2011-12 Mission Statement

“PROMOTING EXCELLENCE FOR ALL

WITHIN AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

GUIDED BY CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.”

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The Board of Governors of St. Scire’s P.S. is conscious of its responsibility to

meet the legal requirements placed upon it by The Education Reform (Northern

Ireland) Order 2006 in relation to the curriculum. It has therefore decided that

only children of compulsory school age will be admitted. If the school’s

admission and enrolment numbers have not been reached the school will admit

all children of compulsory school age whose parents wish them to attend. Any

child who reaches his/her fourth birthday on or before 1st July 2011 is of

compulsory school age and must receive education from September 2011.

In selecting children for admission we will use the criteria laid down in the

Western Education & Library Board’s handbook as detailed below:-

St. Scire‟s Primary School Catholic Maintained

2 Effernan Road Co-Educational

Trillick Age Range 4-11

OMAGH Roll: 106

Co Tyrone BT78 3RB Enrolment No: 143

Tel No: 028 895 61413 Admissions No:20

Principal: Mr I Gallagher Attendance Rate: 97.4%

Applicants from Year 1 to Year 7 should note they may be required to produce

documents verifying their address.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA - YEAR 1

The Board of Governors of St. Scire’s Primary School has determined that the

following criteria shall be applied in the event of the number of pupils applying

for places in Year 1 being greater than the admissions number in the order set

down below. Priority will be given at all times to pupils regarded by the Board

of Governors on the basis of supporting evidence by parents and or statutory

agencies as having special circumstances. Priority shall be given to children

resident in Northern Ireland.

1 Children of compulsory school age who normally reside in the district

traditionally served by St. Scire’s.

2 Children of compulsory school age from other areas.

In the event of over-subscription in any one of the criteria taken in order

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the following Sub-Criteria will be applied in the order set down. If over-

subscribed in any one of the Sub-Criteria taken in order, the final selection will

be on the basis of the closeness of home to the school as measured by shortest

walking distance.

(a) Children who have brothers/sisters, (half-brothers/sisters) presently enrolled

in school.

(b) Children whose brothers/sisters, (half-brothers/sisters), parents/guardians

are prior pupils of the school.

(c) Children whose parents/guardians are working in the school.

The Board of Governors have delegated to the Principal the task of applying the

Admissions Criteria, but ultimately the full Board of Governors will be

responsible.

YEAR 1 ADMISSIONS - AFTER THE BEGINNING OF SCHOOL YEAR If a place(s) become available after 1 September and there are more applicants

than places then selection of pupils will be made on the application of the Year 1

Admissions Criteria to those pupils seeking admission at the time the place(s)

become available.

ADMISSION CRITERIA - YEARS 2-7

Pupils will be considered for enrolment provided that:

(i) the school would not exceed its enrolment number; and

(ii) in the opinion of the Board of Governors their admission would not

prejudice the efficient use of the school’s resources.

If at the time of the consideration of the application, there are more eligible

applicants than places available then the Admissions Criteria for entry to Year 1

of pupils of compulsory school age will be applied.

The Board of Governors reserve the right to require such supplementary

evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any

application form.

Applicants should note – that the provision of false or incorrect information or

the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by primary schools

can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the

part of any school nominated on the applicant’s form.

School Year 10/11

No. of Applicants: 17 No. Admitted: 16

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Trustee Representatives Mr. Seamus McCaughey (Chairperson)

Mrs. Mary McCann (Secretary)

Very Rev. Canon J. McKenna, P.P.

Mrs. Orlaigh McCann

WELB Representatives: Mr. John Corry

Mr. Peter Kelly

DENI Representative: Mr. Gerard Corry

Parents‟ Representative: Mrs. Kathy Goodwin

Teachers‟ Representative: Mrs. Fiona Donnelly

Principal (non-voting) Mr. Iggy Gallagher

We the Governors and staff of St. Scire‟s Primary School believe the school

to be a vital part of the Catholic Community. We are firmly committed to:-

the aims of Catholic Education

providing effective education for all children

developing positive pastoral care systems in our school

establishing close links with the home, the parish and the wider

community

As a community of learners, we strive for excellence, encouraging the full

potential of each individual, developing confident and independent learners.

We endeavour to promote a welcoming community based on trust and

mutual respect, where all individuals feel that they are all valued and

belong.

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St. Scire‟s Primary School aims are:-

That the children should grow as followers of

Christ and become more aware of the own

worth and the sensibilities of others.

To create a happy stimulating secure environment for each child.

To ensure that the children receive a broad and balanced curriculum

as laid down in The Revised N.I. Primary Curriculum. 2006/07.

To encourage pupils, parents, teachers, Governors and the people in

the wider community to co-operate in providing the best possible

education for the children of St. Scire‟s.

In our school there will be

CARING SACRAMENTS LOVE

PATIENCE PRAYER WORSHIP

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS GENEROSITY

SELF-DISCIPLINE CONSIDERATION

FORGIVENESS UNDERSTANDING

TOLERANCE

RESPECT KINDNESS

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St. Scire’s is a Catholic, co-educational school for children from the age of 4 to

11. It was opened in 1977. It comprises four well equipped classrooms, each

with an electronic whiteboard and all the facilities and equipment for delivering a

broad curriculum. There is a dining hall, which is also used for PE, music and

structured play. It has its own recently refurbished library with includes a large

selection of books. A mobile classroom was added in September 1991 and it has

an adjoining resource area. The school has ample play area, which was recently

equipped with adventure play equipment and its own small football field.

The School Day:

Primary 1 - 2 9.15 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Primary 3 - 7 9.15 a.m. to 3.15 p.m. *

* Children travelling on John Maguire‟s bus leave at 3.00 p.m.

FOR SAFETY REASONS, PARENTS IN CARS SHOULD COLLECT THEIR

CHILDREN AT THE SCHOOL GATE.

Children should leave the school premises by 3.20 p.m. No child can leave

during the day without permission from the Principal.

Parents should note that children who arrive at school before 9.00 a.m. are

unsupervised and are there at their own risk. Teachers are on the premises

but they use this time for preparation of lessons.

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Mr Iggy Gallagher -P7

Mr Brendan King -P5 & P6

Mrs Ann McCaughey -P4 & P5

Mrs Fiona Donnelly -P2 & P3

Mrs Joanne Daly -P1 & P2

Miss Deborah Farry -All classes Art/Teacher

Teacher Release for Planning (Wed- Fri)

In order to maximise the learning potential of all pupils, some classes are a

composite of two year groups, according to chronological age. This depends on

the number of pupils in each year group.

Mrs Mary McCann - Secretary

Mrs Paula Cassidy - Cook in Charge

Mrs Rose Mc Quaid - Catering Assistant

Mrs Sophia Mc Cann - Catering Assistant

Mr John Maguire - Caretaker

Mrs Rosemary Campbell - Classroom Assistant

Mrs Philomena Mc Ginn - Classroom Assistant

Miss Mary Mc Grade - Classroom Assistant

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At St. Scire’s P.S. pastoral care permeates all aspects of

school life. It reflects the values, attitudes, beliefs and practices

of our Catholic faith and involves all members of our school

community - children, parents and all other adults who contribute

to the well being of each child.

We strive to create an atmosphere where - God’s love

is experienced by all members of the school

community through their relationships with each other;

where - Christ is the example to all; where each child

is helped to develop to his/her full potential.

The atmosphere of the school is based upon good relationships between

staff/pupils/parents & governors. As a staff we work as a team, respecting each

other’s roles and recognising individual talents and expertise. We are concerned

with the needs and well being of each child and with the approaches and

programmes we implement in order to aid his/her personal development.

We recognise and value the important role, which parents play in their child’s

education. Every effort is made to ensure that

parents feel welcome, that they are aware of the

school’s aims, objectives & policies and of their

child’s individual needs, progress and achievements.

We expect you as parents to co-operate fully with us

in achieving these goals, and see the school as a safe

environment.

Our school discipline policy is based on the school’s Christian values and

beliefs. We aim:-

to provide a supportive environment, this will foster the growth and

development of caring and responsible pupils

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create a well-ordered school in which pupils can learn effectively

to develop in our pupils a sense of self-worth and self-control

We expect all our school community to act in a positive and caring way towards

each other. To this end we have some school rules for our pupils, which we

implement fairly and consistently.

Caring

“We care for ourselves and others and others”, therefore:

We show good manners

We tell the truth

We care for everything in our school

We are kind to each other

Learning

“We try our best”, therefore:

We come to school ready for work

We start our work quickly and always try to finish

We keep busy

We ask for help when we need it

Talking and Listening

“We listen to each other”, therefore:

When teacher speaks we STOP LOOK & LISTEN

We listen to each other

When we want to speak we put our hand up and wait

Work talk is soft talk

Safety and Movement

“We want a safe school” therefore:

We always walk quietly

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We sit safely on our seats

We ask our teacher when we need to leave our seat

We handle all equipment carefully

We use the toilets properly

We need special permission to leave the school

Playground

“When we are playing and having fun we think of others”, therefore:

Be happy, play safely

We let others join in our games

We walk to our lines and stand quietly

We walk in line to our room

St. Scire‟s is committed to educating children on the effect bullying has on

its victim and those who bully. We aim to prevent any child being bullied in

school and to modify the behaviour of bullies. We view bullying as

something, which has the potential to wreck a child‟s happiness at school

and cause that child to fail in his/her school work. Therefore, we will view

any incidence of bullying as serious.

In St Scire’s Primary School we seek to create a climate within the school that

will:

Promote learning for all pupils

Make it easier for teachers to teach effectively

Enhance self-esteem and foster self-respect and respect for others

Encourage the pupils to develop independence by accepting the need for

self-discipline and self control and taking responsibility for their own

behaviour

Develop the pupils interpersonal skills and their ability to work co-

operatively with others to resolve problems and potential or actual conflict

Have the endorsement and active support of parents

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These principles underpin our school ethos and culture.

In St. Scire’s P.S. we endeavour to ensure that all pupils in our care are given

positive affirmation. Rewards and sanctions are required to encourage and

maintain the rules in class and throughout the school.

All staff endeavour to apply rewards and incentives consistently. All pupils

realise that their good behaviour is noted and acknowledged.

DRUGS EDUCATION

St. Scire’s P.S. is a caring, responsible school with the needs of the pupils being

of paramount importance. We strive to respond to the personal, emotional, social

and education needs of our pupils through our interaction with them in the

classroom and beyond. The emphasis of our drugs education programme is on

the dangers involved in the misuse of tobacco, alcohol and medicine. As our

programme responds to need, we will include other substances when appropriate.

This programme is delivered mainly through health education and the science

curriculum. All other subjects contribute to this, where and when appropriate.

We do not condone the misuse of drugs nor do we wish to sensationalise or

dramatise the drug situation. We believe in providing a drugs education

programme, which is appropriate to the experience of pupils in our school.

When we speak of curriculum in our Catholic school we are

talking about the learning experiences that are present for each child, those

planned by the staff and those imbibed from our school ethos and environment.

Since Christ is the foundation of the whole educational enterprise in a Catholic

school, all our curriculum will attempt to reflect Christ’s message. When

planning our curriculum we take into account the uniqueness of each child and

his/her individual needs. We develop attitudes and values based firmly on the

Gospel message. Our aim is to offer each child a broadly based and

appropriately balanced curriculum in line with the Revised Northern Ireland

Education Order 2006.

This new Legislation means that throughout the curriculum, there will be a

greater emphasis on developing skills and preparing young people for life and

work.

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• The revised curriculum includes a new Foundation Stage to cover P1

& P2. This is based on the Enriched Curriculum approach and will provide a

more appropriate curriculum for the youngest pupils by developing their skills

and confidence and introducing them to formal learning when they are ready.

Key Stage 1 will now cover P3 and 4 and Key stage 2 will remain as P5, 6

and 7.

The revised primary curriculum is made up of Religious Education and the

following Areas of Learning:

• Language and Literacy: Talking & Listening

Reading

Writing

• Mathematics & Numeracy

Number

Measure

Shape & Space

Sorting

Patterns & Relationships

• The World Around Us: Geography

History

Science

• The Arts: Art & Design

Music

Drama

• Personal Development & Mutual Understanding: (PDMU)

Personal Understanding & Health,

Mutual Understanding in the Local & Wider Environment

• Physical Development & Movement Education: PE

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Our school community is centred on the presence of Christ among its

members. The example and values of Jesus Christ permeate all the

relationships within the school and beyond it.

Religious education is central to the everyday life of St. Scire’s

Primary School and embodies everything that we do as teachers and pupils.

Religious education is based on Diocesan policy and the Alive-O Series. The

Diocesan Advisors play an important role in the promotion of religious education

within the school, as do the priests of the parish. The school will, in

partnership with the parish, instruct children in their preparation for

the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation and

Feast Days, Holy Days, Lent, Christmas and Easter. The school

aims to be an extension of, and a complement to the Catholic home,

and places a high priority on fostering involvement in the parish and

in the community at large.

Our R.E. programme, based on the ‘Alive-O’ Series goes beyond the

requirements of the core R.E. syllabus agreed by the main churches. It prepares

each child for participation in the liturgy and sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Religious Education is not confined to the timetabled programme within the

school but pervades the whole life of our school.

A written report is sent to the parents

at the end of each school year and the parents are invited to discuss this with the

class teacher.

The teachers are prepared to discuss any problem or concerns, which parents

may have, about their children on any Wednesday or Thursday from 3.15 - 3.45

p.m.

Assessment of children’s work is an integral part of our school. The main

purposes of assessment are to:-

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1. Establish through a variety of means what each child is able to do.

2. Assist the teacher in planning appropriate tasks for each child.

Assessment is on going throughout the year & Standardised Tests are

administered in May of each year. The records of each child’s attainment and

work samples are passed on to each successive teacher.

In line with the legal requirements of the N.I. Education Order 2006

Pupils in P4-P7 shall be assessed in the autumn term, using such computer-based

assessment method as the Department may specify, in accordance with any

guidance provided by NICCEA.

Pupils in Foundation Stage and the first year of Key Stage 1 may be assessed

using such computer-based assessment method as the Department may specify.

Parents will be fully informed of the arrangements made and their child’s

performance.

The excellent results obtained by our pupils at the end of each key stage in the

school year 2008-09 are shown below.

% of Pupils at Each Level (Year 2009 – 2010)

ENGLISH

W Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

KE

Y S

TA

GE

1

N. Ireland % 0.40 5.77 52.62 41.22

No. of Pupils

St. Scire‟s %

(5)

45.45

(6)

54.55

MATHS

N. Ireland % 0.42 5.06 47.28 47.24

No. of Pupils

St. Scire‟s %

(5)

45.45

(6)

54.55

ENGLISH

KE

Y S

TA

GE

2

N. Ireland % 0.07 0.37 2.70 17.67 50.41 28.76

No. of Pupils

St. Scire‟s %

(7)

46.67 %

(8)

53.33%

MATHS

N. Ireland % 0.06 0.42 2.73 16.88 39.27 40.65

No. of Pupils

St. Scire‟s %

(4)

26.67 %

(11)

73.33 %

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Care is taken at all times to match the curricular provision for all children

to their particular stage of development and to take account of any particular

difficulties or special talents, which they show. As it is the intention of the school

to maximise the potential of each pupil, the school will endeavour within its

resources to meet these needs. To do this, procedures set out in the school's

Special Needs Policy will be used. This policy is available for inspection from

the school principal. The school is also compliant with the Special Education

Needs & Disability Order 2005 (SENDO).

The identified educational needs of each child will be catered for by his/her

class teacher who is supported by our Special Needs Co-ordinator, Mrs. J. Daly

and other relevant outside agencies.

EDUCATION FOR MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING (EMU)

& COMMUNITY LINKS

In recent years, this school has been involved in a cross community

partnership with Ballinamallard P.S. This involved each composite class

grouping, undertaking a series of 5-6 contact days with their peers in the

partner school, during which time the themes of cooperation, tolerance and

diversity were addressed. Unfortunately, due to the withdrawal of funding

this opportunity no longer exists, however we are currently exploring

alternative projects.

We see our school as a vital part of the Kilskeery parish, therefore we take every

opportunity to contribute to the life of our parish. In order to do this we liaise

with our local priests, church and sporting organisations. The priests visit our

school regularly, thus enabling them to get to know the staff and the pupils.

BOOKS

As books are expensive and we operate within a limited

budget, we attempt to extend the life span of each book. It is for this reason that

we ask parents to encourage their children to take good care of all their books.

To assist in this matter, parents should see that books are provided with a strong

cover.

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BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Birth Certificates will be photocopied and returned on completion of

admissions process.

CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY

In line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland

Education Reform Order 1989, it is the policy of the

Board of Governors to:

- maintain the right to free school education for all

pupils;

- establish that activities organised wholly or mainly during school time

should be available to all pupils;

- confirm its right to invite voluntary contributions for the benefit of the

school or in support of activities organised by the school;

- make charges in respect of optional extras, as determined by the

Board of Governors.

However, it is stressed that failure to participate in these will not affect a

child’s performance at school. Written parental consent will be required before a

child participates in school trips.

A copy of the full charging and remissions policy is available at the school for

inspection by parents.

The Board of Governors have agreed to implement a charging and remissions

policy similar to the one laid down by WELB in the booklet, which you have

already received.

CHARITY

One of the school aims is to develop a caring attitude towards others in the

community. To further this aim the school encourages each child to contribute to

the Holy Childhood. All of this money is used on projects to benefit children in

the Third World. At other times during the school year the school organises

small fund raising activities, which give the children an opportunity to share their

pocket money with the less well of in our own community.

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HOLIDAYS

A list of the school holidays for the current year will be

given to each child in the first week of term. We request that all

families avoid organising holidays abroad during the school

term.

HOMEWORK

Some homework will be given to reinforce what the children have been

doing in school. The child should be able to complete this unaided. However,

we would like parents to encourage him/her to produce their best efforts and to

present it neatly. Quite often, homework will involve the child seeking

information from parents, relatives and neighbours. Your assistance in this

matter will be greatly appreciated.

We cannot emphasise too strongly the value of talking, listening

and reading to children. As children begin to read themselves, the

parent’s help, support and interest will be vital if they are to

progress satisfactorily.

Children in P1 - P3 should be able to complete their homework in 15 - 30 mins.

each night.

Children in P4 - P7 30 - 60 mins. each night.

HOMEWORK DIARIES

All children from Year 2 upwards have homework diaries. This allows you

to know exactly what homework your child has to do. By checking over your

child’s work each night you are showing him/her that homework is important. It

is important to sign the diary so that the teacher knows that you are satisfied that

your child has completed his/her homework. It is worth remembering that things

which children are asked to learn are just as important as written

homework.

SCHOOL MEALS School dinners are served in the canteen. Children who are not taking school

dinners may bring a packed lunch. As you may be aware much emphasis has

been placed on Health Education in recent years. Therefore we strive to promote

healthy eating at all times and request that parents prepare lunch boxes

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in line with guidelines issued in conjunction with the „Munch Box Challenge‟

Another aspect which we teach is the need to develop

sensible eating habits. Eating ‘junk food’ between meals

should be discouraged, because sweet foods damage

children’s teeth and they are not then ready for lunch or dinner

when it is provided. We do however encourage pupils to eat

fruit at break time.

LUNCH COST

Dinner money should be paid on MONDAY because the school secretary makes

returns to the WELB on that day. The only exception should be children who

take dinners occasionally i.e. one/two days per week. A menu is available.

Price (from 01/09/010) Regrettably payment by cheque is no longer permitted.

£2.10 per dinner = £10.50 per week (subject to change from WELB)

SCHOOL MILK

Semi-skimmed milk is provided at a subsided rate for all

children @ 13p per day– paid in advance each term. Parents will

be notified of the cost in September. We encourage all pupils to

avail of this opportunity as the benefits of milk in the development

of teeth and bones are invaluable. Regrettably payment by cheque

is no longer permitted.

MEDICAL

It is important that parents make teachers aware of any medical

condition, which could affect their child in school.

HEALTH

We co-operate with and fully support the work carried out by the local Health

Authority personnel, and when necessary we seek the help and advice of other

statutory agencies. Visitors including the school nurse, doctor and educational

psychologist call at the school in order to cater for the needs of your child.

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St. Scire’s P.S. aims to present consistent healthy eating and drinking messages

through:-

-The taught curriculum

-The provision and promotion of healthy food and drink

during the school day and on school trips.

-The school environment

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Boys Girls

School blue shirt/polo shirt School blue blouse/polo shirt

Navy trousers Navy A line skirt, or pinafore

or navy trousers

Navy V neck jumper Navy V neck jumper or

cardigan

Navy & light blue striped tie Navy & light blue striped tie

Uniforms are available in any of the large stores or local shops.Ties - S. D. Kells.

Reversible fleece/waterproof available to order through school in June

£13.50 (Current Price)

It is advisable to mark each item of uniform so

that each child can identify his/her own.

Wearing jewellery can be dangerous so

children are not allowed to wear it in school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Pupils are expected to wear t-shirts, shorts/tracksuit bottoms & runners for P.E.

P1 –P3 Pupils can wear navy tracksuit bottoms and can bring a change of

trainers to school only on the day they have P.E.

P4 – P7 Pupils bring/wear P.E. gear to school but must change back into full

school uniform.

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TRANSPORT

Anyone wishing to avail of the school bus service should make

application to the WELB Headquarters, Hospital Road, Omagh

well in advance of the beginning of term. Forms are available

from the school office.

TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS

At a time of uncertainty regarding post primary provision it is not possible to

give you specific details about the process to be used when your child reaches

that stage. The process in operation at present is detailed below.

At the end of Primary 7 - (Key Stage 2) when children are transferring to second

level education our school will follow the special arrangements as laid down by

the Western Education and Library Board. Parents will have the opportunity to

meet the Principal and class teacher for advice and discussion. Copies of the

transfer arrangements will be distributed to the parents of the P7 children. We

have established close links with our local secondary schools in order to ease

each child’s transition to second level education. Visits for the P7 children are

arranged to the new schools in the summer term.

COMPLAINTS Complaints in reference to the curriculum are dealt with initially

by the child's class teacher. Further complaints may be referred

to the principal. If the matter is not then resolved the complaint

must be put in writing to the Board of Governors of the school.

Should the matter still not be resolved the parent may request

that it be referred for consideration to the W.E.L.B. Complaints

Tribunal for curriculum matters.