ST PATRICK’S AND ST JOSEPH’S
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Annual School Report
2015/2016
The Board of Governors June 16
End of Term of Office
(Expected Date)
Representing the Trustees:
Mr M Florida-James (Chairman)June 2018
Rev Fr B Brady (currently vacant)June 2018
Mrs A M McKennaJune 2018
Mrs B A O’KaneJune 2018
Representing the NEELB:
Mrs T TaggartJune 2018
Mrs D McBrideJune 2018
Representing DENI
Mr S McKeownJune 2018
Representing the Teachers
Mrs C BallJune 2018
Representing the Parents
Mrs D BradleyJune 2018
Secretary and Principal (non-voting)
Mr A Rafferty
The Board of Governors has overall responsibility for the effective management of the school and is responsible in the areas of –
The Employment of Teachers / The Admission of pupilsThe Curriculum / School Discipline
School Finance / School Premises
Contact with Parents / Special Educational Needs
The Governors met on three occasions during the year.
The Curriculum
Although the Governors are responsible for determining what is taught in school, the organisation of this is the responsibility of the Principal and Staff.
Through the School Development Plan areas of the Curriculum are prioritised and developed. Below were the priorities for the Curriculum in 2015/16
NUMERACY
/ Subject foci1. To make effective use of all available data.
(a)To continue to analyse the results of PIM/Non-verbal reasoning FS data to identify areas for class/school improvement
(b)To continue to analyse NRIT to identify children’s potential and identify children’s underachievement in Numeracy
2. To ensure staff become familiar with levels for progression for ‘Using mathematics’ and these are embedded in practice.
3. To ensure pupils have experience of challenging and open ended group problem solving tasks using the Izak 9 cubes
4. To update Scheme of Work for Number and Non-Number.
5. To update numeracy policy and develop a joint policy for Literacy and Numeracy in line with requirements of DE Policy Count Read: Succeed
6. To ensure that all pupils from P3 to P7 have the opportunity to use Alta Maths weekly in school/ to raise standards in Shape and Space throughout the school.
7. To make better use of end of term Numeracy assessments.
8. To ensure that all teachers use the playground markings when appropriate during lessons.
LITERACY / Subject foci
1. Teachers to have improved confidence in their planning and teaching regarding extended writing.
2. To have a final and approved Joint Literacy and Numeracy policy for our school.
3. To finalise our Literacy scheme in terms of content appropriate for/ in line with our school.
4. To keep all pupils enthused in reading by keeping the same target for the whole of the half term period.
SPECIAL
NEEDS / Subject foci
To update the school’s SEN register
To update blue SEN files and remind teachers and classroom assistants of their content
To test new SEN pupils.
To monitor the progress of interventions in place for all SEN pupils
To write, monitor and review the targets for two IEPs during the school year
To consult with E.P. regarding referrals
To consult with outside agencies regarding the needs of our SEN pupils
To continue staff CPD in line with the needs of the school
To attend training provided to all mainstream schools by the MASTS service
To work in collaboration with the Literacy coordinator to promote ideas learnt at the ‘Literacy Project’ course
ASSESSMENT FOR
LEARNING / Subject foci
1. To provide SIMS training for all teachers.
2. To encourage all teachers to use SIMS to access results, track children’s progress and set targets within the class.
3. To have focused termly assessments on Literacy or Numeracy.
4. To analyse date from CAT test and compare with NRIT
5. To implement a ‘Learning Objectives’ page for each subject area at the beginning of a topic for Numeracy and Literacy.
P.D.M.U. / Subject foci
The School Council will organise a whole school event to raise money for Charis.
Classes will choose two new representatives for the School Council 2016.
Each teacher will keep a P.D.M.U. scrap book. They will use the scrap book to show evidence of the P.D.M.U. lessons taught.
Carry out a P.D.M.U audit
Focus on monitoring and evaluating the teaching of P.D.M.U in all classes through teacher/class observation.
THE WORLD AROUND US / Subject foci
Purchase books, resources and websites to support each class in teaching technology.
Each teacher will receive a simple table showing the seasonal change relating to each of their animals, trees and birds. This will make it easier to refer to throughout the year.
ICT / Subject foci
SMART poster to be distributed to all classes and teacher to discuss with class.
CO-SCHOOLS Plan for Music
Continue links to other schools via video conferencing
Laptops 1-10 to be used where possible and children to be taught how to access other laptops
Teachers from 3-7 to choose tasks for their class and email to S.Duggan
Manage school website
School on Facebook/Twitter
Primary 7 pupils to take part in coding programme with ‘Code Club’
MUSIC / To approach staff, parents and members of the local community in order to have volunteers to teach any instrument as extra-curricular classes.
To enter the school choir into a national choir competition.
P.E. / To further develop skills by introducing a netball to the children.
Each key stage will learn one Irish dance through P.E.
F.S. – Walls of Limerick
KS1 – Waves of Tory
KS2 – Siege of Ennis
PLAY
/ To enhance the outside play facilities by purchasing new equipment.Refurbishing the play shelter area.
ECO-SCHOOLS
/ To implement strategies to reduce energy usage on both sites.To ensure water butt is used on Top site.
To refurbish both ponds.
Compost bins to be used only between Halloween and Easter.
To maintain school grounds on Top site.
EXTRA
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES / To maintain our provision of extra-curricular activities
PARENTS/
COMMUNITY / -To involve pupils in shopping activities during ‘maths week’ in the Glenullin Costcutter shop
-Request parental support for monitoring of Alta Maths
BUILDING
GROUNDS / - To provide additional play structures in the Glenullin site
SCHOOL REVIEW
Transfer to Post Primary
26 pupils transferred to post primary
11 children went to Loreto College, Coleraine
10 children went to St Patrick’s College, Maghera
5 children went to St Paul’s College, Kilrea
ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR THE SECURITY OF PUPILS, STAFF & SCHOOL PREMISES
Both school sites are bounded by security fencing and vehicle and pedestrian access gates. A CCTV system operates at both sites with coverage of all site access points and a buzzer system is installed at the main door entrances to both of the schools.
A review of security was carried out by Property Services, NEELB in February 2014. The subsequent report detailed that both sites have no identified significant threats to security, however it was suggested that if additional measures were felt to be required these could include;
- Locking the front gates and providing signage which would direct visitors to ring the school to gain access.
- Keeping the mobile classroom doors locked during the day.
- Pupils adopting a ‘Buddy System’ when moving between mobiles and main buildings.
ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION AND DISABLED PUPILS
The school has a senior teacher who acts as SENCo and Special Needs Teacher and works three days a week. She is in charge of referrals to educational psychology and liaising with Special Education, Educational Psychology, LTS, Medical, Speech and Language personnel and a host of other agencies.
Teaching space for withdrawal groups is limited though the school has provided a small room on each site. Other areas which are used are the staff rooms, the principal’s office in the Tirkeeran site and the ICT suite in the Glenullin site.
There is disabled access (to accommodate wheelchairs) to the main buildings and to the mobile classrooms on both sites. There is currently no ramp leading to the ‘play’ mobile at the Tirkeeran site.
To date the school has never been unable to offer access to any pupil based on their special educational need or disability.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As well as Religious Education being taught in the classroom,the children have on occasions the opportunity to attend Mass in the school and the chapel.
A sacramental meeting took place for the P4 and the P7 parents.
The P7 children were prepared for Confirmation which took placeon Saturday 23 April.
The P4 children had their First Confession, on Tuesday 22 March, and First Holy Communion which took place on Saturday 14 May.
A special Leavers’ Mass took place on Tuesday 28 June.
CHARITIES
During the year cheques were presented to a number of charities through various fundraising activities.
Hallowe’en dressing up / £182.50 / to Charis Cancer CareChristmas Concert / £1,500.00 / to Concern
Let’s Read / £275.50 / to Trocaire
Let’s Wear Green / £79.95 / to Trocaire
Easter Egg Draw / £194.00 / to Trocaire
Easter Egg Draw / £194.00 / to Dominican Generalate Missions
P7 Junior Enterprise / £26.00 / to Trocaire
Maths Challenge / £86.00 / to Children in Crossfire
Bring & Buy / £400.10 / to St Patrick’s Missionaries
£2,938.05
92 Shoeboxes were donated by the children for the ‘Road of Hope’ appeal.
PARENTAL CONTACT &PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Contact was maintained with parents via the eight Information sheets sent throughout the year.
Meetings were held to discuss:
Children’s progress (Parent/Teachers’ Meeting)
Paired Reading
Induction for New Parents/children
The Parents’ Association organised two events during the year.
Date / Income / Expenditure / BalanceOpening balance / 000.00
Christmas Fun Day / Dec 15 / 1972.66 / 1972.66
Sponsored Walk / June 16 / 1247.00 / 3219.66
Willow Tunnel in Glenullin site / April 16 / 1950.00 / 1269.66
Books, Resources & After Schools / 15/16 year / 1296.66 / 000.00
Closing Balance / 000.00
*A sincere thanks is due to all for this significant amount of money raised.
AWARDS AND EVENTS
The school took part in a number of events and challenges throughout the year including:
- Heartstart – the P7 class took part in CPR training
- Primary Science and Technology Challenge – four P7 pupils
- K’Nex Challenge – Three P7 pupils
- Sentinus Mini Enterprise Award – All P7 pupils
- Cycling Proficiency – All P7 pupils
- Swimming Awards – All P7 pupils
- Swimming Gala in Ballymoney Leisure Centre - four P7 pupils
- RADAR – All P7 pupils
- Choral Speaking in Belfast – P7 pupils
- Hit the Surf – All P7 pupils
- Garvagh Forest – All P5 pupils
- The Ulster Final of Cumann ná BunscoilQuiz in Letterkenny – four P7 pupils
- P7 pupils took part in physical activities over three days at Woodhall, Kilrea
- The school participated in KS1 Football Skills, All Boys Gaelic, St Patrick’s Maghera 9-a-side and the 9-a-side North Derry Football Blitz
- The camogie team participated in the North Derry Camogie Championship at Owenbegand in the Ulster Indoor Championship.
- In addition to our seven monthly Whole School Assemblies we had our annual Christmas show. The P1 class performed ‘The Wriggly Nativity’P2 &3 performed ‘Away with the Manger’ P4 & 5 performed ‘A Christmas Carol’ and P6 & 7 performed ‘Oliver and Annie Go Back to the Future’.
- A Carol Service was held in Garvagh Nursing Home
- P7 pupils took part in the Environmental Youth Speak 2016 public speaking competition.
- We celebrated World Book Day, World Maths Day and World Science Day.
- The ‘Water Bus’ visited the Glenullin site
- Financial Awareness Week involved pupils visiting the Glenullin Costcutter shop
- Representatives from Tesco, Coleraine brought a selection of fruit for the P1, 2 & 3 classes to sample as part of their ‘Eat Happy’ project
- P4, 5, 6 & 7 visited the Tesco store in Coleraine
- Annual Sports’ Day
STAFFING
Staffing is largely dependent upon the number of children enrolled in the school.
183children were enrolled in the 2015/2016 academic year.
The teaching complement for this year was the Principal and nine teachers.
Primary 1 / Mrs S McGillMrs A Culleton (General Assistant – Special Needs)
Mrs B Walker (Classroom Assistant – Special Needs)
Primary 2 / Mrs L Heron
Mrs J Kirk (Classroom Assistant)
Primary 3 / Mrs A Bradley
Primary 4 / Mrs K Feeney / Miss M Bradley (2 days)
Mrs M Bradley (Classroom Assistant – Special Needs)
Primary 5 / Mrs C McCloy
Mrs C Bradley (Classroom Assistant)
Primary 6 / Mrs C Ball
Mrs M Comer (Classroom Assistant – Sp Needs)
Primary 7 / Mr A Rafferty (Principal)
Miss S Duggan (Principal Relief)
Mrs S McAtamney (General Assistant – Sp Needs)
SENCO / Mrs S McKeown (3 days per week)
Caretakers / Mrs F McKinney
Ms M Thomson
Cleaners / Mrs K McBride
Secretary / Mrs A Bradley
Supervisory Assistants / Mrs A Bradley
Mrs C Bradley
Mrs M Comer
Mrs F McKinney / Mrs A Bradley
Mrs M Bradley
Mrs S McAtamney
Mrs B Walker
FINANCIAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2016
INCOME AND EXPENDITUREIncome / Expenditure
Initial Budget
Additional Allocation
Split Site Allocation
Savings 14/15
Other Income / 503521
14647
10000
57485
3266 / Staff Costs
Non Staff Costs
14/15 Savings / 519466
43282
26171
588,919
======/ 588,919
======
SCHOOL FUNDS
YEAR ENDING 31st AUGUST 2016
SCHOOL FUNDS YEAR ENDING 31ST AUGUST 2016Income / Expenditure
Balance at bank @31.08.15
Photograph commission
Interest
Sweatshirts & labels
DVD’s
School Residential
Christmas Concert
School Trips
PTA
Miscellaneous income
Cake Sale
Glen Bulletin 13/14 + 14/15
Credit Union
Centre for Global Learning
School Magazine
Tesco Travel / 8973.25
730.00
8.54
248.08
265.00
1500.00
1651.09
1460.00
3219.66
329.82
302.00
184.32
100.00
296.00
44.00
450.00 / Miscellaneous Maintenance Costs
Bank Charges
DVD costs
Postage
Concern(from Christmas Concert)
Christmas Concert costs
School Trips
Willow Tunnel
Books,Resources & After Schools
(miscellaneous expenses- Confirmation, First Communion, class parties, hospitality etc)
Altar Servers’ Trip
Balance at bank @ 31.08.16 / 2222.22
141.89
463.00
227.93
1500.00
151.09
1660.00
1950.00
1489.95
258.48
9697.20
19,761.76 / 19,761.76
APPRECIATION
The governors wish to take this opportunity to express
their thanks and appreciation to the Principal and Staff
of the school for both their high level of commitment and
high standards achieved both inside and outside the classroom.
Parents must be commended for their support of the staff in
achieving this high level of success.
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