Dear Parents & Carers 

We are delighted to have our pupils back in school, refreshed and ready for another half term of work and friendship!  

This week we celebrated Internet Safety Week and congratulate Mrs McParland and our digital leaders on the success of the week. Mary, from the PSNI, visited P6 & P7 to remind them of the perils of inappropriate internet use and to explain how best to keep themselves safe while using online platforms. Thank you to our parents who completed the questionnaire regarding Artificial Intelligence - we really value your input and can see that you, like us, want the world of digital technology to be a creative but safe place for our pupils. This work will, of course, continue throughout the year. 

 On Ash Wednesday our pupils received ashes and discussed how these represent the hope that our relationship with Jesus will be renewed during Lent. The simple 'Good News' message that 'Jesus loves us' reminds us all to work towards being the best version of ourselves. Our pupils are so reverent in these moments, never ceasing to humble the adults around them.  It really is a privilege to share in their faith journey.  

We also celebrated 'Mental Health Week' and congratulate our pupils for exploring the theme 'This is my place'.  There were lots of great discussions around 'belonging'  and how we all have a desire to feel safe, valued and connected in our home, our community, our school and among our friends. Mr Byrne led wonderful 'Nuture in 5' workshops for P1-P4 - this really helped our pupils to understand the concept of emotional regulation in a fun and interactive way.    

We are delighted to welcome 9 Trainee Teachers to St. Clare's Abbey and hope that they have a wonderful placement experience with us. You will no doubt hear lots about the exciting lessons which they will deliver over the next number of weeks!  

Our Red Day prior to midterm raised an AMAZING £443.55!! Thank you so much to all our families for their generosity.    

Finally, the first of our Primary 7 Assembly presentations took place today and it is fair to say that Iarla has started the annual tradition with great aplomb! He explained what life is like living with Autism. We thank him for his courage.  He was amazing! Our pupils were avid listeners and learned so much - well done Iarla!  

Wishing you a lovely weekend. Please stay safe.  

Mrs Donnelly

Dear parents,

at our most recent Board of Governors’ meeting, the following report to parents was ratified as an accurate overview of the work undertaken in St Clare’s Abbey during 2024/2025 school year.

I hope that you may have an opportunity to read it and feel free to contact the school should you have questions re its content.  

Thank You  

At the time of amalgamation it was agreed that funerals of staff of the former schools would not be attended by pupils from the newly amalgamated school. This was to avoid anyone being overlooked due to current staff being unaware of former connections with the schools.

That seemed like an appropriate arrangement at the time. However, having personally attended recent funerals of deceased former staff, I have become uneasy with this arrangement. Therefore, it will be modified as indicated below.

The family of a deceased member of staff of Abbey PS or St Clare’s PS, who retired from either school may request a school representation at their loved one’s requiem mass. If the mass is taking place during school hours and in a local church, we will try our very best to facilitate the request.  Requests may be made via telephone 02830262175.

We cherish the contribution that former staff made to both schools, from which we grew.

Thank You