St Dympna's PS, Dromore, Co. Tyrone

February Notes

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4th Feb 2026

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As we move into February, we hope the weather will settle a little after the snow and storms during January.

 

Our theme for this month will be ‘Courtesy and Good Manners’. Courtesy means being polite and showing respect to others. It’s about treating people the way you would like to be treated. When we are courteous, we create a friendly and positive environment around us.

Courtesy is important because it builds friendships, promotes respect, creates a positive atmosphere and shows that you value other people's feelings and opinions.

We will be discussing ways how we can show ‘Courtesy and Good Manners’.

Saying "Please" and "Thank You":

   - Always use "please" when you ask for something. For example, "Can I have a pencil, please?"

   - Use "thank you" when someone helps you or gives you something. For example, "Thank you for sharing your toys!"

 

 Greeting People:

   - When you see your teachers, friends, or any adults, greet them with a smile and say "hello" or "good morning."

Listening When Others Speak:

   - Pay attention when someone is talking. This shows that you respect what they have to say. Avoid interrupting them.

Using Kind Words:

   - Choose words that are friendly and supportive. For instance, instead of saying something mean, try to compliment your friends or encourage them.

Being Helpful:

   - Offer to help classmates or teachers when you can. Simple acts like holding the door open or picking up something someone dropped can make a big difference.

 

Apologising When Necessary:

   - If you hurt someone’s feelings or make a mistake, say "I’m sorry." This shows that you care about their feelings and are willing to make things right.

Following Rules:

   - Adhering to school rules and expectations is a form of courtesy to teachers and other pupils in St. Dympna’s. It helps everyone feel safe and comfortable.

Practicing courtesy and good manners is essential for creating a respectful and caring environment. Remember, small acts of kindness can have a big impact. By being polite and considerate, you help make your school and home a better place for everyone!

Perhaps you would like to make ‘Courtesy and Good Manners’ the theme for your home in February.

Next week we will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. The School Council have met with Mrs Meenagh and decided the following ideas would benefit our pupil’s well-being this week.

The School Council have decided to host a ‘Wacky Hair Day’ on Wednesday 11th January, when children can wear their own clothes to school and have their hair in a crazy hairstyle! We ask pupils to bring in a donation for School Funds on this day. We hope the children have a fun and enjoyable day!

Just a reminder, the Post-Primary School application process is currently open. Admissions criteria for all post primary schools is currently available on the EA website. Online applications will close on Thursday 19th February 2026 at 12 noon. Please remember if your child is the eldest child in the household, you may require a letter to verify this. Please ring the school office or email omeenagh641@c2kni.net to request this.

Safer Internet Day 2026 – Smart Tech, Safe Choices

This week our school is taking part in Safer Internet Day 2026, focusing on using AI safely and responsibly. From voice assistants to chatbots, AI is part of everyday life, so it’s important that children learn how to use it confidently and safely.

We’ve been talking in school about how AI affects:

  • the content we see online
  • how we learn and complete homework
  • the risks of misuse, such as scams or harmful images

As Safer Internet Day falls during half term, we encourage you to continue these conversations at home.
Here are some useful resources:

  • UK Safer Internet Centre interactive quizzes
  • Resources for learning about this year’s theme
  • Top tips for parents and carers
  • Top tips for children and young people
  • Safeguarding Board NI’s Online Safety Hub
  • Safer Schools NI App

Conversation starters:

  • What do you enjoy most online?
  • Have you used any AI tools?
  • Is there anything about AI that worries you?
  • Who would you talk to if something online made you uncomfortable?

Talking openly about online safety—at school and at home—helps keep children safe.


If you have any concerns, please speak to your child’s class teacher or myself.

The Yellow Brick Road

Rehearsals are well underway for our Show on 26th and 27th March. Tickets will be available for purchase from Monday 2nd March priced at £10 per head.

Credit Union Quiz

Best wishes to all the Y6 & Y7 pupils who will be competing in the annual Credit Union Quiz on Friday 6th February 2026 in St. John’s. Pupils are asked to wear full school uniform and be seated for 6.45pm.

Just a reminder, school is closed for Mid-term from Thursday 12th February – Wednesday 18th February – pupils return on Thursday 19th February.

A new Dinner Menu will start from Monday 16th of February. This will be sent home with the pupils and available on the school Website, www.stdympnaspsdromore.com.

Yours sincerely,


Mrs Orla Meenagh
Principal