East Down Rugby Tournament

On Friday 20th April the rugby team attended their first tournament of the year. The sun finally made an appearance much to the delight of the P7 and P6 boys. The rugby that followed was a fine display of everything they have worked on in training in the last couple of months.

vs Moneyrea

4 - 1

This being the first game of the season you would think the boys would be slightly nervous, however this couldn't be seen in the way the boys began the game, with Jacob scoring a well worked try in the first few moments of the match. Moneyrea put a lot of pressure on us but we held our ground to keep them out with excellent tackling from all of the players, Bryn making several against larger opponents. Oliver then added another. Following this Moneyrea made a break on the outside and squeezed a try in the corner, bringing it to 2 - 1. The second half was very evenly matched, however Jack and Patrick both made charging runs to cross the try line within 2 minutes of each other. A fantastic win to start the tournament. 

vs Academy

0 - 3

In our second game we came up against a very strong and will organised team from Academy. We got off to a slow start with Academy moving the ball extremely well and taking advantage of their quick pace, managed to score two quick tries through excellent breaks. Unfortunately Bryn came off worse while making a try saving tackle and had to come off. We didn't drop our heads and continued to fight, coming close to scoring on several occasions, but not managing to complete the last pass. Academy closed the game out with a third try. It was a hard learning curve for the boys but they were eager to move forward and focus on the remaining games. 

vs Carrickmannon  

4 - 3

In the third game we had to give Carrickmannon one of our players, showing great sportsmanship, George and Keelin each took a half. With a point to prove coming off a loss, our captain, Jack stepped up and encouraged the rest of the team by gritting his teeth and powering over the line twice. Carrickmannon came back to bring the score to 2 -1. Their was excellent defence and rucking from Joshua, Zach and Smokey allowing us to retain the ball and allowing George to score in the second half. The final try came from a superb break from Finley, stepping round a player and giving a perfectly timed offload putting Oliver across the line. The tackle of the day was made by Jacob, chasing a player from the other side of the pitch to make a text book try saving tackle right on the line.

vs Andrews Memorial

4 - 2

The team had found their groove and were working for each other, continuing to put lots of pressure on the opposition. Jamie worked very hard to knock Andrews back through several great tackles. George showed super light feet to twist and turn his way across the try line avoiding several tackles. The P6 boys weren't holding back or afraid to have a go at the older bigger opponents, Jacob followed shortly after George with another superbly worked try. The boys were determined to keep a clean sheet but Andrews took advantage of the wide pitch and put two tries round our defence. In the second half we closed out the game with Oliver crossing over the line finishing off a wonderful 4 - 2 victory. 

(Back L to R) Zach, Smokey , Jack, Patrick, Jamie, Mr Eves

(Front L to R) Finley, Oliver, Keelin, Jacob, George, Joshua, Bryn

Pupils of the Term

We were really delighted to be able to congratulate  a number of children who were presented with prizes for being Pupils of the Term!Well done boys and girls.

 Hannah & Kate(P5 & P3)

Well done to sisters, Hannah & Kate. Without being asked they regularly help to tidy up after dinnertime in the Dining Hall.

Ollie P4

Well done to Ollie. He has been a real gentleman. Ollie stood back at the school gate to let Miss Armstrong go before him.

Leah and Tate P1

These two pupils were so kind and caring when they noticed another pupil was upset. THANKYOU!

Eva P6

Eva is a very polite and mannerly girl both in class and when out in the playground.

Kathryn P7

A number of teachers have commented about how hard working and well behaved Kathryn is during all afternoon classes that she goes to each week. Well done Kathryn!

PTA EASTER RAFFLE TICKETS & CLOSEST FLAG WINS BASKETS ON SALE

P1-P3 & P4-P7 Easter Basket

For a chance to win these lovely prizes the children can bring in 50p and choose a flag to place on the P1-P3 or P4-P7 Easter picture board.

The flags will be on sale from MONDAY 12 MARCH to FRIDAY 23 MARCH. The flag closest to a chosen hidden spot on each picture will win the fabulous Easter baskets!

Adult Basket

We have a fabulous Easter basket for adults too. If you want to have the chance of winning all the goodies, please return the entry forms sent home. All entries need to be returned by FRIDAY 23 MARCH. Entry forms are also available on the school website or by contacting the School Office.

Thank you!

Priory Football Tournament

On Friday, Holywood P.S. took part in the annual Priory Cup Football Tournament. They were amongst over 190 boys and girls from the North Down, Ards and Belfast areas competing at the Eddie Irvine Sports Complex in Bangor. Holywood finished top of their group after victories in all 3 of their group games, showing great team work and an all round excellent display of football.

Progressing into the Semi Final of the A Trophy, Holywood came up against Group D winners Ballyholme which promised to be a tough match. After a spirited performance and some inspired goalkeeping, Holywood ran out eventual winners thanks to goals from Zak D and Charlie.

Making their way to the Final, Holywood were joined by N'Ards Model who had comprehensive victories in all of their previous games. With some great individual performances and a hard fought match, Holywood unfortunately came up just short on what was a fantastic day out! Well done to all the boys who left it all out on the pitch and did themselves and their school more than proud! A big thank you to Priory College for organising a great tournament and for the continued support of parents who turned out to cheer the boys on.

SQUAD: Hamish, Zach W, Danny, Oliver, Matthew, Charlie, Zak D and Darcy.

Group Games

• 4-0 v Bloomfield P.S (Oliver K x 2, Charlie M x2)
• 2-1 Kilcooley P.S (Zak D, Charlie M)
• 4-2 Crawfordsburn P.S (Hamish (GK), Darcy, Oliver K, Charlie)

Semi Final

• 2-0 Ballyholme (Zak D, Charlie M)

Final

• loss to N'Ards Model

A great 2nd place finish out of 16 teams. Well done boys! :)

RBS Six Nations Trophy comes to Holywood

Thanks to one of our HPS parents, Mr Hughes, who kindly arranged for the REAL 6 Nations Trophy to be brought to our school. The boys and girls enjoyed seeing the shiny trophy and some even had time to get  photos with the trophy. We hope the next time we see the trophy on TV it will be the Irish rugby team lifting it as Grand Slam winners!

It was great to welcome Mr Smith to HPS who transported the trophy from England! Mr Peel, Mr Craig and pupils from Sullivan Upper School as well as some boys who play rugby at Holywood Rugby Club who were able to come along too.

Football vs Kilmaine P.S

On Wednesday Holywood kicked off their league campaign against Kilmaine P.S at Spafield playing fields in what promised to be a tough match. Holywood started off the stronger team but after a great display of football from both teams Holywood unfortunately found themselves down 2-0 at half time. The boys regrouped at half time, kept their heads up and continued to bring the game to Kilmaine. After a fantastic second half display Holywood ran out eventual 4-2 winners with some super strikes from Matthew, Darcy and Oliver K. A thoroughly deserved result after a great all round performance. Well done to all the boys involved! A big thank you to all the parent helpers that made the game possible by supplying lifts!   

Holywood P.S  4 - 2  Kilmaine P.S

SQUAD: HAMISH, DANNY, ZACH W, MATTHEW, OLIVER K, DARCY, ZAK D, LUKE AND BEN I.

Belfast Giant player visits HPS!

 Belfast Giants Ice Hockey player Stephen Murphy  visited our P5, P6 & P7 boys and girls. With the help of Mark Brooks who is a past pupil of HPS  ( Giants Commercial Manager), they discussed about the importance of eating healthily and getting enough exercise. They also explained what it’s like to be a Belfast Giant, including the daily training regime of a professional athlete and the importance that nutrition plays in their lives. 

Subway are sponsors of the Belfast Giants . Alma from Subway, Holywood, kindly providing healthy snacks.