19 Sep To: Parents of Pupils currently enrolled
Years 9 & 10 please note
Pupils in Years 9 and 10 are not required to attend school on Thursday 29 September 2016. This is due to an Information Day for parents of Year 8 pupils.
EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURE
The college is closed to pupils on Friday 30 September 2016.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
I would take this opportunity to remind parents that we have a number of pupils who suffer from life-threatening nut allergies. Whilst we take all possible measures to ensure that these pupils do not come into contact with nuts or nut products, we would also appreciate your help in this matter. Please ensure that your child does not bring any nuts or nut products into the college.
LITERACY
Ulidia Integrated College is always keen to engage parental assistance in the education of their children. Poor standards of literacy are highlighted in the media regularly and research has proven that reading with our children improves their literacy and their enjoyment of reading in later life. We seek your support in encouraging your child to read novels, comics etc, regularly at home and to bring a novel or comic to school every day to read during form time and other suitable times during the school day.
MOBILE PHONES
I would remind parents that mobile phones are not permitted to be switched on during the school day and that infringements of this rule will result in a detention being issued. In case of an emergency, please contact the school office and a message will be relayed to your child.
SCHOOL PARKING
Please note that parking should be avoided in disabled designated spaces. Only those parents carrying the appropriate badge should use these spaces. As always, the bus bay should be clear at all times.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
A few pupils have been noticed wearing incorrect trousers/skirts. Could I remind parents that school grey trousers and pleated skirts are required to be worn. As the colder weather approaches, I would remind pupils that all coats, hats, scarves and gloves must be plain black. Jumpers are required to be worn from 1 October.
DRINKS
Whilst pupils are encouraged to bring water to school each day, I would take this opportunity to remind parents that fizzy drinks, including ‘energy’ drinks, are not permitted in school. The maximum bottle size is 500ml.
ROAD SAFETY
I would ask for your co-operation in reminding your child about dangers on the road. Please emphasise the importance of crossing the road carefully to and from school. As always, pupils should maintain good behaviour on public transport. It should be noted that any pupil persistently misbehaving may have their Translink pass withdrawn.
CHILD PROTECTION
At Ulidia Integrated College we place great emphasis on protecting the children in our care. We would ask that if you need to contact your child during the school day in case of an emergency, that school procedures are followed and a telephone call is made to the office. A message will then be relayed to your child. It should be noted that parents/carers are not permitted on the school site between 9.05am and 3.25pm, unless they have an appointment with a member of staff.
ECO NEWS
We continue to collect items that are no longer required, these may include clothes, shoes, handbags, towels, blankets, curtains etc. – any condition is welcome. Bags are available from Mrs Patterson in the Geography department.
Our Eco Club has increased the recycling range to include the following:
- Baby food pouches with lids (empty and wiped please)
- Johnsons baby wipes (empty packets)
- Bic pens
- Tassimo Pods
- Kenco Eco refill packets
- Home printer cartridges
WHOLE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH
I would like to remind you that the photographers will be in school on Tuesday 11 October to take a whole school photograph. It would be appreciated if pupils are wearing the correct uniform for this special day.
**COMMUNICATION FROM SCHOOL TO HOME IS CHANGING**
From October, the majority of communication will be done through the ‘parentmail’ system – an app on a parent’s phone, tablet or home computer. We will no longer be sending texts except through this app, so please ensure when prompted to do so, that you download it. If you would like any help with this, please contact school.
Thank you for your continued support.
M Houston
Principal
CHILD PROTECTION:
The designated teacher for child protection in the college is Miss Darina Connolly and the deputy designated person for child protection is Mrs Beverley Howe.