Mr. Mc Dermott, literacy co-ordinator, has just introduced a new reading programme to Holy Family in the form of the accelerated reading programme. This system involves pupils reading from a wide range of novels and taking a computer based quiz at the end of the novel. Having successfully completed the quiz, pupils will be allocated a certain number of points depending on the level of difficulty of the book.

Once pupils collect a certain number of points they can exchange these points for prizes. If pupils want to obtain a really good prize they can build up their points and only exchange them once the target has been achieved. We wish all the pupils and Mr. Mc Dermott every success with this innovative venture.

Awards

The staff of Holy Family appreciate the benefits that can be accrued to pupils by the school participating in a variety of award programmes or non statutory programmes. Some of the awards/programmes that the school has attained recently include:

- Investors in People Award
- European Comenius programme
- Nurture Development programme
- I.C.T. accreditation programme
- Health Promoting School - Gold Award and Silver Award
- German language development
- Incas pilot programme

Star Awards

Everyone needs a challenge at times and at Holy Family we provide a very big challenge for our Key Stage 2 pupils through our Star Awards programme. Under this scheme, pupils are required to complete a range of challenges covering attendance, punctuality, kindness, academic performance, leadership and homework. If successful, the pupil is awarded a coloured star. The most difficult star to achieve is the red star and is reserved for primary seven pupils. The successful red star winners have their names added to the star award display board in the school foyer.

In addition to the school based achievement stars, we also have a yellow star which is awarded for exceptional extra curricular performance.