I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all pupils, parents and staff for welcoming me so warmly to the community of St.Augustine’s. I have had a wonderful term and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone. St.Augustine’s is a wonderful school and it will be a great privilege and honour to be the head teacher as we begin a new school year in August.
This week we had a leavers Mass for our Pr.7 pupils who said a sad farewell to the school after seven years. We wish them every success for the next phase of their school career when they join St.Ambrose.
On our last day of term we said a sad farewell to several staff members who will not return at the beginning of our school term. We wish Mrs.McManus a long, happy and healthy retirement. We wish Miss Cameron, Miss McAlinden and Mrs.O’Neil every success in their new schools.
Next term we are delighted to welcome back Mrs.Gillooly back from maternity leave. We also have several new staff members who will join the staff team in August. Miss Lisa Bell and Mrs.Theresa Elder will join us as new permanent members of staff. We also look forward to welcoming Miss Rachel Burns and Miss Hannah Lester to the school team.
The school staff hope you enjoy your summer holidays and we look forward to seeing you all in August for the start of a very busy school year!!

The whole school enjoyed a morning of phenomenal talent being showcased at our Talent Show. Our poor judges were under such pressure to appoint winners that they awarded joint 1st and 2nd places. However, every single entry was a star in the making and really showed how many amazingly talented children we have here at St.Augustine’s. They were all winners and I for one can’t wait until we do it all again next year!! Here are a few pictures of our amazing artists entertaining the whole school. If you were passing Henderson Street you may well have heard all the singing and clapping.

Our summer fete was a great success and as promised here are the photographs to give you a flavour of this annual event in the school calendar. Our P.T.A. have reported that over £1,200 was raised on the day. This was a fantastic sum of money and we thank everyone for their great support. Our great thanks is also extended to all P.T.A. members who worked so hard to get everything organised for the event and for their great work on the day. A special thanks is extended to Mrs.Robb, P.T.A. Chairperson, who has now retired from her post as Chairperson. She has made a marvellous contribution to the school over the last 6 years and the P.T.A. and school are sad to see her step down from her post. Her dedication and commitment to the school are wonderful and we sincerely hope she remains an active member of Our P.T.A. Our young musicians performed on the day and entertained everyone with their musical talents. They were a treat to listen to and watch.

This week has been an action packed week at school with lots going on for everyone. Monday got off to a flying start with a visit from Hopscotch Theatre Company with their production of ‘What a Load of Rubbish?’ This was a highly entertaining and informative show that was perfectly pitched for everyone. Here are a few pictures of the morning’s entertainment.

The school will be a hive of activity today as we begin preparations for our Summer Fete. Our wonderful P.T.A. members have been hard at work planning and organising a wonderful array of activities, stalls and visitors to entertain all our visitors. We are keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast in anticipation of a good day!!
Here is just a sample of what will be on offer on Saturday so please come along.
Traditional Music Groups – Comhaltas and Grupai Ceoil (stage in school hall)
Tombola
Teddy Stall
Nail Bar and Tattoo Parlour
Bouncy Castle
Martial Arts Demonstrations
Police, Fire Brigade
Toy Stall and balloons
Homebaking and Tuck Shop
Please come along and support the great work of the P.T.A. and enjoy our family day.

Our Health week is proving to be a resounding success with a wealth of visitors who have given the children much to talk about when they go home. Yesterday we had a visit from Frankie and Benny’s who worked with all classes across the school. We also had visits from Childline who delivered talks to Pr.6 and 7 pupils to alert them to the dangers of the internet and cyberbullying. Today our Pr.6 and 7 pupils received talks on alcohol awareness and Pr.1 – 3 received talks on dental hygiene. All stages enjoyed a challenging obstacle course that was set up in the hall on Monday and Thursday afternoon.
Tomorrow we look forward to welcoming Albion Rovers to work with our Pr.4 – 6 pupils. Coatbridge Action for Safe Play will work with Pr.1 -3 and our Pr.7 pupils will be in the hall for Bubble Football!!!
One of our parents, Mrs.Cassidy, carried on the good work of NL Development Officer, Dorothy Anne and worked with our Pr.2 pupils to cook their own Chicken Nugget Happy Healthy Meals. Once again, not a bit was left for Mrs.Docherty!
We look forward to posting a picture gallery to update you on all that has happened.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank parents who have given their time and came along to assist throughout the week. Your support has been greatly appreciated all week.

The whole school were treated to visits by the SPCA today as they informed the children about how to care for animals and for their pets. It proved to be a highly informative and entertaining assembly as you can see.

Here is a copy of the wide variety of activities and visitors who will be coming along to the school this week. Let’s hope when you ask your child about school this week and how they got on, that they say more than just “fine”.