Tuesday 17th August 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It is with great pleasure that I am writing my first correspondence to you, as Principal of Derrychrin Primary School. I am delighted to have taken up the position of Principal and it is a tremendous honour for me to be chosen to lead such a wonderful school with its long and proud history of education.
Sincere thanks to everyone who have given me such a warm welcome since taking up my new post. I am looking forward to continuing and building upon the great work that has been going on in Derrychrin PS over many years, ensuring the children continue to have a wonderful primary school experience.
I have noted the special atmosphere that exists within the school, where everyone works together in a spirit of unity and friendship. I intend to maintain and strengthen the school’s unique ethos encapsulated by our school motto ‘Where We Always Believe, That We Will Achieve’.
I also wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of outgoing Principal Mr. John McCormack and wish him well in his role as Principal of Holy Family PS, Magherafelt.
Pupils return dates for New School Year
Tuesday 31st August – P1 and P7 pupils (8:45am to 11:00am)
Wednesday 1st September – P2 to P6 pupils (Normal School Day)
DE COVID-19 Guidance for Schools is still to be issued for the new school year. Home collection times for all year groups will be confirmed once DE guidance has been issued.
Primary One Pupils
We look forward to welcoming our new Primary 1 pupils who will begin their journey through school and we will ensure they experience seven wonderful years at Derrychrin PS.
A special welcome to our new families joining Derrychrin PS, we hope you settle into our school community with ease.
Primary 1 pupils will begin school on Tuesday 31st August at 8:45am and remain in school until 11:00am. These times will be repeated for the remainder of the first week, up to and including Friday 3rd September.
From Monday 6th September until Friday 1st October, the Primary 1 pupils will remain in school for lunch/dinner and go home at 1:00pm.
From Monday 4th October the Primary 1 class will finish at 1:45pm.
Data Capture Collection Form
In order to update all pupil records, it is important for all our parents especially our new P1 parents to complete the pupil data collection form on the school website homepage. The form will be made available from week commencing Monday 23rd August to Friday 3rd September. Although it may be repetitive for families, one form must be completed for each child to ensure all pupil details are up to date.
Class Arrangements for 2021/22
We would like to inform all parents of the class arrangements for the new academic year 2021/22.
Primary 1 – Mrs Bridin Tohill
Primary 2 – Miss Roisin McVey
Primary 3 – Miss Bronagh Hughes
Primary 4 – Mrs Niamh Hassan
Primary 5 – Mrs Donna McGuckin / Mr Ciaran McElroy
Primary 6 – Mrs Rosemary Doyle
Primary 7 – Mr Mark O’Neill
Holiday List for 2021/22
We have also included the holiday list for this coming year on our school website. Although it is not anticipated, should there be any changes to the holiday list we will let parents know as soon as possible.
School Website
The new school website www.derrychrinps.org was launched last year and we aim to use it as the main communication link with the whole school community. We would encourage everyone to visit the website as it will be updated regularly with key information, news, events, photos, videos, children’s achievements and experiences.
Parents will receive a SMS text message from the school website team within the next few weeks to verify their details to receive future notifications via the SCHOOLS NI app.
Schools have experienced many challenging times in recent years but I hope that by maintaining strong relationships between the school and its community that we can look forward with confidence to a bright and successful future. I know and trust that you will continue to support the school and its hard-working staff in whatever way you can.
Finally, we hope your child/children have a positive, rewarding experience in school this academic year. If you have any queries or concerns whatsoever please contact us via the school office and we will do our best to help.
Yours sincerely
Mr Ciaran McElroy
Principal
