Dear Parents & Carers 

It has been a truly 'literary week' in St. Clare's Abbey.  Mrs Cribbin’s P4s visited Newry library and each pupil is now a fully-fledged member! We look forward to hearing about the array of books which they will borrow in the coming weeks. Thursday saw the school filled with lots of book characters- the costume parade was a joy!  The children paired up to read together, completed quizzes, attended live lessons with authors and illustrators and took part in book-based art activities. 

Our P5 & P6 girls attended St. Mary's High School 'World Book Day' quiz- they returned with prizes galore! Our P6 boys were invited to Waterstones bookstore for a 'book' scavenger Hunt and World Book Day activities.  A busy week developing a love of reading!

At today's assembly Dave Wiggins (Active Travel Officer) spoke to pupils to challenge them to help the environment (and their health) by walking or 'wheeling' to school as part of the Big Walk & Wheel challenge which takes place from 16th-27th March. Miss Jones is supporting this as our eco ambassador by preparing to begin our P7 Cycling Proficiency course in the coming weeks.

On another 'eco' note- a very big 'congratulations' to Treasa McCoy, P6 Mr Clarke/Mrs Noonan, who was selected as a finalist in the NI Environmental Youth Speak! We are SO proud and can't wait to see Treasa represent our school later this month in Downpatrick.

 P4s visited Bagenal's Castle today for a workshop on their World Around Us topic- World War II.  They learned about toys during the war, food rations, clothing and school life! They had great fun and learned lots! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful resource on our doorstep! 

We continue to prepare during this Lenten season for Easter and ask God to keep us focused on helping others in humble service. We thank Fr Alphonsus for reminding us during our monthly Mass, which took place on Tuesday, of the importance of humility.   

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Yours in partnership,  

Mrs Donnelly

At the time of amalgamation it was agreed that funerals of staff of the former schools would not be attended by pupils from the newly amalgamated school. This was to avoid anyone being overlooked due to current staff being unaware of former connections with the schools.

That seemed like an appropriate arrangement at the time. However, having personally attended recent funerals of deceased former staff, I have become uneasy with this arrangement. Therefore, it will be modified as indicated below.

The family of a deceased member of staff of Abbey PS or St Clare’s PS, who retired from either school may request a school representation at their loved one’s requiem mass. If the mass is taking place during school hours and in a local church, we will try our very best to facilitate the request.  Requests may be made via telephone 02830262175.

We cherish the contribution that former staff made to both schools, from which we grew.

Thank You

I really need your help parents and remind you:

That we operate a 'drop off zone' and a one way system. We have had a few 'near misses as parents have not followed the one way system and have 'cut off' across the flow of traffic, to park in the area beside the canteen. I am very fearful that we will have an accident.

1. That you need to be so careful when dropping off children. Pupils should disembark onto the pavement- not onto the road/ car park side, where cars are busily trying to depart.
2. When driving off from your'drop off position' that you need to be mindful of other cars coming up from behind. We have had a few 'near collisions' re this.
3. That buses are being held up when some of you stay too long in your 'drop off' position. I have frequently seen the bus unable to take the bend to get to its drop off position because some of you have left your car unattended or are delaying your departure to make phone calls etc, unaware that your vehicle is blocking the way.

I know that with your support we can make the process safer for our school community.

Thank You