THE FRIDAY NOTE (9TH JANUARY 2026)
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Welcome back everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break and enjoyed some well?earned time with family and friends. As we begin a new term together, I want to wish all our parents, carers and families a very happy and healthy New Year. We are looking forward to the months ahead and to continuing our work together to support every child in Saints and Scholars!
I hope you find the following information useful.
PARENT PACT- SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD
You may have seen recent coverage of the Parent Pact initiative, which aims to support and promote a reduction in smartphone use among children and young people. The Minister of Education has expressed support for this campaign, led by Smartphone Free Childhood, which encourages parents to work together to delay providing smartphones to children.
The Parent Pact is a voluntary commitment for parents who wish to:
This initiative is not new to us in Saints and Scholars. In fact, we are currently the highest?ranked school in Co. Armagh on the Northern Ireland leaderboard- something we can all be proud of! If you would like to make the commitment to delay smartphone use for your child, please visit the Smartphone Free Childhood website and sign the Parent Pact.
Thank you for your continued support.
ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026
A reminder that EA Connect is now open for online applications for children due to start P1 or Nursery in September 2026. The application window will remain open until 12 noon on Wednesday 21st January 2026.
If you have a child due to begin Nursery or Primary 1 next year, please ensure your application is submitted before the closing date. If you know families in the community who may be applying, please feel free to share this reminder with them.
HOLIDAY CHANGE- IMPORTANT UPDATE
Please note a change to one of our planned School Development Days. The closure originally scheduled for Monday 15th June 2026 has now been moved to Tuesday 26th May 2026.
This means:
The updated holiday list has been uploaded to the school website.
The holiday list for 2026-2027 will be confirmed with our Board of Governors during February 2026, and I will share this with all families once it has been approved.
AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS FOR TERM TWO
Information about the afterschool clubs available this term has been shared on Class Dojo for all parents. This includes details on how to register your child(ren) for the various clubs on offer.
There was a small typing error on the letter regarding Gardening Club. If you would like your child to attend Gardening Club this term, please email Dylan directly at dmccauley689@c2kni.net.
REPORTING ABSENCES
Just a reminder that all absences should be reported via the ‘Book an Absence’ link on our website on the first day of absence. This helps us keep accurate records and ensures compliance with Education Welfare guidance.
IPAD UPDATE
We have raised over 30% towards our fundraising target for a new class set of iPads. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! We appreciate it so much!
If you ever have any questions or concerns, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me or your child’s class teacher via Class Dojo or you can catch me at drop off or collection time. For safeguarding concerns, please contact Mrs O’Braonain directly at aobraonain211@c2kni.net.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Mr A. Scott-Mulholland
Principal