THE FRIDAY NOTE (12TH JUNE 2026)
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This week has been a difficult one for parts of our community. With the unrest and protests in the local area, some of our families have been left feeling vulnerable and unsettled. As an integrated school, and following our recent achievement of School of Sanctuary status, I wanted to begin this week's Friday Note by acknowledging the impact this may have had on some of our families.
Saints and Scholars is a safe space built on happiness, respect and love. We value and celebrate the diversity that makes up our school community and are proud of the welcoming environment we have created together. The scenes witnessed in recent days do not reflect the values that sit at the heart of our school community.
Please be assured that we remain committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for every child and family. If you or your family have been affected in any way, please know that we are here to support you. Do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything we can do to help.
I hope you find the following information useful.
CELEBRATION OF ROBERTA
Yesterday, we came together as a school community to celebrate the incredible impact that Roberta had on Saints and Scholars. It was lovely to welcome Roberta’s family, former staff members, governors, parents and friends of the school to this very special service.
The pupils who took part were absolutely fantastic and represented the school brilliantly. Thank you to all of the staff who helped make the service such a fitting tribute. A particular thank you goes to Mrs Hughes for her organisation and support in ensuring the day ran so smoothly.
A sincere thank you to Julie Murphy of JM Bakes for kindly donating the delicious scones enjoyed by our guests following the service. We also extend our thanks to the members of the Parents’ Council who gave their time to prepare and serve refreshments. Their generosity and hospitality were greatly appreciated by all who attended.
ASHLEEN MCCREA
At the end of this academic year, Ashleen will retire after more than 30 years of service to Saints and Scholars. Ashleen began as a leader of the Saints and Scholars Playgroup in September 1994 and later became a Foundation Stage Assistant when our Nursery Unit opened.
Over the years, Ashleen has supported and cared for countless children and families within our school community, playing an important role in the early years experiences of many of our pupils. Her long-standing commitment to the school has seen her work alongside generations of children as they began their educational journey.
As Ashleen prepares to retire, we thank her for her years of dedicated service and wish her every happiness, good health and success in this next chapter. To mark Ashleen's retirement, we have created a donation item on ParentPay for any families who would like to contribute towards a retirement gift. Thank you.
TEACHING STAFF 2026/27
The teaching staff for the next academic year is as follows:
Nursery Mrs Kennedy
P1 Mrs Riddel (Mon–Thurs)
Ms Hassard (Fri)
P1/2 Ms Hassard (Mon)
Mrs Tohill (Tues–Fri)
P2 Mrs McGeown
P3 Mrs Fogarty (Miss Creighton covering until Mrs Fogarty's return from maternity leave on 30th November)
P4 Miss Macartney (covering Mrs Robinson's maternity leave for the academic year)
P4 Mrs Scott (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri)
Mrs O'Braonain (Wed)
P5 Mr McCadden
P5 Mr Phillips
P6 Mrs McCormick (Mon–Wed)
Mrs Harrison (Thurs–Fri)
P6 Mr Cloughley (Mon–Thurs)
Mrs O'Braonain (Fri)
P7 Mr Bourne
LSCo Mrs Hughes (Tues-Thurs)
Principal Mr Scott-Mulholland
Your child's class teacher for the next academic year will be shared with you next week.
P1 AND NURSERY INFORMATION SESSIONS
On Monday 15th June, school will be closed to pupils to facilitate a Staff Development Day.
On the morning of this day, parents of prospective Nursery and Primary 1 pupils are invited to attend information sessions where they will meet teaching staff and learn more about how they can support and prepare their child for the next chapter of their educational journey.
Important information about induction arrangements and the transition process will also be shared. The Nursery session will begin at 9am. The P1 session will begin at 10am.
Please note that children should not attend these sessions. There will be an opportunity later this month for them to visit school, meet their teacher(s) and learning support assistants, and spend time in their new learning environment.
P7 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY
Our P7 Leavers' Assembly will take place on Tuesday 23rd June 2026 and will mark the final day of primary school for our P7 pupils.
Children from Nursery to P6 will finish earlier on this day (between 12 and 12.30pm) to allow staff members to attend the assembly. Children will be dismissed at the following times:
P7 pupils will remain in school (along with siblings) and will be provided with pizza for lunch before the assembly begins at 1.30pm. Doors will open for parents and invited guests from 1.15pm.
Following the assembly, the annual P7 Water Fight will take place. This is always a memorable and much-anticipated Saints and Scholars tradition!
BRITE BOXES
Could I please ask any families who currently use the Brite Box service to return any Brite Box bags that may still be at home. These bags are collected, cleaned and reused each week and returning them helps to ensure the programme can continue to operate efficiently while reducing unnecessary waste. Thank you for your support with this.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Our Parents' Council are holding another fantastic Family Fun Night on Friday 19th June from 6.00pm-8.00pm. There will be something for everyone, including bouncy castles, football fun, crafts, tattoos, live music, Reptile Rascals, an ice cream van, a chippy van and On The Hoof.
Entry is £5 per child and adults go free. All activities are included in the price, excluding food vans.
A raffle will also take place on the night and we would greatly appreciate any donations of raffle prizes. If you would like to donate, please leave items into the school office by Wednesday 17th June.
Thank you for your continued support. We can't wait for another brilliant evening together.
SCHOOL UNIFORM RECYCLE INITIATIVE
It's that time of year again when our Parents' Council organise our School Uniform Recycle.
This year, we would really appreciate it if all uniform items could be left on hangers and placed on the rails at the front of the school. This will save our Parents' Council a considerable amount of time sorting and organising donations. All uniform items and wellington boots are welcome.
Once donations have been collected and organised, we will let everyone know when the Uniform Recycle will officially open.
Thank you for your support!
END OF YEAR ADMIN
As we approach the end of the term, we would ask parents and guardians to ensure that all outstanding school administration is completed before the summer break. This includes returning any school library books, settling any outstanding balances on Parent Pay. We would also appreciate any school-owned resources being returned to class teachers before the end of term.
ARMAGH SWIM CLUB TRIALS
Armagh Swim Club will be holding swimming trials for new members at 7.00pm on Friday 26th June at the Leisure Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for children who enjoy swimming and would like to develop their skills further in a club environment. For further information, please contact Armagh Swim Club directly.
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