Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael Primary School,

We have had another busy week at school.  I have enjoyed going into classes and spending time in the playground speaking to children this week.

How much has the ‘lock down’ impacted on learning?

Every year in Primary 1, pupils complete a standardised assessment at the start and end of the year.   We have just completed the ‘end of P1 assessments with our current P2s.  The results show that the children are slightly behind where we would expect them to be.  We are pleased to see that the gap is not as huge as we anticipated and teachers are working carefully to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.

Teachers have been gathering evidence of pupil progress from formal assessments and from examples of their school work.  We now have targeted interventions in place for some pupils who need additional support.

We are continuing with the ‘Closing the Literacy Gap’ and ‘Closing the Numeracy Gap’ interventions after the October holidays.  Until recently the guidance provided to schools was that staff had to remain in the same school where possible.  Therefore, our Learning Assistant (Mrs Clifton) is currently completing a block here before moving to Gelston Primary School to complete a block there.  (We plan to train more members of staff in the future so that these approaches are sustainable.)

Our Additional Support for Learning Teacher, Mrs Hermon, visited Crossmichael today to complete specific assessments with some pupils.

I have been in touch with families to organise Child’s Plan meetings.  A Child’s Plan meeting happens when a child has multi-agency involvement to support them in reducing/ removing barriers to learning.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Most of our pupils are settling back into school routines and are remembering to follow our vision, values and aims.  For some pupils this is more challenging – especially in the playground.  We are supporting them through restorative conversations to make better choices.  We are going to involve some pupils in small nurture groups to help them reconnect with our aims of Be Kind, Show Respect and Work Hard.  I will be contacting parents about this and appreciate your support.

Covid-19 Updates

I will continue to provide updates as I receive them.

Best Wishes,

Mary E Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher