Ferryhill School Newsletter (August 2014)
Dear Parents/Carers
We would like to welcome back all the pupils for the start of the new school session. It is fabulous to see all the children back at school looking so smart with the transition to the new uniforms well under way. We would like to offer a special welcome to pupils who have newly enrolled in the school and to our new nursery and P1 children. We look forward to working with you over this school year.
School Blog
Please remember to check the school blog regularly for updates. This is where we post any news and information that might be important to you. In particular we have been asked about school holiday dates. There is a permanent link on the blog to the Aberdeen City Council website which has the most up to date information on this. You can also find a full list of dates at the end of this newsletter.
The blog can be found at www.ferryhill.aberdeen.sch.uk
School Uniform/Naming of Clothes
The new uniforms are looking great. As you are aware we continue to strongly encourage the wearing of the school uniform. Order forms are available at the school for anyone wishing to make a purchase. Orders should be placed directly with the supplier, details of which are on the school blog.
All clothing (but especially sweatshirts and polo shirts, as they are all the same) should be clearly labelled or marked with your child’s name. Each year we are left with many items of unclaimed lost property. With your help we would like to keep this to a minimum.
Book Bags
The new blue Book Bags are also looking great. Could we ask that you check that only homework books and reading books go into the Book Bags. Some of the pupils are also using them to carry their snack and other items which can damage the reading books.
School Entry
Just a quick reminder that all visitors to the school must report to the school office before going any further into the school building. This is to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
Information Updates
At all times we need to ensure we have up to date information regarding the children in our care. With this in mind we will be issuing Contact Update Forms for you to check over and make any necessary changes. A quick turn around of these forms would be very much appreciated. If any details change after this time please let the school office know so that we can keep our records accurate.
School Drop Off
We have been contacted by some of our neighbours who have expressed concern about the traffic around the school in the morning and at pick up time. Could I remind everyone to take care and make sure that children are dropped off safely.
Absences and Lates
If your child is to be absent from school please could you let the office staff know. This will save them calling you later in the day. If you know early on, a message left on the answer phone before 8.30am is fine.
We would also appreciate your support in making sure your child arrives in time for the start of the school day. The first part of the day is very important as this is usually when the teachers explain the work of the day.
School Lunches
School lunch tickets remain at the price of £2.10 each. Tickets can be purchased on a Monday and Friday morning. Payment can only be made in cash or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Aberdeen City Council. Catering staff cannot sell tickets during lunch service for health and hygiene reasons.
Health Promotion
We are currently reviewing our activities within the school to ensure that they meet with our health promoting ethos. With this in mind, we would ask that as from now, no birthday cakes are brought into school and also no sweets are sent in for distribution to classes on birthdays. We appreciate you helping us to develop as a health promoting school.
Office Hours
The school office is open from 8.30am until 4.00pm. The office will also be closed between 12noon and 1pm. Messages can be left on telephone answer service if there is no one available to take your call.
If you are coming to the school in person, please be patient if you are not granted access immediately. The office staff may be elsewhere in the building. They will get to you as quickly as they can.
School Dates Session 2014 – 2015
(In-Service Days)
- 18th August 2014
- 18th September 2014
- 17th November 2014
- 17th February 2015
- 18th February 2015
- 1st May 2015
Term 1 – 19 August 2014 – 10 October 2014
- In-Service Day (staff only) Teachers Training Day – Monday 18 August 2014
- Pupils Return – Tuesday 19 August 2014
- September Holiday – Friday 19 and Monday 22 September 2014
- Term Ends – Friday 10 October 2014
- October Holiday – Monday 13 to Friday 24 October 2014
Term 2 – 27 October 2014 – 19 December 2014
- Term Starts – Monday 27 October 2014
- Term Ends – Friday 19 December 2014
- Christmas Holiday – Monday 22 December 2014 to Friday 2 January 2015
Term 3 – 6 January 2015 – 2 April 2015
- Term Starts – Monday 5 January 2015
- Mid Term – Monday 16 February 2015
- Term Ends – Thursday 2 April 2015
- Easter Holiday – Friday 3 to Friday 17 April 2015 (Good Friday 3 April 2015)
Term 4 – 20 April 2015 – 3 July 2015
- Term Starts – Monday 20 April 2015
- May Day Holiday – Monday 4 May 2015
- Term Ends – Friday 3 July 2015
We look forward to working with you over the course of this session and thank you for you continued help and support.
David Wallis
Head Teacher
August 2014
