Have a look at what's happening in our school.

• Trócaire Visitor

  Fri 27 Mar 2026

  We were delighted to have an online question and answer session with Jackline– a native of Rwanda- and Mark from Trócaire. They provided a valuable opportunity for our students to learn more about Trócaire’s work in Rwanda and the positive impact it has on communities there. This year our school community raised a massive £640 for Trócaire. 

   

  

• Meningitis Awareness Notice (PHA)

  Thu 19 Mar 2026

  The Public Health Authority (PHA) is raising awareness about meningitis, a serious infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord. Although it is relatively rare, meningitis can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

  What is Meningitis?
  Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or, less commonly, fungi.

  Common Symptoms Include:

  • High fever

  • Severe headache

  • Neck stiffness

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

  • In some cases, a rash

  Prevention Tips:

  • Ensure vaccinations are up to date

  • Practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing

  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are unwell

  • Seek medical advice if symptoms appear

  When to Seek Help:
  If a student shows signs of meningitis, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

  Our school community is encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

  For more information, please refer to guidance from the PHA or consult a healthcare professional.

  

• Pupil Voice March 2026

  Thu 19 Mar 2026

  At our school, pupil voice continues to play a vital role in shaping a positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environment. At all our assemblies pupils are encouraged to share their ideas, opinions, and experiences. At the most recent one, our pupils looked at what we do well and what we can improve. Please see the poster below for ideas they generated. 

  

• Coding Summer Club

  Thu 19 Mar 2026

  Please see details of the Code Clock Junior Summer School at Queen’s University Belfast. 

  

• Cyber-Safety & Digital Health Talk

  Fri 13 Mar 2026

  Please find details of an online workshop regrading for Cyber-Safety & Digital Health. 

  

• Trócaire Sponsored Walk 2026

  Thu 12 Mar 2026

  Yesterday, we took part in a Sponsored Walk in support of this year’s Trócaire Lenten campaign. Pupils and staff enjoyed a wonderful day walking together while raising awareness of the important work Trócaire carries out around the world.

  Thanks to the incredible generosity of our pupils, families, and staff, we raised a fantastic £579 for Trócaire. This money will help support communities facing poverty and injustice and make a real difference to those in need.

  We would like to sincerely thank everyone who sponsored our pupils, Catriona in the bar for the well earned snacks and everyone who helped make the event such a success. Go raibh maith agaibh!

  

• Visitor from Japan

  Wed 11 Mar 2026

  We were delighted to welcome Professor Masataka Kizuka to our school this week. Professor Kizuka is visiting from Japan as part of his research into education in remote and island communities.

  During his visit, Professor Kizuka spent time meeting staff and students, learning about our school. His research focuses on how schools in island locations work with their communities and adapt to their particular challenges and opportunities.

  It was a pleasure to share our experiences with Professor Kizuka and to learn more about his work. We thank him for taking the time to visit us and for the gifts he brought. 

  

• Forest School Friday 6th March 2026

  Mon 09 Mar 2026

  Forest School – Friday Update

  On Friday, at Forest School, the children enjoyed a busy and hands-on outdoor learning session. We began with the older pupils reading their own stories to the younger pupils- a nice way to finish off World Book week activities.  After that, pupils helped with the planting of a variety of vegetables in our garden area, including potatoes, green beans, and carrots. They are excited to watch them grow over the coming weeks.

  The children also worked on their own to create maps showing the journey from their homes to our school. Using natural and outdoor materials such as sticks, stones, leaves, and moss, they built creative pathways and landmarks to represent their routes. This activity encouraged, imagination, and early mapping skills while making the most of our outdoor environment.

  It was a wonderful afternoon of exploring, planting, and learning in nature. We look forward to checking on our vegetables and continuing our outdoor adventures!

  

• World Book Day 2026

  Mon 09 Mar 2026

  World Book Day 2026

  Our school had a fantastic time celebrating World Book Day 2026, with a range of fun activities designed to promote a love of reading across the whole school.

  During the week, everyone took part in Drop Everything and Read, where pupils and staff paused what they were doing to enjoy some quiet reading time together. It was wonderful to see so many children absorbed in their books and sharing their favourite stories.

  Classes also got creative by designing their own Wooden Spoon Characters. Pupils used spoons and craft materials to recreate well-known book characters and invent some imaginative new ones. The finished creations were colourful and inventive.

  Another highlight was our Extreme Reading Challenge. Pupils were encouraged to take photos of themselves reading in unusual or exciting places around Rathlin. From the top of bales to adventurous outdoor spots, the photos showed just how much our pupils enjoy reading anywhere and everywhere.

  Well done to everyone who took part and helped make World Book Day (and week) such an enjoyable and inspiring celebration of books and reading!

  

• New Build

  Thu 05 Mar 2026 Building Work

  The building work commenced at the school last Tuesday, with the first sod being turned over by Robert on the digger.

  From Tuesday 10th March the road will be closed from the hill below the Fire Station to the school as the builders prepare the site. This should only be for about 7- 10 days.

  Access to the school will be via Church Brae during the day. The road closure will not affect access to the Fire Station or the dwelling house across from it.

  We will keep you updated of any further developments as they occur.

  Many thanks for your co-operation and patience during the coming weeks.