September 2014 Information Sheet
Dear Parent,
We would like to welcome everyone back to Drumhillery for the new school
year and trust parents and pupils alike had a very enjoyable break. We would
offer a special word of welcome to our new P1s who begin what we hope will
be a rewarding and fulfilling educational journey in the years ahead.
Staffing
Our staffing compliment is as follows:
Class
Teacher
P1-2
Mrs Boyd (Mon-Wed), Miss Moffett (Thu-Fri).
P3
Miss Rodgers (Mon-Tue), Mrs McMullan (Wed-Fri).
P4
Mrs Johnston.
P5-7
Mrs Redpath (Mon-Tue), Mr Campbell (Wed-Fri).
School Holidays
I have enclosed our School Holidays List for 2014-15. Please keep this in a
safe place. I would draw your attention to the Staff Development Day on 22
September 2014, arranged to accommodate Staff Training.
Our School Day
Please note that no children should be in school before 8:45am, unless
attending Breakfast Club which commences at 8:15pm. We would encourage
as many children as possible to attend Breakfast Club, which remains as
popular as ever. After School Club also continues to be very successful and
runs from 2:25-3:25pm for P1-3. Those P1-3 children not attending After
School Club go home at 2:25pm.
We would also ask that all children enter the school each morning through
the side door outside Mrs. Boyd’s room. The main entrance will be for staff
and visitors.
School Fund
School Fund money continues to be £10 per family per term (£30 per year).
This can be paid in full at the start of the year or in three termly installments
of £10. It would be appreciated if this could be forwarded to the school during
the first week back. We very much appreciate the continued support of all
parents and wish to assure you that all the money will be used to purchase
much needed resources for our school.
Photographs
Photographs and videos are taken at school and used for a number of
purposes. These include our website, classroom displays and promotion of
the school within our community. We also plan to invite local newspapers to
photograph certain school events and activities. If you do not wish your child
to be in any of our school photographs please inform me in writing by Friday
12 September 2014.
Music
Please note that violin lessons commence on Friday 5 September and piano
on Tuesday 9 September. There are still some violin places left should you
wish to register your interest. Please contact the school early in the new term
if you wish to discuss this further. Alternatively Mrs Moore (SELB Tutor) will
be happy to speak to you on Friday 5th September.
After School Clubs
After School Clubs will commence week beginning 22 September. We are
still finalising the list of activities on offer to the children and you will be
informed in due time.
Uniform
All items of uniform, including our Drumhillery school bags, ‘beanie’ hats and
reversible fleece jackets are available at Lila’s in Armagh. Standard navy
shorts or navy jogging bottoms and our green polo shirt should be worn
during PE . Plimsolls should also be worn for indoor PE though trainers may
be used outside. Black shoes should always be worn with school trousers or
skirts.
Please note that any other tracksuit bottoms such as Nike, Adidas etc are
not permitted in school, either as part of our everyday uniform or the PE kit.
Running Record Assessments
Teachers will be carrying out Running Record Assessments during the first
couple of weeks in September and for this reason your child may not receive
a reading book immediately upon returning to school. These assessments
are crucial in assisting the teachers to gauge the reading level of each child
and planning for the year ahead. We appreciate your cooperation in this
respect.
Free School Meals/Uniform/PE Clothing
It is customary at this time of year to remind parents to check their
entitlement to Free School Meals and School Uniform support. This is
possible if you meet certain criteria laid down by the SELB. If you wish to
enquire about this phone the SELB Benefits Section on (028) 37 512200.
We would again encourage as many children as possible to partake of school
dinners in Drumhillery. Our cooks Eilish and Linda continue to provide meals
of the highest quality and often go well beyond the call of duty in the service
they provide for the children. Please note that the price of school meals is
£2.20 per day. Please also ensure that the correct amount for the week is
sent to school each Monday morning, clearly labelled with your child’s name
and class.
School Milk
As stated last term we have decided not to continue with the school milk
scheme, due to limited interest.
Hockey
P5-7 hockey commences with Christine Russell (Armagh Hockey Club) on
Wednesday 10 September, at a cost of £1 per week. The children may
bring their own sticks or borrow from the school. We also encourage the
children to wear gum shields.
Finally…
My apologies for the lengthy nature of this correspondence! Inevitably at this
time of year it is important that everyone has the necessary information. We
are greatly looking forward to the coming year and as always deeply
appreciate the unique support provided by Drumhillery parents. We anticipate
this will continue as we work together to ensure a richly rewarding and
beneficial educational experience for the children.
Dates For Your Diary
5 September
Ulster Gazette photographer (P1 photos – Full School
Uniform not required)
10 September
P5-7 Hockey Commences
16 September
IFA Girls Football Roadshow (Newry Showgrounds)
22 September
SCHOOL HOLIDAY (Staff Development Day)
Yours sincerely,
K D Campbell
PRINCIPAL.