On Friday, Mrs Oakes’ wonderful P4 class hosted a truly special class assembly. The children spoke so beautifully about the importance of receiving the Eucharist for the very first time, sharing lovely reflections on why this is such a meaningful milestone in our lives and a true celebration of our love for Jesus. 🙏✨

But that wasn’t all! We wrapped up our assembly with the most spectacular fashion show. The children had the best time modeling their fancy suits and gorgeous dresses, lighting up the room with their massive smiles!

It was the most perfect, joyful way to finish off such a memorable week.

#HandOfGodAtWork

Join us on Sports Day for some sweet treats 🍬 , drinks 🥤, Tea & Coffee ☕️ 

Buy a Snack Bag to be in with a chance of winning one of our spot prizes 🤩🤩

💚💛💚💛💚💛💚💛💚💛💚💛💚💛💚

Last weekend, they had the fantastic opportunity to play at half-time during the Down vs Armagh Ulster Championship game in Clones alongside their teammates from Ardglass All-Stars. What an unforgettable experience and an incredible achievement for them all!

It may not have been Down’s finest day on the pitch… but at least some Down players were bringing home silverware thanks to our pupils! 🏆😄

We are so proud and loved hearing all about their exciting day. Well done Mary, Áodhan and Caolan! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

Today, your hearts were opened wide to receive Jesus, and it was a joy to see each of you shine with God’s light. We are all so incredibly proud of you.

A special well done for your beautiful reading and singing throughout the service. You spoke your words with such care and sang with such joy that you made the whole church feel like a truly holy and happy place. 

We also want to say a huge thank you to all the staff members who worked so hard to prepare the children for this big step in their faith journey. To the choir and Mrs Madine, thank you for your beautiful singing. You made the service even more special. 

May the peace of the Holy Spirit stay in your hearts today and always.

#HandOfGodAtWork

At our school assembly, Mr Robinson credited all of our pupils for their selflessness, striving to go out of their way to help others where possible. We are very blessed to have such empathetic, kind pupils. 

Congratulations to Fianna, James, Michael, Jasmine, Callum, Aidan, Kaylee, Emma, Saul and Ryan who were proudly awarded Principal’s Awards during the assembly today for their efforts throughout April. 

This is a truly wonderful achievement - keep up the great work, we are very proud of you! Comhghairdeas a chairde! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

The story follows a brave monkey named Kito as he swings into the heart of the jungle on a thrilling quest to find the legendary Golden Banana. It’s a fun, imaginative, and action-packed tale that shows just how much talent Michael has. 👏🏾 

We are so incredibly proud of you, Michael! This is a massive achievement for a P4 student, and we have no doubt this is just the first of many wonderful books to come.

Go Michael! 🐒🍌✨

#HandOfGodAtWork

P1LA will be selling ice pops next week during break and lunch to raise money for their school trip! 

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We’re excited to share that our annual Sports Day will be held at the Russell Gaelic Union Downpatrick on Friday 22nd May! 🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Parents and carers can find full details in the letter shared on Seesaw. 

We can’t wait for a fun-filled day of activity and fun! 🤩

#HandOfGodAtWork

All information can be found in the flier below, and full registration details are available through the Klubfunder link.

https://hub.klubfunder.com/RussellGaelicUnion/payit/

eventregistration/sav-sports-easter-camp-at-rgu/detail

#HandOfGodAtWork

Over the past couple of weeks, they organised a fantastic Easter card making competition for all our pupils. They thoughtfully purchased and prepared card-making packs for every class, providing all the supplies and resources the children needed to get creative.

Today, some of our PTA committee members joined us in school to award prizes to the competition winners – the children were absolutely delighted! To top it all off, the PTA also very kindly gifted an Easter egg to every child in the school, which caused lots of excitement all around.

We are so grateful for your continued support and generosity – thank you, PTA! 🐣💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

Our Lady and St Patrick P.S & Bunscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig PTA

Thanks to the incredible support of our wider school community throughout this year’s events, our PTA were able to extend their generosity beyond our own school by gifting Easter eggs to all the children in both the Naíscoil and nursery school.

Our Student Council members had a fantastic time meeting their future schoolmates - sharing stories, playing games, and building new friendships. It was a truly special day filled with smiles, laughter, and memories that will be treasured by all involved. 💚💛

On behalf of our entire school community, we extend our sincere thanks to our PTA for their continued hard work, kindness, and generosity. We are also deeply grateful to our parents and families for their ongoing support.

Wishing our new younger friends a very Happy Easter! 🐰🌷

#HandOfGodAtWork

Our Lady and St Patrick P.S & Bunscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig PTA

Downpatrick Family Of Parishes

Naíscoil Dhún Padraig

Míle buíochas le Saul GAC as an trealamh iomanaíochta a thabhairt don scoil do chlub iarscoile le linn Téarma a dó. Bhain na páistí an-sult as agus d’fhoghlaim siad scileanna nua!

#HandOfGodAtWork

We are so proud of their confidence and teamwork. Thank you to all our parents and guardians for your continued support.

Mr Gardiner has been a wonderful addition to P5MR, delivering a variety of exciting lessons and making learning fun! 

We are very grateful for the care, enthusiasm and commitment he has shown to our pupils and wider school community.

We wish Mr Gardiner all the very best in his future studies and his journey into teaching.

#HandOfGodAtWork

We were particularly moved by those students who joined us with very few words -shy and quiet -who stood tall on the big stage in front of a packed hall. Seeing that courage in action is exactly why we do what we do. 👏🏾 

Beyond the performances, the true spirit of our school shone through in the audience. To the friends who cheered, encouraged, and even handcrafted medals for their classmates: you are the heart of this festival. The dedication and excitement in every classroom have been nothing short of magic. 💚💛

A huge thank you to everyone involved! 🏆

Pictured below, our incredible Key Stage winners:

🌟 Foundation Stage: Grace

🌟 Key Stage 1: Isla

🌟 Key Stage 2: Rose 

alongside our esteemed judges Mr Dorrian, Ms Burns and Mr Rice. 

Bród! Is é sin an focal atá i mbéal na scoile faoi láthair. Páistí iontacha atá againn. Páistí atá sásta seasamh ar ardán os comhair an slua agus a seacht ndícheall a dhéanamh dán a rá go soiléir. Nach sibh atá cróga. Táimid ar bís don bhliain seo chugainn!

#HandOfGodAtWork

Tri Heroes brings triathlon to schools; teaching skills, instilling confidence and generating smiles through cycling and running. 

We really hope the good weather stays as we look forward to concluding the programme next week with a mini-duathlon. ☀️ 

Tá na daltaí ag baint an-sult as an chúrsa Tri Heroes. Tá siad ag cur le scileanna rothaíochta s'acu agus ag dul ó neart go neart.

#HandOfGodAtWork

How lucky are we to have such amazingly talented pupils in our school! 🌟 

Well done everyone! Maith sibh a phaisti!

#HandOfGodAtWork

Happy World Down Syndrome Day to all our wonderful students and families! 💚💛

Inniu bhí muid ag ceiliúradh Lá Domhanda Siondróm Down! Bhí muid ag caitheamh ár stocaí is gile chun a thaispeáint go bhfuil gach duine difriúil agus go hiontach!! 

#HandOfGodAtWork

 Today our talented Primary and Rang 5 & 6 students took the stage by storm, reciting their poems for a captivated audience and boosting their cognitive development at the same time. 

Huge congratulations to all the brave performers who took the spotlight!

Seal P/R 5/6 a bhí ann agus nach ndearna siad jab iontach fosta. Bhí an lucht éisteachta sáite san léiriú. Maith sibh a pháistí; ag cur le féinmhuinín agus forbairt chognaíocha.

#HandOfGodAtWork

We have been delighted to see so many children perform in front of their class, building and developing self-confidence.

We were blown away by incredible performances from our Foundation Stage, who fearlessly took to the stage in front of a larger audience and we couldn’t be prouder!

Tús ar dóigh a bhí ann le Speech & Drama Fesitval 2026! Bhí sé galánta na páistí a fheiceáil ar an ardán agus iad lán muinín ag dul don dán agus lucht féachana ag amharc orthu. 

Well done everyone, we are so proud of you! Comhghairdeas libh, is réaltaí sibh. 🌟 

#HandOfGodAtWork

A heartfelt gesture to celebrate dedication, reflection, and the spirit of giving. Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful Eid!

#HandOfGodAtWork

We’re delighted to share that our P7 Quiz Team has earned a place in the Credit Union All-Ireland Schools Quiz Finals in Dublin! Following an outstanding performance at the regional heats on Sunday, the team have secured their spot among the best teams in the country.

James, Rose, Ross and Saul represented both their families and our school brilliantly, tackling questions that even had many of us in the audience puzzled! 

A big thank you as well to everyone who came along to cheer them on and show their support.

Next stop — Dublin — where they will proudly represent our school and community on the national stage. We couldn’t be prouder and are all wishing them the very best.

👏🌟Comhghairdeas ó chroí le foireann na scoile as R/P 7 a ghlac páirt i dTráth na gCeist an Comhar Chreidmheasa ar mallaibh; James, Rose, Ross agus Saul. 

D'éirigh leo fáil fríd chuig an chluiche ceannais Uile-Éire i mBaile Cliath!!

Maith sibh féin agus Ádh mór oraibh 👏🌟

They sang beautifully, said all their prayers with confidence and reflected on how they can make positive choices and follow in Jesus’ footsteps. 

Congratulations boys and girls, we are so proud of you all! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

💚 JOIN OUR PTA EGG-STRAVAGANZA     

🐥 Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March 

💚 £1 per egg 

🐥 Guaranteed Prize every time

💚 Will you win one of our GOLDEN EGGS 💛? 

We brought along two teams who played a number of competitive matches throughout the day. Both teams embraced the opportunity to test out new positions, build confidence and gain valuable match experience. Our A team stormed through their games, showing real dominance and teamwork against their opposition. 💪

The toughest (and most exciting!) match of the day came when the girls faced each other — with the B team claiming victory and, of course, the bragging rights! 😄

A huge well done to all the players for their effort, attitude and sportsmanship — and a special mention to our fantastic captains, Fiadh and Myla, for leading their teams so brilliantly. 👏✨

#HandOfGodAtWork

Dust off those capes and find your favorite bookmarks! Thursday, March 5th is World Book Day, and we can’t wait to see the characters you choose.

🏆 Win a Prize for Creativity!

We’re looking for the best Homemade Costumes! Don't worry—you don't need to be a master tailor. We love the "low-stress" DIY approach!

A striped shirt and glasses? You're Waldo! 🕵️‍♂️

An old sheet and some cardboard? You’re a Greek Myth or a Knight! 🛡️

Messy hair and a lightning bolt? Harry Potter is in the building! ⚡

Whether it’s a full transformation or a clever 5-minute creation. We're excited!! 

📓 📘

Tá Lá Domhanda na Leabhar ag druidim linn.

Bígí réidh......agus tá duais ann don chulaith is fearr!

#HandOfGodAtWork

#WorldBookDay

Comhghairdeas leis na páistí i rang a 3 a bhí ag céiliúradh an Chéad Fhaoistín inniu.

D’oibrigh sibh go crua, tá muid iontach bródúil asaibh uilig! Maith sibh! 👏🏼 Buíochas mór le Cór na Scoile a chur go mór leis an Sacraimint. 🎤

Congratulations to the Rang 3 pupils who made their First Confession today.

You all worked very hard, we are so proud of you all! Well done! 👏🏼 Thank you to our school choir who sang beautifully throughout the Sacrament. 🎤

#HandOfGodAtWork

Downpatrick Family Of Parishes

Their efforts helped make a positive difference to our local environment, and we really appreciate the goodie bags from McDonald’s as a thank you for all their hard work.

Maith sibh do na baill ar an Chomhairle Éicea a chuaigh amach chuig McDonald’s chun bruscar a thógáil i bPáirc Dunleath 🌿🧹

Rinne siad jab iontach don cheantar, agus táimid buíoch as McDonald’s do na málaí beaga mar bhuíochas as ár gcuid iarrachtaí.

This two-day intensive course focused on best practice in coaching children’s football ensuring sessions are safe, engaging, inclusive and developmentally appropriate.

As a school we are committed to providing high-quality, positive sporting experiences for our pupils and continuing to develop skills to support their growth and enjoyment in our sports clubs.

Competition was fierce, with our team taking on pupils from both primary and secondary schools in each round. After a nail-biting tie break against St Patrick’s PS Saul, our quizzers claimed a brilliant 1st place finish! 👏 🥇 

This outstanding achievement is a true testament to their knowledge, skills and hard work. The team now look ahead to the regional final in Belfast in a few weeks’ time. 🙌🏽

The children were thrilled to return to school with a beautiful plaque and some fabulous goodie bags too! 🎁

Well done boys and girls — we’re so proud of you! 🌟

#HandOfGodAtWork

Downpatrick Family Of Parishes

Today was a super exciting day for our wonderful therapy-dog-in-training, Willow! We had a very special visit from Rach at Paws Dog Therapy Training, who came to school to help Willow and her team. 

Rach was absolutely delighted with Willow’s progress! She gave a big "paws up" to our amazing handlers—Mrs Oakes, Ms Mulvenna, and Mr Robinson—who have been working so hard to learn all the special skills. We are one giant paw-step closer on this amazing journey! 🐶✨

Lá fíorspeisialta a bhí ann inniu nuair a tháinig Rach le hamharc ar Willow agus an fhoireann. Tá sí iomlán sásta leis an dhul chun cinn atá déanta go dtí seo. 🐾 🌟

#HandOfGodAtWork 

#DogTherapy

They developed key handball skills including correct grip, striking technique, serving, footwork, positioning and court awareness through a mixture of fun games, friendly matches and competitive challenges.

Congratulations to the male and female winners in each class who won their respective matches and were proudly awarded handballs — a fantastic achievement! 👏🏐

D'fhoghlaim na páistí i Rang 4 - Rang 7 scileanna den scoth i Liathróid Láimhe le Fiona ó CLG Uladh. 

Comhghairdeas leis na buaiteoirí ó gach Rang a fuair liathróid láimhe mar dhuais- maith sibh féin. 🌟

#HandOfGodAtWork

The children absolutely loved taking time to slow down, enjoy a cosy treat and read the positive affirmations on their cups. Such a simple idea, but it really showed how little things can make a big difference to how we feel.

A huge thank you to our PTA for funding this lovely treat and helping us finish the week on such a happy, calm note. The smiles said it all 💛💚✨

Go raibh míle maith agaibh leis an PTA as an seacláid te inniu! Bhain na páistí an-sult as na dearbhuithe dearfacha ar na cupáin agus as an bomaite ciúin le chéile -mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí ✨

#HandOfGodAtWork

💻 Over the past 2 years our teachers have been collaborating with Adobe to provide innovative top class lessons in ICT!

🍕 As a recognition for all our children’s hard work, Adobe awarded over £200 worth of Dominoes Pizza vouchers and an amazing SWAG treat including stickers, pencils, rulers and rubbers for every child who took part!

We are delighted to see all your hard work pay off Year 6/7! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

#AdobeEduCreative

#AdobeExpress 

#AdobeCommunity

Adobe Students

All 8 boys who participated gave a great account of themselves, playing some lovely football, with plenty of scores and tackling across all the games. ⚽️ 

We were unfortunate to lose in the semi finals after a great run! A massive thanks to Ross for helping out with the team! 🙌

Comhghairdeas leis na gasúir a ghlac páirt sa chomórtas Chumann na Bunscoil taobh istigh. D'imir siad le scileanna iontacha agus ba mhó an thrua nach bhfuair siad fríd chuig an chluiche cheannais. Míle buíochas le Ross don chuidiú! 👏

#HandOfGodAtWork

What a fantastic night it was — full of fun, laughter, and brilliant dancing from start to finish!

A huge thank you to our incredible PTA and dedicated staff who worked so hard to organise such a special event. Your time, energy, and creativity made it a huge success!

A truly perfect way to end our midterm and head into the break with smiles all round. ❤️✨

#HandOfGodAtWork

Under this year's theme, "This Is My Place," we want every child to feel safe, supported, and seen. Here is what’s happening next week:

🥣 Free Breakfast Club (Club Bricfeasta Saor In Aisce) – Starting the day with a healthy meal and a chat.

🌳 Nature Walks (Siuloidi Dulra) – Getting outdoors to clear our heads and enjoy the fresh air.

📚 No Homework! (Seachtain gan Obair Bhaile) – A whole week off from the books to focus on play, family, and rest.

☕ Hot Chocolate Friday! (Seaclaid te ar an Aoine!) – Ending the week on a sweet, cozy note thanks to our fabulous Our Lady and St Patrick P.S & Bunscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig PTA!

We can't wait to see our students enjoying these activities and taking some time for themselves. Let’s make it a week to remember! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

The children have shown that God is at work when they help others, stand up for what is right, and spread joy in simple, everyday ways. Through their kindness, bravery, and smiles, we have truly seen the Hand of God at Work in our school community. 💚💛✋

As Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, we are very proud of the children for how they have lived out these values throughout the week.

#HandOfGodAtWork

The adults were treated to songs from the children and tasty breakfast treats. The morning celebrated all the warmth and love that Grandparents bring into their Grandchildren's lives. We were also privileged to have Deacon Jackie open our morning with prayer and reflection. 🙏🏼 

We thank God for all our lovely grandparents and extended families, who mean so much to our pupils. May they be blessed with health and happiness. 🫶🏽 

Chuir páistí R1/2 fáilte mhór roimh a sheantuismitheoirí ar Lá na Seantuismitheoirí.

Bhain na seantuismitheoirí taitneamh as amhráin ó na páistí agus bricfeasta blasta. Gabhaimid buíochas le Dia as ár seantuismitheoirí agus ár gclann. Go mbeannaí Dia iad.

#HandOfGodAtWork

This was undoubtedly the coldest event so far but the children weren’t long getting warmed up!🥶 

Both the girls and boys team gave a great account of themselves, running well in very cold and muddy conditions and their stories on the bus on the way home showed how much fun they all had. 🤩

Well done to all the boys and girls today 🏆

A special thanks to the parents who also braved the very cold conditions to cheer all the pupils on!🙏

Lá speisialta eile ag Rás Tíre Flavahan. Rinne na páistí ar an fhoireann sár-iarracht i bPáirc Fhoraoise Tollaímór agus é síoctha fuar. Maith sibh a pháistí agus míle buíochas leis na tuistí a tháinig le tacaíocht a thabhairt.🏃‍♂️

#HandOfGodAtWork

They played 6 intense matches and came home with 3 wins, 2 draws and only got beat in one game by a very small margin! 

The boys played with great skill and determination and were very unlucky to not qualify for the County Finals. 🔴⚫️

With three Primary 6s on the team today the future for hurling in our school looks promising! 🌟

Ghlac an fhoireann iomána páirt i gcomórtas Iomána taobh istigh. D'éirigh go hiontach leo agus níos fearr arís tá scileanna den chéad scoth acu. 

Nach geal an todhchaí don iománaíocht sa scoil. 🌟

#HandOfGodatWork

We are thrilled to announce that we have been chosen to be a pilot school for Teach To The Beat!

This innovative music programme is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and we are so proud to be a part of it.

Our P3 pupils are starting a 10-week journey that uses music to unlock learning across the whole curriculum.

We can’t wait to hear the halls filled with music and see the amazing progress they’ll make!

Keep tuned for more Teach To The Beat updates 🎼✨

#HandOfGodAtWork

We loved seeing such wonderful support for the beautiful goods from our local suppliers. 🛍️ 

Santa and his elves were kept very busy meeting and greeting so many lovely families, making it a truly wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer. 🎅💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

The pupils then joined with our neighbouring schools, St. Colmcille's Primary School, Downpatrick and St Brigid's Primary School, to sing Away in a Manger together, conducted by Mrs Madine. 

It was a truly special evening of song and prayer, and a lovely way to bring us closer to Christmas - a beautiful reminder of “The Hand of God at Work” in our school community. 🎄💚💛

Downpatrick Family Of Parishes

#HandOfGodAtWork

Geansaithe & Dinnéar na Nollag inniu! 

We had a fantastic day embracing the festive spirit in school before tucking into our delicious Christmas Dinner.

Despite experiencing challenges this week due to electrical issues in the kitchen, our incredible kitchen staff still managed to serve over 300 beautiful Christmas dinners today. 👏🏾

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the canteen team for their dedication and hard work throughout the week. Go raibh míle maith agaibh! 💚💛

#HandOfGodAtWork

Come along and browse some fantastic reads — there’s something for everyone! It’s also the perfect chance to pick up a few Christmas presents for the book lovers in your life. 🎄🎁

We can’t wait to see you there! 📖💫

Tá Aonach Leabhar ag teacht ✨️📖

Beidh leabhair ar fáil le ceannach an seachtain seo chugainn sa scoil. Deis iontach atá ann le bronntanais a fháil don Nollaig. 🎁

#HandOfGodAtWork

Many of these boys were playing competitively for the first time and they 'smashed' it. 

Congratulations to Joseph who won the Boys' Under 12 title, Noel who finished in 3rd place and Jack who finished in 3rd place in the Under 10 competition.

These boys represented our school in such a wonderful manner and it’s great to see them use their talents and skills so confidently. Well done boys! 🏓 👏 

Comhghairdeas leis na páistí a ghlac páirt sa chomórtas Leadóg Tábla- táimid chomh bródúil asaibh agus na hiarrachtaí a rinne sibh ar son na scoile. 👏

#HandOfGodAtWork

As you can see from our photographs each and every child had a magical experience that we hope they will never forget! The night was made extra special with a vista from Santa Claus himself!!! 

The smiles say it all!🎅🏻🎄💚💛

Bhí oíche den scoth ag na páistí ar fad aréir. Oíche lán craic a bhí ann le cuairt speisialta ón fhear mhór é féin. Ní fada uainn anois an Nollaig. 🎄 🎅

#HandOfGodAtWork

Willow is a super - sweet gentle cockapoo. She has a soft coat, a friendly wag and she is thrilled to start her big adventure at our school. 

You may have already spotted Willow around the corridors. Her job is to be a comforting friend. Just by being near, she helps everyone feel safe, happy and calm. Willow is here to bring smiles, chase worries away and remind us all how great it is to be kind to each other. 🐾 

We know Willow is going to make our school an even better place. Keep an eye out for our new friend Willow. 💚💛 

#HandOfGodAtWork

#TherapyDog