Dear Parents/Carers,
As we approach the half term break, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our pupils, staff and families for their continued hard work and support. It has been a busy and productive term, and we are all very much looking forward to a well earned midterm rest.
This week, we have enjoyed celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week, with a range of activities taking place across the school, including a special assembly on Monday led by our Student Council. Please take a moment to ask your child about the Five Steps to Wellbeing: Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Take Notice and Learn. We will continue to explore these themes throughout the remainder of the second term.
Please remember to check the school calendar for important dates and upcoming events throughout February.
We would also like to highlight some key dates for our P4 and P7 children as they continue their sacramental journey:
- First Confession: Thursday 12th March at 7.00pm, Church of the Assumption, Tullyallen
- Confirmation: Thursday 26th March at 5.00pm, Church of the Assumption, Tullyallen
- First Holy Communion: Saturday 9th May at 11.00am, Church of the Assumption, Tullyallen
The Do This in Memory of Me Programme continues for P4 children on Saturday 14th February at 7.00pm in St. Joseph’s Ackinduff.
Our P7 pupils will take part in their Confirmation Retreat—facilitated by Net Ministries—on 3rd March 2026 in the community centre. Their Ceremony of Light will also take place that evening, with further details to follow.
Our P4 pupils will begin their swimming lessons on Friday 27th February, with additional sessions on 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March.
We invite P6 parents to an Information Evening on the entrance exam and the transfer to post primary schools. This will be held on 23rd February at 6.00pm in the school assembly hall.
Safer Internet Day is on 17th February—a valuable opportunity to talk to your child about staying safe online and understanding the responsibilities that come with internet use.
The Travelling Book Fair will arrive at St. Mary’s, Cabragh on Thursday 19th February and will depart on Thursday 26th February. Please note that last orders must be placed by 3.00pm on Wednesday 25th February. (More details are available on our website.) We will also celebrate World Book Day on 5th March 2025.
We will be holding a non uniform day on 16th March to help raise awareness and funds for First Responders. We are delighted that Ursula Bradley will be visiting the school to speak to the classes about what to do in an emergency and the importance of knowing basic first aid skills.
We are also pleased to share that the school has recently received a new defibrillator, which will further support the safety and wellbeing of our whole school community.
We are delighted that Shauna Nelson will be delivering clay workshops with various classes throughout the term, giving pupils the chance to experience clay as an artistic medium and develop their creative skills.
We are also pleased to welcome back Relax Kids with Paula McGilligan for our P1–P4 children, supporting emotional wellbeing through relaxation and mindfulness activities.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Malachy Kelly, one of our long serving bus drivers, for his years of service and dedication to St. Mary’s. We wish him health and happiness in his retirement.
Finally, following a directive from the Education Authority issued on 30th January, schools have been encouraged to take additional Staff Development Days. As a result, St. Mary’s, Cabragh will be closed for all pupils on Monday 6th April.
Thank you once again for your continued partnership. I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable midterm break.
Kind regards,
Helen Lavery
