Downpatrick Primary School

28/08/2026

Today we said a very fond farewell to Mrs Masterson, who has retired after an incredible 14 years as a classroom assistant here at Downpatrick PS! 💛

So many children have passed through our doors during Eileen’s time with us, and so many of them will remember her warmth, her patience, and of course her famous catchphrase — “Listen to me!” 😄

Her sense of humour has been a huge part of what makes our school such a happy place to be.

Eileen, thank you for everything you’ve poured into our school family over the years.

We hope your retirement is filled with travel, precious time with your family, and all the adventures you deserve — though we suspect it won’t be long before we see you back through our doors! 👋

Enjoy every moment. You’ll be so missed but never forgotten. ❤️

24/08/2026

BACK TO SCHOOL

We cannot wait to welcome all the children back to school on Wednesday 26th August. All children will go home at 12:10pm Wednesday to Friday.

P1 pupils will follow their induction programme as previously advised.

Please also remember that school is closed for the bank holiday on Monday 31st August.

School meals are available from 1st September.

All our staff are very excited to welcome back the children for the start of a wonderful year.

19/08/2026

Children with a statement of special educational needs who need a special diet may be entitled to Free School Meals support.

Apply now on EA Connect: https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/login

The Free School Meals and Uniform helpdesk can also be contacted on 028 9047 0233, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm.

There is lot of information and guidance available at www.eani.org.uk/fsm

18/08/2026

The new school term starts on Wednesday 26th August at 0900!

Have you checked whether you are eligible for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance?

The EA website has lots of useful information on eligibility and how to make an application.

You can apply through EA Connect https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/

27/07/2026

Summer School 2026

Our new P7 pupils have been busy kick-starting the new school year with a jam-packed week of fun-filled activities, led by teacher and Vice Principal Mr Daryn Maginnis! 💻⚽🧠

From exciting ICT challenges to brain-bending problem-solving tasks, the children have been shaking off those summer cobwebs and getting their thinking caps back on! 🧩✨

Mr Maginnis said: “This week is a great opportunity for the children to dust off those mental cobwebs after the long summer break. They’ve had great fun with ICT activities, as well as exciting problem-solving situations that get them using their thinking skills!”

He added: “The children responded so positively, and I’m delighted to see so many taking part in our week-long programme. It’s become a real Downpatrick PS tradition — a brilliant way for our P7s to settle back into classroom routines so they can hit the ground running in September!” 🏃‍♀📚

Well done, P7 — what a way to start the year! 👏🙌

26/07/2026

30/06/2026

An incredible concert to finish our year of iRock!! Congratulations to all the performers, coaches and parents who helped make it so special!

SPACES NOW OPEN FOR SEPTEMBER!

At iRock, children experience the excitement of being in a real band, learning instruments, playing songs they love and building confidence through music.

Led by passionate and professional Band Coaches, our fun and inclusive in-school sessions help children develop teamwork, resilience and musical skills in a supportive environment.

Every term ends with a live concert performance for family and friends, giving children the chance to shine like real rockstars and celebrate everything they’ve achieved!

Sign up here - http://www.irockschool.com/enrol

26/06/2026

https://youtu.be/kr-mYHcZF78

🚀 Downpatrick PS Leavers 2026 - Big dreams and even bigger transformations! ✨

Click through to see how our amazing 2026 Leavers have grown over the years, and find out exactly what they want to be when they grow up! 🎓💼

We have some very ambitious P7s/Foxes on our hands.

Check out the video 👉 https://youtu.be/kr-mYHcZF78

Tell us in the comments: What did you want to be when you were their age?

Let's see if anyone had the same dreams! 👇💬

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

25/06/2026

Awards Assembly at Downpatrick PS to end the academic year 2025-2026.

Lots of awards given out today for handwriting, reading targets, Times Tables Rock Stars and much more!

Check out the photos.