Headteacher Update January 2019
Dear Families,
As always, it has been very busy back at school after the Christmas break. I have been impressed by how the children have been ready to learn every day.
Every day counts, every story counts
As you may know, we have a huge focus on improving reading this year. We have made changes to how we teach reading and are trying to foster a love of reading in each and every child!
Did you know if your child reads (or is read) one story a day from P1 they will have read 2555 stories by P7! Reading is not only really fun but also contributes to children achieving and attaining better across the curriculum. So one of the ways you can help at home is simply by sharing and enjoying a story with your child! We have also been successful in a funding bid from the Scottish Book Trust so look out for more information about Book Swap events, more ‘Sweeten your Day with a Story’ sessions after school and the launch of reading passports.
Regional Burns Poetry Competition
We are participating in the Regional Burns Poetry Competition in February. I have spoken to the P4-7 children and am looking forward to selecting 4 children to represent us. If you would like more information about this and think your child would be interested but hasn’t volunteered, please message me directly.
Playground
A group of P7 boys spoke to me recently about football and that they felt aspects of it wasn’t fair at times. I encouraged them to work together to create an extra rota for the tarmac area, in addition to the MUGA. We are trialling it this week so watch this space…Well done boys!
Inspection Report
Our inspection report is due to be published next week. We are delighted with this positive report of our school. You will receive a letter from the HMiE Inspector which outlines the wonderful strengths of our school and some areas for improvement.
Helmets
Unfortunately, I am seeing children riding their bikes to school without helmets. I respectfully ask for you not to allow this. There have been recent stories in the news again about near fatal injuries because the young person wasn’t wearing a helmet.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones must be put away on entering the school grounds in the morning. This is a time for children to chat and play. If your child has to bring a phone to school, then please be aware the school is not responsible for anything that may happen to it during the school day. Your support with this is appreciated.
Parent Pay
Parent Pay launches on 21st January. Thank you to those of you who have already registered. Please note all parents must register even if you are entitled to free school meals.
Improvements to our school
Work is on track for the new entrance and extension to the dining hall to be open for use after the February break. It is then a temporary move for our nursery class to the community wing whilst a bigger and better nursery is created!
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we finalise and communicate new arrangements.
Best wishes,
Debra Laird
Headteacher
Dates for your diary
| January | ||
| Monday 21st January | ParentPay goes live in school | |
| Tuesday 22nd January | P3/4 Class Trip to Stirling Castle | |
| Thursday 24th January | P6 Burns Supper – evening | |
| Friday 25th January | Dress Down Friday – Parent Council | |
| P7 Sharing the Learning afternoon for families 2pm | ||
| Tuesday 29th January | Parent Council Meeting 6.30-8.30 – all welcome | |
| Tuesday 29th January | P4-7 Burns Poetry Competition heats in school | |
| February | ||
| Tuesday 5th February | Parent Council Disco – evening | |
| Wednesday 6th February | Regional Burns Poetry Competition at Alva PS
4 children with Mrs Laird |
|
| Dalguise Information Evening for P7 families 6-7pm | ||
| Thursday 7th February | P6 Team Euroquiz – evening | |
| Monday 11th February | Staff development Day – holiday for pupils | |
| Tuesday 12th February | Staff development Day – holiday for pupils | |
| Wednesday 13th Feb – Friday 15th Feb | HOLIDAYS | |
| March | ||
| Wednesday 6th March | Parents Evening | |
| Thursday 7th March | Parents Evening | |
| Monday 11th March – Wednesday 13th March | P7 Dalguise Residential | |
| Friday 15th March | P1 & P7 school dental inspections | |
| Friday 22nd March | Glee Competition – more details to follow | |
| Friday 22nd March | Dress Down Friday | |
| Wednesday 27th March | P5 Show – afternoon performance | |
| Thursday 28th March | P5 Show – evening performance | |
| Friday 29th March | Spring Holiday begins (usual finishing times) | |
| April | ||
| Monday 15th April | Term 4 starts | |
| Friday 19th April | Good Friday – school and nursery closed | |
| Monday 22nd April | Easter Monday – school and nursery closed | |
