Each year Libraries NI run a summer reading challenge. This year's challenge runs from 27th June to 31st August.  Anyone can join in the 'Pawesome Reading Challenge'. Fun animal-themed events will be held at your local library. To take part, just visit your local library for further information.

On Friday we had our very own Cairnshill Fan Zone in the Junior Playground.  There was singing, competitions and an opportunity to predict Saturday's result! Everyone was in good voice and there was definite optimism about NI's chance against Wales.  Check out the Gallery to see some photos & video from the event. #GAWA

On Wednesday morning, the whole school assembled in the Junior Playground to welcome 'Bumblebee' from Duffy's Circus.  There was great excitement as a yellow car was unloaded from a trailer.  After a few laps of the playground, it 'transformed' into a robot! There were squeals of excitement from around the playground as everyone watched this happen.  Each class had their photograph taken with 'Bumblebee' - you can view these in the website 'Gallery'. It was certainly a morning to remember!

The Early Intervention Transformation Programme (EITP) is a Northern Ireland Executive/Atlantic Philanthropies Delivering Social Change Signature Programme, funded jointly by the Delivering Social Change fund, DoH, DE, DoJ, DfC, DfE and The Atlantic Philanthropies. EITP aims to improve outcomes for children and young people across Northern Ireland through embedding early intervention approaches.

 

The EITP have developed posters with key messages for parents of young children, these will be displayed in GP's surgeries, playgroups, nursery schools, clinics, outpatients and community development centres. The aim of the posters is to promote early intervention and improve outcomes for children.

 

Parents are invited to take part in a short online survey (link below) to give their views on this. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and closes at 5pm on Tuesday 21 June 2016.

 

http://eitp2016.questionpro.com

 

Parenting NI are facilitating the consultation and if you have questions about the survey, please contact Lauren by email laurenw@parentingni.org or phone 02890 310891

Our two annual Sports Days were held this week, 6th-10th June.  On Tuesday our P1-P4 pupils took part in a range of races.  Although we had to move the event to earlier in the day to try and escape the showers, a great number of supporters came along to cheer on the children.  Everyone had the opportunity to take part and we were delighted by the enthusiasm of the competitors.

 

On Wednesday, it was the turn of our Key Stage 2 children.  There were running, jumping and throwing events as well as the popular 'novelty' relays.  It was lovely to see the children cheering each other on and demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout the event. 

 

We were delighted that both events took place on their scheduled days and, for once, the weather was warm and dry!  Some of our P7 pupils took photographs of the two events - these can be viewed in the Gallery section of our website.

Tomorrow's weather forecast suggests that there is a strong possibility of showers from 12 noon onwards.  Due to this, we have taken the decision to move P1-P4 Sports Day to the earlier time of 9.30am.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause but, due to the number of school trips taking place over the next fortnight, it would be difficult to find a suitable alternative date.  It seems sensible to try and hold Sports Day on the planned date if possible.  We still hope that KS2 Sports Day will go ahead on Wednesday.

Primary Six have used all of their knowledge of aerodynamics, space and design to create their own paper rockets.  They crafted the rocket-ships and then took them outside to face the sun.

 

They used all of their puff to blow the rocket high in the air.  The winner was the one which went the furthest.

 

P6 used their accurate measuring skills to determine which ship went the furthest distance.

 

Congratulations to Jacob Lewis whose rocket flew to a distance of 3 metres 62 centimetres.  Jacob- watch out!  I am sure N.A.S.A. will be calling very soon!

The P.4 Minibeast topic really came to life this week. Roger Waring showed everyone how to sketch some of the minibeasts they had found during their minibeast hunt. He even gave them lots of ideas for comic characters! The P.4 pupils all had fun sketching real life and comic minibeasts, with Roger giving some helpful hints along the way.

 

The "Minibeast Roadshow" gave everyone a chance to see and handle (if they were brave enough!) some more exotic creatures.  The children were able to ask questions and learned lots of fascinating information about these beautiful animals.

 

The P.4 Year Group page has some great pictures for you to have a look at!

Our P3 pupils enjoyed a fantastic trip to Streamvale Farm yesterday.  The sun shone all day and everyone was excited to see all of the different animals who live on the farm.  There was lots to see and do from the moment they arrived until it was time to return to school.  To find out a little more about what happened, check out the P3 page to see some photos from the trip.