St. Columba’s Mission is to:

show respect for each other,

recognise the potential in everyone,

accept challenges,

and walk in the light of learning,

happy and secure in the knowledge of

  God’s love for us all.

UNICEF’s Mission:

‘is to demonstrate that the UNCRC when implemented properly has a strong positive impact on the wellbeing of children and adults’

The word RESPECT takes great prominence at the beginning of our Mission statement and it is inextricably interwoven into everything we do. It is an integral part of our school life in all its entirety. Respect has always been at the core of our “being” in St. Columba’s Primary School and Nursery Unit. Our constant focus of putting the children of the school at the forefront, heart and culmination of any and all its decision-making is paramount. It was therefore, based on our strong foundations and also a wish to increase our knowledge and embed children’s rights in our ethos, culture, policies and daily practice that I decided after becoming Principal to apply for Rights Respecting status because in doing so we would be putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of our planning, policies, practice and ethos and very importantly we would unequivocally give all our children a voice and a platform so that they could express their opinions. A rights-respecting school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights and respect in all its relationships: between teachers/adults and pupils, between adults and between pupils.

RRSA is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect non-discrimination and participation.

To find out more about the Rights Respecting Schools Award please visit http://www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa

Recognition of Commitment

After registering our school, the first stage of the RRSA was obtaining the Recognition of Commitment (ROC). The RRSA was introduced initially to the school community – staff, pupils, governors, parents and to the wider community. A steering group composing of adults and children was formed to guide, promote and develop the Rights Respecting initiative throughout the school. An audit was carried out and an action plan was completed and signed off by the principal. Procedures were put in place for monitoring the impact of the initiative. On May 15^th 2017 all the necessary documentation was completed and signed off by Mrs. Kielt.

Congratulations!

In June we were delighted to receive our RRSA Recognition of Commitment (ROC) status.

The Year Ahead!

During this academic year, we will be working towards achieving Level 1. The RRSA steering group have been busy planning events to help children recognise their rights and responsibilities, both in school and beyond. We are extremely proud of our children, staff and school. We hope that you will continue to support us on our Rights Respecting journey.

RRSA Steering Group

Our RR Steering Group has a very important role in raising awareness of the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) and promoting the awareness of children’s rights at St. Columba’s. In our Steering Group meetings, all members work hard to ensure that UNCRC Article 12 ‘Children should have a say in matters which affect them’ is always top of our agenda.

By working together, we seek to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to have their views heard and grow in confidence and knowledge when discussing the UNCRC and its impact on our daily lives. We work closely with our School Council, ECO committee and Digital leaders to strengthen the voices of children both inside and outside school.

New beginnings...

As we welcome our new Year 1's as well as new pupils within our school community we are reminded of Article 28, that 'Every child has the right to an education'.

Having a say...

Classes around the school have had the chance to have a say in their own class rules, they have looked at Article 12 'Every child has the right to have a say in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously'.

Our Class Charters

Now that we are settled in our new classrooms, we have all produced our own class charters in our classrooms. Have a look at the amazing displays around our school. Article 1, 'Everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the convention'.

#weareaRightsRespectingSchool.

Check out this short snippet of our very own Rights Respecting Song!

European Day of Languages

We had our first official Rights Respecting assembly to celebrate European Day of Languages. The children outlined for everyone Article 30, "Every child has the right to learn about and practise their own culture, language and religion..."

We celebrated the great diversity within our school community and enjoyed a sample of our many languages throughout the day!

We have the right to a name!

Article 7 states 'Every child has the right to a legal name'.

Year 1 are working hard learning to write their names.

Derry Day

To celebrate the Derry Minors reaching the All- Ireland final this Sunday we dressed in our Derry colours for the day. All of the pupils within the school embraced the red and white and enjoyed different Derry themed activities on the day.

Article 31: Every child has the right to take part in a wide range of cultural activities.

Old Buddy Old Pal

Our Year 6 pupils are enjoying helping their Year 1 buddies settle into our school environment. All the children are enjoying the joint play sessions, reminding us of Article 31 'Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities'.

Eco Schools

The votes are in and the new councillors have been elected, well done to those who presented their speeches in order to be elected.

Remember Article 12, 'Every child has the right to have a say in all matter affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously'.

Good luck to the newly appointed team! 

Anti-Bullying Week

Our school council delivered an assembly on Anti-Bullying. We were on a mission to get across our schools strong Anti-Bullying message Unicef links anti-bullying week to Article 2 – Non-discrimination.

Article 2 states that 'The convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background'.

This means that every child has rights…because although we are all different we are ALL EQUAL. Every child has the right to come school and be happy without being bullied.

Anti-bullying week also links to Article 13 – which states that 'Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions'.

Healthy Snack

We are a healthy eating school. Year 1 and 2 enjoy their healthy snack everyday before break.

Article 24 states that 'Children have the right to clean water and nutritious food'.

Global Learning

Mr John McCarron visited Key Stage 2 pupils as part of our Global Learning Curriculum.  He recently visited Africa through his work with Trocaire. He showed the pupils photographs of life in Africa. He illustrated how the African culture uses inventive ways to farm, irrigate their land and generate school improvement projects using the money that we contribute to through our Trocaire Campaign, in reference to Article 28, Richer countries must help poorer countries.  Our pupils were able to compare and contrast life in Ireland with life in Africa.

Radar Centre

Miss Mc Kiernan's class had a brilliant trip to the Radar Centre in Belfast. they learned about fire safety, safety on buses, the problems associated with social media and the reality o anti - social behaviour. The pupils had an opportunity to experience the negative side of beer goggles and the obstacle course proved very difficult. On returning to school the pupils looked at the articles relating to their visit, this included Articles 16, 17, 19, 32, 33 and 36. WOW what an informative day!

Needs or Wants?

Year 1 have been busy voicing their opinions on needs and wants, remember Article 13 children have the right to say what they think. The boys and girls discussed lots of the Articles of the UNCRC and justified their thinking. Amazing Year 1! 

The Right to Good Health

Our journey towards becoming a Rights Respecting School continued this morning with Year 6 presenting Article 28: The right to good health. They inspired us all to become more generous in our donations towards making a difference to the lives of many children across the world who do not enjoy good health. #rightsrespectingschool #hungrybabymoney

Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke

Emma and Caroline from Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke visited KS2 pupils today to talk about Healthy Living. They discussed the importance of daily exercise, eating the recommended portions of fruit and vegetables, eating a healthy breakfast, drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day and getting 10 hours sleep each night. The pupils from Years 5-7 will now begin their 'Commit to be Fit' challenge which will run for the next 5 weeks. Article 24 states that every child has the right to the best possible health.

Chinese New Year

Yo Yo and Jackie presented a wonderful presentation to the school on Chinese New Year, they spoke of their own traditions and how they celebrate Chinese New Year. The boys and girls enjoyed listening to the Chinese Zodiac and finding their own animal from the year they were born. We remember Article 30 states that every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, regardless of whether these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.

Safer Internet Day 2018

💻📱Safer Internet Day 2018 was  celebrated globally today with the slogan, ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you’.
The day began with a whole school assembly lead by some of our digital leaders to introduce the theme. This is a topic that covered many rights. Article 13 states that children are free to express their thoughts and opinions and nowadays this is done through the use of the internet. We discussed the importantance of parental guidance when using the internet (Article 5) moreover the children understood Article 17 - access to information from the media, Then each year group took part in a different activity to raise awareness of Safer Internet Day. #SID2018 #itstartswithus 💻📱

The girls from Years 4, 5, 6 & 7 were very excited when Sarah Jamison from G.G. Ulster Brownies came to invite them to their local Girl Guides group in Kilrea Primary School. Sarah told the girls about the interesting activities they would experience and the new skills they could learn. They were reminded that every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisation's, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights, Article 15.

Polish Consul Visit

Today we had a visit from the Polish Consul General Mr Dariusz Alder and the Honorary Consul of Republic of Poland Mr Jerome Mullan, they were accompanied by local councillor Mr. John Dallat. Our Polish children presented a wonderful assembly discussing their experiences of life at St.Columba's through the eyes of a newcomer child. All children were in agreement with Article 30 which states that every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, regardless of whether these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.

Cancer Focus

Cancer Focus visited every class to deliver a talk and activities based on keeping healthy. Each class looked at Article 6 and 24 of the UNCRC, the right to life and the right to the best possible health.

St. Columba's Clubs

Our school promotes lots of extra curricular activities, a chance for boys and girls from different classes to come together and have fun. As Article 15 states every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisitions, a long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Anne Frank

Year 3/4 looked at the life of Anne Frank during their WAU Topic ‘A Blast from the Past’.They discovered that Anne and her family were persecuted because they were Jewish.
Article 14 of the UNCRC states that, children and young people are free to be of any or no religion. Their parents can help them make decisions around religion, but:

•a parent can’t force a child or young person to adopt a religion

•a parent can’t force a child or young person to stop following a religion.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the Year 7 pupils who received their sacrament of Confirmation at the weekend. As they receive this sacrament we are reminded of Article 14 which states that every child has the right to think and believe what they want ad to practise their religion, as long as they re not stopping other people from enjoying their rights.

Trocaire Collection

At the start of the season of Lent we began our annual collection for Trócaire. We learnt that not all children get the same opportunities in life because of many reasons. This year the child on the Trócaire box was called Kumba and she has had her life ruined by a mud slide which ruined her village. Well done to Year 3 for raising the most money for Trocaire during the season of Lent. During Lent classes throughout the school discussed Articles 26 and 27, how the Government must provide extra money for the children of families in need as well as helping families to afford a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical, social and mental needs.

World Book Day 2018

The spirit of World Book Day was very much alive in St Columba's. As we celebrated World Book Day we remembered Article 28 which states that: All children and young people have a right to free primary education. Children should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level they can. But while we may take books for granted, there are millions of children who cannot get their hands on a book to read, for whom even a school textbook is a luxury. It is easy for us to take books for granted. Next time you find it difficult to decide what book you want to read, from all the choice that is available, think of the millions of children who may lack the opportunity to read even a single book.

Mother's Day Assembly

Year 1 performed a wonderful assembly to celebrate Mother's Day, they discussed Article 7 which states that children have the right to be cared for by their parents.

Fairtrade Fortnight

To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight each class took part in a Fairtrade lesson. Year 6 then closed Fairtrade Fortnight with their annual Fairtrade Bake Off. Every pupil in the school contributed 50p towards the tasting of the Fairtrade treats. This money will be given to farmers in third world countries. It is our duty to help those in need just as Article 24 states; richer countries must help poorer countries achieve good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment.

Year 1 Discussion

Year 1 are enjoying their reading books every night, this week they came across a little girl in wheelchair in one of their books. The boys and girls discussed how a child with a disability is entitled to the same life as themselves. Year 1 looked at Article 23 a child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and independence, and to play an active part in the community.

St. Patrick's Day Assembly

Well done to our Year 5 who performed a wonderful assembly to celebrate our Irish culture. This included Irish language, dancing, sport and music. The boys and girls reminded us of Article 29 Education must develop every child's personality, talents and abilities to the full as well as Article 31 Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. It must encourage the child's respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.

Easter Assembly

Well done to the boys and girls from Year 6 and 7 who presented the Easter Story to the school. A reminder of the true meaning of Easter highlighting the importance of the Catholic Ethos within our school. The children discussed Articles 14 and 30 that every child has the right to think and believe what they want and to practise their religion.

Needs and Wants

Year 6/7 and Year 3 pupils decided that a ‘need’ is a necessity but a ‘want’ is a luxury!

Class Discussion

Year 6/7 discussed the recent attack in Bangor and felt that it is important that we are aware of our social responsibility. They discussed Articles 15, 36 and 37.

Beauty and the Beast

What a show! Well done to KS2 on their wonderful performances of Beauty and the Beast. St. Columba's is full of talent, Article 29 states that education must develop children's abilities and talents to the full.

A great week of Water at St.Columba's!

Thankfully we aren't talking about the rain for a change. Our week started off with the arrival of the Water Bus for KS2 pupils. There was great excitement mid-week when NI Water donated a water butt to our school, which was very quickly put it to good use in our woodland area. Another great way of saving water! Finally the week ended with a wonderful assembly performed by Mrs Mc Alary's class to reinforce the importance of water and the detrimental effects of a lack of water in third world countries and how Article 24 discusses the need for safe water to drink.

Fairytales
Well done to Mrs Guckin’s class for performing a wonderful assembly on Fairytales! The boys and girls were able to identify the rights within many of our traditional fairytales. They discussed tales such as Hansel and Gretal and how children have the right to be cared for by an adult (Article 7). Cinderella told us about Article 6, how every child has the right to life as well as to develop to their full potential. Snow White reminded us of Article 19, how governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. Poor Snow White had a wicked step mother who deprived her of this right.

♻Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!♻
Well done to Miss Coyle’s class for performing a wonderful assembly entitled ‘All Things Litter’ on Friday! They have also been out and about litter picking around Kilrea. Keep up the great work of creating a clean environment so that children can stay healthy. (Article 24)

Keeping Active!

Well done to Mr Murphy's Year 3 class who performed a wonderful assembly on how to keep active, they even put some pupils and staff members through their paces. Within their assembly they told us of the importance of health care and nutritious food in order to stay healthy, (Article 24). Many pupils in Year 3 shared their experiences of joining groups and organisations in order to stay active, (Article 15) organisations such as Camogie, Irish Dancing, Karate and much more. This assembly was followed by our full day fitness marathon by Fitness Freddy, where every child in the school moved and grooved in order to raise money for school funds. (Article 31)

We All have Rights!

Year Fours explored all the UNICEF rights of a child. In order to do this the children carefully studied a poster and had to by identify a picture related to each right. They worked in groups to identify the article related to the picture!

Walk to School Week 2018

This year we were blessed with sunshine for our walk to school week. As we walked and talked we discussed the related articles, Article 15 and Article 24.

Paddington Bear

Using the experiences of Paddington, foundation stage are starting to understand the challenges, difficulties, and dangers that refugee children face when fleeing conflict or persecution. Pupils became more empathetic by exploring what they would take if they were forced to flee their own homes, and discuss the unnecessary and dangerous journeys refugee children are making. They looked at Article 10 and Article 22.

Pirates

Year 3 have been learning about Pirates. They thought it would be a good idea to use their understanding of  rights to create a set of rules aboard their pirate ship.

Illustration of Rights

Well done to Year 2 class who have used drawings to show the rights of a child!

There's a Bear on my Chair

Year Four and Year Six came together for a Rights Respecting Lesson. They listened to the story “There’s a Bear on my Chair”. They were split into groups and used role play to try and persuade the bear off the chair. The children used persuasive language and compromised in order to resolve a situation. Both classes came across lots of different rights when working through this process. Great team work! The boys and girls now know how they could resolve real life situations whilst still respecting the rights of others.

Rights Respecting Bun Sale

Whilst learning about Paddington and refugees the Year 1's decided to hold a bun sale to raise money for refugees. They raised a grand total of £401.05 which will be presented to a member of Unicef on World Refugee Day next Wednesday (20th June). Amazing work Year 1 and well done to all those who supported their Bun Sale.

Shared Education Forest Visit

Year 1 and 2 visited Garvagh Forest with their friends from Kilrea Primary school, just like Article 15 states every child has the right to meet with other children as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. They enjoyed looking for signs of summer as well as exploring the forest with their friends.

PSNI Road Policing

Kids' Court came to St. Columba's Primary School this morning with 15 drivers facing our panel of pupils. Drivers of all ages were caught speeding and every single one was challenged by the pupils to rethink their driving behaviour. Article 13 states that every child must be free to say what they think and to seek and receive all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law. Officer Henry also spoke to all the classes regarding road safety and the importance of bike safety.

2018 -2019

Joe Wicks The Bodycoach

Welcome Mass

Fundraising for ZAP

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors 

The Radar Centre 

European Languages Day 2018

Cancer Focus 

Sustrans visit 

Silver Rights Respecting School Award 

Shared Education Week 

We started the week off with a shared staff meeting with the teachers from Kilrea Primary School to plan the year ahead. Miss McKiernan attended the Shared Education Conference on Tuesday. Year 1 carried out a community 'Litter Pick' with our friends from Kilrea Primary on Wednesday. Article 15 states that every child has the right to meet with other children. 

Maths Week Ireland 

Ulster Schools Swimming Championships

Road of Hope Shoebox Appeal 

YEAR 6 'WORLDS APART' ASSEMBLY

Red Wednesday

Article 14 states that everyone has the right to practise their religious beliefs. Yesterday was Red Wednesday, a day where Christians around the world stand together against the persecution and imprisonment of fellow Christians due to their faith in God. Our Rights Respecting Council led everyone in assembly and each class then made wristbands to help spread this important message. 

#redwednesday #makeastandforfaithandfreedom

It's a Party!

Well done to the children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One on their two fabulous Nativity performances. They put us all in a festive mood with their amazing singing, dancing and drama! #itsaparty #starsofthefuture. Article 29 states that education must develop every child's personality, talent and ability to the full.

Chinese New Year

Jacky and Tommy told all the pupils about The Chinese New Year and all their celebrations. We always embrace other cultures and enjoyed hearing all about it. Article 30 states that every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people who live there.

Online Safety Talk

We are hosting a parent information night in partnership with our friends in Kilrea Primary School on the important topic of 'Online Safety'. This will take place on Wednesday 27th February at 7.00pm in Kilrea Sports' Complex. Our guest speaker for the night, Wayne Denner, an online safety expert, will deliver relevant, current and practical advice aimed at empowering parents to take control. Wayne will be providing us with tips on the best ways to protect our families. We are looking forward to everyone joining us for what is sure to be an extremely informative night! Article 5 states that governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents and carers to provide guidance and direction to their child as they grow up so that they can fully enjoy their rights.

It was lovely to get such positive feedback from a member of the public on our Year 6 pupils showing impeccable manners. We always respect the rights of others. #rightsrespectingpupils #rightsrespectingschool

Ballymena Festival

Our school choir travelled to The Braid Arts Centre this week to compete in the Ballymena Festival Primary Schools’ Competition. They were absolutely fabulous and performed both their songs to the highest of standards. We are very proud to say that the choir were placed third. Article 29 states that education must develop every child's personality, talents and abilities.

World Book Day

Fairtrade Fortnight

St.Patrick's Day

All pupils and staff looked fantastic in their green for St.Patrick's day. Everyone enjoyed learning all about St.Patrick and celebrating our Irish culture during a fantastic assembly performance by year Five. Article 30 states that every child has the right to use and learn the customs of their family.

Confirmation

NSPCC Visit

Many thanks to the ladies from the NSPCC who visited our school today to deliver assemblies to the whole school and workshops in Years 6 and 7 as part of their ‘Speak out Stay safe’ programme.They taught us all that we have the right to Speak out and stay safe. Article 12 states that every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them.

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to our year 4 pupils who received the sacrament of communion for the very first time on Saturday. Article 14 states that every child has the right to practise their religion.

Malawi Donation

Local MLA John Dallat collected £500 raised by the pupils of St.Columba’s to send to Malawi to assist flood victims. Article 27 states that every child must have a good standard of living. As a rights respecting school we always love to give to others. Well done everyone!

Rights Respecting Cup

Habitat for Humanity

2019 - 2020

Meet Our New RRSA Team!

The votes are in and we are delighted to welcome our new Rights Respecting Ambassadors to the team. Joining us on our journey to achieving Gold are, Tiarnan and Lucy from Year 3, and Amy from Year 4. Best of luck in your new role!

Year 3 Mission Assembly

Year 3 performed their 'Mission Assembly' for the whole-school to remind us of the need to provide support to children and people who live in disadvantaged countries around the world. We can make a valuable contribution by putting spare change in the Mission boxes in our classrooms as the money goes directly to helping children in need. 

 Article 24 - Every child has the right to the best possible health.

Article 28 - All children have the right to a good quality education. 

Article 3 – The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children

European Day of Languages 2019

We celebrated European Day of Languages in St. Columba's speaking in a range of different languages, including Irish, Spanish and Polish! The Newcomer children in our school enjoyed sharing their first language with their peers, giving us all an insight into other cultures. 

Article 30: Every child has the right to learn and use the language, custom and religion of their family. 

FiFi the Rights Respecting Fairy

Eco Team & School Council Assembly 

Both the Eco Team and School Council held very exciting and informative assemblies on their ideas for the year ahead. 

The Eco team discussed their new campaign 'Active Travel Superhero' challenge, which encourages all children to actively get to and from school every day. 

Article 24 states: 'Every child has the right to the best possible health'. 

This is excellent campaign promotes both positive mental and physical health 😊👏🏻

The School Council also discussed their latest idea for a new whole school reward system 'Weekly Wish' where children will be rewarded for working hard, showing good manners, demonstrating their talents and overall showing respect to all members of the school community. 

Article 29 states: 'Education must develop every child's personality, talents and abilities to the full'. 

World Mental Health Day 2019 🧠🗣

Everyone in St.Columba's celebrated 'World Mental Health Day' by completing fun activities with their class and teacher.

Year 1 and 2 enjoyed some yoga to help them relax.

Year 4 incorporated some new Mindful exercises into their PE lesson. 

Article 24: Every child has the right to the best possible health. 

Article 31: Every child has the right to relax.

Weekly Wish Winners!

Every week the children of St. Columba’s work towards a Weekly Wish. These wishes encourage good behaviour, manners, positive attitude and overall being respectful to all member of our school community. 

As as a Rights Respecting school, we think this is an excellent initiative 👏🏻

Article 29: Education must develop every child’s abilities to the full.

Fundraising!

The Rights Respecting team kick started their fundraising ideas with ‘Socktober’ - Every Friday in October the children came to school in bright coloured socks and give a donation of 20p. 

The RR team felt that fundraising through this idea would raise awareness of children in other countries, such as Africa who do not have adequate clothing. Well done everyone, what a fabulous job 👏🏻👏🏻

Here to make a change!
 

The Rights Respecting team got presented with new vests which they will wear outside in the playground every day. This will help the children in our school identify the members of the Rights Respecting team.

In St. Columba’s we recognise the importance of always reminding ourselves of the UNICEF Articles on the Rights of the child. 

Article 2: Everyone in the World has Rights. 

 🌎 World Children’s Day 🌎

Year 4 celebrated 'World Children's Day' on the 20th November, by completing tasks relating to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). 2019 is the 30th Anniversary of the introduction of the UNCRC and as a Right's Respecting School, we are fully committed to promoting Children's rights in all that we do. 

Article 42: You have the right to know your rights! Adults should know about these rights and help you learn about them, too.

Christmas Nativity Performance

The children across all Key Stages displayed their talents with a wonderful performance of the Nativity at Christmas.

This targets Article 29: Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities

Digging for Dignity

Through our ‘Digging for Dignity’ theme, it was decided that the money raised from our ‘Christmas Jumper’ day would be donated to St. Vincent De Paul within our local community. 

Planning for ‘Playground Rules’ Posters

The children in the Rights Respecting team, along with Miss McGrogan contacted ‘Sugar Rush Creative’ in Belfast to express our ideas for our new ‘Playground Rules’ poster. We spent weeks going through different designs, and have been delighted to finalise our design this week. 

#RightsRespectingSchool #PlaygroundCharter

Rights Respecting Detective 

The Respecting Team came up with an excellent idea to encourage the staff and children within the school to practice using the language associated with the articles and continue to develop their knowledge of the UNCRC.

Visit to Toberdoney Fold

The children from the Rights Respecting Team began their ‘Digging for Dignity’ theme on Wednesday 18^th December, in Toberdoney Fold. The children had a ‘Christmas Chat’ with the elderly people in their community. They showcased their talents through song, music and poetry.

Article 28 reminds us about the right to have and show respect for others. It highlights the word ‘dignity’.

They had their second visit to the fold on the 15th of January for a 'Respectful Read'. The children prepared pieces from their favourite novels along with poems, and recited them beautifully.

Grandparents Day 2020 

The children in St.Columba’s recognise the importance of showing respect to their parents and their grandparents. We celebrated 'Grandparent's Day' along with our loved ones, with different events in the school and wider community. 

Article 29 reinforces this.

Digging for Dignity

Our current theme ‘Digging for Dignity’ focuses on showing respect to the elderly people within our community. On Grandparents Day 2020, the Key Stage 2 children participated in a wonderful mass in St. Anne’s Church in our own community, for grandparents and other family members. 

In St. Columba’s, we value the importance of expressing our Catholic faith in a range of ways. 
 

Article 14 highlights the importance of 'Every child having the right to practice their religion'.

Accelerated Reading Millionaires

We celebrate success here at St. Columba’s. Check out the accelerated millionaires who have excelled in their reading throughout Term 1. 

Article 29 reinforces the importance of Education developing every child’s personality and talents. 

Hornsey One

Key Stage 2 had a visit from Stem Ambassador, Steven Burke heightening their understanding of the production of electricity. Steven discussed his job as an engineer in great depth for the children. 

The RR team members in Year 6 and 7 were able to reinforce to their peers that this related to Article 28: All children have the right to an Education and Article 29: Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities.

Time Steps Living History 

The children in Year 2 had an amazing visit from Time Steps Living History. They explored their right to play, through playing with a range of toys from the past. 

Article 31: You have the right to play and rest.

Investigating Rights in Year 4

Year 4 have been learning all about Anne Frank in their ‘Blast from the Past’ topic. Anne Frank and her family were persecuted by the Nazis during WW2 because they were Jews. Jewish people and children at that time didn’t have access to their rights.

The 27^th January 2020 was ‘World Holocaust Day’. Using NewsDesk, Year 4 engaged in group discussion about the mistreating of Jewish people, especially children during WW2. They talked about the Articles of the UNCRC and which of these rights were not provided in the Concentration Camps during the War.

#RightsRespectingSchool 

Bonding Baking 

As part of our ‘Digging for Dignity’ theme, the Rights Respecting members had their third visit to Toberdoney Fold to take part in ‘Bonding Baking’

Rights Respecting Lessons

The children in Year 2 explored the term ‘Refugee’ in relation to their book ‘Paddington Bear’. They discussed the importance of every child having the right to be kept away from danger (Article 32).

They used C2K News-desk stories to support their learning. Following this, the children worked in pairs to create ‘Thankful’ posters as a reflection point from learning about children refugees. 

Fairtrade in Year 2

Year 2 have been learning all about Fairtrade and how farmers should be treated fairly and paid a fair price for their produce. 

Article 29: Education should encourage children’s respect for human rights. 

Lent 2020

The children in Year 6 have been working hard to create their ‘Lenten Promises’. They recognise they have the right to practice and express their religion in relation to the UNCRC conventions on the rights of the child. 

Article 30: You have the right to practice your own culture, language and religion

Learning From Home

The children of St. Columba’s like many children across the world at the moment are learning from home. Now more than ever, due to the current pandemic the children in our school recognise the importance of the Rights we all have and the specific articles to which they are related.

We wanted to continue our Rights Respecting journey at home, so each week our teachers prepare an activity focused on an 'Article of the Week'. Have a look below at some of our amazing virtual Rights Respecting lessons. 👏🏻👏🏻📚

Article 12: We have the right to use our voice. 

🌺Year 2/3 remember Mary during May🌸

Year 3 Drawing God

Article 14: We have the right to practise our religion

🌈Year One enjoy their right to practise their religion.

These are the people they are praying for at home. 🌈

👫Year 2/3 are missing their friends!👫

They wrote a message for their friend.

Year One recognise that they all have the right to meet other children. 
They are missing their friends at school and clubs. They have written letters and drew pictures for each other. 🤗💕

Article 14: All children and adults should know about the Convention.

The boys and girls in Year 2 enjoyed reading The Color of Us.

They drew images of their favourite characters from the story. 

Year 2/3 recognise all their great qualities.😊

2020-2021

We are so excited to be back at school with all of our friends. We are looking forward to continuing on our Rights Respecting Journey. 

#GoingforGold

Article 24 states 'All children have the right to good quality education.'

We are happy to be back at school and are ready to learn!

The Right to an Identity 

The children in Nursery have been learning about their names. The children can recognise their own name and they know that each one of their names is special. 

Article 8 of the UNCRC states 'You have the right to an identity – an official record of who you are. No one should take this away from you'. 

National Fitness Day

Exercise is one of the most important things we can do to keep fit and healthy. Every class enjoyed talking part in outdoor exercise to celebrate National Fitness Day.

Article 24 states that 'All Children have the right to education and information

so that you can stay healthy.'

Sustrans

Our school participated in the 'Sustrans Active Travel to School Week'. It was great to see so many children walking, cycling and scooting to school. The journey to school provides another opportunity to get in the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise. #activetravel #healthychoices 

Article 24 reminds us 'All children have the right to good health education and information to keep them healthy'. 

Johnny our Sustrans Officier taught Year 3/4 some 'Top Tips' for Staying Safe in Winter. Pupils are aware of the need to be seen when travelling during the Winter months in order to keep safe.

Article 19 states 'Children have the right to be protected from being hurt.'

Article 13 also tells us that 'Children have the right to find out things', especially information that will help to keep them safe!

Action Mental Health 

The children in Key Stage 2 took part in 'Action Mental Health' Workshops in school. The informative talks allowed pupils to learn about their Mental Health. They looked at the different ways to Well-Being and maintaining positive Mental Health! #mentalhealthforall

Article 24 states 'All children have the right to good quality healthcare and health education so that you can stay healthy.' 

Adults who do the best for us

Article 3 states 'All adults should do what is best for you. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children.' 

Year 3 discussed Article 3 and the different adults who help to look after us. Important adults in our lives make decisions in our best interest so that we may live our lives to the fullest. 

Cash for Clobber 

We registered another successful lift for the charity 'Cash for Clobber'. The school community were encouraged to donate unwanted clothes and shoes for the appeal.

This is a great example of providing help to those less fortunate. 

Article 27: All children have the right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have your basic needs met. 

Where possible richer countries should help poorer countries. 

Maths Week 

To celebrate Maths Week 2020 the pupils from each class took part in a range of activities that helped develop their mathematical thinking and reasoning. 

Article 29: Education should develop your personality, talents, mental and physical abilities.

Helping Hands!

Year 3 designed 'Helping Hands' to represent the different people who help to keep us safe and healthy. 

Article 24: You have the right to the best health care possible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help you stay well.

Outdoor Learning 

Pupils from the Nursery, Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have been taking their learning outdoors. They frequently visit the outdoor area to extend their learning experiences and enhance their well-being and happiness. #outdoorlearning #outdoorclassroom

Article 29: Education should develop your personality, talents, mental and physical abilities.

Article 31: You have the right to rest, have leisure, play and participate in cultural and artistic activities. 

Visit from Police Officer Paul

Paul, our PSNI Schools' Liaison Officer visited all classrooms to talk about staying safe, bullying and online safety. #staysafe 

Article 17: Article 17 You have the right to get information that is important to your well-being. Adults should make sure that the information you are getting is not harmful, and help you find and understand the information you need.

Article 36: You should be protected from any activities that could harm your development and wellbeing.

Drawing God Day

We celebrated 'Drawing God Day' in St. Columba's by creating beautiful drawings to represent how we see God in our lives. 

Article 14 states 'Every child has the right to choose their own religion or beliefs'.

Article 30 also states 'You have a right to learn and use the traditions, religion and language of your family.'

Let's Measure!

Children in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have been learning all about Measure in their Numeracy lessons. They have been investigating the length of different objects using practical materials. #practicalmaths #makingmathsfun

 Article 28: You have the right to a good quality education.

Article 29: Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities.

World Kindness Day 

'In a world where you can be anything...be KIND'

The children in St. Columba's know how to be kind to one another. We treat each other with respect. 

Article 2 states 'All children have rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly on any basis.' 

Anti-Bullying Week 2020

We had a busy week in St. Columba's celebrating Anti-Bullying Week! The children in every classroom participated in a wide range of fun activities on this year's theme: 'United Against Bullying'. 

Article 2: All children have these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, or whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly on any basis.

Article 12: You have the right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously.

Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, in body or mind.

World Children's Day 

The pupils in St. Columba's had a fantastic day celebrating World Children's Day! 

During our virtual assembly, members of our Rights Respecting Committee informed all classes of a special treat. 

Article 12 states 'Every child has the right to have a say'. 

So the pupils in each class voted on a treat of their choice as part of the celebration. 

Article 31 states 'Every child has the right to relax and play'. 

What a fun afternoon celebrating our rights!

#RightsRespectingSchool #GoingforGold

Mass for St Columba

Bishop McKeown celebrated Mass to mark the year-long celebrations of the birth of St Columba. Our pupils joined in to watch and participate in the Mass dedicated to the Patron Saint of our school. We lit a candle in our school window to mark St Columba's birthday. 

Article 30: You have the right to practise your own culture, language and religion.

World Religion Day

This week St.Columba’s continued on their Rights Respecting journey through Remote Learning by learning about Articles 2, 14 and 30 ahead of World Religion Day. The boys and girls know that every child has the right to non-discrimination, the right to practise their religion of choice and the right to celebrate their language and culture.

Balancing Rights

All year groups focused on balancing two very important rights. Article 24 - the right to good quality health care and Article 28 - the right to an education. Learning about these rights helps us to be very thankful in the current climate.

Catholic Schools Week 2021

The pupils of St Columba’s Primary School and Nursery Unit are taking part in a wide range of activities for Catholic Schools Week 2021. Have a look at a sample of their fabulous work. Article 14 states that every child has the right to practise their Religion.

Discrimination

Have a look at the range of different Rights Respecting activities the pupils took part in last week. The main theme running through all activities was that of discrimination. Article 2 - The convention applies to everyone without discrimination. Article 19 - we have the right to be protected from being hurt or mistreated, in body or mind. Article 37 - no one is allowed to punish you in a cruel or harmful way and Article 38 - protection in war.

St.Brigid's Day

Every Year Group enjoyed celebrating St.Brigid's Day. One of our Ireland's Patron Saints. Article 30 states that every child has the right to practise the religion and culture of their family. 

Earth Day 2021

What a lovely day everyone had celebrating Earth Day 2021. Article 29 states that Education must encourage children's respect for the environment. We focused on The Global Goals 'Good Health and Well Being' and 'Climate Action'. 

The Big Pedal 2021

The whole school community is enjoying taking part in The Big Pedal 2021. The Big Pedal is part of The Sustrans project that St.Columba's is heavily involved in. Sustrans is a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. Together we connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute. The Big Pedal gets children exercising. Article 24 states that every child has the right to the best possible health. 

Stop Climate Change!

Year 3/4 showed great passion for learning about this week's Rights Respecting article. They learned about the impacts of climate change and what they can do to help. They made wonderful posters and wanted to spread the word by campaigning to stop climate change! Article 24 states that every child has the right to a clean environment. 

#rightsrespectingschool #globalcitizens #stopclimatechange

🌟Take a look at Year One and Two showcasing their knowledge of rights. 🌟
Article 12 states ‘Every child has the right to have a say.’ 

St.Columba's receives Gold Award!

St. Columba’s Primary School & Nursery Unit receives prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award!

St. Columba’s Primary School and Nursery Unit have been awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme. UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life.

St. Columba’s has been working with UNICEF UK since 2016. We received the silver certificate in June 2018. Due to the Pandemic, school assessments were postponed but even during Remote Learning, St. Columba’s continued to provide our pupils with the Rights Respecting Programme and hence were able to undertake the assessment during May 2021.

The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice. A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.

The children and staff celebrated in the summer sunshine  with a picnic of cake and treats and an unexpected visit from Mr Whippy. Mrs Kielt said, “We feel both proud and privileged to have been awarded the Gold Award from UNICEF UK. As a school community we have worked very hard to achieve this prestigious honour and I would like to thank the B.O.G. and the entire staff for their commitment throughout. As a Rights Respecting School we put children’s rights at the core of everything we do. We give our children a voice and we listen. We help develop acceptance of difference and diversity and provide our children with a strong moral compass with which to navigate today’s world.”

2021-2022

We are so happy to be back at school and starting a new school year with our friends.

We are looking forward to continue on our Rights Respecting Journey this year.

Article 24 states 'all children have the right to a good quality education'.

Our Rights Respecting Ambassadors 2021

This year our Rights Respecting Ambassadors are in Miss McKenna's Year 5 class. Their role is to make sure that each child has their rights in school. They also monitor the playground at break time to ensure that our rights are protected, especially Article 31 as it states that 'all children have the right to rest and play.'

The Right to an Identity

Year 4 have completed some wonderful art work on their name and learning that each name is unique and special to them.

Article 8: 'all children have the right to an identity.'

Cash for Clobber

We organised another donation to the 'Cash for Clobber' charity. The school community was very generous in donating their unwanted clothes which would then be donated to those who are less fortunate.

Article 27 'all children have the right to clothing and have basic needs met.'

Sustrans

Our school participated in the 'Sustrans Active Travel to School Week'. We all loved travelling to school by walking, cycling and scooting! It also helped us to get in some daily exercise as well as preventing traffic outside our school.

We also received news that our school community has received the Sustrans School mark - Silver Award. Well done everyone!

Article 24 states that 'every child has the right to live a healthy life in a safe environment'

Ditch the Dark Day

On the last day of 'Sustrans Active Travel to School Week', we all donned our brightest clothing to go to school so that we could be seen. This is very important, especially in the dark Winter mornings. 

Article 19 states that 'every child has the right to be protected from being hurt'.

European Languages Day

This year each class participated in activities to acknowledge the diverse range of languages we have in our school. From Irish and Spanish to Polish and German, we had a wonderful celebration of different languages and cultures. 

Article 30 states that 'everyone has the right to use their own language.'

Maths Week 2021

This year during Maths Week the children participated in a range of activities throughout the week to develop their problem solving and reasoning skills. 

We also tried to find Maths in everyday life by using our 'Maths Eyes'. Maths really is everywhere!

Article 29: 'Education should help to develop your talents and abilities.'

Yoga in Nursery

The children in our Nursery Unit have been completing some Yoga activities.  

Article 31: all children have the right to relax and play.

Outdoor Classroom Day

We enjoyed a range out outdoor learning experiences to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day.

Article 29: Education must develop every child's respect for the environment. 

Anti-Bullying Week

We celebrated Odd Socks Day to mark the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week! #onekindword

The children participated in a range of activities throughout the week under this year's theme: 'One Kind Word.'

Article 2: All children have the right to protection against discrimination.

Article 12: All children have the right to an opinion and for it to be listened and taken seriously.

Article 19: All children have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated. 

Year 7 Sacrament Preparation

This week Year 7 enjoyed a fabulous online programme from the Catechetical Centre in Derry to help them prepare for their upcoming Sacrament of Confirmation.

Article 30: You have the right to practise your own culture, language and religion.

Catholic Schools Week 2022

St. Columba's was very celebrating Catholic Schools Week under this year's theme of 'Living Life to the Full'. Have a look at some of our fantastic work.

Article 14 states that every child has the right to practise their religion.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2022

St Columba’s participated in lots of activities this week to explore this year’s theme ‘growing together’.

Article 12: every child has the right to be healthy. This includes having a healthy mind.

Article 24: every child has the right to education on health and well-being.

Fairtrade Fortnight

We To celebrate Faritrade Fortnight, each class participated in the Fairtrade lesson. Year 7 also hosted our annual Fairtrade Bakeoff. Each pupil donated 50p so enjoy the delicious treats. The money raised will be sent to support the working farmers in third world countries.

Article 24: every child has the right to have access to clean water, food to eat and a healthy environment to live. 

International Woman's Day

For International Woman's Day, St. Columba's participated in lots of activities which celebrate inspirational woman both in our lives and those around the world. #breakthebias

Article 12 and 13: All children have the right to share their opinions and be heard by adults.

Article 2: All children have rights, no matter their gender.

2022-2023

This year's Rights Respecting Ambassadors

Each class in Years 4-7 elected two Rights Respecting Ambassadors to represent their class and to stand up for their rights.

Article 12: all children have the right to an opinion and for adults to listen to them. 

Black History Month 

To celebrate Black History Month, we researched black people both now and in the past, looking at the impact they have had on our world today.

Article 2: all children have rights without discrimination of any kind.

Article 30: every child has the right to follow family traditions and customs.

Global Schools Action Day

This week the children at St. Columba's participated in a range of activities to take action against climate change.

Article 24: all children have the right to the best health possible.

Article 29: all children have the right to protect the environment.

World Children's Day Assembly

Our Rights Respecting Ambassadors led an assembly on the theme of 'World Children's Day'. 

Article 17: all children have the right to information that is important to them.

Article 12: all children have the right to an opinion and for adults to listen and take them seriously. 

World Children's Day 

Today we marked 'World Children's Day' in St. Columba's. World Children's Day marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Every pupil used their voice and voted for an activity that they would like to do in class to celebrate World Children's Day.

Article 12: all children have the right to express their views and to have their views considered and taken seriously.

Article 31: all children have the right to relax and play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic acitivities.

Odd Socks Day

To celebrate 'Anti-Bully Week', we wore odd socks to remind ourselves of the fact that we are all unique. #reachout

Article 2 states that all children have rights without discrimination. No matter whether they are a boy or girl, the colour of the skin or where they are from.

Sustrans Ditch the Dark Day

We had a 'dazzling' day in St Columba's as all our pupils walked, scooted and cycled to school wearing brightly coloured clothes.

Article 24: all children have the right to the best possible health.

Daily Mile Santa Run

We had great fun participating in the Daily Mile Santa Run today along with many other schools in Northern Ireland.

Article 24: all children have the right to the best possible health.

Take 5 steps to wellbeing

During the month of January, we 'took notice' throughout all classes as part of our 'Take 5 steps to Wellbeing' HSC initiative.

Article 24: all children have the right to the best possible health, including wellbeing so that we can stay healthy.

Catholic Schools Week

The children of St Columba's participated in a range of celebrations and activities to mark Catholic Schools Week. #walkingtogetherinfaithandlove

Article 14: all children have the right to practise their religion.

Year 6 visit to St. Louis Grammar School

Year 6 visited St. Louis Grammar School to participate in a sports and wellbeing fun day. They learned about nutrition, wellbeing and used their state of the art facilities including a gym and 4G pitch.

Article 31: all children have the right to rest and play.

Article 24: all children have the right to learn about health and wellbeing.

Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing

During the month of February, we focused on the theme of 'connecting' as part of our 'Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing'

Article 24: all children have the right to be healthy, this includes having a healthy mind/

International Woman's Day

All the classes in St Columba's participated in a range of activities to celebrate International Woman's Day.

Article 2: all children have rights, regardless of their gender.

Fairtrade Fortnight

This week the children of St Columba's were researching what the word 'fairtrade' means and participated in a range of activities to raise awareness on the importance of buying fairtrade goods.

Article 17: all children have the right to information.

Article 32: all children have the right to be safe and paid fairly for their work 

Zomba Action Project

Mrs Elizabeth Snelling from the Somba Action Project charity visited St Columba's this morning to talk to the children in Key Stages 1 and 2. She gave a presentation about how the money donated by our school goes to help educate the children there.

Article 28: all children have the right to an education.

Happy St Patrick's Day

Article 30: all children have the right to practise their culture, language and religion