Today, Thursday 2nd October 2025, marks the 90th anniversary, to the day, of Sir Robert Hart Memorial Primary School opening its doors to pupils in Portadown. As a school, we are extremely proud of the impact which the Hart has had on so many throughout its 90 years, and the education which has been afforded to so many in our locality.
Historically, the Hart was an amalgamation of several local schools: Edgarstown No. 1 Academy (a Church of Ireland school in Montague Street), Edgarstown 2 (a Methodist school), Academy school (a Presbyterian School in Church Street), and the senior pupils of Park Road School (a Church of Ireland school). Forwarding on 90 years, the school continues to go from strength to strength with an enrolment of 450 pupils strong!
As a staff, it is our vision that the Hart continues to live out the characteristics attributed to the man who we are named after: a man who was known as ambitious, enthusiastic and exceptionally talented. We are very proud of our school, our pupils are very proud, and we know that so many of you in our community are very proud!
Happy birthday, Sir Robert Hart Memorial! Here’s to the next 90 years!
A summary is provided below, however, there is much more detail in the letter.
General Updates
- Celebrating the school’s 90th anniversary this year.
Important Dates & Events
- School holidays listed on the website.
- Celebration Service: Sunday 19th October, 6pm at St Columba’s Church.
Attendance
- ‘Attendance HERO’ initiative continues.
- Monthly raffle prizes for 100% attendance.
- Monitored by Vice Principal Mrs Susan White.
School Timings
- P1–2: 8:45am–1:45pm
- P3: 8:45am–2:45pm (Mon–Wed), 1:45pm (Thu–Fri)
- P4–7: 8:45am–2:45pm
School Fund
- £15 per pupil (P1–P7), optional but strongly encouraged.
- Payable in full or 3 instalments via School Money.
Morning Routine
- Line-up from 8:30am; doors open at 8:40am.
- Pupils late after 8:50am.
- Wet mornings: doors open earlier.
- New arrangements for where to line up.
Line-Up Areas (from 1st Sept)
- Nursery & P1: Classroom doors
- P2/3: Junior Playground
- P4/5: MUGA
- P6/7: Back Playground
Communication Tools
- Facebook: Follow and engage respectfully.
- School App: Download ‘Schools NI’ and select Hart Memorial.
- Seesaw: Weekly updates and blog posts.
- Messaging: Use school office for urgent changes.
Healthy Eating
- Healthy snacks and lunches required.
- Incentive program launching on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Dinner Payments
- Book and pay via School Money.
- Primary: £2.60/day; Nursery: £2.50/day.
- Packed lunch must be marked online.
Rights Respecting School
- Working towards Unicef UK recognition.
- Monthly assemblies introduce children’s rights.
- Led by Mrs Lee.
Other Notices
- After-school clubs: Info coming soon.
- Absences: Report via school website.
- Safeguarding Team: Contact if concerned about a child.
- Medication: Requires signed form and GP-aligned instructions.
- School Development Plan: Based on community feedback; updates to follow.
