Thank you for taking the time to visit the website and read about St. Michael's Primary School, Killean. I am delighted to not only tell you all about our wonderful school but invite you to come and see our school on Wednesday 28th November from 10am - 11:30. If you are unable to make this date, please do not hesitate to contact me to make alternative arrangements on 028 308 48522 or cmcateer838@c2kni.net

In our school, we put the child at the centre of everything we do, and we have the pleasure of teaching, learning and growing with them every day. The staff in St. Michael's are committed to ensuring that each child is nurtured educationally, spiritually and we strive to help them fulfil their potential inside and outside of the classroom.

Where are we?

We are in the parish of Upper Killeavy, nestled in the heart of the South Armagh countryside close to the scenic Flagstaff Viewpoint, regarded by many as one of the best views in Ireland. We are conveniently located a short drive just off the Belfast/Dublin motorway outside of Newry.

Our School

Here in St. Michael's, we boast a newly refurbished school with state-of-the-art indoor hall and outdoor playing facilities. All our delicious school meals are cooked onsite. During playtime, the children can enjoy the use of our two refurbished playgrounds and a brand new outdoor soft play area, the only one of its kind in Ireland which means the children in our school have a play experience like no other each and every day. During the spring and summer seasons, we enjoy the use of our grass playing field adjacent to the school.

As you make you way into school, you will find spacious classrooms and even an outdoor learning area for Foundation/KS1. There is an ICT suite with over 30 laptops available, 12 brand new chromebooks, iPads for every classroom and a school library to help nurture our young readers of the future.

Curriculum

Our Foundation and Key Stage One children enjoy the opportunity to learn through play-based learning and activity-based learning. This can be done inside or outside of the classroom with our outdoor learning area. Our Foundation/KS1 team help the children to begin the educational journey in a fun and nurturing environment. 

High quality teaching and learning is part of the fabric of our school. We work hard to provide fun and innovative lessons. We strive to make sure our children get the opportunity to access every part of the curriculum whether that is through languages, sport, ICT or play based learning. We have a brand new Numeracy scheme ensuring our children are consistently challenged with the latest resources. We offer Spanish lessons and have embarked on a pilot Irish Language scheme with Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, bringing the wonders of our native tongue and culture to the children. There is currently no other scheme like this anywhere in Newry, Mourne and Down. 

Every child is assessed and where necessary, we strive to offer children in school Literacy and Numeracy support in our Learning Support Suite or from outside agencies. We also prepare children for all internal and external examinations.

Eco Team/Pastoral Care Team

You may notice it flying proudly at the entrance to our school. We in St. Michael's, are very honoured to be one of the very few schools in the locality to hold a green Eco Flag. We are proud to teach our children about the importance of looking after our world, promoting biodiversity, and becoming advocates for a greener world. Our Eco council and student council strive to deliver the best possible school for their peers.

Our school Pastoral Care team is made up of children nominated by their peers. They look after the well being of the school community, ensuring every child has a friend, is happy in school and know that they always have someone to speak to.

Music

Every child from P5 to P7 is offered the chance to learn a musical instrument through our band programme. This is delivered by superb musicians and seeing the band in full swing really is something to behold! We are the current Feis champions and are already working hard to retain our title this year. Our school choir has the opportunity to perform, not only in school but in the local community and further afield.

Languages

Hola Amigo agus dia duit! Every child in St. Michael's learns Spanish from P1 to P7. Being bilingual offers many advantages. It helps to increase brain power; it gives children an academic advantage and increases awareness of other cultures. Plus, learning about other languages and cultures is fun!

Sport

St. Michael's P.S. are the current holders of the inaugral St. Colman's College, Malachy McGeeney and Thomas Mallon trophies. We place a strong emphasis on developing children's skills from a young age and making sure every child is included. We have a PE coach that ensures each child gets the very best lessons possible. Armagh GAA take football and hurling workshops and every child in the school avails of swimming lessons during their time in St. Michael's. Teamwork and team spirit is an integral part of our school community and we believe the skills learnt through sport are life skills helping our children develop academically and personally. 

Afterschool

We boast a variety of afterschool clubs including:

-Football

-Multisport

-Dance

-Glow club

-Art Club

And many many more

Nurture

In St. Michael's we nurture the child academically, spiritually and through their well-being as well. We work closely with Barnardo’s PATHS programme and Helping Hands programme, giving children the tools to look after their own well-being. We also work closely with Family Works counselling services to help every child. As part of Upper Killeavy Parish, children are prepared for their sacraments in P4 and P7. We help children to grow spiritually through the Grow in Love programme each and every day.

Here in St. Michael's we understand the complex needs of all children. We have a sensory room available to help children regulate their emotions and access the curriculum in a quiet and safe environment. 

Community

Here in St. Michael's P.S. we have a proud tradition of working closely with the community. We help promote Killean/Edentubber Regeneration Group and work closely with Armagh GAA, St Michael’s GAA and Killeavy GAA.

If you would like to learn more about our school, please come along to the open morning or alternatively, to arrange a visit, please phone 02830848522 or email cmcateer838@c2kni.net You can keep up with life in our school by visiting our school website which is updated daily.

We would be delighted to show you what our school and community has to offer you and your family and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Mr C McAteer and the staff of St. Michael's Primary School, Killean.