ST. MALACHY’S
PRIMARY SCHOOL
& NURSERY UNIT
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
ANNUAL REPORT
2011 – 2012
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SOUTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
St Malachy’s Primary School & Nursery Unit
Principal:
Mr Stephen Rafferty
BT19 1AA
Acting Vice Principal:
Mrs Rosaleen Quinn
Clandeboye Road
Bangor
Co Down
Telephone: 91270594/ 91450768
October 2012
Dear Parents
This report highlights the successes and achievements of your children and
your school. St. Malachy’s continues to cater for a wide variety of needs by
providing a broad and balanced curriculum within a supportive, caring and
exciting environment.
The Governors wish to congratulate the Principal and all of his staff on the
provision of a quality education for all and to thank all the parents for their
help, support and encouragement.
Schools are not now required to have an Annual Parents’ Meeting to discuss
the report. If parents require any further information about the school’s
Annual Report or wish to raise issues about its content, they should discuss
this in the first place with the Principal. If parents wish to raise a matter at
Board of Governor level, they should do so following the agreed procedures.
Yours sincerely
Paddy Hanna
Mr P Hanna
Chairman, Board of Governors
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ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Board of Governors has overall responsibility for the effective
management of the school. As well as nominees of the Trustees, the South
Eastern Education and Library Board and the Department of Education its
membership also included an elected parent governor and an elected teacher
governor. The Principal completed this team, which represented all the main
bodies concerned with the school. The present Board of Governors was
formed in February 2006.
Trustees Representative
Father J Gunn
Sean Johnston (Secretary)
Anne Marie Foster
Colette Steed
DENI Representative
Mr Paddy Hanna (Chair)
Board Representatives
Mr Joe Edgar
Mr Stanley Smith
Parents Representative
Mrs Lynne Barker
Teacher Representative
Mrs Tracey Butler
The Principal
Mr Stephen Rafferty
The Board of Governors was responsible for the implementation of the
curriculum, for making recommendations for the appointment and dismissal of
staff, pupil admissions, discipline, school premises and finance. The
Governors met regularly to discuss these matters with the Principal.
A School Management Team consisting of the Principal, Vice-Principal, and
three senior members of staff provided a framework for the management of
the school.
Subject and Key Stage Co-ordinators had specific responsibilities relating to
curricular areas and ensured that the curriculum was delivered to your child in
as meaningful a context as possible, while at the same time attending to
pastoral, administrative and managerial duties. These responsibilities were
continually reviewed in light of changing circumstances.
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These organisational structures within the school strengthen the school’s
ability to absorb the major changes arising from Government Policy and to
respond appropriately to them.
THE CURRICULUM
The Principal and staff of St. Malachy’s aimed to put the child at the heart of
the curriculum. The school provided a broad, balanced, challenging and
relevant curriculum, which was methodically planned, professionally
implemented and systematically evaluated.
Children had full access to the complete range of subjects prescribed in the
Northern Ireland Common Curriculum. Various learning strategies and
techniques were deployed in each classroom to ensure that all children
developed appropriate skills.
Staff attended regular curriculum and management meetings to ensure the
effective running of the school with a focus on identifying strategies to raise
standards in literacy, numeracy, assessment for learning and the development
of topic-based learning. At the heart of the curriculum lies an explicit
emphasis on the development of skills and capabilities for lifelong learning
and for operating effectively in society. Our Building Supervisor attended
three days training, and along with Mrs Quinn attended one day Fire Safety
Training. Three members of staff attended the Heart Start training
programme.
All our teaching staff were trained in linguistic phonics, SIMS assessment,
Pastoral Care and Foundation / KS1 Assessment.
Staff Training Successes –
 All staff successfully completed PRSD
 Miss McGrattan completed the Dissertation stage of her Masters Degree
 Miss Mullan & Miss Coulter completed the Early Leadership Programme
Interactive whiteboards are now installed in every classroom in the school
building, and are in daily use with staff building up resources from websites.
Staff were re-trained on the implementation of the INCAS assessment and
Sims programme.
Each pupil has a continuous assessment folder which travels with them from
year group to year group. This tracks each pupil’s progress and identifies
areas for improvement and development.
Each class had many opportunities to experience and enjoy many educational
visits over the year. Importantly, children were given a chance to experience
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at first hand the world around them. Educational visits stimulated their natural
curiosity and creativity in all curriculum areas.
The curriculum for the three stages at primary is set out in seven areas of
learning comprising:Language and Literacy – including Talking and Listening, Reading and
Writing.
Mathematics and Numeracy – including Number, Measures, Shape and
Space, Sorting, Patterns and Relationships.
The Arts – including Art and Design, Drama and Music
The World Around Us – including Interdependence, Place, Movement and
Energy and Change over Time.
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding – including Personal
Development and health and Mutual Understanding in the local and wider
community.
Physical Development and Movement – including athletics, dance, games
and gymnastics.
Religious Education – including opportunities to learn about, discuss,
evaluate and learn from religious beliefs, practices and values.
Children with learning difficulties were identified at an early stage and were
supported by our Learning Support Teacher, Mrs Moore.
The four Educational Themes, viz Education for Mutual Understanding, Health
Education, Information Technology and Cultural Heritage were taught as an
integral part of the curriculum. The use of our CAPS programme (Character
Approach to Problem Solving) enabled these areas to be developed more fully
and led towards the promotion of citizenship.
The full development of each child was enriched through the provision of extra
curricular activities. Many of these activities, which ran outside of the statutory
school hours under the guidance of our staff and specialist coaches, were
considered an important and integral element of school life.
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The following policies may, on request, be inspected at the school:
Whole School Curriculum Policy
Numeracy Policy
Literacy Policy
Science Policy
Special Needs Policy
Admissions Policy
Promoting Positive Behaviour
Fire Drill Procedures
Homework Policy
Smoking Policy
Sex Education Policy
Anti-bullying Policy
Charging and Remissions
and Use of Premises Policy
Teaching & Learning Policy
Geography Policy
Data Protection Policy
Art & Design Policy
Physical Education Policy
Drug Education Policy
Library Policy
History Policy
I.T. Policy
Music Policy
Pastoral Care Policy
Supervision Procedures
Marking Policy
Staff Development Policy
Child Protection Policy
Educational & Recreational
Visits Policy
Inset Policy
Crisis Management Policy
Monitoring and Evaluating Policy
Freedom of Information Policy
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
Our school continued with our well established Merit Award System.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Throughout the year, the school continued to successfully promote Health and
Well Being and once again achieved a Bronze Award in the Health Action
Competition run by Action Cancer.
The school held another successful Health Education month in January 2012
where children focused on various aspects of health including diet, exercise
and dental hygiene. We had visits from a variety of Health Promoting agencies
including The Belfast Giants and the Dental Hygienist.
The school continued with the ‘Cool in School’ Programme, encouraging
children to drink water during the course of each day. Water fountains are
provided in class ‘areas’ for the children’s use.
The school also continued with healthy eating breaks for the majority of the
children. These breaks consisted of a variety of breads, sandwiches, fruit and
vegetables. The Breakfast Club proved to be very successful once again, with
over 80 breakfasts being provided on a weekly basis.
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The School Garden
The School Garden continued to flourish this year under the management of
Mrs Hill and Mrs Cunningham.
They ran a very successful Gardening Club with Key Stage II children,
teaching them to plant and look after a variety of vegetables including
potatoes, beetroot, leeks, cabbages, rhubarb, herbs and strawberries.
All of the elements work well to create a sensory rich environment for the
children of the school to enjoy.
APPOINTMENTS RETIREMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
During the course of the year we had the following appointments, retirements
and resignations.
 Mr Stephen Rafferty took up the position of School Principal on 1st
September 2011.
 Mrs Anne Ennis (School Secretary) retired wef 1st October 2011.
 Mrs Joan Harpur took up the position of School Secretary from 1st
October 2011.
LIST OF CLASS TEACHERS 2011/2012
Principal
Vice Principal
Nursery:
Playgroup:
Y1
Y1
Y2
Y2/Y3
Y3
Y4
Y4
Y5
Y6
Y6
Y7
Y7
SENCO
Mr Stephen Rafferty
Mrs Rosaleen Quinn
Mrs Orla Mulhern-Caddell
Miss Donna McArdle / Mrs Pauline Keenan &
Miss Sarah McAuley / Mrs Yvonne Laird
Mrs Julie Barklie
Mrs Tracey Butler
Miss Bronagh Mullan (Miss Fionnuala Donaghy)
Miss Gemma Roddy
Mrs Eithne McGoran
Miss Grainne Coulter
Mrs Rosaleen Quinn
Miss Michelle Devine
Mrs Diane Bradley
Miss Laura McGrattan
Mrs Julie Spence
Miss Claire McAlorum
Mrs Geraldine Moore
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OUR ANCILLARY AND AUXILLARY
STAFF OF 31 COMPLETES THIS TEAM
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Building Supervisor
Classroom Assistants
Nursery Assistant
Nursery Lunchtime
Supervisors
Supervisory Assistants
Mrs Anne Adair,
Mrs Karen McAllister
Cleaning staff
School Crossing
Patrols
Meals Staff
Mrs Joan Harpur
Mrs Karen Hughes
Mr Gerry Coy
Mrs Sandra Jackson, Miss Andrea Hill,
Miss Leah Coulter, Mrs Julie Cunningham,
Mrs Jenny Hall, Mrs Karen McAllister
Miss Joanne McCormick
Mrs Janice McVeigh Mrs Jill Church
Mrs Sandra Jackson Mrs Julie Cunningham
Mrs Jenny Hall, Miss Leah Coulter
Mrs Cathy Sterrett
Mr Kevin Adair
Mrs Martha Fitzpatrick
Mrs Roberta Drayner
Mr John Walsh Mr George Shannon
Mrs Martha Larmour
Mrs Elizabeth Crooks
Mrs Cathy Sterrett
ENROLMENT AND ADMISSIONS
The enrolment figure for 2011/2012 reached 339 children
A total of 46 children transferred to secondary level education.
St.Columbanus’ College
Our Lady & St. Patrick’s
Bangor Grammar
Sullivan
Glenlola Collegiate
Bangor Academy
Strangford Integrated College
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Congratulations to all our Year Sevens who have transferred to their new
schools. We wish them well in their new schools. The number of pupils
admitted to Year 1 in September 2011 was 54, an increase from 52 the
previous year. Details of the Admissions Policy were available from the
Principal.
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LEARNING SUPPORT
Provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs was ongoing in 2011/12.
Pupils with special requirements were identified, assessed and a programme
to remediate their particular needs was devised. Teachers along with the
SENCo developed Individual Education Plans for each child. Three IEP’s for
each child were written up over the school year and evaluated.
A total of 57 children were on the learning support register. Three of these
children held a Statement for Special Educational Needs, one of whom left for
Post-Primary in June 2012. Fourteen children held a record of concern. Three
children were waiting for Stage 3 assessment by the Educational psychologist,
one of whom was seen during the school year. As a result of this assessment
this child reached the criteria for referral to the Boards Outreach Support
Service and is now on the waiting list. Four children were still on the waiting
list for support for pupils with Emotional and Behavioural difficulties (all of
these children transferred to Post-Primary in June 2012). Two children
received outreach support (school based) over the school year, one of whom
was offered a full-time placement at Cottown Reading Cente beginning
September 2012. Two names were forwarded to the Educational Psychologist
for consideration for screening regarding support for children with Specific
Learning Difficulties. Both were successful and reached the criteria required.
Their names have now been referred to the Support Service for pupils with
Specific Learning Difficulties.
The ASCET team provided two programmes running for 4-6 weeks for Y2/Y3
classes over the school year. These programmes were designed to improve
listening, attention, concentration and gross and fine motor skill.
Children were recorded on The European Framework of Reference which was
set up by a member of the Inclusion and Diversity team. This is a template
which record each EAL (English as an Additional Language) child’s progress
as they gain confidence in developing their fluency with English and master
the intricacies of the English language. It will follow each child throughout their
primary school years, and will be updated regularly.
Contact was maintained throughout the year with outside agencies who
offered support and advice on children with particular Special Educational
Needs.
Our Learning Support Policy reflected the Code of Practice and procedures
for the identification, assessment and remediation of pupils experiencing
difficulties and was in line with Code of Practice recommendations. Children
with learning difficulties also benefited from the support of our learning support
classroom assistants.
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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Alongside structured lessons, a rich variety of musical drama performance
was on tap throughout the year to satisfy all tastes. The end of year
production in June was as always, a success of music and drama, with the
children excelling themselves again.
During Christmas the music department was very busy with children
throughout the school performing at liturgical events and making visits into the
community to sing with the school choir (Bloomfield Shopping Centre). The
two Year 1 classes gave a great performance at their Christmas Assembly to
the children in the school, and later to their excited parents and family
members, and Years 2 & 3 raised the roof with their evening show to a full
house of parents.
The choir had a busy and rewarding year, which included accompanying
Primary five’s performance of the Passion Play in the school at Easter; singing
at the EMU carol service; singing at Bloomfield shopping centre (carol service)
and performing at various other liturgical events throughout the year.
Our thanks to Ms Mullan (Music co-ordinator) and during Ms Mullan’s
maternity leave, to Miss Donaghy, for their hard work and encouragement to
all the pupils throughout the year and to Miss Devine for leading, coaching
and conducting the choir on so many occasions.
Annual Culture Day
Again Culture Day was a big success at the school, enjoyed by both staff and
pupils. Every child in the school was on stage at some point during the day
performing in song, dance or instrument.
SPORTING AND OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
St. Malachy’s once again has continued to provide excellent sporting and
competitive opportunities for all year groups. Once again an extensive after
school/extended school programme ran smoothly for the year. We continued
to provide a comprehensive, well organised and resourced program of events
with experienced coaches.
Football
Our football team had a ‘stop-start’ season due to the INTO Industrial action.
We trained on a Wednesday when possible, and had some notable successes
in matches against local schools. It is hoped that for Year 2012/13 we have
the opportunity once again to compete at the highest level.
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Netball
As with our football team, our netball team also had a ‘stop-start’ season due
to the INTO Industrial action. They still however managed to gain runners up
medals in the North Down Netball Cup, well done girls! Once again we extend
a huge ‘thank you’ to Mrs Hall for her time, tutelage and encouragement, and
also to all our parents who supported us throughout the year.
Athletics
Our indoor athletics programme continued to be a huge success with a large
number of children enjoying this club. Mrs Hall continued to run this with
vigour and enthusiasm, and our thanks to her for that.
Swimming
Children from Y5 – Y7 continued weekly swimming lessons at Bangor Leisure
Centre. All children completed their swimming badges with some pupils
swimming the impressive distance of one mile! All children participated
readily in this activity and excellent progress has been made with all children
receiving an award – Well Done!
Y1 – Y4 had tutelage from a Fundamental Movement Skills coach throughout
the school year.
Extra Curricular Activities:
Several school clubs continued to provide our children with skill, fun and inhouse competitions – these included table tennis, tennis, hockey, badminton,
athletics, traditional music, Irish dancing, art, choir, tin whistle, drama, hockey,
trampoline, computers, needlecraft, Ju-Jitsu, breakfast club and not forgetting
our younger children – tumbledown, fun club and lunch club!
Sports Day
Two very successful sports days took place in June with the weather being
very kind! Great fun was had by all and we are once again indebted to our
Parent Support Group for providing medals. All in all another fun-filled active
year for St. Malachy’s, one which all the children have thoroughly enjoyed.
May we also say a huge thank you to our parents who have supported these
events in all weathers!
PRIZEGIVING
Our Annual Prize giving was held on Friday 22nd June 2012 for both Key
Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children. Trophies were presented to KS1 and KS2
children respectively. This event was very well attended by parents and we
were delighted to see so many children getting awards for achievement in
swimming, cycling proficiency, athletics, football, netball, badminton and table
tennis.
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List of Prizewinners 2011-12
The Super Kid Cup (Nursery) Achievement
Amy Claney
Ryan Meijer
Eleea Sreed
The Super Kid Cup (Nursery) Achievement
Jessica Blakely
The McCormick Progress Shield (Nursery)
The Mulhern-Caddell Progress Shield (Nursery)
Jack Harrison-Clark
Character Cup (Nursery)
Robbie Cardy
The Brides Parlour Cup for Etiquette
The Mary Towell Cup (Achievement)
The Ford Shield (Y1 Achievement)
The Louise McCourt Cup (Y2 Achievement)
The Crawford Shield (Y2 Progress & Effort)
The Eakin Cup (Y3 Achievement)
The Reilly Shield (Y3 Progress & Effort)
Most Promising Singer
The Porter Cup (Cappy Award KS1)
The First Trust Cup (Y4 Achievement)
The Jacques Shield (Y4 Progress & Effort)
Key Stage One Art Shield
The Price Shield for ICT (KS1)
The Fleming Cup for KS1 Boys Sport
The Pollock Cup for KS1 Girls Sport
Perry Cup (Literacy KS1)
Rogan Endeavour Shield (Homework/ Behaviour KS1)
Most Promising Footballer KS1
The Reynolds Cup (Y5 Achievement)
Endeavour Trophy (Y5 Progress & Effort)
Science Trophy (Most Promising)
The McCann Cup (Y6 Mathematician)
The Premier Cup (Y6 Achievement)
Endeavour Trophy (Y6 Progress & Effort)
The Topper Cup for Literacy (P6)
Most Promising Young Scientist (Y6)
The Gibson Trophy (Most promising footballer)
The Small Trophy for best newcomer to choir
Harrington Trophy (Y7 Girl – Outstanding ach)
Muir Cup (Y7 Boy - Outstanding Ach)
Downshire Cup (Girls Sports)
McKenna Cup (Boys Sports)
Key Stage Two Art Shield
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Charlie Hennessy
Ellie Hewitt
Benjamin Joseph
Natalia Nowak
Ruben Boyd
Sara Clarke
Benjamin Joseph
Ryan Meijer
Ross McBride
Drew Abcede
Andrea Rusmane
William Warnock
Nicole Eccles
Faith Preston
Amie Hamilton
Daniel McGrath
Richard Steed
Lewis Mussen
Ben Gunning
Aimee-Leigh O’Brien
Sophie Hannon
Jamie Chapman
Alan Morris
Jack Halliday
Hayley Shaw
Cohen Boyd
Alex Baude
Erin Hoy
Sarah Fee
Ethan Cheung
Patrick Lendrum
William Simpson
Nicole Nelson
Akhila Muraleekrishnan
Sherhan Kamilan
Tegan Maitland
Aaron Tierney
Aoife Duffin
Shirt Centre Cup (Music)
The Mathematics Cup (Best Mathematician)
Governors Cup (English)
PTA Cup (Personal Achievement)
Drama Cup
Footballer of the Year
The Collins cup for Netball
Saadat Cup (KS2 Overall progress)
The Jackson Cup (Attendance)
Brennan Cup (Cappy Award)
The Powell Cup for School Choir
The Price Cup for ICT
Aimee Hughes Cup for presentation
Smyth Cup for Investigative Maths
The Small Trophy for the outstanding pupil
at the Share Centre.
The John McMullan Shield (Best Kept Classroom)
The Attendance Shield for Best Attending Class
Holly Crawford
Tamika Smyth
Rosie McWilliams
Niamh McCartney
Francesca Steed
Rebecca McKenna
Rebecca Hamilton
Curtis Mussen
Jade Forsythe
Freya Graham
Katie McMullan
Matthew Lendrum
Kennedy Johnston
Ann Maria Roji
Dylan Swindle
Miss Coulter
Miss Coulter
ASSESSMENT
Pupils in Y4 and Y7 were assessed this year.
Assessment Outcomes:
St. Malachy’s Outcomes
N.I. Outcomes
KS1
English
Maths
Level 1
6.03%
5.03%
Level 2
53.17%
47.87%
Level 3
40.4%
46.76%
Level 1
3.57%
5.36%
Level 2
2.66%
2.19%
Level 3
23.21%
37.5%
St. Malachy’s Outcomes
N.I. Outcomes
KS2
English
Maths
Level 2
73.21%
57.14%
Level 3
14.86%
14.35%
Level 4
49.52%
40.14%
Level 5
32.51%
42.83%
Level 2
4.44%
2.22%
Level 3
11.11%
15.56%
Level 4
68.89%
44.44%
Level 5
15.56%
37.78%
Our Y7 children were presented with their Records of Achievement at our
prize giving and leavers celebration night on Thursday 21st June 2012.
Altogether, 52 children received major awards for achievement, endeavour
and commitment. These trophies provide a great focus for achievement.
Parents and children got a special treat on the night with a CD digital and
sound display of the various activities their children took part in during the year
Standardised Tests were administered throughout the school, from Years 3 –
7. Results were recorded for each child on his/her personal pupil profile. This
profile, along with class tests, teacher observation and assessment gives an
overview of every child’s academic history in St. Malachy’s.
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This academic year years 4 & 7 completed AU’S in English and Numeracy of
which parents received written feedback.
Years 4/5/6/7 completed INCAS assessments in October and parents
received verbal and written feedback in the month of November.
SCHOOL BUSES
The school was serviced by one Ulsterbus at 9.00am, one at 2.00pm and one
at 3.00pm.
FINANCE
The Board of Governors had the responsibility of managing the school’s
allocated budget. The school’s budget was determined mainly by the number
and ages of pupils enrolled. The South Eastern Education and Library Board
held this budget centrally and the Board of Governors had delegated
responsibility for specified areas of expenditure subject to the conditions laid
down by the South Eastern Education and Library Board’s Scheme for Local
Management of Schools.
St. Malachy’s operated under a delegated budget for the year 2009-2010 and
a finance sub-committee of the Board of Governors managed and monitored
this budget in consultation with the Principal, South Eastern Education and
Library Board and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. A summary of
this account is given below.
School Budget
Total resources available
£978,950
*Expenditure - Teaching/Support Staff
£871,502
Running Costs (Furniture & Equipment
Books and Practice Materials/Heating/Lighting)
And extended schools
£ 57,847
Gross Expenditure
£929,349
Carry forward to 2010/2011
£49,601
The carry forward will be offset by further improvement to facilities, equipment
and resources in the coming year. The school has provided a learning
support teacher to assist with children’s learning. Pupils’ numbers have a
direct effect on school budgets. We see an increase in pupil numbers since
last year. Prudent management of the school budget is necessary in the
forthcoming financial year.
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SCHOOL FUNDS
The school also operated a school fund account for incidental expenses and
immediate requirements. The major fundraiser was the annual Sponsored
Bounce (£2,400), which was used to run our photocopiers and duplicators and
also to provide many of the extra books and practice materials for each class.
The Parent Support Group issues its own statement of accounts at its AGM.
Detailed financial statements are available on request.
PREMISES AND ACCOMMODATION
The new extention was completed at the rear of the school in September 2011
and comprises of toilet facilities, a treatment room and facilities for P.E. and
activities based learning and extended school clubs. Work began on full
window and external door replacement for the entire school in July 2012 with
a four month window for completion.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Our partnership with parents was fully encouraged and there were many
opportunities for parents to become actively involved in their child’s/children’s
education and in the school as a whole.
Curriculum meetings for all parents were held in September.
Induction meetings were held for parents of Playgroup, Nursery and Y1
classes.
Parent/Teacher consultations were held in November and April.
Various organised meetings were held for religion and other curricular
areas to include Transfer, Assemblies, Christmas Plays, Cross
Community Carol Singing, Sports Days and Prize-giving for KS1 and KS2,
Curriculum information meetings for all parents. Liturgical meetings for Y3, Y4
and Y7 parents were held. Y6 parents attended a meeting to explain the
movement to Post-Primary Procedure.
Parent Support Group meetings, organised functions and events
were ongoing throughout the year.
In addition to this, parents assisted teachers in a voluntary capacity with
school trips and the swimming programme
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Some of the highlights of the year have been: Our Halloween disco proved to be a great success. Prizes were given
for the ‘spookiest’ costume.
 Christmas Ballot
 Christmas Craft Fair & Santa
 Sports Day
 Halloween Apple pies and baked pancakes
In addition to the above fund raising events, the Parent Support Group also
organised the buffet for the children and their families attending Confirmation
and provided a cake and refreshments for the First Communion Day.
The Board of Governors acknowledge the work carried out by the group not
only in fund-raising but in fostering the growth of the school as a Christian
community and encouraging closer co-operation between home and school.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS / VISITORS / COMMUNITY
During the course of the year the children were given lots of opportunities to
extend their educational knowledge through a wide variety of educational trips.
These include:
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Autumn Walk
Jollyes Pet Shop
Community Police
Bangor Fire Station
Ulster Folk and Folk and Transport Museum
Cultra Residential Centre
Heritage Centre
Lisburn Linen Museum
Residential to the Share Centre
Wally and Wise Puppet Show
Specsavers
Nursery graduation
Cash for Clobber
Action Renewables
Quantum Theatre Company
School Pantomime
KS1 & 2 culture assemblies
EMU Carol Service
Sponsored Bounce
Get Active Month
School Book Fair
Belfast Telegraph Quiz
Helping Hands Programme
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Dental Nurse
PSE Programme
Be Safe Conference for Y7 pupils
Fire Risk Assessment Officer
Aldo the Magician
Beauty Therapist
Local Authors
Students from South Eastern Regional College - ICT.
A colour school calendar was issued for all families free of charge at the
beginning of the school year. This proves very popular as all significant school
dates throughout the year are printed on this calendar,
Home/School Links ensured the social and welfare aspects of your child’s
education were attended to and that parents were kept fully informed of
developments in school. Regular news bulletins were issued to parents on all
aspects of school life.
SCHOOL LIBRARY
The children have made productive use of school library resources to assist
their learning. They have had opportunities to borrow books on a regular
basis. Book fairs and reading months are now well established and sharpen
the children’s focus on reading. The Library is now computerised and there
was an increasing amount of resources obtained throughout the year.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Father Gunn, our school chaplain, was a regular visitor to our school during
the year, providing support for our staff and taking a keen interest in all school
activities, celebrating Mass in school to mark the beginning of the school year
and hearing confessions at both Christmas and Easter.
Meetings were held to inform parents and to assist the preparation for
Confirmation, Communion and First Penance. Masses and paraliturgical
services were held to commemorate certain occasions and to tie in with a
planned programme.
During the year 14 pupils were confirmed, 6 received First Penance and 13
children made their First Holy Communion. Children’s work was displayed in
St Comgall’s Church celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
Key Stage 1 and 2 prepared assemblies were celebrated each month to link
with our CAPS programme and the specific character trait being developed at
the time. A CAPS booklet has been prepared for all the families who attend
St. Malachy’s. The school’s Religion Policy was reviewed and amended, and
an RSE Policy drawn up to reflect ‘The Wonder of My Being’ programme.
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CHARITIES
During the year the school supported Trocaire with a donation of £1000, and
The Cancer Fund for children Charity with a similar donation of £1000.
ST MALACHY’S PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
Our pre-school playgroup opened in November 2006 and accommodates over
30 children of pre-school age. This playgroup is managed by the school and
proves very successful. Three classroom assistants are employed for the
daily management of the playgroup. The number of pupils accepted for the
playgroup for 2012 has been extended to 20 in the morning session. In
January 2012, the popularity of the Playgroup enabled us to introduce an
afternoon session, thus meeting the needs of our parents.
ATTENDANCE
The percentage attendance for 2011/2012 for Y1 - Y7 was 94%
Concluding Remarks
Our thanks to our parents who have supported St. Malachy’s throughout the
year. The school continues to provide a quality education for all of its pupils
and the variety of learning experiences available to the children continues to
grow. A number of new projects were taken on board during the course of the
year. Review and development of policy, procedures and practice in line with
present and new legislation is ongoing. A word of thanks to all the teaching
and support staff who are so committed to the work of the school and help to
make St. Malachy’s such an exciting place for children to complete their
primary education.
Thank you,
Paddy Hanna
Mr P Hanna
Chairman, Board of Governors
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