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London Primary Schools Board Annual Report - 2005/2006

 

London Primary Schools Board

Annual Report - 2005/2006

Submitted by Johnny Wilson

Primary School Teacher Specialising in PE
 

Foreword

It has been an eventful year in many ways and I feel as a Board we have become a much stronger and more unified entity. It has been a year bursting with successes, visionary thinking and diligence in the pursuit of empowering teachers, parents and club coaches to deliver a meaningful and structured coaching program to Primary School Children across London.

We have grown in the numbers of schools delivering Gaelic Football and Hurling - herein the greatest indicator of achievement. A record number of 5 Primary schools traveling from Cork to London and 7 London Schools returning the compliment and stepping back over the pond to take part in our Annual International Go Gaelic Tournaments -  thoroughly enjoyable weekends.

On a personal note I would like to thank all those who contributed so much in so many ways to help make this our most successful year to date:

Please read at your own discretion:

Graham Wood or as we all know him more affectionately as "Woody" has been a tower of strength and the success achieved by St Theresa's this year stands testament to the amount of work and effort being put in by our adopted Kiwi friend - We will be loosing Woody for a year as he makes his way back to his mother land for a while, but we have been assured he will return - safe journey a chara.

Sarah Henry has successfully coordinated and implemented a winning strategy in St. Josephs; again over 30 children attending a Gaelic Games Morning Club displays the enthusiasm and forward thinking this lady brings to our table today.

A serious commitment from Tommy Harroll merits a special mention as to the strong ties that are being forged between our board and the London County Board.

Tracey Brosnan, dedicated, highly efficient and the engine which drives the St Anselm's Gaelic Games success story are just some of the comments associated with ladies' persona - she will be missed as she moves on to another school.

Larry O Leary - London County Board Chairperson - the title itself should suggest that this man would not have time for anything other than matters directly concerning this demanding position - this is not the case - a true believer in the power of Schools GAA - Many thanks Larry.

Peter Noone has revolutionized our Go Games Tournaments with his no no-nonsense very efficient organizational skills. He is a highly valued member of this team.

Peter's partner in crime Enas McNulty is responsible for all things IT about our organization. I would like to congratulate Enas on the fine job he is doing and also on winning the Roadstone Award - Well done Enas.

Hannah O Leary, although being thrown in at the deep end on several occasions this year has coped admirably and is a valued member of our staff. Keep up the good work.

Francie Lagan is doing a sterling job down in White City proven by the fact that they have already won one of the Go Games festivals and travelled to Ireland for our International excursion. Top man Francie!

Another new comer to our Board is Brian McCloskey from St. Josephs in Hanwell. Unfortunately for us we will be loosing Brian at the end of this year as his moving back to Ireland. We wish him the very best in his new teaching career in Ireland and he has assured me that he will be entering a team from Northern Ireland into next year's International Tournament.

I would also like to welcome Carol Minahan as a new member to our board and look forward to working with you in the following months.

Yvonne Morley for her support towards our Dion Grant Application and in many other areas.

I would like to offer a special thanks to Claire and Sarah from Holy Rood School in Hertfordshire. Your presence at our Board meetings and Tournaments has given us an extra dimension. We look forward to working with you again in the next academic year.

Mary Carney, head teacher of a school under complete transformation. A lady with time for everyone no matter how busy she can be. A kind word always, and with a level head Mary has been influential in offering guidance and direction for the members of our board.

Patrick Morrissey - Dreams can come true - His concept, his vision, our reality. The main driving force behind this initiative. Thanks Pat for the support, drive and enthusiasm that you give this project.

There are many other people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and I would like to offer my apologies if I have failed to mention you here.

Thank you.


Where Does Hurling Start??

A conversation I have heard speak of many times in many arenas and inevitably always with the same conclusion - in our SCHOOLS. It is the Primary School in Ireland which is the driving force behind the success of Gaelic Games. It is the first stepping stone for future starlets, budding enthusiasts and patriotic fans. Primary schools are the definition of what we know as the grass roots of this sport. A dynamic starting block behind clubs and counties. And I believe that if we keep on building upon the foundations which we have already laid down, we will shortly experience this phenomenon in London too.

This is our aim: to provide our children with an outlet to play sport in an enjoyable and healthy environment. To give them a sense of worth and belonging. To set goals, to embed ambition and to create dreams. We may not realize that we are responsibility burdening our children with these skills when we are carrying out a coaching session on a cold Monday morning in the
playground - but it is true.

The point I am making is that to successfully infiltrate hurling into our schools we need to equip each school with Hurleys and Helmets to truly become the grass root for this sport. A point I will labour over further into this report.

Tournaments - A Roaring Success

Go Games 7-A-Side Hurling Championship
20th October 2005
Venue - Ruislip
9:30am to 2:30pm

Go Games Astro Turf Gaelic Football Championship
Venue- Orley Farm Astro Turf
1st December 2005
9:30am to 2:30pm

Pre-Cork Tournament:
Venue - St George's School- 3pm
16th March 2006
10:00am to 2:30pm

International Cork/London Schools Tournament.
Venue - Preston Road
23rd March
9:30am to 2:30pm

Mixed Go Gaelic tournament.
Venue - Preston Road
30th March
9.30am to 2:30pm

Year 3/4 Go Games Gaelic Football Festival
Venue - St. Georges, Sudbury Hill
6 July 2006
11:30 to 2:30pm

Great Britain Smart Touch Gaelic Football Championships
Venue - Birmingham
11 July 2006
10:00am to 3:00pm

Great Britain Hurling Smart Touch Championships
Venue - Preston Road
13 July 2006
10:00am to 2:30pm


Overview of Our Go Games Initiative

The main objectives of Go Games are to maximise participation and optimise playing standards. The big challenge for those in charge of teams is to ensure that games are structured to cater for the needs and abilities of those who participate. Therefore we have adapted the 3 Go Games Programs in Hurling and Gaelic Football known as - First Touch, Quick Touch and Smart Touch- with a view to ensuring that children in Schools master the skills of the game in a positive playing environment and, in the process, derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement



What are the Key Objectives of our Go Games?

Promote Full Participation:  Provide playing opportunities for all children at their respective levels of participation by ensuring everyone gets to play in the game and that nobody remains a substitute. "Playing, not winning, is the name of the game."
Propagate the Principles of Fair Play:  Promote sportsmanship by ensuring that all participants endeavour to play by the rules and give due respect to the opposition, the match officials and the game.Cater for the varying developmental needs of young players:  Use modified playing rules and equipment that are appropriate to the age group and ability level of those participating Implement Code of Best Practice for Primary School Sport:  Give practical
expression to the Code of Best Practice for Primary school Children by invoking the principles of the Code at the fundamental levels of participation.
N.B. While the playing rules for First, Quick and Smart Touch are not necessarily set in stone - the principle of ensuring that all participants get to play the full game is.

What are the Benefits of the Go Games?

The benefits of the Go Games are:

Increased enjoyment
Increased number of touches on the ball
Increased physical work rate
Increased perception of competence
Our Existing Network

NB - Please note that list may not contain all schools currently participating in this project as it is updated on a regular basis.

St Anselm's RC Primary School

Roxborough Park
Harrow-on-the-Hill
HA1 3BE
Headteacher - Mrs. Shelagh Kelly
Telephone - 020 8422 1600
Fax - 020 8422 3564
Email - stanselms.harrow@lgfl.net
 

St George's RC Primary School

Sudbury Hill
Harrow
HA1 3SB
Headteacher - Mr. Pat Morrissey
Telephone - 020 8422 1272
Fax - 020 8864 5540
Email - st.georges.sch@harrow.gov.uk
 

St Joseph's RC First & Middle School

Dobbin Close
Harrow
HA3 7LP
Headteacher - Mr. Philip Sutton
Telephone - 020 8863 8531
Fax - 020 8863 3341
Email - office@stjosephs.harrow.sch.uk
 

St Teresa's RC First & Middle School

Long Elmes
Harrow Weald
HA3 6LE
Headteacher - Mrs. Jane Faint
Telephone - 020 8428 8640
Fax - 020 8420 1571
Email - st.teresas.sch@harrow.gov.uk
 

Our Lady of Grace

Fax: 020 8208 3430
NW2 6hs                                                                                                                                    admin@ologjr.brent.sch.uk
 

St Mary Magdalen RC Junior School

Linacre Road,
Willesden,
London
NW2 5BB

Headteacher-Mary Carney Tel: 020 8459 3159
Fax: 020 8459 0108
admin@marymag.brent.sch.uk


St Josephs Putney
90 Oakhill Road
SW15 2QD
(020) 8874 1888
 

Holy Rood RC Junior
Greenbank Road
Watford
WD17 4FR
Telephone:
01923 22709
 

St Mary's RC Primary School  Kilburn
Canterbury Road,
Kilburn,
London
NW6 5ST
Headteacher- Mr. Alph Reilly
Tel: 020 7624 3830
Fax: 020 7372 4932
 

admin@maryrcp.brent.sch.uk


St Josephs RC Hanwell
Address: York Avenue, Hanwell, W7 3HU                                                                      
Email: admin@st-josephs.ealing.sch.uk
 


An Expanding Network - New Schools:



Marlborough                                      Hounslow

St. Josephs                                         Hanwell

St. Peter and Paul's                           Ilford

St. Mary's                                          Hillingdon

St. Margaret Clitherow                     Neasden

Pope John                                           White City

St Bernadette's                                  Kenton

St Michaels and St Martins              Hounslow

English Martyrs                                 Reading

Pope John                                           White City



These schools will be added to the website very shortly.


Grants update:

Britain/Ireland fund -                                                
Received £5000.

Roadstone Awards-                                                   Received £1000.

London Golf Society -                                               Received £500.

Dion Grant -                                                             
Pending 11 July

Partnership for Life



I am delighted to report back about the great work we are putting in as an organisation to help those less well off than us through our chosen charity - Goal. Over the past academic year I have worked closely with Catherine Jackson in promoting this charity within our schools. I would like to thank those schools who made a special effort in supporting this worthwhile cause.
Below is the letter we sent out to schools detailing our aims and goals.


Dear Headteacher,

I am writing to invite you and your school to take part in our GOAL UK Schools Jersey Day 2006.

GOAL UK Schools Jersey Day is a fun and easy way of supporting GOAL's work helping the poorest of the poor in the developing world whilst also having lots of fun playing sport.

GOAL is an international humanitarian organisation which works towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world, have access to the fundamental needs and rights of life - food, water, shelter, medical attention and primary education.

We have responded to almost every major natural and man-made disaster since our inception in 1977 and GOAL is currently operational in 15 countries in the developing world, including Pakistan which was our latest emergency response.

Our London Schools Jersey Day follows on from the fantastic response to our Warwickshire Schools Jersey Day on June 28. Teacher Johnny Wilson has been instrumental in promoting the idea to various schools in London.

Taking part couldn't be easier. The official day for London will be July 13 when schools from all across England will take part in the Great Britain Primary Schools Hurling tournament in Preston Road, Wembley. In return for donating a £1 to GOAL pupils can to wear their favourite sports jersey for the day. Either before or after the event, we can come to your school and give an assembly talk to your pupils about our work in the developing world.
You can also hold your own Jersey Day on the day of the talk in your school if you wish, or on another day that suits your timetable.


The assembly talk should last approximately 25 minutes. Afterwards we are proposing to organise two PE sessions (30 min a session) with a Kick a Goal for GOAL competition for the pupils to take part in. In consultation with Johnny Wilson we are proposing xxx date and xx time to do this at your school.



We would be delighted if you would consider getting involved this year and helping us score a goal against poverty. For more information on GOAL UK Schools Jersey Day please log on to our website: www.goal-uk.org

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Jackson.

Achievements This Year

Expansion in number of schools participating

Coaching course provided for professional development of our teachers.

New exclusive venue for tournaments and festivals.

Investment in coaching resources - 30 Helmets and 30 Hurleys.

New members on London Schools Board.

Positive press reports throughout the year.

Strengthening of ties between London Senior and Minor County Boards with the London Primary Schools Board..

Strong new club involvement between schools and Tara's, St.Brendans, Thomas McCurtains, Glen Rovers, St Anthony's and Kilburn Gaels GAA Clubs.


Expansion of International Go Games Project.

First ever Great Britain Hurling Tournament.

2 London schools participating in Great Britain Football Tournament in Birmingham.

Roadstone Award for IT project.

New format to Tournaments.

Increased active participation of Board members.

Schools Awards Presentation evening was one of the many highlights of this year.

Our London Primary Schools representative team played against a Hertfordshire side during half time in the first round of the All-Ireland Championship in Ruislip.

Partnership with Goal.


Issues

Lack of equipment - to maintain and expand this project in a professional manner we need to invest substantially in coaching resources:


210 hurleys - 7 schools
210 helmets - 7 schools
105 first touch sliothars - 7 schools
105 size 4 footballs - 7 schools
Bags for carrying equipment.
Markers, bibs, hoops
Goalposts
We are still unaware if we have secured the Dion Funding for this year.
Lack of sponsorship - again to sustain the high standards that we have put in place already we really need to find a significant sponsor for this venture
Schools to take responsibility in acquiring funds through whatever means to finance coaching resources.
Each school to take a more active role in submitting information to keep our website updated.
Each school should make a contribution to Dion Grant report in order to secure finance.
Hurleys is another issue within schools.  Active Kids (Sainsbury's fund) - was discussed.  Could each school put in x amount of vouchers together and see if we could get some of this equipment?  Brain/Hannah to look into this issue with regards to Northern Ireland schools.
Liam Weir is bringing over an Under 14 hurling team from Blackrock on Friday the 11th of August and is desperately looking for 12 host families to put the boys up. He has asked me to find out if any of the parents who have hosted already this year would be willing to put these boys up for that weekend.


Possible Future Developments


Each school to send at least 2 key stage 2 teachers to coaching course in September.
Hold a conference to set up a National Governing body for all Cumann na mBunscol's in England.
Schools to identify in-house teacher(s) to be responsible for coaching Gaelic Games.
Coaching officer to tutor these teachers over a 12 week period.After 12 week period school is self-sufficient and coaching officer identifies new schools to expand network.
Mac Liam Super Camps

Fit for Fun

To finish off this report I would like to offer a sincere thanks to those schools who have actively promoted this Summer Camp. Your help and input are invaluable.

Through the Summer Camp I have made many contacts with other schools which has enabled me to promote the London Primary Schools Board and hence further our network.

As well as many other fun sports and activities we actively promote Gaelic Games - both Hurling and Gaelic Football - and consequently we believe that this will have a positive effect on the amount of children joining local clubs and also to encourage an aspiration for new schools to take up these specialised sports either within their Curriculum Time or as an Out of
School hours Activity.

As you can imagine a great deal of work and preparation goes into this venture and due to all the overheads it is not quite as lucrative as some might think. It is however a passion of mine and something I intend to build on in the future.

I am eternally grateful for your support.

Sincerely yours,

Johnny

London Primary Schools Board Committee

Pat Morrissey   -    Chairperson

Mary Carney      -   Vice Chair

Tracey Brosnan   -    Secretary

Sarah Henry       -    Treasurer

Peter Noone       -    Vice Treasurer

 

Graham Wood     -     Associate

Claire Morrissey  -      Associate

Johnny Wilson      -      Teacher For Games

Eneas McNulty      -     Director of IT

London Cumann na mBunscol

London Cumann na mBunscol is dedicated to bringing Gaelic Games into London
Primary Schools