Best Wishes to our P7 pupils as they move to Post Primary School 

Thank you to all our 2021 P7 pupils for their work leading up to the end of term and for all the ways you have all contributed to our Windsor Hill family while at school. 

It has been an honour and privilege to see you grow, learn and mature together over the last 7 years in so many different ways - we really trust your move to High School will also be as happy and fulfilling for you all.   

We look forward to hearing of your achievements - please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on!

We have lots of budding actors and actresses in this year's P7 - check out their leavers videos using the links below 

P7 Leavers Videos -    P7 OK - The Great Escape

                                      P7 PM - The Great Escape 

In the absence of a traditional Leavers' Assembly this year each class gave out a number of achievement awards marking progress and achievement across the curriculum . 

            Mr Morrow's P7 Achievement Awards

             Mrs Kerrigan's  P7 Achievement Awards

PlayBoard NI- Summer of Play Challenge

As we look forward to summer, and a summer when we may not get away as we usually do please have a look at a wish list which might keep you all busy. 

https://www.playboard.org/summer-of-play-challenge/

Newry, Mourne and Down Youth Service

Playday

Saturday 26th June 2021

FREE OF CHARGE

Venue: Newry Olympic Hockey Club, Belfast Road, Newry BT34 1QA

Time 2:30pm - 6:30pm 

Open to anyone aged 9 - 13 years old

Consent forms must be completed and brought on the day.

Snacks will be available on the day however anyone with food allergies must bring their own.  

For more information please see the attached sheets below.  All P5 - P7 pupils got a flyer with the permission form on the reverse.  

Windsor Hill Primary School

Jurassic Ark Encounters NI

In the absence of classes going out of school for trips at present, a visit into school, by Jurassic Ark Encounters NI has been arranged for next week.  This is a local company who provide ‘Educational Animal Encounters’ with Reptiles and Amphibians.  The children will see the animals up close as well as learn about their lifecycle, natural habitat etc. 

There is no charge to pupils towards the cost of this visit.  It will be managed in line with our covid procedures with classes visiting the animals in the assembly hall in their class bubbles.  The children from P4/5 to P7 will see the animals on Wednesday 16^th June, while the younger classes are booked in for Friday morning (18^th June). 

We hope this will be a new and interesting opportunity for our pupils, but please inform your child’s class teacher in writing if you would rather he / she do not participate. 

Please feel free to contact me should you require any more information. 

Yours faithfully,

I. McKane

Principal  

 Libraries NI Summer Reading Challenge

19 June until 18 September 2021 Wild World Heroes,

Summer Reading Challenge 2021; a celebration of nature and action for the environment, in partnership with WWF UK. Get ready for Wild World Heroes, arriving online and in libraries across Northern Ireland this summer.

Children age 4 to 11 can join the World Wide Heroes for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to discover how they can make a difference to the environment. Produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries, we’re teaming up with WWF for a very special nature themed challenge that will inspire children to stand up for the planet.

The Summer Reading Challenge will take place from 19 June until 18 September. Children can sign up at their local library, choose their reading goal then read any books to collect special stickers and other rewards along the way – all for FREE. There is a digital platform too, so the fun can carry on at home! Children can read whatever they like in their chosen format – fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, graphic novels, audio books and eBooks. Everyone who completes their personal challenge will receive a certificate and medal.

The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge really helps by getting over 700,000 children regularly into libraries over the summer, with thousands more taking part online. There is no other free reading activity that involves so many children, introduces families to their library, encourages children to choose books freely and independently and is endorsed by parents and teachers.

There will be more information on the Libraries NI website www.librariesni.org.uk and social channels over the next few weeks so please keep a look out for further updates. 

Covid Updated Information from the Southern Trust

The Covid Helpline, managed by Advice NI is available for those needing support:

Freephone number:  0808 802 0020

You can also get in touch by email, text message or web form:

email: covid19@adviceni.net

text: ACTION to 81025

Complete a form on the Advice NI Website

Public Health Messages:

• Car sharing advice - https://vimeo.com/manage/488920758/general translations also available at https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/advice-car-sharing-english-and-translations

• Safer shopping during COVID-19 video, poster and translations https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/safer-shopping-during-covid-19-poster-and-translations

• COVID-19 - how to reduce the spread within your home graphics and animation https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/covid-19-how-reduce-spread-within-your-home

• Gatherings and public health advice -Widescreen: https://vimeo.com/531259847 Square: https://vimeo.com/531770709 Portrait: https://vimeo.com/531773466
•  

The videos below can all be downloaded for use:

·         Amy's COVID-19 incubation video:  https://vimeo.com/488071904 

·         Dave's symptoms, testing and tracing video:  https://vimeo.com/469707818

·         Close contact definition: https://vimeo.com/500380372

·         Digital self-trace - how does it work: https://vimeo.com/484096114

A Mud Kitchen and Play Bus have been added to the Foundation Stage outdoor Playground

The Volunteers from Barcroft Community Garden produced these amazing structures from recycled wood and very kindly donated them to our school.

 Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Jennet couldn't wait to try them out!

Included in the picture above is Kevin Henry and his helpers, the talented gentlemen who made the bus and kitchen for our pupils to enjoy.

The children were very excited to investigate their new equipment this week.    

RISE - RISE NI (Regional Integrated Support for Education in N.Ireland)

Support for children returning to school 

If you feel your little one is worrying about coming back to school please do not hesitate to contact the Principal or class teacher who will work with you to make this transition as smooth as possible.  

RISE NI have created this short video clip to help parents support their child’s return to school,  to help cope with any worries or fears children may have going back into their classrooms.

Understanding Childhood Worry & Anxiety 

Please watch this short video clip to help parents to support their child with feelings of anxiety or worries.

You may also find other useful links on the RISE WEBSITE. 

Post Primary School Applications for September 2021

Post Primary transfer this year will be a litte different to previous years for a number of reasons:

• A new online Transfer Process has been developed by the Education Authority.

• Transfer Tests for admission to the Newry Grammar Schools were cancelled in Spring 2020

• The AQE test for admission to Banbridge Academy & The Royal School Armagh was cancelled in January 2021

• This has removed academic selection from all local schools criteria. 

Parents have started to call requesting information about the new process.  Please be assured everyone will be provided with as much support as they need, and you have plenty of time to prepare.  You can begin by having a look at the local post primary school websites and review their admission criteria.  All Post Primary Schools have 'Virtual Open Days' available on their websites.  Take time with your child, to look at these now. 

Timetable

Tuesday 2nd February

Admission Criteria will be published and are available on the EA Website

The 2021/2022 admissions criteria for post primary schools are now available here.

For further information on how and when you can apply please visit the Post Primary Admissions Guide.

POST-PRIMARY APPLICATION PARENT CHECKLIST

The Post-Primary application process will take place online, for the first time, in 2021. The application process will be open from 12 noon on 1 March and will remain open until 4pm on 16 March. Please see our parent checklist that may help you prepare for the process or visit our website for more details.

https://www.eani.org.uk/.../post-primary-admissions-guide

Monday 1st March - Online Applications open

The Post Primary online application procedure opens at 12 noon on Monday 1 March 2021 and closes at 4pm on Tuesday 16 March 2021.

Saturday 19th June

Parents access the outcome of their child’s application via the online portal

From the EA Website: 

The online application is very straight-forward to complete and you will be guided through each page.  In addition to the guidance videos and documents on the EA website, the Admissions Helpdesk will be available for digital assistance if you need it.

Tel: 028 9598 5595                          Email postprimaryadmissions@eani.org.uk
 

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications will only be available on request from the Education Authority.

P1 Applications went online for a few years and this was straightforward.  We are therefore confident that the process will work relatively smoothly.  It is however very important that parents do their 'homework' now with their children, make their choices and know which criteria apply to them. 

It is important, particularly for those who wish to apply to over subscribed schools, that careful consideration is given to the admissions criteria and time is taken to ensure that parents clearly state how they meet the set criteria on the admissions portal when applying, particularly this year, where test results are not available to be used. 

Please be assured help and support will be available to all parents as needed.  Choosing the school for next chapter in your child's education is a very important decision.   

World Book Day - Thursday 4th March 2021

World Book Day is a celebration of books and reading in school - It is an opportunity to encourage our children to read for learning and pleasure.  This year we are having a 'Potato Challenge' where the children are being asked to decorate a potato as one of their favourite book characters. Further details are available on the children's class Seesaw Page. 

We look forward to seeing their finished products next week.  

Some ideas are available on pinterest 

Half Term

School is closed to pupils all of next week for the half term break.  While most of us have not been in the building, it will be a break for everyone from 'Remote Learning'.  Let's hope it warms up a bit so that we can get outside to enjoy the first signs of new beginnings - like the snowdrops.  

No work will be posted on Seesaw from Monday 15th - Friday 19th February

Congratulations on how well you have all done this half term and enjoy the break.  

NI 4 KIds - February ONLINE Magazine

Microsoft Office is available for download free for all pupils with a C2K email address

Students can download the full version of Microsoft Office for PC or Mac free of charge with their C2k username for installation on personal and home computers.

Pupils will need their C2K username to do this.  This is their login when they logging in to the computer network in school. Their initial, surname and 3 numbers.  If you need reminded of this please contact imckane521@c2kni.net and it will be sent to you. 

Please find attached the staff information sheet which is the most straightforward guide to installing the package on to your home computers.   

Cover for children of Keyworkers and Vulnerable Groups –

Week Beginning Monday 25th January

(9:00am – 3:00pm or 2:00pm for younger pupils if this is more convenient). Everyone must book in advance on a weekly basis so that staffing can be finalised.

Keyworker parents, who have no alternative childcare provision at home, are asked to email imckane521@c2kni.net  stating the days that the child needs to attend next week.  Please email as early as you can each week and before 2pm on Friday 22nd January. 

Covid Reminder

Do not sent your child to school if they are unwell, particularly if they have any covid symptoms:

• High Temperature, New / Persistent Cough, Loss of taste or smell – Stay at home, isolate and book a test.                 https://covid-19.hscni.net/testing
• Inform school immediately and advise us of the result as soon as possible.
• Pupils do not return until symptoms have gone for at least 48 hours – even if the test result was negative.

The children are being supervised by members of staff operating on a rota between 9:00 – 3:00pm. 

Next week P1 – P3 children should come into the P3 classroom via the Emergency Exit in the carpark. 

P4 – P7 pupils are asked to come in through the side door in front of the office and go upstairs to the P5 classroom. 

Please note - School Dinners are not available in school at present. 

Children should bring a pencil and a rubber, their morning snack, packed lunch and a water bottle with them.     

Home Schooling Information, Advice and Support

It is very important that we all work together during this time to ensure that the impact of Covid on our children's learning is minimized.  We are therefore asking everyone to complete the tasks and activities planned and provided on Seesaw. 

Support is Available - 

We really want this to work for everyone.  Our teachers are extremely conscientious and are working hard to plan interesting, varied, fun activities at your child's level.  

Please do not hesitate to contact school if you are having any connection issues, need advice.  Copies or booklets can be made available from the school office - but must be 'ordered' and collected at a prearranged time.

All Seesaw activities are being monitored and missed tasked will be followed up with parents as needed.  

This morning our Covid Link Officer provided the following links to pointers, tips and advice which parents might find useful to help establish routines with your children over the following weeks.  We all want this to be as constructive as we can make it for your children.  

7 tips for Supporting Reading at Home

Helping Home Learning - Read with TRUST

Helping Home Learning - Read with TRUST - Comic

Supporting Home Learning Routines - Planning the Day

Windsor Hill Primary school Eco Committee for 20.21

Congratulations to this year's 'Eco Warriors' who were chosen by their class mates.  Mrs Kerrigan will be delighted to get your ideas and help to maintain our school grounds and ideas for recycling.  Our Eco Flag shows our care for the school and the environment. 

Best Classwork - November 2020 

Congratulations to all our pupils whose work was displayed on the best classwork page for November 2020.  

Food Collection for The Larder - Newry Help the Homeless

Thank you to all our parents and pupils for your very kind donations of food for Newry Help the Homeless. 

Some of this year's Eco Committee and School Council helped to get the groceries ready to deliver to the office in Mary Street.

Radius Housing Christmas Card Competition Winners

Radius Housing are currently working at a number of sites around Newry building Environmentally Sustainable Social Housing, the closest to our school being Rockmount on the Belfast Road. 

When in an area they link with the community and are funding a science initiative in school.  Many of our pupils entered their Christmas Card Competition.  

The winners received a frames copy of their entry and a shopping voucher which they will no doubt enjoy spending before Christmas.  Congratulations to them all, especially the central picture which was chosen by Radius as their Christmas Card this year.  

Community Information Bulletin - Emergency Department 'Phone First' 

A new ‘Phone First’ service is being trialled at Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospital Emergency Departments and South Tyrone Minor Injuries Unit from today (Monday 30th November).

Patients including children, who are considering attending with an urgent but not life threatening injury or illness are being asked to ‘Phone First’.

Website link

The service will operate 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

The ‘Phone First’ number to ring is 0300 123 3 111

Text relay number is: 18001 0300 123 3 111

October Best Class Work

Congratulations to all the boys and girls whose work was chosen by their teachers to display on the Best Classwork noticeboard in the main corridor.  

Antibullying Week and Odd Socks Day

The Week Beginning Monday 16th November is this year's Antibullying Week.  We will be having an Odd Socks Day on Monday and during the week opportunities will be taken to reinforce the importance of looking after each other and positive relationships.

Please find attached below a letter sent to parents on Thursday 12th November and links to this year's 'Antibullying Anthem' from Andy and the Odd Socks - 'The Kids Are United'.

The Kids Are United 

Extended Half Term Break

By now I am sure, through TV, radio or social media, you are aware that schools have been instructed to finish this Friday, 16^th October for an extended Half Term holiday by the Department of Education. I can only apologize for the inconvenience that this late announcement may cause working parents at this time.  It is planned that school will reopen to all pupils on Monday 2^nd November. 

The Department of Education have designated this as an extension to our half term holiday as distinct to learning moving home as happened last March.  Some of this time off has to be taken from our school holiday allocation with the department allocating additional ‘Exceptional Closure’ days to cover the closure.  I therefore have to make another change to our annual holiday list.  (An updated holiday list will be posted on the school website as soon as it has been confirmed with DENI).  

While most KS1 & KS2 classes have already got reading and spelling lists home for next week which teachers would welcome your continued help with, please note, as directed by DENI, work will not be posted on the school Website or Seesaw for the children during the two weeks of this half term holiday.

Free School Meals

 During the week beginning 19 October direct payments will be made to pupils in receipt of Free School Meals.

School App & Messaging

Many parents have signed up for our school App.  Using the App, letters like this one, go directly to your phone or email account.  While it is appreciated that not everyone uses email, it is proving a quick and efficient means of getting information to parents and we would encourage as many parents as possible to make use of it, especially at this time.  You are welcome to email: imckane521@c2kni.net including your mobile telephone number and child’s name to be included in future emails.

Foundation Stage Macmillan Collection

Sincere thanks to everyone who so generously donated to the Macmillan Coffee Morning.  Please check the P1 & P2 class pages on the school website for a flavor of the experiences enjoyed by the pupils both preparing for the event and at home in aid of this very worthwhile charity. P2 have also added a little video to say thank you. The amazing amount of £908 has been sent to the charity.  We appreciate the work put in by our P1 & P2 staff, particularly Mrs. Moore’s who coordinated the event.

Continued Vigilance Please

Please continue to keep up your guard and stay safe during half term.  We really want everyone back in school to learn together after this two week break.  We continue to remind children to remain in their class bubble and regular handwashing while in school.

Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell and especially if they have any Covid 19 symptoms:

• A high temperature or
• New, continuous cough or
• Loss or change in sense of taste or smell.

The PHA & EA’s latest guidance poster  which includes testing information has been posted on the school website at: https://www.windsorhillps.co.uk/newsletters-and-letters-for-parents/

Please feel free to contact school for any further clarification.

Yours faithfully,

Miss I McKane

Principal 

Best Classwork for September 2020 

 Congratulations to all our pupils whose work was chosen by their class teacher this month for the best classwork board.  Each child received a certificate and Windsor Hill 'Well Done' pencil this morning to recognise their achievements.  Our best classwork board is updated monthly.  We look  forward to showcasing further good work throughout the year. 

We usually celebrate this success at Assembly, but in the absence of whole school assemblies at present we want to show everyone through our website. 

 (Please note we do not publish pupil names on the website - the reason for the blanked out certificate).