We had a special visitor today at St Malachy’s, Mr Gerry Campbell – Chief Executive of CCMS (Council of Catholic Maintained Schools). Mr Campbell walked around the school, met some children and was very impressed by what he saw. He commented on the manners of the children, and the vibrancy of the children’s work displayed throughout the school among other things. Our Head Boy Daniel and our Head Girl Rayna ensured he had a very warm welcome.

The School Development Plan highlighted ICT as a key area of focus this year. The Senior Leadership Team were happy to agree to setting up a new ICT suite to facilitate better teaching and learning for the children. The ICT team led by Mr. McGuigan conducted an audit of ICT resources and hardware. It was evident that a significant boost to ICT resources was necessary. The aim was to facilitate the needs of the children to ensure an outstanding standard of teaching and learning in the area of ICT. The room and ICT equipment was funded by the school budget.

Lismore recently received confirmation that their application to Guinness World Records was successful!

Lismore Comprehensive are officially the ‘Guinness World Record Title Holder’ for the ’World’s Largest Human Pi Symbol’.

Mrs Kane (Principal) commented,

“To see 1170 students and staff in a Pi shape, in our Senior Yard, is a memory that will be cherished for some time at Lismore!

Today's event was not just about breaking a World Record. It was about community. The Lismore community today involved our entire student population, including students from our Learning Support Centre, Teaching Staff, Learning Assistants, Canteen Staff, Office Staff and Caretaking staff - a whole team approach!”

A SENSORY garden, which opened at Holy Cross Primary School in Atticall yesterday, is to offer a “quiet place” for pupils and others wishing to use it.

The idea for the ‘Garden of Solace’, which has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Asda, was from a discussion by the Friends of Holy Cross Primary School parents group and the primary seven pupils from school year 2017/18.

The installation of this sensory garden has become a pivotal part of their ‘Let’s talk about it’ campaign which was launched on World Mental Health Day in October 2018.

Sonia Ferris, Chairperson of Friends of Holy Cross PS Atticall, said: “We had this plot of land in the school and thought it would be a great idea to try and create something beautiful which could also benefit the students’ mental health.

“Our campaign focussed on the issue of emotional, mental health and well-being of pupils, parents, teachers and the wider community.”

She added that the outdoor sensory garden was a “key part of this process for such support.”

The first sod has been cut on a brand new school build for Holy Evam delighted to seeangelists’ PS in Belfast.
Construction is expected to be complete by November 2020 and will deliver a new 21 class primary school and double nursery unit.
Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary with the Department of Education said:

“This is an important day for Holy Evangelists’ Primary School as it celebrates the start of construction work on a brand new school.
“This represents a £8.6 million investment by the Department and I have no doubt that it will create many positive outcomes for the pupils and teachers and indeed the wider school community.
“I appreciate the patience and determination shown by all involved since the original announcement in June 2014 to advance this major capital investment project in planning.  To have reached this key milestone, celebrating the start of the physical school build, is a credit to you all.
“I wish the pupils, staff and school management every success as they embark on this new chapter.”