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December
It would be difficult to argue against Christmas being the most special time of the year in a Primary school. Yes, there is a lot of very hard work in preparing Nativity plays and carol concerts, but every bit is worth it when we see the joy on both the children's and parents' faces. Once again, all the girls and boys have shone in their performances, as well as providing a welcome opportunity for all those watching to pause in their otherwise hectic schedules.
Keep an eye on the class pages for some photos from the Primary 1, 2 and 3 Nativity Plays. The Primary 4 to 7 classes once again provided a wonderful Christmas Concert in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 13 December; an estimated audience of 600, no less! Special thanks must go to not only the children for their hard work and commitment, but also to all the staff who planned and organised the music and drama.
A retiring collection took place at all the performances, in aid of the Dean's 'Black Santa' Appeal at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. The school was very proud in being able to present the Dean with £1320 - our thanks to all those who contributed!
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Handing over the cheque to Dean McKelvey |
As the term draws to a close, it just remains for all of us to wish our whole school community a wonderfully happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful new year.
See you in 2008!
And remember...
Term starts on Thursday, 3 January 2008
More exciting news came towards the end of January, when we discovered that the school was oversubscribed with Nursery and Primary 1 applications for September 2008 entry. For a 'Controlled Sector' school in Belfast, this is unusual, if not unique; it confirms Stranmillis' popularity, not just within the immediate vicinity of the school, but within the wider reaches of South and South-East Belfast. We spend a lot of time in late December and throughout January showing prospective parents around the school; undoubtedly, the number of applications reflect this as time well spent. Thanks must go to all the staff and children for, not only helping ensure the school looks great, but also welcoming visitors enthusiastically. We're really proud of our school; the atmosphere is always warm and friendly, always genuine and always full of energy. There are no 'open days' at Stranmillis - every day is a day to be proud of; every day, a day when there is a sense of achievement. Visitors witness 'real learning' in real classrooms and seem to enjoy that experience. We also believe that our very important visitor in February felt exactly the same - read more, above!
A view from the top of the world...
Dr Nigel Hart, a member of the 2007 Caudwell Xtreme Everest expedition, came into school to speak to all the children about his experience of climbing the world's highest mountain. Nigel's talks were received with a mixture of excitement and awe - he could still be answering questions! Now, having a special assembly guest is always a treat, but on this occasion even more so, as Nigel is also a parent of three Stranmillis pupils. So, we couldn't just let his amazing achievement go unnoticed and unreported. The teamwork, the organisation, the science, the physical and mental challenges were all part of the experience, but actually reaching the summit and returning safely, while carrying out the principal scientific aims of the expedition, mean that the team's goals were all met. Our congratulations to everyone; we look forward to Nigel's return to speak to the Primary 7 pupils in a little more scientific detail!
In the meantime, reproduced with kind permission from the expedition, here's a view very few people on the planet can claim to have had for real!
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Nigel at the summit |
View from the summit, back down the 'Hillary Step' |
Parents Pilot Project
Click on the 'Tuesday Notes' page to find out more - please!
A frosty beginning to the new year, saw the school closed on Friday, 4 January 2008; not too disrupting to the children, though, as they'd have much more fun in the snow than in school looking out the window and wishing they were outside! Staff, too, were saved the worry of driving in dangerous conditions and wondering if they'd make it home. Let's hope everyone makes it in on Monday, safe and sound, and looking forward to the term ahead.
Don't forget, all Nursery and Primary 1 applications for September 2008 entry must be in school by Wednesday, 23 January 2008. And,very importantly, if your child is currently in Nursery, you still need to apply for a Primary 1 place. If you or any friends / neighbours require any information about the entrance criteria or the school in general, or wish to have a look around, please contact the Principal, Ralph Magee, to make an appointment. The Prospectus and Admissions Criteria are also available on the website - navigate to the relevant page from the menu on the left ('Our Prospectus' page).
December
It would be difficult to argue against Christmas being the most special time of the year in a Primary school. Yes, there is a lot of very hard work in preparing Nativity plays and carol concerts, but every bit is worth it when we see the joy on both the children's and parents' faces. Once again, all the girls and boys have shone in their performances, as well as providing a welcome opportunity for all those watching to pause in their otherwise hectic schedules.
Keep an eye on the class pages for some photos from the Primary 1, 2 and 3 Nativity Plays. The Primary 4 to 7 classes once again provided a wonderful Christmas Concert in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 13 December; an estimated audience of 600, no less! Special thanks must go to not only the children for their hard work and commitment, but also to all the staff who planned and organised the music and drama.
A retiring collection took place at all the performances, in aid of the Dean's 'Black Santa' Appeal at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. The school was very proud in being able to present the Dean with £1320 - our thanks to all those who contributed!
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Handing over the cheque to Dean McKelvey |
As the term draws to a close, it just remains for all of us to wish our whole school community a wonderfully happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful new year.
See you in 2008!
And remember...
Term starts on Thursday, 3 January 2008
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You didn't think they'd forget me, did you? |
November
Hopefully, this month sees everyone looking forward to the festive season, but we do have a little Hallowe'en news to report first of all.
Our annual Hallowe'en Day took the form of fun and games for all the children during school - made even more enjoyable by the wonderful array of fancy dress costumes. Congratulations to all those who took part and dressed for it - children and teachers! The climax of the day was a short fireworks display in the playground, enjoyed by quite a crowd from the local neighbourhood, as well as those children and parents who managed to get tickets.
Our sincere thanks go to all the staff for organising the classroom activities, the PTA for supplying prizes and treats, as well as the evening tuck shop, adult refreshments and, of course, the fireworks. But a special thank you must go to the dad who sponsored the entire event. His generosity saved the PTA a significant sum and allowed all the profits from the recent quiz to go straight to the bank!
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Some of the fancy dress prize winners - and some people with odd-shaped heads... |
For our Primary 7 children, the final hurdle has almost been reached; the Transfer Tests in November signal the end of a long road of really hard work. In many ways, the tests are the culmination of more than six years learning, from the earliest experiences of reading, to the recent intensive revision programme the school provides during the first weeks of Primary 7.
We wish all the children the very best for the second test on 23 November - and then it's time for some Christmas fun!
Diary Dates
There will be more notes coming home about Christmas arranngements in the coming weeks, but just to let you know in the meantime. All the Nativity Plays are in the Assembly Hall and begin at 10.00 am - all welcome!
P1, Tuesday, 18 December
P2, Wednesday, 19 December
P3, Friday, 14 December
The P4-7 Christmas Concert will be held in Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Chlorine Gardens, on Thursday, 13 December, beginning at 7.00 pm.
October
When an Inspector rings, it's sometimes a signal for a sharp intake of breath and a rising sense of apprehension. However, at the start of term, we were invited to host a visit of German educationalists to Scotland and N. Ireland, which, given our international dimension, we were delighted to accept. A Senior Inspector, a Primary Principal and a Curriculum Advisor visited the school on Monday, 1 October. They were introduced to work on self-evaluation, standards and diversity and enjoyed their tour of the classes. As ever, both the staff and children were very welcoming. Even the Primary 1 children, in for their first full day, were introduced. However, the joys of visiting the school dinner hall for the first time seemed to have a slightly higher priority... When an Inspector rings, it's sometimes a signal for a sharp intake of breath and a rising sense of apprehension. However, at the start of term, we were invited to host a visit of German educationalists to Scotland and N. Ireland, which, given our international dimension, we were delighted to accept. A Senior Inspector, a Primary Principal and a Curriculum Advisor visited the school on Monday, 1 October. They were introduced to work on self-evaluation, standards and diversity and enjoyed their tour of the classes. As ever, both the staff and children were very welcoming. Even the Primary 1 children, in for their first full day, were introduced. However, the joys of visiting the school dinner hall for the first time seemed to have a slightly higher priority...
When an Inspector rings, it's sometimes a signal for a sharp intake of breath and a rising sense of apprehension. However, at the start of term, we were invited to host a visit of German educationalists to Scotland and N. Ireland, which, given our international dimension, we were delighted to accept. A Senior Inspector, a Primary Principal and a Curriculum Advisor visited the school on Monday, 1 October. They were introduced to work on self-evaluation, standards and diversity and enjoyed their tour of the classes. As ever, both the staff and children were very welcoming. Even the Primary 1 children, in for their first full day, were introduced. However, the joys of visiting the school dinner hall for the first time seemed to have a slightly higher priority... When an Inspector rings, it's sometimes a signal for a sharp intake of breath and a rising sense of apprehension. However, at the start of term, we were invited to host a visit of German educationalists to Scotland and N. Ireland, which, given our international dimension, we were delighted to accept. A Senior Inspector, a Primary Principal and a Curriculum Advisor visited the school on Monday, 1 October. They were introduced to work on self-evaluation, standards and diversity and enjoyed their tour of the classes. As ever, both the staff and children were very welcoming. Even the Primary 1 children, in for their first full day, were introduced. However, the joys of visiting the school dinner hall for the first time seemed to have a slightly higher priority...
On your bike...
Tuesday, 2 October, should have seen the circulation of a flier advertising the Stranmillis Parents' Cycling Group. Please take time to consider the merits of joining such a group - exercise, a bit of craic, lovely views, the rush of wind through your hair, the really worthwhile exercise of pedalling uphill and relief at discovering that for every up there really is a down, and the pleasantly surprising realisation that lycra is comfortable, at least on a bike. Sunday, 14 October sees the group return to the beautiful, rolling Co. Down countryside around Comber and Killinchy. Twenty miles is so much easier when you're not on your own - go on, at least consider it! If you'd like to find out more, email Alastair Clarke on alastair.clarke3@btopenworld.com - he'll be more than happy to give you any information /encouragement you need!
Great North Run
Three of our parents completed the famous Great North Run in Newcastle recently. They raised the fantastic sum of £2300 for Cancer Research, with the help of Stranmillis parents and the school. They wish to pass on their thanks to all those who sponsored them; we wish to pass on our congratulations!
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Was all the training worth it? Of course it was! |
Our International Community
Our international identity has already been mentioned above. Recently, we asked all our parents to send us information on the language spoken at home (by themselves and their children), together with the children's and parents' countries of birth. The results reflect the truly international and diverse nature of our school:
20 different home languages (including English)
34 different countries of birth (including the nations that make up the UK)
The results surprised even us; we thought you would appreciate knowing them, too!
When the school received its International School Award in London recently, George Alagiah, of the BBC News, presented it. He made some very interesting remarks about diversity, one of which is particularly relevant to our ethos. To paraphrase:
'It doesn't matter who you are, it's what you do that counts...'
Indeed...
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Receiving our International School Award certificate in London - and a very heavy paperweight, which just about fitted into the hand luggage... |
Panto Time?
Christmas comes early in Primary schools, so in order to avoid clashes with our own events, we decided to have a panto in school in October! As far as the girls and boys were concerned, of course, it was just great fun. M & M Productions are based in Ayrshire and perform all over the UK; we're glad that they have added Stranmillis to their schedule. We were treated to two performances of 'The Sleeping Beauty', with a few modern links, songs and characters thrown in. Tell us more, Crazy Frog!
September
Welcome to a new school year. Our first impressions are as we left at the end of June; of a happy, buzzing playground, with a warm and friendly atmosphere - just as we all like it at Stranmillis!
The purpose of this news page is to notify you of any important events happening in school during the year, which we hope you find useful. Take note of all the other pages, too, particularly the class pages, for finding general information about our school and all that we offer. Last year's news has now been archived, so you can view both current and past events.
School faces two important challenges this year; the introduction of the N. Ireland Revised Curriculum in Primaries 1 and 5 and the expansion of the Linguistic Phonics Programme into the P4 - 7 classes. Linguistic phonics proved to be a major success in the P1 - 3 classes last year; teachers are genuinely impressed and enthusiastic about its contribution to spelling and independent writing. By way of support for both the teachers and parents as they embark on this programme, the staff received Belfast Board training at the end of August and we organised a parents' evening on Tuesday, 18 September 2007, with over sixty parents attending. It is always gratifying to witness our parents' genuine interest in the work going on at the school, especially that which involves some fresh, perhaps even new ideas.
As far as the Revised Curriculum is concerned, Stranmillis is well-prepared; there is a totally committed and professional staff who are continuing to take an active role in school-based action research projects, in association with CCEA, the curriculum authority. In short, we are ready and willing to embrace the very positive principles embedded in the curriculum, as well as tailor it gradually to meet the particular needs and aspirations of our school community. But this curriculum allows for flexibility, for creativity and for an increased variety of positive learning experiences for the children. That has to be a good thing. We will endeavour to introduce elements into all our year groups, as and when relevant. We are very strongly of the opinion that revised strategies, approaches or content cannot be delivered to just P1 and P5 in isolation; our school is a team and we will all be working together to manage the challenges that lie ahead. All parents are urged to attend the year group Curriculum Evenings, which will all incorporate a short presentation on the Revised Curriculum and its introduction in Stranmillis. Dates will be posted on the class pages of the website during the coming weeks, along with other important reminders about your child's year ahead.
In case you've mislaid the introductory letter sent on Tuesday, 4 September, click here for a reminder.
Now it's time to usher in the new year with our very special friend. After his adoption as a school mascot by the School Council in 2007, Hoppy has arrived - in person! He's already in the foyer, after meeting all the boys and girls at a special assembly on Wednesday, and he's ready to go to work. His job is simple. It's to smile and help; to provide the children with a happy face and positive reminders of how we can all work together to make our school the best it can be. Happy, contented children learn; unhappy children may not. We promise to do our very best to ensure a happy learning environment, with respect and positive relationships always to the fore. The best planned curriculum will go nowhere if the atmosphere isn't right. We already have a very happy school; Hoppy is here to make sure we continue to have one.
If you're in school, take a moment to say hello - he's very difficult to avoid!
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Hoppy arrives at our first school Assembly of the new year - he's very welcome and happy to be here, as you can see! |
Now, obviously Hoppy is big in our school news for this month, but we have another very important announcement. In July, the British Council awarded us, for the second time, the:
This award is presented to schools in recognition of their work within an international dimension and Stranmillis was commended on the variety of activities in its portfolio. The award has a duration of three years and is based on a fresh application each time. All who know the school realise the truly international nature of our school community. This award underwrites what we hope will continue to be one of our real strengths. Our congratulations go to all the staff and pupils who worked so hard to ensure the quality of our application.
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