St John the Baptist NS

Thank you to everyone that contacted the school regarding the SEN assistant temporary job. The position has now been filled.

St John the Baptist Nursery School, Portadown requires an SEN Assistant for 22.5 hours per week. Please contact [email protected]

When your child starts school it’s a significant milestone for them, but also for you as a parent. This can be a challenging time, and it is normal to feel a mix of emotions. Here are our top tips to help you cope when your little one starts school. Don’t forget, if talking would help, we are here, call 0808 8010 722 free or try our webchat at www.parentingni.org.

Apply for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance before 28 July 2023 to ensure eligibility for the new school term: https://ow.ly/uvUa50PgzMy

➡️ If you were in receipt of Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance in previous years, you MUST apply again for all children for whom you have parental responsibility and who are attending full-time school or Regional/FE College.

The Go ON NI team is also available to offer help with grant applications through free Digital Clinics held in Libraries NI sites across NI. Remaining clinics are open from 10am to 4pm.

📍 Armagh Library - 24 July
📍 Enniskillen Library - 25 July
📍 Coleraine Libray - 1 August
📍 Suffolk Library - 1 August
📍 Ballycastle Library - 4 August

These sessions do not require bookings and anyone can drop in and avail of support during the designated timeslots.

24th June - Nativity of St John the Baptist

Only three birthdays are celebrated on the Church’s liturgical calendar - the Nativity of Our Lord, the Nativity of His Mother, and the Nativity of His forerunner, John the Baptist, on 24th June.

St John the Baptist was set apart from the womb to prepare the way of the Lord and was a significant figure connected to the Incarnation and the Redemption. The Church honours him because of his role in preparing the way for Christ.

A massive thank you to Foxberry Fruit Farm for donating their delicious strawberries for our outing to Portadown People’s Park today! The children thoroughly enjoyed them! 🍓🍓🍓

The temporary position that was recently posted has now been filled. Thank you to everyone who contacted and emailed the school.

St John the Baptist Nursery, Portadown requires a classroom assistant until the end of June 2023.
15hours per week, 5 days a week, 9am-12noon.
Early years experience preferred.
Please contact the Principal at
02838339283
[email protected]

💻 Online Applications for a Pre-School or Primary 1 place for September 2023 are now open via EA Connect.

📢 Applications are open until 12 noon on Friday 27 January, and it is important to note that applications are not considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

🖱️ Visit https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/ to apply and see our website for more information on the admissions process: www.eani.org.uk/admissions

📢 Is your child due to start Pre-School or Primary 1 in September 2023? You will be able to apply for your child’s place from 10 January 2023, but in the meantime, here is what you need to do to get ready. 👇

🔍 Search for Schools: Find Pre-Schools or Primary Schools in your area. Choose at least four schools; visit: https://www.eani.org.uk/search-schools
💻 Read the published admissions criteria and check what supporting documentation is required. It is important you have this ready to upload when you submit your application. Every application requires a birth certificate, but your specific school/pre-school or circumstances may require additional information

For more information on applying, please visit: ➡️ www.eani.org.uk/admissions

To mark World Mental Health Day on Monday 10th October, AWARE Board Member and Life Coach, Helen McDonnell is running a free 5-day mindfulness challenge! 🧠

There are 5 drop-in 'Introduction to Mindfulness' sessions across the week which are taking place on zoom.

Find out more here: https://www.indigolifecoaching.com/5-day-challenge-with-aware/

Just one week to go! Join our FREE webinar on 13 October to mark .

'Our Play, Our Mental Health, OUR Generation' will explore children’s mental health, the importance of play, and the impact of transgenerational trauma.

We are pleased to introduce you to our third and final speaker today, Dr. Mike Wragg, Senior Lecturer in Childhood Development and Playwork at Leeds Beckett University.

Dr. Wragg is Chair and founder of the charity Play Bradford, which incorporates a number of playwork projects including the Big Swing adventure playground. He is also Chair of the play facility supporting children of incarcerated relatives at HMP New Hall.

We are delighted to be joined by Dr. Wragg during this webinar, where he will share his experience and expertise in playwork.

Book your free place now at https://OGLearningSeminar13102022.eventbrite.com

OUR Generation

A parent’s natural instinct is to care for, nurture and to do things for their children. Whilst all children need to be looked after, nurtured and loved, they also need to gradually (at an age appropriate level), be given the opportunity to develop independence and responsibility. By encouraging independence in children we are letting them know we believe they are capable, this in turn helps to build their confidence. Here are our top tips on promoting independence…

Today is World Teacher’s Day and we want to say thank you to all of our incredible teachers.

This year’s theme is “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers” and we want to celebrate the crucial role teachers play in ensuring our young people reach their full potential.

Past parents, Do you have any school sweatshirts you don’t need and could donate? If so, I would be very grateful if you could drop them to the school for our new pupils this Thursday or Friday between 10am-2pm
Many thanks

Eligible parents should apply for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 to ensure all is in place for the start of the new school year ‼️

Whilst there is no closing date for applications, there is an approximate four week processing time and we advise parents to be mindful of this when completing your application. ⏲️

For more information, FAQs and to begin your application, see our website: https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants

If you are having any difficulties accessing the website or if you need any help and advice you can contact our dedicated helpdesk on ☎️ 028 9041 8044 or email ✉️[email protected].

📢 Parents/Guardians awaiting the result of their Pre-school and P1 application for their child will be able to view the outcome of their online application from 10 am on Thursday, 28 April on the Citizen Portal, accessed here:

➡️ https://pupilservices.eani.org.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/en

Login details will be the email address and password that were used to apply. Details can now be checked by visiting the link above and re-setting your password if necessary. This will avoid any delays to viewing your outcome on the day of announcement.

If you applied using a paper application, you will receive information on your child’s pre-school/school place by email/letter on 28 April.

Parents/Guardians who have a child with a statement of special educational needs awaiting Pre-school/P1 placement will be updated on the application process by their SEN link officer or school by 10 June, not via the Citizen Portal.

If your family is entitled to Free School Meals you will shortly receive a payment from the Education Authority to support meals during the Easter break. The payment will cover a two week holiday period (10 school days).

If EA hold your bank details, you will receive the payment directly into your account. Alternatively, a cheque will be sent to your home address.

➡️ For further information on free school meals, please visit the FAQs on our dedicated webpage: https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants

📞 Our helpdesk can be contacted on 02890 418044
(Mon-Fri, 9am – 4:30pm).

*Please note that payments will be in the designated bank accounts week beginning Monday 11th April.*

Happy Mother’s Day!

Delighted to receive the Autism Impact Award today from Christine from Autism NI. A huge thank you to all the staff at our school , this award is another example of the dedicated work of staff! Thank you! 👏

The new School Age Bill allows the parents/guardians of younger children in the year group a choice to defer their child starting Pre-School or P1 by one year should they wish to do so. Your child’s birthday must fall within the eligible dates:-

➡️ On or between 1 April and 1 July, or any child who was born before 1 April but was due to be born on or after 1 April.

A communication has been sent from EA Admissions to all parents/guardians who have already submitted an application for September 2022 admission to Pre-School (target age) or P1 for their child. This communication tells you how to either continue with your application for a Pre-School or P1 place for September 2022, or how to defer your child for one year until September 2023 if you so wish. There is also a link to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and the form to apply for deferral.

🔎 It is important that you read all the information in the communication and the FAQs to assist you when making a decision.

Should you wish to defer your child commencing Pre-School or P1 in September 2022 please return the form not later than 12 noon on 30 March 2022. (If a deferral request is not received by 12 noon on 30 March 2022 your request will not be considered until after 28 April 2022).

Information is also available on the EA Website: https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions/deferring-school-starting-age

The Department has commissioned Baker Tilly to carry out the first wide-ranging independent review of the Education Authority. Calling on relevant organisations to complete surveys before 14th March. Calling on Young People, Parents, Teachers, Principals and Board of Governors to complete surveys before 14th March.

For the Parents and Children and Young People surveys this should take no longer than 15 minutes and for all other surveys no longer than 30 minutes to complete.

Details here: https://bit.ly/3Mdor9n

A big thank you to Mary from Relax Kids, today was the last of our 12 week programme. It was so much fun!

PRE-SCHOOL AND PRIMARY ADMISSIONS REMINDER

For parents/ guardians who have applied for a place in pre-school or primary for September 2022, if you have not already uploaded your child’s birth certificate or any required supporting documents, it is important that you do this before 12 noon on Friday 4 February 2022.

You should have received an email reminder. If you have queries regarding types of documents required please read the published admissions criteria of the pre-schools/schools listed on your application or contact them directly if needed.

To find the published admissions criteria visit www.eani.org.uk/admissions

Can you help us spread the word?

The application process for pre-school and primary admissions for September 2022 will close on 28 January at noon. We have had a fantastic response to date but we want to make sure that we reach anyone who has not yet applied.
Children born on or between 2 July 2017 and 1 July 2020 can apply for a place, in either pre-school or primary, depending on their age.
If you know a family with a child born between these dates then please let them know about this post and our admissions process. Thank you for your help.
www.eani.org.uk/admissions

Parents, Applications for September 2022 closes on Friday 28th January 2022 at 12noon.
Please let family members know that have young children and were born between 2nd July 2018 and 1st July 2019

Bishop Eamon Martin encourages us to “live life to the full” as we begin Catholic Schools Week.

Catholic Schools Week 2022. Archbishop Eamon Martin.

The application process for September 2022 is now open!!

The Christmas Edition of the Family Support Hub Newsletter is available to download here: https://bit.ly/3DT4dfL, this edition is full of activities for keeping the children entertained over the holidays, as well as mental health and wellbeing advice, and more!
CYPSP 🎄🎅

Important dates for applications for September 2022!!

Sign up for these FREE online nutrition sessions taken by Registered Dietitians throughout December.
Anyone can attend. Be sure to put the dates in your diary – simply click the links below to register.
If the dates/times don’t suit or you would like to find out more about other nutrition topics, pre-recorded sessions are available to watch at https://vimeo.com/showcase/8198914
Feeding under Fives - Monday 6 December, 11.30am - 12.15pm - available at: https://tinyurl.com/under-5s-dec
Nutrition for your Teenager – Wednesday 8 December 12.30pm - 1.30pm - available at: https://tinyurl.com/teenager-dec
Eating Well as you Age – Thursday 9 December 10am - 10.45am - available at: https://tinyurl.com/eat-age-dec

Get the Christmas celebrations underway at Lurgan Town Centre on Friday 19 November with a host of fabulous festive entertainment taking place from 3pm – 8pm. Even better, you can park for free throughout the day in our council owned off-street car parks giving you the perfect opportunity to pick up that perfect present and support our local businesses.

For dates and details on our borough's full festive programme, visit lightupourborough.com

We had the pleasure of receiving this cheque from St John the Baptist Nursery School, Portadown.

They raised a fantastic amount of £340 by hosting a Halloween fancy dress party. Thank you to all those who got involved and made a donation 💞

The EA Autism Advisory & Intervention Service (AAIS) have arranged a series of workshops for the parents of young children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

There are four workshops:

- Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder and using virtual strategies to support your child
- Supporting sensory needs
- Effective play
- Transition support for children in the early years

Further details regarding the workshops, including dates and times can be found here: http://www.rtuni.org/apply/grouped/EYASDParents

You will be required to enter the following access code to register for a workshop: E@par3nts2021