As we move into October all our clubs and societies are up and running and we have a packed programme of activities for our children to enjoy after school.

                                                                      

 

At the start of September we welcomed 450 children into school, around 100 of whom were new starts, joing us at nursery and P1. We aslo welcomed twelve new children who came to us from other schools. We hope all of them will be happy in our school and challenged and stimulated by the Stranmillis experience!

 

Throughout September teachers held a series of 'Curriculum Evenings' to give parents a glimpse into what they can expect the coming year to hold for their children. We have found this a very valuable way of keeping parents informed and up to date, especially as the Primary Curriculum 2007 continues to roll out. These meetings continue into the second week of October.

 

 

Lift Off is a selection of educational resources designed for use in the Primary school to promote human rights and positive relationships.  Stranmillis has been invloved throughout the materials' development, beginning way back in 2002 as one of the pilot schools.  The materials are sponsored by cross-border bodies and Amnesty International, and have proved very popular in many schools.  We were asked to take part in the oficial launch of the booklets at Stranmillis College, Belfast, on 20 February 2008.  As our youngest pupils, in Primaries 1 - 3, have been working with the materials most recently, we thought it only right to bring a selection of them to the launch.  They had to stand in front of a largely adult audience and deliver their 'powerpoint presentation' - no mean feat for 4 - 6-year-olds!  They did themselves and their school proud.

 

Nigel Hart came back to visit us again, this time to speak to the Prmary 1 - 3 children in assembly.  Although he brought some of his mountaineering gear with him again, we thought he was particularly smartly dressed in his suit.  Hence, the 'half and half' picture below...  And in this picture, his face isn't concealed by his goggles and oxygen mask (see below).

 

Friday, 8 February 2008 will forever be marked as a special day in the history of Stranmillis Primary.  We were privileged to host a visit by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and her husband, Martin.  During her visit, the President managed to make time for every child in the school.  She visited all the P1 - 3 classrooms, as well as taking part in two human rights-centred lessons in Mrs Kelly's and Mrs Moore's P1 and P2 classes.  She was also treated to wonderful singing from the P4 - 7 children, before addressing them in Assembly.  While chatting to members of the School Council, the President was asked what her favourite part of her job was.  She remarked that visiting schools gave her particular pleasure because it allowed her to look at the future - a sentiment that was very clearly demonstrated in her commitment to meeting and talking to the children.  She really couldn't be rushed!  

January

 

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!

 

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).