligibility Checker

Further info ... https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/post-primary-admissions-guide#applying-for-a-post-primary-school-place

Lunch menu for next week, from Monday 31sth January.

Please book 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.

It's the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend!

Why not pick a spot and see which of our feathered friends visit your garden? See the poster below for how to join in. We'd love to see and hear what you see too.

Send us photos, videos or drawings to our Facebook page @stcolums or email to stcolumsoffice186@c2kni.net

See the video of how to take part at https://youtu.be/ghIx27M_I1g

Have fun!

As Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, we are asked to think about how we live life to the full and face the future. The COVID-19 pandemic brought so many changes and challenges to our lives. As we reflect on this, we look forward with hope to the future. While we have come through these dark days, through Jesus’ death and resurrection we are reminded that even the darkest days give way to the dawn. Together, as a community that is kind and cares for each other, we look to the future with the hope and the joy of the resurrection.

Lord, help us to live like you taught us to.