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St Clare’s Abbey Primary School, Newry
 

RIGHTS…RESPECTING…and US!!!!

 

Our school came into being on September  1 2014.

Everyone involved with the school at that time had their own vision but when drawing up the school Code all agreed that we wanted everyone to be Gentle, Fair, Generous, Well mannered, Hardworking and Honest. These attributes are interwoven through everything we do in St. Clare’s Abbey Primary School. They are at the core; and our constant focus in putting children at the forefront, heart and culmination of any and all our decision making is overriding.

Therefore, based on our strong foundations we wanted to embed children’s rights into our ethos, culture, policies and daily practice.

We applied for Rights Respecting status because in doing so we would be putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of our planning, policies, practice and ethos and very importantly we would unequivocally give all our children a voice and a platform so that they could express their opinions.

A Rights respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights and respect in all its relationships: between staff and pupils, between staff and staff and between pupils.

RRSA is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect non-discrimination and participation.

 

To find out more about the Rights Respecting Schools Award please visit: http://www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa

 

Recognition of Commitment

After registering our school, the first stage of the RRSA was obtaining the Recognition of Commitment (ROC). The RRSA was introduced initially to the school community – staff, pupils, governors, parents and to the wider community.

A steering group composing of adults and children was formed to guide, promote and develop the Rights Respecting initiative throughout the school. Procedures were put in place for monitoring the impact of the initiative.

One of the first undertakings we the Steering Group did was to create a mascot. We wanted a mascot that would draw the interest and ignite the curiosity of all the staff, parents and most importantly the pupils.

Our mascot had to be child friendly, had to impress the pupils, have the ability to communicate the Articles and generate positivity.

A sub-committee made up with pupil members of the Steering Group and led by Mrs Sloan worked on this challenge.

After a number of sessions they came up with our mascot,  

  ‘Pop the Peacock’…

 

They finished it off with a matching slogan, ‘Rights for all…’

 
 
 

 

In January 2018 we were delighted to receive our RRSA Recognition of Commitment (ROC) status.

 

 

Rights Respecting School

Going Forward

 

During this academic year 2018 - 2019, we will be working towards achieving Level 1.

The RRSA steering group have been busy planning events to help children recognize their rights and responsibilities, both in school and beyond.

We are extremely proud of our children, staff and school. We hope that you will continue to support us on our Rights Respecting journey.

 

RR Steering Group

Our Rights Respecting Steering Group has a very important role in raising awareness of the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) and promoting the awareness of children’s rights in St. Clare’s Abbey.

In our Steering Group meetings, all members work hard to ensure that UNCRC Article 12 ‘You have a right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriousl ’ is always top of our agenda.

By working together, we seek to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to have their views heard and grow in confidence and knowledge when discussing the UNCRC and its impact on our daily lives. We work closely with our School Council, Anti Bullying Ambassadors, ECO committee and Digital leaders to strengthen the voices of children both inside and outside school

 

Our New Primary One's

 

As we welcome our new Nursery and Primary 1 children as well as new pupils within our school community we are reminded of Article 28, that every child has to an education.

 

 

Having A Say

 

Each class in the school have had the chance to have a say in their own class rules, they have looked at Article 12 every child has the right to have a say in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously.

Our Class Charters

We have all produced our own class charters.

Have a look at the amazing displays around our school.

Article 1

Everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the convention.

Keeping Fit and Healthy

Well done to Mr Digney who along with Healthy Kidz organized a wonderful day on how to keep active. They put all our boys and girls and staff members through their paces. During assembly they told us of the importance of health care and nutritious food in order to stay healthy. (Article 24)

Many pupils from P1 to P7 shared their experiences of joining groups and clubs in order to stay active such as Camogie, Football, Irish Dancing, Karate and much more. The pupils then enjoyed a full day fitness marathon supervised by Healthy Kidz and enjoyed healthy, nutritious fruit provided by Neighbourhood Renewal. 

This big workout helped raise vital funds to help us promote healthy lifestyles and encourage positive eating habits. (Article 31)

 
 

Donation to Southern Area Hospice Services

October 8 2018

We Have a Right to be Alive

 

Miss Amy Mc Keown from Southern Area Hospice Services received a cheque from members of the School Council. At the beginning of every year the Council members choose which charities they are going to help and then organise fund raisers. The Steering Group with the help of the School Council used this visit to highlight Articles 6 and 24 of the UNCRC.

Each class discussed the important role hospitals, doctors, nurses and other health care workers play in our lives; the reasons why our school insists on our snack being fruit or vegetables; the reason why chips are only served on one day per week in the Dining Hall. Everyone agreed that we all have a RESPONSIBILITY to live healthy lives and not become unwell because of a bad diet or lack of exercise.