Reminder Due to strike action, school closed for all pupils on Thursday 18th January.

Dear Parents/Carers,

Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, we have decided to postpone the Grandparents’ Mass, which was due to take place on Friday 19th January. The pavements are still very icy and the weather forecast is predicting more ice. Roads will also not be gritted on Friday. We cannot take the risk of someone falling. The Grandparents’ Mass will now take place on Tuesday 6 th February 2024 at 10.00 in Holy Trinity Church.

We apologise for the change of date but the safety of everyone is our priority.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mrs F Boyd

Reminder Due to strike action, school closed for all pupils on Thursday 18th January.

Belfast Works Connect Project

Belfast Connect will be working with each person on a one-to-one basis, the project is specifically designed to focus on supporting people who are considered Economically Inactive:

• If you are in receipt of ESA – Employment Support Allowance
• Receive Carers Allowance
• In receipt of a benefit and have a child under 3
• On maternity leave
• Early retiree (have not yet received your state pension)
• Not working and not in receipt of a benefit

If interested please contact:

T: 028 90236 677|Ext 414 |E: d.lynas@usdt.co.uk | Mobile: 07845394459

Website: www.upperspringfield.com

SEAG Transfer results will be out on Saturday 27th January.

The EA portal for parents to apply online for a post primary place for their child for September 2024 will open on the 30th January. Mrs Boyd will arrange to meet all parents individually to complete the online application and upload all necessary documentation.

https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions

Online applications for P1 are now open. Closing date is 26th January 2024.

Please use the link here to enrol your child. https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions

Catholic Schools will take place from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 January 2024.

Christian service puts faith into action. In Catholic schools, as we study and look to Jesus Christ as our role model and Teacher, we come to a greater understanding of the depth of Christian service.  Jesus served every person regardless of creed, background, faith, social status or age.  He put faith into action by showing all those around him how our Heavenly Father is compassionate, courageous and forgiving.  Jesus didn’t just talk about His faith; He lived it.

We are called by faith to go into the world to share the love of God with all those we meet.  Each person, at every age, is called to become Christ for another by serving every person with a humble heart and with a generous spirit.

For Catholic Schools Week, we will take part in activities under the following themes:

• Service in Our Community of Friends
• Service in Our School Community
• Service in Our Family Community
• Service in Our Local Community
• Service in Our Faith Community

We will celebrate Grandparents’ Day with mass in Holy Trinity Church on Friday 19th January at 10am to thank the grandparents of our community for all they do for our young people. We invite grandparents to attend.

Dear Parents/Carers,

As I am sure you have seen in the media, a day of strike action has been called for all public sector workers on the 18th January 2024. We have been informed by the teaching and non teaching unions, that a full day of strike action will take place on Thursday the 18th January 2024. As a result of this the school will be closed for all pupils on this date. I apologise for the disruption which this will cause but I would ask for your understanding and support. Taking strike action is not something that we have undertaken lightly. Those on strike have thought long and hard about their decision and they will also lose pay for the period that they are on strike. The responsibility to resolve the dispute lies squarely with the Department of Education and our local government. We sincerely hope that the dispute can be resolved as a matter of urgency.

Thank you

Mrs F Boyd Principal

We had so much fun yesterday doing our Santa Run! The Christmas Jumpers were all on and everyone looked great. Thanks to Santa and even eSafetysaurus who popped in to take part too! The icing on the cake was our brilliant Christmas Dinner in the Dinner Hall. A huge thanks to our fabulous dinner hall team.

21/11/2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am writing to inform you about forthcoming strike action by the five teaching unions in Northern Ireland. We have been informed by the teaching unions that a half day of strike action will take place on Wednesday the 29th November 2023. As the Principal, I and the Board of Governors have determined the following arrangements for the 29th November:

• School will be closed for all pupils on the morning of the 29th November.

• School gates will open for pupils at 12.05. Children should not come to school before this time.

• Children will be escorted to the canteen at 12.15 where dinners will be available.

• Teachers will collect the children from the playgrounds at 12.30. • School will finish at the normal time.

• If your child comes to school via EA transport, there may be some disruption to this service. We will inform you of transport arrangements once we have been informed by the EA.

I apologise for the disruption which this will cause but I would ask for your understanding and support. Taking strike action is not something that we have undertaken lightly. Those on strike have thought long and hard about their decision and they will also lose pay for the period that they are on strike. The responsibility to resolve the dispute lies squarely with the Department of Education and our local government. We sincerely hope that the dispute can be resolved and we ask for your support.

We would urge as many parents as possible to support our teachers in their strike action. You can show your support by copying and pasting the link below, enter your constituency from the drop down menu, add your email and press submit. https://www.into.ie/ni/campaign/teachers-pay-campaign/ Thank you

Mrs F Boyd Principal