WARINGSTOWN    PRIMARY    SCHOOL    

 

GOVERNORS’    REPORT    

 

2012    /    2013    

 

Waringstown  Primary  School  Governors’  Report  2012/2013  

Dear Parent,

The Board of Governors’ of Waringstown Primary School is pleased to present the Annual Report for the academic year 2012/2013.

Waringstown Primary School is a bustling, well organised community of teachers, ancillary staff and pupils doing and preparing for life together in a safe and caring environment and once again the Governors’ place on record their congratulations to our principal, Mr GG Kennedy, vice-principal Mr C McCambley, our teaching and ancillary staff in recognition of their commitment in delivering an ever changing curriculum which seeks to realise the full potential of every child.

The account of the school’s many notable successes makes most encouraging reading. All of the pupils continue to receive an excellent education and positive influences through the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum within the classroom complemented by a range of outdoor extra curricular activities. The Governors’ are proud of all that the school offers its pupils in a genuinely caring environment.

The school continues to have a strong working relationship with the wider community and enjoys the active support and involvement of parents and families. During the year the following amounts were raised:-

£2,123 for Charlene’s Project (Hidden Treasures School) £1,000 for Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children £400 for Children in Need

The PTA Committee continue to work hard raising much needed funds for our school.

The Governors’ were delighted at the recognition shown to Mr Kennedy for 30 years as a school principal when together with Mrs Kennedy they were invited on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Finally, it was most pleasing to witness the new build of our long awaited Nursery Unit which is ready for occupation in September 2013.

On behalf of the Governors’ I commend the following report to you and thank you for your continuing support for the sterling work done within the school. Robin Morrison Chairman

Waringstown Primary School Board of Governors 2012/2013  

Chairman Mr R Morrison Clanconnel Gardens Waringstown Tel. 3888 1773

Secretary Mr G G Kennedy Waringstown Primary School Tel. 3888 1367

Transferor (Trustee) S.E.L.B. Representatives Representatives Rev P Thompson 2013 Mr T Fitzpatrick 2013 Mr T McKay 2013 Mr R Morrison 2013 Mrs B Ellis 2013 Rev B Martin 2013 Teacher Representative Mr C McCambley 2013

Parent Representatives Principal Mr A Dunn 2013 Mr G G Kennedy Mr B Thompson 2013 (Non voting member)

NB: Each Governor's name is followed by the date on which his/her term of office expires.

What are the main responsibilities of the Board of Governors? School Governors are essential units of educational governance, empowered to make important budgetary, educational and administrative decisions regarding Waringstown Primary School. The legislature has given them the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement under the Education Reform Order 1989. They are required to meet for a minimum of three times each year but in practice meet more often than this. During the 2012/2013 Educational Year Waringstown Board of Governors met on nine occasions.

Some of their duties include:

1 The oversight of the curriculum. 2 The control of the budget. 3 The provision of information to parents. 4 The selection of staff. 5 The maintenance of the premises (shared responsibility with SELB). 6 The Admissions’ Policy. 7 Fostering links with the local community and pursuing the objectives of Personal Development and Mutual Understanding.

STAFFING COMPLEMENT FOR 2012/2013

Teaching Complement 1 Mr G G Kennedy Principal 2 Mr C McCambley P7 Vice Principal 3 Mrs S Sloan P7 member of Senior Management Team 4 Mrs C Munce P1 5 Mrs J Usher P1 6 Mrs J Boyce P2 7 Mrs J Sloan P2 8 Mrs J Matthews P3 9 Mrs A McCollum P3 10 Mrs D McCelland P4 11 Mrs J McElhinney P4 12 Mrs S Williamson P5 13 Mrs J Peacocke P5 14 Mr T Brown P6 15 Mr I Somerville P6 16 Mrs J Erskine Whole School Numeracy Support (F/T) 17 Mrs J Humphreys Whole School Provision/Literacy Support (P/T) Ancillary Staff Mrs J Fitzpatrick Executive Officer/Principal’s Secretary Mrs J Jenkinson Classroom Assistant Mrs N McCracken Classroom Assistant Mrs J Morrissey Classroom Assistant Miss C Hill Classroom Assistant Miss S Edwards Classroom Assistant Mrs A Parker Classroom Assistant Mrs N Parks Classroom Assistant Mrs K Johns Classroom Assistant Mrs V McKee ClassroomAssistant/Supervisory Assistant Mr S McKittrick Building Supervisor/School Crossing Patrol Mrs L Fry Ancillary/Supervisory Assistant Mrs K Gibson Ancillary/Supervisory Assistant Mrs K Walker Ancillary Mrs I Curran Unit Supervisor School Meals Mrs T Beattie/Miss J Lindsay/Mrs S Archer School Meals Mrs P Sinnamon/Mrs M Leathem School Meals Mrs E Hall Lunch Time Supervisory Asst./Ancillary Ms K Hill Lunch Time Supervisory Asst. Annual Attendance Rate Attendance at the school was very good. The average attendance for the year 2012/2013 was 97.30%.

S.E.L.B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM - 2012/2013

OUTTURN STATEMENT

APRIL 2012 MARCH 2013

WARINGSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL

BUDGET EXPENDITURE Final Revised Planned Budget Share £988766 Teacher Costs £805109

Underspend from previous year £1196 Non-Teacher Staff Costs £172259

Non-Staff Costs £50437 Overspend Carried Forward to April 2013

DELEGATED £37843

NON-DELEGATED £0 TOTAL £989962 TOTAL £989962

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2012/2013

AUTUMN TERM School Year begins Continuation of Healthy Eating Initiative – Fruit Stop Sept Swimming for P6/P7 commences at The Waves Complex, Lurgan Sept New Extended Day for P1 Classes commences 01 October Oct Chris Wright Football Development Officer commences coaching Primary 2 and Primary 5 Classes Oct Incas Assessment Tests for P4, P5, P6 and P7 pupils Oct P6 Pupils attend Lurgan Junior High School for a Sampler Day Oct Parent/Teacher Interviews – Child Protection/Policy distributed and signed by all parents Oct P5 Classes in school wearing their costumes for Egyptian Day Oct P4 Visit to The Planetarium Armagh ‘The Mystery of The Christmas Star’ Nov

Non Uniform Day –raises £400 for Children In Need Nov Senior Choir sing at Drumbeg Parish Church Dec P7 Visit to The Argory - Preparing for a Victorian Christmas Dec Charlene’s Project – Hidden Treasures School Uganda – School Walk raises £2123 Dec PTA Fireside Quiz raised £124 Dec P2 Katie Bunting, Reuben Hamilton, P3 Rebecca Spence P7 and Jordan Tait P7 win the SELB’s Schools’ Award for best paintings celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Dec P1/P2 visits to Santa’s Grotto and Lurgan Town Hall for Christmas Production Dec Christmas Post Box and School Carol Services raises £1000 for Children’s Haematology Unit RVH Dec Autumn Term ends 21 December Dec

SPRING TERM P5 Pupil Eva Corr wins overall Art competition for local schools Jan Open Evening in school for prospective P1 pupils Jan P6 Classes had a Viking Day in school Jan Fire Safety Inspection conducted by SELB Jan P4 classes had a Living History Day WW2 after a visit to Palace Stables Armagh Feb School Book Fair - £1818 books sold raising 20% commission Feb Ian Patterson - Flying Falcons Birds of Prey display to Junior Classes Feb Visits and Talks to P1 Classes from The Emergency Services - Fire, Ambulance, Police Feb Portadown Speech & Drama Festival winning 4 first places and 3 overall trophies Feb Confidence – Personality Projection – An Evening with Billy Dixon Feb Parent/Teacher Interviews Feb Governors' Report presented on School Website Mar Mid Ulster Girls’ Hockey Tournament qualify for Mid Ulster Finals Mar Rugby Team compete in the Mid Ulster Tournament and win all their matches Mar Girls’ Football Team compete Mid Ulster Tournament & qualify for NI Finals Mar Boys’ Football Team take part in Spring Football Festival for Mid Ulster Schools Mar Spring Term Ended 22 March with a Celebration of The Performing Arts Concert Mar

SUMMER TERM NI Girls’ Hockey Championship at Lisnagarvey and become NI Champions for the fourth time Apr P7 Visit to The Argory – A Day with the Victorians 1847 Apr Visit of School Nurse for Annual Medical Inspection Apr Visit of Fire Safety Officer to P5 classes Apr P7 Educational Visit to London – Parents able to follow London Blog on school website Apr P5 Visit to Oxford Island Apr P5 Educational Visit to the Tayto Factory May P1 Educational Visit To Streamvale Farm May P2 Educational Visit to W5 at The Odyssey, Belfast May P5’s at The Grand Opera House ‘James & The Giant Peach’ May P6 Educational Visit to W5 Science Project June P3 Educational Visit to Belfast Zoo June P4 Educational Visit to Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra June Inter Schools Swimming Gala – Finished as Champions for the second year running all participants won medals June P5 Visit to Tayto Factory Tour June Principal & Mrs Kennedy to Buckingham Palace Garden Party to celebrate 30 years as Principal June P7 Educational Visit to Ulster American Folk Park June P6 Residential Educational Visit to Shannaghmore Outdoor Centre – Parents able to follow blog on website June P1 Induction Afternoon - New Induction Booklet given to parents of P1 September Intake June Cycling Proficiency Tests - 100% Pass Rate June School Cricket Team win Mid Ulster Kwik Cricket and qualify for NI Finals June School Yearly Tests - Progress Reports to Parents June Young Enterprise NI presentation workshop to leavers – Reference of the World of Work June Fourth Family Fun Day and Balloons proves very successful and raises £2,200 for school funds June School Sports Day on New MUGA Pitch (Refreshments raised £297) June P1 Visit to Tannaghmore Gardens - Teddy Bears Picnic June End of term Leavers Assembly - School Year ends June

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR The school year 2012/2013 has been a highly successful one in which many noteworthy achievements have been made in all aspects of school work.

Our Teachers have continued to place the development of a caring relationship with the pupils high on their list of priorities. They work hard to fulfil the potential of every child and to make sure that each child achieves what for them is the best performance of which they

are capable. Their satisfaction comes from the high standards achieved by the pupils as they make their way through the educational process. The school’s ethos is based on the quality of relationships within our school community. Everyone in and connected with the school is greatly valued and respected for the work they do. The good relationships in the school have been evident to the Governors and the Department Inspectors on the occasions when they visited the school. In April 2012 the school received a Focused Inspection led by the Department of Education District Inspector Mrs C Stafford and six colleagues. Their comprehensive Report which was published and placed on the ETI website concluded that;

‘In all areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is outstanding’ the quality of pastoral care is also outstanding. The school has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.’

The children enjoy and benefit from a varied programme of extra curricular activities; they display the same commitment and enthusiasm as they do in their formal work. As a result they attain high standards and achieve numerous successes at local and regional level in various performing arts and sporting activities. The building of the new Nursery Unit in preparation for a September 2013 opening has delighted everyone in the school community. Under the guidance of a professional teacher and assistant it will provide 26 children with the ideal preparation for life in primary school.

The Nursery Unit is a purpose built, brand new state of the art and eco-friendly building. The building comprises a main classroom, a teacher’s store, hard and soft play areas and a covered outdoor play area. The new build is located on the present school site and its design complements the excellent facilities in the Primary School. Undoubtedly the highlight of the year on the sporting front was the success in winning the Northern Ireland title at Girls’ Hockey. They were a very special team that would emulate the teams of 2001, 2008 and 2009 in winning the Northern Ireland Girls’ Hockey Cup. It was a tremendous achievement by our Senior Girls’ Hockey Team in becoming national Champions for the fourth time in the school’s history. They proved they were the best team in Northern Ireland by winning all their nine matches in the Finals scoring 31 goals in total and conceding just four. It was a great occasion and a very special day for pupils, parents and staff who were present and for our community who are all delighted with the success. Another championship performance was the school for second year running winning the Inter Schools’ Gala at Lurgan Pool with everyone competing winning at least one medal. In December another highlight was the School Carol Service in Holy Trinity Church in front of a packed congregation of parents, families and friends. The Senior Choir in the Spring Term was invited to sing at the opening of a major conference by Enterprise Ulster in the Titanic Building, Belfast. In February at the Portadown Speech and Drama Festival all the children who were so well prepared performed to their usual high standard of success. Taking part and doing well in such renowned national and district competitions and conferences has again brought honour to the school and community and all are to be congratulated for such a tremendous achievement. Another outstanding highlight was the continued provision of our new multi use games arena (MUGA) which was showcased in the glorious sunshine of a most colourful and exciting Sports Day. All the children and the many adults spectating thoroughly enjoyed the morning’s festivities. A happy conclusion to the school year was the hosting of the fourth family fun day on Friday 14 June 2013.

THE CURRICULUM

As part of the ongoing cycle of development and implementation of the Education Reform Order the responsibility of Governors for the curriculum, ie what is taught in the school, continues to increase. The Governors and Staff of Waringstown believe the primary purpose of our school is to support the personal growth of pupils in their development of understanding, knowledge and skills. The most important skills to be taught are how to think and how to learn. This means that the emphasis of the curriculum is on wanting pupils to reason independently and to use criteria to think critically so that they acquire a growing competence at intellectual skills and be able to make intelligent choices in all areas of their lives.

The day to day organisation of the curriculum remains the Principal's responsibility. The Principal in co-operation with his Staff has produced a management and development plan for the school which identifies a number of important curricular and management priorities for development and implementation during the next three years.

The Governors, mindful of the legal requirements of the Education Reform Order are entirely satisfied that the school is offering a broad and balanced curriculum to every pupil in the five main areas of study and that the inspectorate in their report April 2012 wholeheartedly agrees with this view. To this end the school has implemented the statutory requirements of the New Northern Ireland Curriculum in English, Maths, IT, The World Around Us, Music, Art, RE and Physical Education. At present the Department has just completed a major review of these subjects and the Governors have followed the advice of the Department of Education. The subject co-ordinators in consultation with their colleagues, have devised detailed policies to support the teaching and learning. Teachers have attended inservice courses to assist in the implementation of the NI Curriculum. During the year the Principal and Teachers in their respective Year Groups further developed their Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) to enhance their professional expertise. The school continues to provide help for pupils with learning difficulties. A policy for pupils with Special Educational Needs has been reviewed and updated to meet the requirements of the Children’s Order 1996. Progress in the core subjects of English and Maths was formally assessed at the end of the Key Stages and the results provided to parents.

Key Stage 1 Levels of Progression 2013 Total number of pupils = 55

Key Stage 1

Level Two and Above WPS NI Average

Communication

92.72%

81.41%

Using Mathematics

94.55%

80.78%

Key Stage 2 Levels of Progression 2013 Total number of pupils = 41

Key Stage 2

Level Four and Above WPS NI Average

Communication

87.80%

76.55%

Using Mathematics

85.37%

77.93%

During the year the school received many visits by members of the wider community to assist the children in their learning. (see calendar of events). The Governors express delight that the children in Waringstown School enjoy a rich and varied curriculum that enables them to progress in their acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills. There is a strong sense of community and the children are taught by teachers who value them and are keenly interested in their welfare. The teachers are hard working and committed to the children’s education and well-being. This is an outstanding school that serves its community well.

The Principal and other members of the teaching staff are to be congratulated for the exceedingly high standards expected and achieved in Waringstown School. This reflects the high commitment and professional and managerial skills of the Principal ably supported by the Vice Principal and demonstrates the dedication and expertise of the other teachers. The clerical and ancillary staff make a valuable contribution to the life and work of the school. The school meets the needs of the pupils in an effective and challenging way.

As a complement to this, the Northern Ireland Curriculum requires the involvement of the school in the community. The school made good use of the wider partnership in our community by taking part in musical concerts for local churches and charities involving many of the children who had taken part in the various festivals.

At Portadown Speech & Drama Festival the school achieved four first places and three overall trophies in the Primary classes.

In March the Senior Choir performed three choral pieces on the steps of the iconic ‘Grand Staircase’ in the ballroom of the Titanic Building in Belfast and were very well received from a packed audience of over eight hundred people.

It is intended that these visits into the local community and national broadcasts when appropriate will continue and we are grateful to those parents who help with transport when necessary.

In Waringstown, the curriculum is also enriched by an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities, including visits to places of interest and of talks to the children by visitors to the school. As part of the school's programme for Mutual Understanding a study of Waringstown Past and Present is undertaken by various classes who go on conducted walks in and around the village. Invitations are regularly given to Speakers to come and talk to the children about their work. (see calendar of events). There were regular visits to different schools for sports' matches and Waringstown played hosts to many during the course of the year. Education for Mutual Understanding is not only concerned with external relationships but also with relationships in our own school. The Governors are pleased to note the caring emphasis that is at the heart of school life and the respect which the children are encouraged to develop for themselves, other pupils and adults.

Waringstown Primary is a caring, responsible school with the children at the core of our activities. We strive to respond to the personal, emotional, social and educational needs of our pupils through our interaction with them in the classroom and beyond. The emphasis of our child protection education programme is on the dangers involved in abuse by adults or by other children. As our programme responds to need, we will include other good practice when appropriate.

This programme is delivered mainly through health education, the world around us curriculum and personal development and mutual understanding (PDMU). All other subjects contribute to this, where and when appropriate. The programme we provide helps to equip our pupils with the skills to respond and react appropriately to situations which are hazardous to their welfare. Underpinning our teaching is the belief in building the children’s self-esteem; in helping them value themselves and others and in giving them a sense of their responsibility to themselves and others. We recognise this as a partnership between the school and the parents, where we work together toward educating and preparing our children for each stage of their lives. At the end of the Summer Term the Primary Seven pupils commenced a programme involving post primary children in assisting the school leavers to prepare for their move to secondary school. Each pupil was presented with a book entitled ‘It’s Your Move’ published by the Scripture Union.

Due to the present nature of primary education the class teacher is initially responsible for the pastoral needs of his or her class. The class teacher is supported in this by the Principal, Vice Principal and Mrs S Sloan. Staff are always grateful for information from parents that may help with the welfare of children in the school. All parents received a copy of the school’s child protection policy and pastoral care programme. The designated teachers mentioned above will always inform parents in the case of a referral to the Chief EWO (Educational Welfare Officer) or Social Services.

Close relationships were also continued and developed with those Post Primary schools which our children attend after leaving Waringstown. Regular visits were made by Staff and pupils as part of the Liaison Programme. During the month of June Principals and Senior Teachers of the local schools spent a morning in this school providing first hand experience in a post primary school.

The Governors are conscious that the very large number of curriculum changes have greatly increased the pressure on the Staff and wish at this point to recognise the existence of this pressure and acknowledge the work that has been done to ensure a smooth implementation of the changes.

In summary, the Governors welcome the recognition of the school as being well ordered and where children are valued and respected. Relationships throughout the school are excellent. It is important to note that the Governors, parents and the wider community hold the school in high esteem. As Governors, we would wish to congratulate the Principal, his staff and pupils for the high quality of teaching and learning that exists in the school which was affirmed by the Inspectorate during their Inspection.

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS Of the forty one pupils who transferred to Post Primary school, twenty five went to Lurgan Junior High, eight to Banbridge Academy, three to Friends School, Lisburn two to Methodist College, Belfast, one to Brownlow College Craigavon, one to Royal

School, Dungannon and one to Royal Belfast Academical Institution. As already indicated it was an outstanding year on the academic, sporting and cultural front.

At the Portadown Speech Festival held in February, the school again

achieved tremendous results in the Primary School Classes. In Portadown they had another outstanding success winning four first places. The winners were Kelly Guiney P1, Justin Anderson P1, Ryan McShane P2, and John Dumigan P5.

All of our children competing gained very high marks. This year we won 3 trophies, 4 gold medals, 10 silver medals, 10 bronze medals and 18 certificates of merit. Justin Anderson won The Muriel Todd Boys’ Cup, Kelly Guiney won The Muriel Todd Girls’ Cup. Waringstown Primary School received an award at the Final Awards Ceremony as John Dumigan won ‘The Charles Cox Challenge Cup’ for the competitor gaining the highest mark for any single set piece in the Primary School Section gaining 89 marks.

The senior choir reflecting the high reputation it enjoys throughout the province continued to take part in musical concerts for the local churches and in the Autumn Term sang at Drumbeg Parish Church Malone, and at the School Carol Service along with the Junior and Infant Choirs at Holy Trinity Church in front of a packed congregation. On Wednesday 20 March the choir was invited to sing at the opening of a major conference by Enterprise Ulster who were showcasing their role in education at The Titanic Building, Belfast. It was a great honour for the children and the school and they sang three lovely pieces from the steps of the iconic Grand Staircase in the Ballroom in front of over 800 people attending the event. It was a memorable and worthwhile experience for our children. The school thanks everyone who contributed to these events in various ways and thanks also to those parents and friends who attended the public performances.

 

The London Trip was another successful enterprise thoroughly enjoyed by all thirty seven P7 pupils and four staff. This year we again stayed at the Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington and on

many occasions, the children were praised by the hotel staff for their excellent manners and courtesy. This is how it should be, particularly when one is representing our school. Highlights included, Wembley Stadium, being shown around St Paul’s Cathedral, particularly by Mr Sills our dear friend for over 26 years and who is now in his 98th year, watching an evening performance in the West End of the award winning musical ‘The Lion King’ and travelling on the London Eye. Each place we visited held its own fascination for our children and the memory of it will linger with them for a long time. Behaviour throughout the Trip was again exemplary and all are to be congratulated. This year’s visit will be in late April 2014.

A residential field visit for five days in June to Shannagh-More Outdoor Pursuits Centre provided a challenging and exciting adventure for our Primary Six pupils. It is seen as ideal

preparation for the London visit. Shannagh-More is a large comfortable house converted by the Southern Education & Library Board for use as a residential centre. It has extensive attractive grounds including gardens, a lake and woodland, situated between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. The programme designed by our teachers and the centre staff included abseiling, hillwalking, camping, orienteering, bouldering, swimming, cycling, canoeing on the small lake at the centre, rope courses, problem solving activities and natural history walks. The pupils had a choice of these physical challenges given under expert tuition which is intended to build independence, self confidence and life skills now more essential in today’s world. Everyone who participated thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it is the intention of the school that this annual visit to Shannagh-More will continue for our Primary Six pupils. This year’s visit will be in late June 2014. An extra highlight was the London and Shannaghmore Blogs on the school website to enable parents to follow their children on those residential visits. The Governors believe that all the class trips which are well prepared for and carefully selected by the Teachers provide enrichment to the good work done in the classroom. The Governors also thank you for your full and continued support for each collective enterprise.

In relation to school endeavour awards, the format has been changed these past few years to reflect the increasing number of children in the senior classes. We have decided not to award achievements individually but to present scrolls to each child as a recognition of

their contributions to the life of the school during their seven years attendance. All primary seven leavers received a book entitled ‘It’s Your Move’ as well as a school tie of their new post primary school to act as a reminder of happy days spent at Waringstown Primary School. This tradition of presenting their new school tie has continued for a good number of years and is well received by the children and their parents.

On the Sporting side it was another very successful year for our girls’ hockey. On Wednesday 24 April they travelled to Lisnagarvey Hockey Club for the Northern Ireland Finals after coming through the Mid Ulster Schools’ Tournament as winners of

four qualifiers.

The Waringstown team proved to be a class act throughout the Tournament in their five initial group matches against schools from across the Province they scored in total sixteen goals and conceded one. Many people began to realise that this was indeed a very special team that would emulate the teams of 2001, 2008 and 2009 in winning the Northern Ireland Girls’ Hockey Cup  

The Champions Group as expected, proved stiffer opposition but Waringstown deservedly topped their group by winning their matches against Dromore PS and Spires PS Antrim to reach the Northern Ireland Semi Final where they met Ben Madigan Prep. It was a very tough semi final and at the end of extra time both teams were even at 2 – 2. Running goals similar to penalties took place and Lauren Armstrong and Lydia McNeill scored two magnificent goals and the goal keeper Rebecca Spence, pulled off two wonderful saves to put Waringstown in the final for the sixth time in their history.

The final against Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare was an exciting affair but our girls played magnificently and were worthy winners by two goals to nil. They proved they were the best team in Northern Ireland by scoring 31 goals in total and conceding four. Great celebrations followed from all the parents, friends and teachers who had come to support the team.  

Lauren Armstrong as captain was presented with the McCloy Cup and all girls were praised for their outstanding hockey. The victorious team was Rebecca Spence, Sarah Sandford, Lauren Lyttle, Lydia McNeill, Lauren Armstrong, Jessica Rea, Emma Lamont and Alex Gardiner. It was truly another great occasion for the school. Considering the school only began playing Hockey in 1994 it was a great achievement and a very special day for pupils, parents and staff who were there and for our community who are all delighted with the success.   Our Swimming Team took part in the Annual Inter Schools Swimming Gala in Waves Lurgan. As champions for the first time last year we were motivated to retain the title. This year ten local schools took part and as always Waringstown were neck and neck with Tannaghmore, another strong swimming school. The title went down to the last relay race with only two points between first and second. The P7 boys gave it all they had to win the relay and thus the overall gala by four points. What a day! Thank you for all support from parents, friends and of course the P6s and P7s who were very vocal with their encouragement in the gallery. The school was very proud of the team who on the day produced their best. The team was Philip Hayes, Lauren Armstrong (Joint Captains), Lauren Lyttle, Joshua Rae, Louise Hall, Ryan Irvine, Rebecca Spence, Troy McConville, Emma Lamont, James Vennard, Kathryn McGrath, Justin Burns, Suzy Neill, Travis Barr, Alex Gardiner, Joshua Milne and Lydia McNeill. Congratulations to all concerned.

All senior pupils completed their swimming programme for the year. Over one hundred pupils succeeded in swimming distances between 10 – 1500 metres. A wonderful justification for the school’s P.Ed Programme for swimming. The ability to swim is a valuable asset in the physical development of children.

The Rugby Tournament was held at Pollock Park, Lurgan. This year the format was again in a round robin series of friendlies against various schools from the local area and they won all their games. The team was James Humphreys, Alexander Weir, Zak Davidson, Ryan Irvine, Ryan Vennard, Justin Burns, Philip Hayes, Luke Gregson, Patrick Lappin, Ryan Allen and Luke Currie. The Rugby Team again qualified as one of four schools to represent Mid Ulster at Ravenhill in the Northern Ireland Finals and thoroughly enjoyed their day by winning a majority of matches.

The Kwik Cricket Squad also reached the Northern Ireland finals by winning the Mid Ulster Tournament at The Lawn for the 7th year running, and at the Finals at Civil Service Grounds, Belfast they enjoyed good success

Not to be outdone the cricketers won the Mid Ulster Cricket League and Combe Cup by winning all their matches against teams in the Mid Ulster area. On two glorious afternoons at The Lawn they defeated Armstrong PS, Armagh and Donaghcloney PS by ten wickets and twenty nine runs respectively. The team captain James Humphreys in the final game against Donaghcloney PS led by example when he scored fifty seven and took three wickets. The cricket squad was James Humphreys, Joshua Froggatt, Ryan Allen, Ryan Irvine, Joshua McClune, Alexander Weir, Philip Hayes, Luke Currie, Luke Gregson, Ryan Vennard, Justin Burns and Patrick Lappin. We are very grateful to the officers of Waringstown Cricket Club for the use of their superb facilities for practices and matches. Congratulations to our Senior Boys’ Football team for their excellent performances throughout the year. In the Mid Ulster Festival Days the boys played in a series of matches against local schools and were mostly successful. Many more pupils were representing the school at Festival and friendly small sided games and all performed in an exemplary manner. The main team squad was Joshua Woods Captain, James Humphreys, Cameron Purdy, Oliver Millar, Jordan Tait, Patrick Lappin, Ryan Irvine, Joshua McClune and Troy McConville.

The Footballer of The Year trophy was won by Joshua Woods and the Rugby Player of the Year was presented to Alexander Weir. The Cricket Player of The Year Award went to James Humphreys. The Girls’

Hockey Player of The Year award was presented to the Northern Ireland Championship Team. The Football Development Trophy went to Troy McConville and the Team Player of the Year was Ryan Irvine. These were wonderful occasions and everyone in the school community was delighted with the successes of the various teams in reaching National and District finals.

In Cycling Proficiency there was a hundred percent pass rate and all our cyclists reached a high standard of good cycling.

A Gardening Club commenced in the Summer Term for some of the senior pupils, meeting also in the Autumn Term in order to see the fruits of their efforts. This partnership with those in the wider community all help to enhance the children’s perspective of their

local environment and is to be welcomed.

!

This year Sports Day was again held on the new multi-purpose pitch in front of a large crowd of parents and friends on a sunny morning in late June. Every pupil took part in at least three races

and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The overall sports day winners for the girls were Caylan Hylands (Foundation Stage), Lucy Humphreys (Key Stage 1) and Lydia Neill (Key Stage 2) and for the boys Reece Evans (Foundation Stage), Ross Simpson (Key Stage 1) and Justin Burns (Key Stage 2). The Tesco bonus vouchers realised equipment for school use. The Sainsbury’s vouchers allowed playground equipment to be used in the middle playground with the help of the Buddy System involving P7 pupils. Thanks are due to the generosity of everyone connected with the school who in a variety of ways and means continue to contribute to the different appeals throughout the year. This very positive partnership among staff, pupils, parents and governors in our school community is recognised by the Chief Executive Officer of The Southern Board Mr Tony Murphy and his Senior Educational Officers who have visited the school.

The Scripture Union Club continues to grow in popularity with our senior pupils. They were extremely successful last year in attracting large attendances with the highlight being visits from teachers and former pupils now attending Banbridge Academy and Lurgan Junior

High School. All children benefit from taking part in after school activities and throughout the school year a wide range of extra curricular activities are offered to our Senior pupils; the policy is to give access to all whilst maintaining the pursuit of excellence. This is achieved by the unstinting efforts of Staff willingly giving of their free time and who by their abiding interest in the activity encourage and give the children the opportunity to take part. Complementing this is the eagerness of the children and the desire of the parents who give each different activity their full support. The Governors are delighted to be associated with this home/school partnership for educational excellence.

In the Spring term the Book Fair Week had an excellent response. A total of £1818 worth of books was sold and the school realised 20% of this in commission. The Governors, Staff and members of PTA collectively agreed to continue with a fun day for our own school community in June. The

programme was planned for fun activities in the morning followed by hot dogs and burgers and in the afternoon a film show. It is the intention of the school that this fun day will again take place in June 2014. The excellent efforts of the PTA Committee is to be commended for all their hard work in raising much needed funds for our school.

The Governors are pleased to report that the school raised the following in charitable contributions throughout the year 2012/2013. Charlene’s Project, Hidden Treasures School £2,123 (Sponsored Walk) Children In Need Appeal £400 (Non Uniform Day) Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children £1000 (Post Box and Carol Service)

Your outstanding support for these major efforts as part of our school community are highly commendable and deeply appreciated by the Governors and Staff. The Governors would wish to take this opportunity to express their thanks and appreciation to the Principal and Staff of the school (teaching and non teaching) for their level of commitment and the high standards achieved both inside and outside the classroom. This unity of purpose continued to be highlighted on the success of the school regarding the outstanding Focused Inspection Report. Parents must also be commended for their continuing support of the Staff in achieving this high level of success. Thanks are also due to the SELB’s support services and to the representatives of various external agencies who visited the school during the year.

PREMISES

Waringstown Primary School is situated on an elevated site in picturesque surroundings and occupies extensive modern premises. Its well designed classrooms are furnished with the most up-to-date equipment and teaching aids to enhance pupils’ learning and help

them meet the challenges of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. In 2012 the new Nursery was completed which meets the needs of both the School and the Department of Education. In achieving this target the School is best placed to offer excellent educational pre school provision for the younger pupils in the school community. Throughout the year the new multi-use games arena MUGA on the top pitch was extensively used providing an excellent playing surface for all in the school community. The Governors place on record their gratitude to Ms Glenda Hall (Senior Principal Architect) and Mr Colin Bingham and their team for overseeing the building of the new Nursery Unit and for the excellent and professional manner in which they manage on behalf of the Southern Education and Library Board. SELB maintenance under the astute direction of Mr Declan Hagan and Mr Jim McConnell continued to carry out minor repairs around the school. Playground markings were again completed as an assist to children's free play and many trees in the grounds continue to receive remediation. All help to enhance the beautiful environment in which Waringstown Primary School is situated. ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The Management Team of Senior Teachers meets regularly to discuss management and curricular issues. The School Management and Development Plan has been agreed with the Staff and Governors; it identifies the curriculum management and teaching priorities for development and proposes a plan of

action for implementation over the next three years. This plan also looked at all aspects of school organisation and in particular at administration and development in relation to full delegation of the Budget granted in April 1992. A Finance Committee consisting of Mr Robin Morrison, (Convenor), Mr Tom Fitzpatrick, Mr Barry Thompson and the Principal has been delegated to oversee the school’s budget and report regularly to the full Board of Governors. In regard to PRSD Mr T Fitzpatrick and Mr B Thompson have been appointed by the Governors to liaise with the external moderator Mrs Isobel Keenan to oversee the implementation of this initiative. The changes in financing the school, maintaining and improving the premises, assessing pupils, reporting to parents and promoting the professional extension of teachers will continue to play a significant part in the overall development of Waringstown. The pupils, staff, parents and Governors who make up the community at Waringstown are united in their determination to face the challenges of the new curriculum and its educational implications with renewed vigour.