Welcome to the News section of the website. I hope you find it interesting and useful in keeping you informed of the many events that happen in Victoria Park School.

• W5 Belfast

  Mon 25 Apr 2016

  The P7s had a great day at W5 the Friday before last. They took part in an 'Anatomation' workshop where they developed a better understanding of the human skeleton and how we move by using iPads and the latest software to create their own amazing skeleton animations. There was also time to try out the Climbit exhibit and look around the different floors. A big thanks to Mr Scourfield, Ben's dad, for helping out.

• 5-a-Side Finals.

  Sun 24 Apr 2016

  The football team ended their season in style as they finished joint fifth out of fourteen teams in the Northern Ireland Schools Football Association's National Primary School's 5-a-Side Finals. As well as playing for the school, they were also representing the Belfast Primary Schools FA. They won three games against Howard Primary (Dungannon), St Columba's Primary (Londonderry) and Sunnylands Primary (Carrickfergus) and narrowly lost their games against Enniskillen Integrated Primary and Edenderry (Portadown). They narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot on goal difference by one goal. Well done to the boys and Mr Dunlop on what has truly been an outstanding season.

• Game on!

  Sat 23 Apr 2016

  Game on! Strand Presbyterian Church's God Mode gaming bus will be parked outside the school gates on Saturday 23rd of April between 1 and 3. Xboxes and PlayStations will be inside for the children to play against each other free of charge. There will also be a tuck shop available to buy refreshments. It will then move to the church car park between 6 and 9 in the evening where visitors can compete in Mario Kart and Fifa tournaments.

• Water on Desks

  Fri 22 Apr 2016

  For a number of years we have encouraged pupils to bring in their own bottle of still, unflavoured water. Evidence has shown that dehydration can result in loss of concentration and reduced learning capacity. Drinking fresh water regularly promotes good general health and dental health. Water is available in the classrooms but individual bottles on table prevent children disturbing their studies and others around them. 

  Milk is available at break and packed lunch children may bring a separate container of water or juice / cordial for lunchtime with their food. Over the past term we have had children bringing in coke, flavoured milk, cordial, flavoured water. 

  Please adhere to our school policy. 

• Well Done & Congratulations to Sienna McKenzie P5, Room 10

  Fri 22 Apr 2016

  Sienna recently competed in the European Lyrical Dance Championships and won the Under 10 Level 2 and then went on to win the Overall under 10 Supreme Championship also!! 

• Strandburn Street Parking

  Thu 21 Apr 2016

  I have had more complaints and concerns expressed by some of our neighbours and local MLAs regarding Strandburn Street parking. Try to use the designated parking areas in the school car park and if this isn’t possible please be aware of our neighbours who wish to park at their own doors. They have also drawn attention to the fact that many parents are parking up on the kerb, so close to the fencing that there is no room for children to walk on the footpath and they are having to walk down the middle of the road. This has led to a few situations where children have been put in danger and narrowly missed being hit by cars. Please continue to be careful parking, dropping children off and being aware of the areas in and around our school where children will be in the mornings so that they arrive to school safely. 

• Coffee & Crafts

  Thu 21 Apr 2016

  Big congratulations to Anna Magill in P6 who won the book hamper last month for our older readers! The parents at our Coffee & Crafts morn-ing did an amazing job of making Egyptian bookmarks inspired by one of the fantastic books in Anna’s hamper: Egyptology. 

  It was lovely to spend the morning chatting about our children’s favour-ite books while enjoying a relaxed cuppa! Thank you to all those parents who came along. 

  Mrs. C. Lennox, Literacy Co-ordinator 

• Tech Know Event Strathearn—by Amber Brown, P7

  Thu 21 Apr 2016

  4 pupils from our school went to the competition at Strathearn. Those pupils were Amber Brown, Katie Morrison, Ben Scourfield and Cameron Gorman along with our brilliant teacher in Tech Know Club Mr Gullen. 

   

  For the competition we had to make three pages about Water. We did a home page, a page with facts about some sea animals and a third page about the water cycle. It was such an excellent experience. The 1st prize was a 10” tablet, a trophy for the school and smaller trophy to take home. 

   

  We were given our break and lunch there and it was delicious! Sadly we didn't win but everyone was given a £10.00 Amazon Voucher. As we were leaving we got a fantastic goodybag which included: a W5 rubber, an Allstate water bottle, a keychain and a pencil. Overall we had a great experience and a wonderful day! 

   

  After the event at Strathearn, Mrs Gourley was delighted to receive the email below from a member of staff at Strathearn School. 

   

  Dear Mrs Gourley, 

  I am the Librarian at Strathearn, and yesterday I had occasion to request help from two of your pupils who were visiting for the Techknow event, and I would like to say how very helpful and obliging they were. 

  They are Amber Brown and Katie Morrison, and I wish to commend them for their willingness to help out and for being so well mannered and polite. 

  I do hope they enjoyed the day. 

  Sincerely, ….. 

• P1 Intake

  Thu 21 Apr 2016

  Next month we will be welcoming our new Primary one pupils and parents to visit and see life in school. I’m delighted to report that we are over-subscribed again and have a waiting list for places. Confirmation of P1 places will be issued on 28th April, 2016. This will include information about Information Days & visits to school to meet the P1 teachers. 

• Strand Cinema

  Wed 20 Apr 2016

  P4-P7 children who are in the Galway house will be going to the Strand Cinema on Tuesday 3rd May to watch 'The Jungle Book' as a reward for being last term's winning house. Well done!