Congratulations to Euan (P2) who was runner up in the Drumlanrigg Castle tree decoration competition. Euan made an absolutely fantastic sheep decoration to hang on the Christmas tree outside the castle. In return for his effort and creativity he won a book token and a tour of the castle and grounds, including the adventure playground. He and his family were also invited along to take part in the parade to mark the switching on of the lights on Sunday.
Well done, Euan!
If the news hasn’t already filtered out, I am pleased to let everyone know that following last week’s interview, I was successful in becoming the new Head Teacher of Moniaive, Dunscore and Duncow Primary Schools. Officially I am the ‘preferred candidate’ pending reference and PVG checks, however, I am fairly confident these are formalities. All being well, I shall take up the post on Monday 6th January when the three schools officially come together as a partnership.
Personally, I am absolutely delighted to have got the job and would like to thank everyone – colleagues, parents, pupils and members of the community – who have been so encouraging over the past few weeks. Your support has been much appreciated.
I am aware that, as with any change of this scale, some of you may have concerns as to how the new partnership will operate and how it will impact on the pupils. Obviously there will be challenges ahead, however, I do believe that there will be significant benefits to our pupils in the ability to share resources, expertise and good practice that the partnership will bring. I look forward to working together with the wider school communities in Moniaive, Dunscore and Duncow to achieve the very best for our children.
As I will no longer have a teaching commitment, one of my first priorities will be to ensure that all staffing is in place for our return after Christmas. This is already in hand, and I shall keep you informed as staff are confirmed.
In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to work with Moniaive and getting to know everyone at Dunscore and Duncow.
We are looking forwarded to welcoming four new pupils after the Christmas holidays. As this will bring our roll up to 53, it means we will be returning to three classes. This will allow smaller class sizes across the school, which will benefit all pupils and particularly our P1/2s. Obviously this means an additional member of staff and we look forward to welcoming Mrs Alison Gordon to our team. Mrs Gordon is a familiar face in the school as she has frequently provided supply cover and is looking forward to working with us on a full time basis. So that she can meet the children and begin to organise her classroom she will be coming into school on the 12th, 16th, 19th and 20th December.
The new class structure will be:
P1-2 – 13 pupils – Mrs Clanachan / Mrs Moyes
P3-5 – 22 pupils – Mrs Gordon
P6-7 – 19 pupils – Mrs McVey / Mrs Moyes
Obviously our P5 pupils have established working groups with the P6 and P7 pupils, and we want to continue their learning together. Therefore we will be looking at introducing setting for maths, where pupils within P3-P7 will work in groups with other pupils of the same ability level. This will allow us to provide the appropriate challenge for each pupil.
If you have any question re the new class organisation please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Following the recent introduced of the Authority’s policy on ‘Health Care in Schools 5-18‘ we have been looking at our own guidelines on the administration of medication in school. In consultation with the Parent Council, and school and Education Department staff, we have published our own set guidelines. A copy of these can be found in the Useful Documents – School Policies and Guidelines section of the What’s Up In School menu. We would encourage all parents to read it (it isn’t too long!).
In particular we would like to draw all parents attention to the following extract, which outlines the responsibilities which parents MUST adhere to if they wish us to support their child in taking medication during the school day:
When attending school it is helpful, where possible, for parents to ask the prescribing doctor or dentist if the medication can be prescribed to allow administration outside school hours.
If their child has asthma the parent must obtain a written Asthma Action Plan from the person who prescribed the medicines (either GP or Paediatrician). A copy of this must be provided to the school.
Parents must complete an Administering Medication: Parental Permission Form (Appendix C) before the school can support any child who requires medication. This form will be time limited and will be reviewed after 28 days in nursery and updated termly, as a minimum, and at the start of each school year for primary and secondary. All parts of this form must be completed. Parents are required to:
• Inform the school if their child self medicates, the frequency and dosage, and how the medication will be stored safely.
• Be aware that if the child is carrying their own medication and is considered not to be using it appropriately, school staff will ask the child to hand over the medication, if the child refuses, the parent will be contacted.
• Provide details of other medication the child is taking
• Note that medications MUST be in the original container. Where the child requires two or more prescribed medicines, each should be in the original container.
• Provide the information leaflet that accompanies the medication.
• All medications MUST be clearly labelled with the child’s name and date of birth.
• Ensure that medication is not out-of date and there is a sufficient quantity in school.
• Provide the school with details of at least two emergency contacts
• Complete a new Parental Permission Form for any new medication, or where there has been a change in medication requirements.
• Up-lift any unused supplies of medication, or arrange for another responsible adult nominated by them to do so, preferably at the end of each school term, but definitely at the end of the school year.
• Inform the school of any other persons who should have access to records or any other information about their child.
• Regularly up-date the school of any changes to the prescription or the support required.
• Note that medicine containing aspirin can only be given to your child with written confirmation from a doctor.
The Administering Medication: Parental Permission Form can be found in the blank forms section of the Useful Documents – School Policies and Guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any queries regarding the operation of the new guidelines.
Due to the Head Teacher interviews taking place on Friday, we didn’t want our pupil reps (or staff!) missing out on all the fun, so the performance of ‘Peter Pan’ will now take place on Thursday afternoon.
Our traditional Christmas lunch will be served on Tuesday 17th December. Letters went home last month however if you have not already booked and your child would like to join in the christmas fun that day please print off and return the letter below.
Glenda, our catering manager is also arranging a buffet style lunch on Thursday 19th December. The letter for this went out on Monday. If your child would like this lunch, please print off and return the letter below.
Thank you.
Please see attached a printable letter which was sent out to your child yesterday.
The excitement is rising among our P1-4s who have been busy preparing for their topic open afternoon next Wednesday. They have lots of great Dinosaur activities planned for their guests – we know it is going to be ‘dino-mite’!
Each child should by now have brought home their invitation – please check your child’s book bag if you haven’t received yours yet.
The event starts at 2 pm and parents are asked to assemble in the hall first where they will be met by our young paleontologists!
Each winter we inevitably have one or two school closure days due to bad weather. We cannot always predict when this will be, and may need to get in touch with parents at short notice. It is therefore vital that we have the correct contact details for every family. If you have changed your address or your mobile/home phone number since the start of term, could you please make sure we have the most up-to-date information. Please also let us know if your emergency contact’s details have changed.
Your help in ensuring our records are up-to-date is much appreciated.
We hope everyone enjoys their long weekend. Although tomorrow (Thursday) is a teacher InSET day, our teachers are attending courses in other schools, so there will not be anyone in school tomorrow.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday and hearing about how they spent their holiday.
We were pleased to welcome Tony, from ChildLine Schools Service, who visited our P6 and P7 pupils as part of their Health and Wellbeing learning to talk to them about keeping safe.
The project is being rolled out to all schools in the Authority. The aim of his visit was to raise pupils’ awareness of bullying, including cyber bullying, and other forms of abuse. Pupils found out about the work of ChildLine and how to get help should they feel they need it. Although a serious subject, the workshop was delivered in a very child-friendly and sensitive style and we will be doing some follow up work in class on bullying and how to stay happy and safe. The pupils found the morning valuable and interesting, and we were very impressed by the thoughtful and mature way they took part in the workshop tasks.
ChildLine are part of the NSPCC, and if you would like to know more about the work they do in general and in schools you can find out more by visiting their website www.nspcc.org.uk.
Glow Blogs uses cookies to enhance your experience on our service. By using this service or closing this message you consent to our use of those cookies. Please read our Cookie Policy.