Rowandale Integrated Primary School

Mid Term Holidays

The school will be closed half day on Wednesday 15 February (dinners provided) and will reopen on Wednesday 22 February 2012. 

 School Photographer

Proofs of photographs that were taken on Monday can be found in your child’s schoolbag.  If you wish to order any of these pictures you must return your order form and payment before Friday 24^th February 2012. 

 The photographer will return again on Monday 30^th April when she will take class photographs and any pictures that were not taken this time.  There is a list of groups and individuals who wanted pictures taken but were absent or were not taken due to time constraints.  If you wish to double check that your child or children are on this list you are welcome to call / email the office. 

 We will assume that all children are to be included in the class picture so if you DO NOT want your child to be included you must let the office know before Friday 24^th February 2012.

 New Playgroup

The first meeting of the Playgroup Steering group will take place on Thursday 23 February at 6.30pm in the school. If you are interested in getting involved in this exciting project then you would be very welcome to come along to the meeting to find out more. There will be lots to do and a variety of ways you can get involved from helping to distribute leaflets, helping to organise events, or just spreading the word about the playgroup. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done anything like this before, enthusiasm and a small time commitment is all that is needed.

Community Art Club

Art Club will be held in School on Saturday 25^th February from 11.00am – 12.30pm.  All children from pre-school age up to 8 years are welcome.  Parent helpers are especially welcome!

 Cinema Evening

There will be a cinema evening on Wednesday 22nd February for Years 4 -7 at 6.30pm.  The evening will cost £1.50 per child or £3.00 per family.

 School Assembly

Canon West from The Church of Ireland, will be taking assembly in school on Friday 24 February.

 First Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place on Thursday 1 March at 7pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Magheralin. 

 First Communion

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 28 April at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 12 May at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 Peace Proms 2012

A choir representing Rowandale will be taking part in the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Peace Proms 2012.  This event will be held on Sunday 4 March at 12 noon.  If you wish to purchase tickets for this event, priced at £10 each, please contact 028 90 334455 or email boxoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk. 

 Marathon 2012

If you wish to enter the Marathon this year please speak to Miss Whiteway.  The IEF are not entering this year so we will be running and raising sponsorship for the school directly.  If you commit to running the school will pay your entry fee but we would ask that if you decide to drop out you would refund the entry fee to us – Miss Whiteway will be able to tell you the entry fees for the various events.

 Lost Property

A beige / pink knitted child’s cardigan has been found in school.  If you think it may be yours please contact the office.

The PArents council will hold A Night at the Races in Goodyear social Club, Silverwood Road, Lurgan on the 30th March. Anyone interested in sponsoring a race, the event or naming a horse email details to our new Parent Council email – rowandaleparentcouncil@ymail.com

More details to follow!

There will be a movie night for years 4 – 7 on Wednesday 22nd February from 6:30 – 8:30

The movie will be Dolphin Tale

Admission is £1.50 and includes Juice and Crisps

Mid Term Holidays

The school will be closed half day on Wednesday 15 February (dinners provided) and will reopen on Wednesday 22 February 2012. 

 School Photographer

The school photographer is visiting the school on Monday 13 February.  There will no hot school meals that day as the canteen will be used to take the photos.  If you wish your child to have their photo taken, you must return a signed permission slip on Monday – if you do not want your child’s photograph to be taken it would really help if you could let the office know.

 New Playgroup

The first meeting of the Playgroup Steering group will take place on Thursday 23 February at 6.30pm in the school. If you are interested in getting involved in this exciting project then you would be very welcome to come along to the meeting to find out more. There is lots to do and a variety of ways you can get involved from helping to distribute leaflets, helping to organise events, or just spreading the word about the playgroup. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done anything like this before, enthusiasm and a small time commitment is all that is needed.

Year 6 & 7 Open Assembly

Year 6 & 7 Open Assembly has been changed to Wednesday 15 February at 9.30am.  Parents, relatives and friends of this year group are welcome to attend.

 Year 6 & 7 – Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series

We are hoping that Year 6 & 7 pupils will be taking part in the Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series on Friday 18 May at Lagan Valley Leisureplex.  All equipment will be provided and approximately 800 children from around Northern Ireland will be participating in this event.  If you wish your child to be involved, please complete the permission slip and return as soon as possible.

 Community Art Club

Art Club will be held in School on Saturday 25^th February from 11.00am – 12.30pm.  All children from pre-school age up to 8 years are welcome.  Parent helpers are especially welcome!

 Toy Sale

Many thanks to all parents who support the toy sale in aid of Helping Hands Healing Hearts either by sending in donations of toys or by sending donations or by coming along to help.  We have raised over £120 for this worthy cause and we know that this will make a real difference to these children’s lives in the Philippines.

 Cinema Evening

There will be a cinema evening on Tuesday 14 February for Years 1 – 3 at 6.30pm.  The film will be Gnomeo and Juliette.  The evening will cost £1.50 per child or £3.00 per family.

 School Assembly

Canon West from The Church of Ireland, will be taking assembly in school on Friday 24 February.

  First Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place on Thursday 1 March at 7pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Magheralin. 

  First Communion

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 28 April at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

  Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 12 May at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 Peace Proms 2012

A choir representing Rowandale will be taking part in the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Peace Proms 2012.  This event will be held on Sunday 4 March at 12 noon.  If you wish to purchase tickets for this event, priced at £10 each, please contact             028 90 334455       or emailboxoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk. 

 Marathon 2012

If you wish to enter the Marathon this year please speak to Miss Whiteway.  The IEF are not entering this year so we will be running and raising sponsorship for the school directly.  If you commit to running the school will pay your entry fee but we would ask that if you decide to drop out you would refund the entry fee to us – Miss Whiteway will be able to tell you the entry fees for the various events.

Mid Term Holidays

The school will be closed half day on Wednesday 15 February (dinners provided) and will reopen on Wednesday 22 February 2012. 

 New Playgroup

The first information evening was held 04 January and forms are available in the office.  These will be distributed to the wider school database, but if you know of anyone who is interested in using the Playgroup, they should contact the office. 

Please remember that if you are applying for a nursery place for September 2012, you should go ahead and do so without listing Rowandale as an option.

 Year 6 & 7 Open Assembly

Year 6 & 7 Open Assembly has been changed to Wednesday 15 February at 9.30am.  Parents, relatives and friends of this year group are welcome to attend.

 Year 6 & 7 – Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series

We are hoping that Year 6 & 7 pupils will be taking part in the Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series on Friday 18 May at Lagan Valley Leisureplex.  All equipment will be provided and approximately 800 children from around Northern Ireland will be participating in this event.  If you wish your child to be involved, please complete the permission slip and return as soon as possible.

 Toy Sale

We will be having a toy sale on Thursday 9 February in aid of the Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministry in the Philippines.  The money raised will be used to buy antibiotics.  Donations of good quality toys are most welcome and all children will be given the opportunity to visit the sale and purchase some toys.  If you do not wish your child to attend the sale, please inform the teacher.

 Cinema Evening

There will be a cinema evening on Wednesday 14 February for Years 1 – 3.  Further information will be provided next week.

 School Assembly

Canon West from The Church of Ireland, will be taking assembly for the whole school on Friday 24 February.

 First Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place on Thursday 1 March at 7pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Magheralin. 

 First Communion

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 28 April at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 12 May at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 School Photographer

The school photographer is visiting the school on Monday 13 February.  There will no hot school meals that day as the canteen will be used to take the photos, but you may order a packed lunch from Gilgood Lodge for £2.20.  If you wish to order a lunch, please contact the office before Friday 10 February.  If you wish your child to have their photo taken, please return the signed permission slip as soon as possible.

 Peace Proms 2012

A choir representing Rowandale will be taking part in the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Peace Proms 2012.  This event will be held on Sunday 4 March at 12 noon.  If you wish to purchase tickets for this event, priced at £10 each, please contact             028 90 334455       or emailboxoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk. 

 Eco Club  

We would be most grateful for any donations of herb seeds, hanging baskets and plant pots for our Eco Club.

 Wet Play

Any donations for the Wet Play boxes would be gratefully accepted.  We would welcome colouring books, playdough, puzzles and games in relatively good condition.  Boxes will be placed in the Dining Room all of next week.  If anyone could spare some time to assist with labelling boxes etc next week, it would be much appreciated.

 Year Reps Coffee Evening

There will be a Year Reps Coffee Evening on Wednesday 8 February at 7pm in Belles Coffee Shop.  All welcome and anyone interested in being a Year Rep should come along too.

 Missing Keys

A member of staff has lost a set of keys attached to a teddy bear key ring.  If anyone comes across these keys, we would be grateful if they could contact the office.

 Yoga Classes

Dr Fitzsimmons has offered to run yoga classes every Wednesday afternoon, 1pm – 2.30pm in Blackstone Physiotherapy Studio.  Further information is included in your pouch.  All proceeds will go to Rowandale IPS.

The school will be closed on Monday 30th Januaryfor teacher training.

 New Playgroup

The first information evening was held 04 January and forms are available in the office.

These will be distributed to the wider school database, but if you know of anyone who is interested in using the Playgroup, they should contact the office.

Please remember that if you are applying for a nursery place for September 2012, you should go ahead and do so without listing Rowandale as an option.

 Assembly

Year 3 Open Assembly will take place on Friday 03 February at 9.30am in school. Parents, relatives and friends of this year group are welcome to attend.

Year 6 & 7 Open Assembly has been changed to Wednesday 15 February at 9.30am. Parents, relatives and friends of this year group are welcome to attend.

 Year 6 & 7 – Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series

We are hoping that Year 6 & 7 pupils will be taking part in the Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Series on Friday 18 May at Lagan Valley Leisureplex. All equipment will be provided and approximately 800 children from around Northern Ireland will be participating in this event. If you wish your child to be involved, please complete the permission slip and return as soon as possible.

 First Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place on Thursday 1 March at 7pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 First Communion

First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 28 April at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 12 May at 11am at St Patrick’s Church, Magheralin.

 School Photographer

The school photographer is visiting the school on Monday 13 February. There will no hot school meals that day as the canteen will be used to take the photos, but you may order a packed lunch from Gilgood Lodge for £2.20. If you wish to order a lunch, please contact the office before Friday 10 February. If you wish your child to have their photo taken, please sign the permission slip enclosed in your pouch last week.

 Peace Proms 2012

A choir representing Rowandale will be taking part in the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland Peace Proms 2012. This event will be held on Sunday 4 March at 12 noon. If you wish to purchase tickets for this event, priced at £10 each, please contact 028 90 334455 or email boxoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk.

 Ethos Evening – Relationships & Sexual Health Education

An evening on Relationships and Sexual Health Education will be held on 2 February. Joanna Gregg is coming from the BELB to speak to all parents. Please keep that date free. We would most grateful if as many parents as possible could attend.

 Eco Club

We would be most grateful for any donations of herb seeds, hanging baskets and plant pots for our Eco Club.

 Wet Play

Any donations for the Wet Play boxes would be gratefully accepted. We would welcome colouring books, playdough, puzzles and games in relatively good condition.

Boxes will be placed in the Dining Room all of next week. If anyone could spare some time to assist with labelling boxes etc next week, it would be much appreciated.

 Missing Keys

A member of staff has lost a set of keys attached to a teddy bear key ring. If anyone comes across these keys, we would be grateful if they could contact the office.

 Yoga Classes

Dr Fitzsimmons has offered to run yoga classes every Wednesday afternoon, 1pm – 2.30pm in Blackstone Physiotherapy Studio. Further information is included in your pouch. All proceeds will go to Rowandale IPS.

At the end of Summer term the Eco Club entered the Sam Gardiner School Gardening Competition. Sam Gardiner MLA and three other judges came to our school earlier this term to see for themselves the work that is being done. Four of our Eco Monitors showed the judges around the poly tunnel area. They explained what activities we did last year as well as new gardening projects that we hope to undertake this school year. The judges were extremely impressed by the communication skills of our children and said that out of the 28 schools that had entered our pupils were the most well spoken.
We enjoyed showing how we used the produce from the polytunnel by treating the judges to a lunch of cheeses and bread served with Rowandale Green Tomato Chutney, pumpkin quiche and corn muffins.
We were delighted to be shortlisted with five other schools to visit Stormont where we received a Highly Commended Award in recognition of how well our school garden area is being used throughout the school.

Exceptional Closure

Please note that the School will not be closed on 22 November as previously advised as CCEA have amended our training dates – we apologise for any inconvenience caused. This date has now changed to 29 June 2012. Therefore, the School will close at 12 noon on 28 June 2012.

 Years 1 – 7

To ensure the safety of our children, all children should be collected from their classrooms on a wet day. Otherwise, Years 1 – 3 will line up at the white fence to be collected. Years 4 – 7 must be collected outside their classrooms.

 Book Fair

Our book fair is taking place in the staff room from 15th November until 18th November, 8.45 – 9am, 2 – 2.15pm and 3 – 3.15pm. Everyone welcome! If any parents could volunteer to assist with the book fair during these times, please contact the office.

 Year 3 Parent/Teacher Meetings

Year 3 Parent/Teacher meetings will take place on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22 November between 2.15pm and 5pm.

Sign up sheets are available in the hallway of the classroom. Please feel free to contact the office to make an appointment if you do not bring your child to school or to make an alternative arrangement if these dates do not suit.

 Open Assembly

Year 3 Open Assembly will take place on Friday 18th November at 9.30am in school. Parents, relatives and friends of this year group are welcome to attend.

Year 4 Open Assembly will take place on Friday 25 November at 9.30am.

 The Christmas Assembly

The Christmas Assembly for Years 1 – 3 will take place on Friday 16 December at 10am and Years 4 – 7 will be at 11.15am, both in the Presbyterian Church Hall. Parents, relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

 Phoenix Trading

If you wish to order from the Phoenix Trading Catalogue, Mrs Bayston would be very grateful if you could return your order and cheques to school as soon as possible. We would be grateful if parents could return any unused catalogues to the office.

 Moira Christmas Lights

The Christmas Lights in Moira will be switched on at 7pm on Wednesday 23 November.

 Christmas Social

The Parents’ Council are hoping to organise a Christmas Social on Friday

16th December at The Fat Gherkin. Supper will be pots of chilli/curry and it will be BYO drinks. Cost to be confirmed later. To make this event a success we need to gauge interest in attending this. If you would like to go please speak to Mrs Gilmour or email the office: claireneill.rips@hotmail.co.uk.

 Amazon Link

You may have noticed on our website that we have a link to the shopping website – Amazon. For every pound you spend, the School will receive a percentage. We would be most grateful if you could use this link and support the School.

 New Equestrian Centre

A new Equestrian Centre has opened in Maghaberry. They cater for all types of riders – from beginners and leisure riders through to those who have their own horse or pony, and have indoor and outdoor facilities. If anyone is interested, please contact The McMillan Family on 92 621139/92 621853, info@limeparkequestrian.co.uk and www.limeparkequestrian.co.uk.

We’ve applied for Amazon Association for the school.

This means  we can earn Amazon Vouchers for the purchase of books and equipment for the school, simply by people making use of the Amazon search box on the school web site. If you’re going to buy from Amazon, this is a great way to support the school at the same time!

To help the school, please make use of the search box on the right to search Amazon. If you then buy from Amazon, the school will earn a small referral amount which will be converted into vouchers.

There is no cost for the shopper and all money raised this way will help the school!

Exceptional Closure

Please note that the School will not be closed on 22 November as previously advised as CCEA have amended our training dates – we apologise for any inconvenience caused. This date has now changed to 29 June 2012. Therefore, the School will close at 12 noon on 28 June 2012.

 Hallowe’en Break

The School will close at 12.30pm on Friday 28th October until Wednesday 2nd inclusive. The School will reopen on Thursday 3rd November.

 Our new Kitchen Facilities

Calling all men! Your help is required to move tables into our new kitchen facility. If anyone can spare an hour on Saturday morning at 10.30am, we would be most grateful.

 Year 1

A black USB Network Adapter has been discovered in the Year 1 Elmer Story Sack. Please contact the office for further details.

 Dyslexia Talk

On Tuesday 8th November at 7.30pm you are invited to a special evening on the theme of Dyslexia to be held in the PIPS. Parents/Guardians from our School will be in attendance.

Anne McKinless from the SELB will be the key speaker. The evening will be of particular interest to parents of children who have Dyslexia or exhibit Dyslexic tendencies. Alternatively you may wish to learn about how you could support a child who has difficulties with Literacy or other learning needs.

Bringing up a dyslexic child is a challenging task for most of us. How do you support your child? How do you help them learn to read and spell? Are there any organizations that can help? How should you help your child with their homework? And so on. Please feel free to bring along friends or family who may benefit from the evening.

 Year 4

A presentation to all Year 4 parents on the Core Syllabus for Religious Education and the Sacraments will be held on Monday 7 November at 6.30pm.

Sacrament Preparation for Year 4 children begins on Wednesday 9 November at 2.15pm.

 Harvest Hampers

If anyone has donations of non-perishable items of food that they wish to make for the Harvest Hampers we would be grateful to receive these before Friday 4th November when they will be distributed through local charities.

 Book Fair

Our book fair is taking place in the staff room from 15th November until 18th November, 8.50am to 4.30pm. Everyone welcome!

 Eco Club

The Eco Club are building a “Mini-Beast Hotel” next week and require some resources. They require pieces of bamboo, plastic bottles (various sizes), twigs and cuttings from trees/bushes. If anyone can help, it would be appreciated.