Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

Dumfries and Galloway Council is consulting on the Children and Young People’s Music Strategy

The Education and Learning Committee has refocused the Dumfries and Galloway Council Children and Young People’s Music Strategy consultation. This is being done in order to set the vision and ambition for the region to improve participation and achievement for our young people.

We want to find out what’s important to you, what you think works well, and hear your ideas on how to make our music sector even better.

We also want your help to develop the strategy’s draft vision and key themes which we are developing in discussion with representatives from the region’s music sector and various stakeholders. We now wish to allow everyone to share their views.

The consultation phase ends on 8 October 2021 so don’t miss your chance to have your say.

The link to the survey can be found here:

Young People’s Music Strategy Survey 

 

Parent Council Information

Vanessa Morris (Support Officer, Curriculum and Quality Improvement ) has sent information to our Parent Council asking if anyone would be interested in attending training events.  Details include:

 

1: ‘Respectme’ Training

 Join us for a 90 minute online teams session with ‘respectme’, Scotland’s anti-bullying service to find out more about what Parent Councils can do to support children, young people  and their families affected by bullying. The session will explore:

• The key messages from the National Policy Guidance, “Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children & Young People”
• What parent and carers can expect from schools in preventing & managing bullying
• Working together- The role of parents and Parent Councils in preventing & managing bullying
• Key findings of the 2020/21 Self-Assessment Pilot between respectme & six Dumfries & Galloway schools

 

You can book for the session on Tuesday 8th June at 7.00pm – Please click the following link and register – thank you

https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/9h0uvVqNZ0imR0h8KnQC3g,9hcJhx9Am02FlcMO0nAjOA,5iNWwQ1lFkuIvKBYDhfKgw,kuR93x1yOEmH0E-Y8Xb4nw,lhqCp8Sf_E27jf8_ZpoQeQ,3MZBpPVeJ0C23uhtsVnyuQ?mode=read&tenantId=bd2e1df6-8d5a-4867-a647-487c2a7402de

 

There will be a duplicate session on Thursday 17^th June at 7.00pm – Please click the link below to register – thank you

https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/9h0uvVqNZ0imR0h8KnQC3g,9hcJhx9Am02FlcMO0nAjOA,5iNWwQ1lFkuIvKBYDhfKgw,B5XH0TfqgUOUjBobU-V9RA,OQ4kJCmHJ0K2VYjl5ggnpw,gKtDrkyhMk-741sjSxGhjA?mode=read&tenantId=bd2e1df6-8d5a-4867-a647-487c2a7402de

 

This session will form the basis for further workshops for parents/carers in the Autumn term in response to the feedback gathered from the parent/carer survey carried out as part of the Self-Assessment Pilot.

The session will support the work that you do with your own school looking at positive behaviour, anti-bullying policies.

 

2. Council Parental Involvement and Engagement Strategy

Vanessa Morris is looking for interested parents to volunteer to provide feedback about D&G Council’s ‘Parental Involvement and Engagement Strategy’.  Please contact her directly via email: Vanessa.morris@dumgal.gov.uk

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

 

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

Covid-19 Update

I hope that you are well.  You will be aware that the number of reported Covid-19 cases continues to be high across Dumfries and Galloway.  I am pleased to report that this appears to reflect normal community transmission and there does not appear to be a cluster of outbreaks within any one school.  We continue to follow advice from Public Health Scotland and have health and safety arrangements in place in schools.

 

If your child or a member of your household experiences a new, continuous cough, a fever/ high temperature or a loss in sense of taste and/or smell then you should isolate immediately (do not come to school) and book a PCR test by following the appropriate link on the website below:

https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/

 

Please refer to the following document for further information about how Covid-19 cases are managed in schools:

 

Managing-covid-in-schools.pdf (glowscotland.org.uk)

 

 

Class Facebook Groups

If you wish to be added to your child’s closed class Facebook group then as administrator, please request to be my friend – Headteacher Crossmichael-Gelston and I will add you to the appropriate group.

 

 

Termly Class Newsletters

Soon you will receive a class newsletter detailing important dates and notifying you of PE days, etc.  It will also let you know what your child will be learning this term.

 

 

Parent Council Meeting

Crossmichael Parent Council are meeting on Monday 13^th September at 7pm via the ZOOM app.  If you wish to be added to the meeting then please contact Chairperson, Mr Ben Wild via email at crossmichaelparentcouncil@gmail.com and he will send you an invitation to the meeting. The agenda will cover:

 

1. Attendees
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of Last Meeting: approval and matters arising
4. Chairperson’s report
5. Treasurer’s report
6. Head Teacher’s report
7. Fundraising
8. Equipment – Outdoor Learning Shelter
9. AOB
10. Date of next meeting

 

 

Vikings

The Galloway Viking Hoard is returning to Kirkcudbright in October for 6 months, after being found in Balmaghie some 5 years ago.  This is a *world-class* Hoard – if you’ve seen any of the National Museum publicity about it, you’ll know how amazing it is. The Galloway Hoard (nms.ac.uk)

In support of this, the Galloway Glens has invited some Vikings to take up residence in Crossmichael on the 16^th – 19^th September – just across the water from where the Hoard was buried. They will be building themselves an encampment in order to offer an immersive experience of Viking life.

The weekend is for public access, but the Thursday and Friday have been dedicated to school visits. The experienced professionals of Cluaran Haven About Cluaran (cluaranhaven.org.uk) will explain and interpret our ancient heritage using replica artefacts and demonstrating the techniques of our predecessors.

 

 

We are taking our P4-7 pupils on a two hour trip on Thursday 16^th September.  They will experience:

• 1 hour in the Viking encampment, at 4 separate stations demonstrating different aspects of our local Viking history.

• 30 minutes taking in the heritage exhibitions at Crossmichael Hall / Hearse House.
• 30 minutes of intro / summary / walking between locations.

 

Many thanks to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for facilitating this.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

 

Good afternoon,

Please find information attached to explain the procedure for managing Covid-19 cases in schools:

Managing covid in schools

 

This is a copy of the letter that I sent out to Crossmichael parents/guardians on Wednesday 25th August after having had to close the school for two days due to staff shortages.  You should have received this via email but I am placing a copy on the blog too:

Covid-19 Update – School to Re-open 25.08.2021

 

 

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

It is lovely to see everyone settling back into school after the summer holidays.  We welcome all new pupils and their families and we look forward to getting to know you.

 

Covid-19 Update

You will be aware that the number of Covid-19 cases has risen dramatically in Dumfries and Galloway over the last few weeks.  Please rest assured that we continue to take all precautions to ensure that everyone is safe.

If your child or someone in your household is displaying any of the following symptoms then please isolate and book a PCR test:

1. Loss or change in sense of taste or smell
2. High temperature/ fever
3. New continuous cough

 

What happens if there is a confirmed positive Covid-19 case in school?

If the PCR test result is positive then you should inform the school.  Test and Protect will contact you and inform you of next steps.  They will also identify close contacts and they will be advised to isolate and to go for a PCR test.

 

The school will follow advice from Public Health Scotland and will distribute a ‘warn and inform’ letter to the wider school community as advised.  This may mean that everyone receives a letter or it may only be distributed to one class.

 

Please try not to worry if a positive case is reported as we have stringent measures in place to keep us all safe.

 

Primary 1 Buddies

We are delighted to see our new P1 pupils settling in to school and they have now been ‘buddied’ with P7 pupils.  Here are some photographs:

 

Musical Instrumental Tuition

Online instrumental tuition lessons have started for pupils and we wish them well learning woodwind and guitar.

 

School Meals

School dinners cost £1.90 per day but are now free for all P1-4 pupils.  In January, P5 will also receive free meals and in August 2022, P6 and P7 will not need to pay either.  Meals should be ordered using the online ordering template sent to parents.   Here is a copy of the current menu:

School Meals Menu

This week (w/c 23rd August)  is Week 1 of the rotation.

 

Methods of Communication

BLOG – Every week, I pop a newsletter on this blog for your information.

 

TERMLY NEWSLETTER – Each term your child’s teacher will share a class newsletter outlining key dates and information about what learning will be taking place over the term.  You will be informed about PE days, Outdoor Learning days and when your child’s class is being covered by another teacher.

 

CLASS FACEBOOK PAGES – Each class has a closed Facebook page where you can see updates on what the class have been learning.  There are new procedures in place which mean that you need to become ‘friends’ with the group’s administrator before you can be added to the class group. If you have not yet been added to your child’s page then please request to befriend Headteacher Crossmichael-Gelston and I will add you in to the relevant group.  This means I can ensure that security is tight.

 

OFFICE – Please remember that you can contact the School Office via telephone or email for general enquiries.

‘Wee’ Schools Growing Big Thinkers!
Crossmichael Primary School,  Crossmichael,  Castle Douglas,  DG7 3AP Direct Dial 01556 670282  Internal: 46390 Email gw08officecrossmicha@ea.dumgal.sch.uk	Gelston Primary School, Gelston, Castle Douglas,  DG7 1SH  Direct Dial 01556 502415  Internal: 46800 Email gw08officegelston@ea.dumgal.sch.uk
Be Kind, Show Respect and Work Hard

 

EMAIL TEACHER – If you wish to contact your child’s teacher then you may email them directly.  Emails can be found in the School Handbook on the partnership schools’ website.

 

CONTACT HEADTEACHER – If you wish to contact me directly then  please call 07741 686730 or email: gw08cruickshanksmary@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

 

Best wishes,

Miss Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope that you have had a wonderful summer enjoying the glorious sunshine.   It has been lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves as the coronavirus restrictions begin to relax even further.

 

Return to School and Covid-19 Health and Safety Requirements

When pupils return to school on Thursday 19th August, we will be continuing with the same safety measures in place as before the summer holidays.  This includes regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser.

 

We ask that all parents wear masks on arrival and departure from school and that no adults enter the playground unless by prior appointment.  (P1 parents are permitted to accompany their children round to the P1 entrance until they settle but unfortunately, we cannot ask you to come into the school building yet.)  Pupils should continue to wear face masks on public transport/ school transport.

 

Classes will continue to line up at their designated door and pupils will be asked to play in a designated playground area.  Please see below for details:

 

P1/2 (Mrs Marscheider’s class) – Please play around the back of the playground from the library door round to the kitchen area.  When the bell rings, please line up at the cloakroom entrance around the back of the school.  P1 parents will be permitted to accompany their children into the playground as long as they wear masks and socially distance.  Mrs Marscheider will accompany the children into class.

 

P2-4 (Miss Drummond’s class) – Please play around the back of the playground from the library door round to the kitchen area.  When the bell rings, please line up at the entrance to the portacabin.

 

P4-6 (Mrs Glover’s class) – Please play around the front of the playground from the library door round to the kitchen area.  When the bell rings, please line up at the main school office entrance.

 

P6/7 (Mrs Steven’s class) – Please play around the front of the playground from the library door round to the kitchen area.  When the bell rings, please line up at the library entrance at the side of the school.

 

Bikeability Certificates

I am delighted to announce that all previous P7 pupils passed their Bikeability training and will be receiving certificates as soon as possible.  I apologise for the delay in getting these to our pupils and I wish them the best of luck at secondary school.

 

‘Smarties‘ Fundraiser

I would like to thank you all for contributing to our end of year fundraising event.  We are delighted to announce that we have raised £747.40 by filling up Smarties tubes with coins.  Thank you for your generous donations.

 

Free School Meals for P1-4 from August

It was announced in June that the Scottish Government and local authority partners reached agreement to introduce universal free school lunches for primary 4 and 5 children and targeted support during school holidays for all eligible primary and secondary children and young people. (Read more Free school meals – gov.scot (www.gov.scot))

In Dumfries and Galloway, this will mean that ALL Primary 4 children will be eligible for FREE school meals during term time from the return to school in August and that Primary 5 children will be eligible from the start of January 2022.

Further information regarding the targeted support during school holidays for all eligible primary and secondary children and young people will follow in due course.

0268-20_School_meals_April_2021

Click here for free school meals information

Click here for School Clothing Grants

 

Change of Name – Headteacher

I have decided to revert back to my maiden name so from now on I will be known as Miss Mary Cruickshanks instead of Mrs Mary Lidstone-Scott.  I hope this does not cause too much confusion.

 

We look forward to welcoming staff back on 18th August and pupils when they return on 19th August.

 

Best wishes,

Mary E Cruickshanks

Headteacher

 

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

Reflecting on the Year

Our school year is coming to an end which gives us the chance to reflect on everything that we have accomplished this session.

 

In August, our pupils returned to school and learned to adapt to health and safety requirements and changes to routines caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.  We enjoyed being back together again and although we had to rethink Halloween and Christmas celebrations, we were still able to have fun!

 

In January, the schools were closed again until 22^nd February when our P1-3 pupils returned, closely followed by our P4-7 pupils on 15^th March.  Our children, staff and parents adapted once again to remote learning and enjoyed seeing each other on video calls via Microsoft TEAMS.

 

After a well deserved Easter holiday, all pupils returned for term 4.  Across our schools we have had, two sports days, two Fun Days, our P6/7 pupils visited the Galloway Activity Centre and we are having two end of term assemblies this week.  Unfortunately, parents are not yet allowed access to school but we have enjoyed keeping lines of communication open via our closed class Facebook pages, the school blogs, via telephone and email.  Our P7 pupils and new P1 pupils have been involved in transition activities too.

 

I wish our Primary 7 pupils well as they transition to secondary school.  It has been a pleasure to work with them and their families.  I wish you all every success in the future!

 

I would like to thank pupils, parents and staff for all their hard work this year.  I feel so proud to be your Headteacher.

 

End of Year Pupil Progress Reports

On Friday, we sent you a copy of your child’s end of year report along with a letter explaining the curricular levels.  It would be useful to gather some feedback about the layout and content of the reports.  Please feel free to email your comments to your child’s teacher or to the school office email address.

 

Crossmichael P4/5 and Feis Rois

For the last eight weeks, pupils in P4/5 have been working with Feis Rois over TEAMS. Feis Rois is a traditional Scottish music initiative.   This year our learning had to be completed remotely so we changed our approach and created a digital postcard.

They created a poem about Threave Castle and Sir William Douglas.  They learned about sound effects and created a melody to play behind their poem.  Some children created an image and others recorded the poem.  This was collated and printed professionally on a postcard before being sent to another school somewhere in Scotland.

Here is the link to view the postcard and to listen to the finished product.  (Hold your phone camera over the QR code and it will take you to a link to hear our masterpiece).

You can print this out if you wish and you can share with your wider  family and friends.

5 – Crossmichael P4-5

 

Dangers of Starting Fires and Hoax Calls

Here is a message from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service:

“The school holidays are coming up and you may be looking to do lots of fun, exciting things. However, please do not be tempted to start any fires. Even if you think a fire is just a small one they can grow very, very quickly and you or your friends may get injured. You might also damage property or kill wildlife.

Never make hoax calls either as this will take fire engines away from being able to help someone who is in real trouble – at a fire or in a road accident.

If you start any fires yourself they are called deliberate fires. These are dangerous and we will tell the Police about them and they will investigate them. If you make hoax calls we will know who you are and we will pass that on to the Police as well.

However, if you see a fire that is unattended please phone 999 or tell an adult. You will never get into trouble for being honest.

Have a safe and fun holiday.”

 

School Holidays

Schools are closed to pupils from Monday 28^th June until Thursday 19^th August.  (Staff return on Wednesday 18^th August for a training day.)  We wish everyone a lovely holiday!

 

Best wishes

Mary Cruickshanks (formerly Mary Lidstone-Scott)

Headteacher

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I am delighted to report that Dumfries and Galloway are moving to Level 1 of Covid-19 restrictions on 1st June.  We received updated guidance from D&G Council today.  Please see the communication below.

 

Communication from D&G Council Regarding Covid-19 and End of Term Events

“Our Council’s Education and Learning department has been working for over a year to make our schools safe places for everyone to work and learn.  Throughout this time, we have been interpreting the Scottish Government’s guidance, establishing safe ways of working, undertaking risk assessments and putting in measures in our classrooms that allow all our teaching staff and pupils to learn safely every day.

 

We are now starting to experience the reduction of some restrictions within our daily lives.  Within our school communities, we are also starting to see the return to some normal activities.  However, we have a planned and cautious approach to ensure the safety of everyone.

 

There are still COVID-19 cases within a number of communities within Dumfries and Galloway.  Some areas have been hit hard and just this week, we have experienced large numbers of pupils and staff having to self-isolate and return to online learning at this time.  This has been a sharp reminder to us just of how quickly the virus can spread and impact our communities.

 

Therefore, the decision has been made (in conjunction with our partners and our Trade Union colleagues) that school leavers events and end of year celebrations will not go ahead this year.  We know that this will be disappointing but we hope that you understand our position.  Our priority has to be the safety of all our school communities.  By removing the need for individuals to come together, we can reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread and in doing so, keep everyone safe.”

 

Sadly, I can no longer invite our P7 parents to an outdoor end of term assembly as previously hoped.  Although we are very disappointed by this, we do understand the importance of keeping everyone safe.

 

Crossmichael Pupil Wins Schools Competition to Name Bin Lorry

Huge congratulations to P7 pupil Ben who won a regional competition to name a waste refuse lorry.   Ben came up with the name, ‘Binnie the Minx’ and did extremely well to come first out of 280 entries!  CONGRATULATIONS BEN!!

 

Crossmichael Sports Day

We held our sports day last week and continued with races today.   We are delighted to announce that the winning House was EAGLES!  Well done to all children who did a fantastic job and showed real sportsmanship!

Please see class Facebook pages for more photographs.

 

 

Crossmichael Sponsored Walk

We participated in our sponsored walk last week for school funds.  We had a lovely time!  Thank you very much to those of you who returned your Smarties tubes filled with coins.  We will let you know how much money we raised as soon as possible.

 

Dates for Your Diary – CROSSMICHAEL

 

Wednesday 16th June from 09:30-16:30	P6 and P7 pupils to the Galloway Activity Centre The school will pay for your child(ren) to attend this trip at a cost of £45 per head.  Further details will follow but we are asking for parents to transport their own children to and from the GAC today.
Friday 18th June	Primary 7 pupils to visit Castle Douglas High School P7 pupils will be taken by minibus to CDHS in the morning and will return before lunch time.
Wednesday 23rd June from 2-3pm	End of Year Class Based Assemblies Individual assemblies will be held in class via Microsoft TEAMS.
Thursday 24th June	Fun Day and Picnic We plan to have a fun filled day in the school grounds with a picnic lunch (from home or school).  We will have a variety of activities in place for all pupils to enjoy!

 

 

Classes and Staffing for August 2021

Here are details of classes and teachers for Crossmichael Primary School:

P1/2 – Mrs Marscheider

P3/4 – Miss Drummond

P4-6 – Mrs Glover

P6/7 – Mrs Stevens

Mrs Burton is reducing her contract to three days a week and will be providing Reduction in Class Contact Time (RICCT) and Senior Management Time (SMT) cover.

 

Here are details of classes and teachers for Gelston Primary School:

P1-3 – Miss Todd (Mondays) and Miss Scott (Tuesdays – Fridays)

P4-7 – Miss Reid (Mondays-Thursdays) and Mrs Maxwell (Fridays)

 

Miss Todd and Mrs Bielinski will provide Reduction in Class Contact Time (RICCT) and Senior Management Time (SMT) cover.

 

In our schools we organise our curriculum so that all pupils are focusing on the same bundles of curricular experiences and outcomes at the same time.  Pupils are taught according to which curricular level that they are working at rather than completing ‘P4’ work or ‘P6’ work.  This means that there are no ceilings put on a child’s learning.  Each child in our partnership schools is taught according to their own learning needs so that they are appropriately challenged.  Registration classes are necessary because we only have capacity for 25 pupils to be in each multi-composite class.  In our schools no child is ever ‘kept back’.

 

Pupil Progress End of Year Summary Reports

End of year summary reports will be sent to parents in the last week of term as previously mentioned.

 

P7-S1 Transition

Our Primary 7 pupils will be visiting Castle Douglas High School in the morning of Friday 18^th June.  They will also complete transition activities online this term.  The traditional ‘moving up days’ were meant to be on 16^th, 17^th and 18^th June but as materials will  be provided online, we have a degree of flexibility which is why I have booked the Galloway Activity centre on one of these days.

 

N-P1 Transition

I have already been in contact with your child’s pre-school provision to find out more about them.

 

New P1 pupils will visit Crossmichael Primary School on Monday 14th June and Gelston Primary School on Tuesday 15th June.  This will be carried out after school in staggered 10 minute intervals.

 

We aim to set up closed class Facebook pages but new security measures are making it harder to do this.  If this is not possible then we will communicate via email.

 

Our pupils are making welcome video clips for new pupils and parents will receive a PowerPoint presentation explaining key information about the school and life in P1.  We will also introduce pupils to their buddies.

 

As always, please get in touch if you wish to discuss anything further.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope that you are well and I apologise for not having updated the blog for some time.  I have been waiting on advice from Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council before confirming arrangements for this term.

 

Dates for Your Diary – CROSSMICHAEL

 

Tuesday 18th May	NSPCC Talks Pupils will participate in ‘Stay Safe, Speak Out!’ workshops after listening to a presentation.  Please refer to this letter for further information. Speak out. Stay safe. letter – parents and carers
24th – 28th May	Walk to School Week All pupils are encouraged to walk to school this week.  Please see the letter which explains more about this initiative. Walk to School Week Letter
Thursday 3rd June	Sports Day Sports day will go ahead as normal for pupils with Active Schools there to support us.  Unfortunately, we cannot invite parents to spectate but we will keep you updated via the blog or class Facebook pages.
Friday 4th June	Sponsored Walk Pupils will participate in a sponsored walk today.  Further details will follow shortly but if you are available to accompany us then please contact your child’s class teacher to volunteer.
Wednesday 16th June from 09:30-16:30	P6 and P7 pupils to the Galloway Activity Centre The school will pay for your child(ren) to attend this trip at a cost of £45 per head.  Further details will follow but we are asking for parents to transport their own children to and from the GAC today.
Friday 18th June	Primary 7 pupils to visit Castle Douglas High School P7 pupils will be taken by minibus to CDHS in the morning and will return before lunch time.
Wednesday 23rd June from 2-3pm	End of Year Assembly We aim to hold our end of year assembly outdoors and to invite parents of P7 children so that we can ensure that social distancing can be maintained.
Thursday 24th June	Fun Day and Picnic We plan to have a fun filled day in the school grounds with a picnic lunch (from home or school).  We aim to have a variety of activities in place for all pupils to enjoy!

 

Bikeability Sessions

 

Our Primary 7 pupils from both schools are receiving Bikeability training at Crossmichael over the next few weeks.  I wish to extend our thanks to Shani McMiken, Charlene Saunderson and Alex Bryson for volunteering to train our pupils.

 

 

Classes and Staffing for August 2021

 

Here are details of classes and teachers for Crossmichael Primary School:

P1/2 – Mrs Marscheider

P3/4 – Miss Drummond

P4-6 – Mrs Glover

P6/7 – Mrs Stevens

 

Mrs Burton is reducing her contract to three days a week and will be providing Reduction in Class Contact Time (RICCT) and Senior Management Time (SMT) cover.

 

Mrs Glover will be in touch with parents of P4 and P6 pupils who will be in her.

 

Here are details of classes and teachers for Gelston Primary School:

P1-3 – Miss Todd (Mondays) and Miss Scott (Tuesdays – Fridays)

P4-7 – Miss Reid (Mondays-Thursdays) and Mrs Maxwell (Fridays)

 

Miss Todd and Mrs Bielinski will provide Reduction in Class Contact Time (RICCT) and Senior Management Time (SMT) cover.

 

In our schools we organise our curriculum so that all pupils are focusing on the same bundles of curricular experiences and outcomes at the same time.  Pupils are taught according to which curricular level that they are working at rather than completing ‘P4’ work or ‘P6’ work.  This means that there are no ceilings put on a child’s learning.  Each child in our partnership schools is taught according to their own learning needs so that they are appropriately challenged.  Registration classes are necessary because we only have capacity for 25 pupils to be in each multi-composite class.  In our schools no child is ever ‘kept back’.

 

Pupil Progress End of Year Summary Reports

 

End of year summary reports will be sent to parents at the end of term.  Please rest assured that we will get in touch with you if we feel that your child is experiencing any barriers to learning.  We have gathered a range of assessment evidence to inform us about pupil progress and this helps us to ensure that we are meeting learners’ needs.  In the meantime, if you have any concerns about your child’s progress then please contact your child’s teacher.

 

 

P7-S1 Transition

Our Primary 7 pupils will be visiting Castle Douglas High School in the morning of Friday 18^th June.  They will also complete transition activities online this term.  The traditional ‘moving up days’ were meant to be on 16^th, 17^th and 18^th June but as materials will  be provided online, we have a degree of flexibility which is why I have booked the Galloway Activity centre on one of these days.

 

 

N-P1 Transition

I have already been in contact with your child’s pre-school provision to find out more about them.  We aim to invite pre-school children to visit after 3pm for a ten minute tour of the school.  Our Primary 1 teachers will be setting up closed Facebook pages for new P1 parents so that information can be shared there.  Our current P1 pupils will make a video for our new P1s telling them all about life in school.  Our new P1s will also be introduced to their ‘buddies’ for next year (usually our current P6s but sometimes P5s too).  Parents will receive a PowerPoint presentation explaining key information about the school and the expectations for Primary 1 pupils and parents.

 

As always, please get in touch if you wish to discuss anything further.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope this newsletter finds you well.  Spring has arrived at Crossmichael with tadpoles turning into frogs and pupils planting seeds ready to harvest vegetables later in the year.  Please look at our class Facebook pages for further information.

 

May Day Holiday – Monday 3rd May

School is closed this Monday for a May Day holiday.

 

P7 Hoodies

Here are some photographs of our Primary 7 pupils wearing their new hoodies.  I think you’ll agree that they look very smart!

 

Parent Council AGM and Committee Meeting – Monday 10th May

Please join us for our Parent Council AGM on Monday 10th May at 7pm via the ZOOM app.  This will be followed by a committee meeting.  Please email our Chairperson (Mrs Gillian Hodson)  at crossmichaelparentcouncil@gmail.com to request an invitation.

The agenda for the AGM is:

1.  Apologies
2. Attendees
3. Approval of minutes of last AGM
4. Chairperson’s report
5. Head Teachers report
6. Treasurer’s report
7. Election of Office Bearers 2021/2022
8. AOB
9. Date of next AGM

The agenda for the subsequent meeting  is:

1. Outdoor Shelter
2. Partnership and School Management Arrangements
3. Class arrangements for next year
4. End of term arrangements
5. Fundraising

 

Sports Day

Crossmichael Sports Day will be held on 3rd June.  Pupils will participate in races and potted sports.   Unfortunately, we are not yet able to invite parents to spectate but we will keep you updated with photographs on the Blog and class Facebook pages.

 

Pupil Progress Reports

End of year summary reports will be sent to parents at the end of term.  Please rest assured that we will get in touch with you if we feel that your child is experiencing any barriers to learning.  We have gathered a range of assessment evidence to inform us about pupil progress and this helps us to ensure that we are meeting learners’ needs.  In the meantime, if you have any concerns about your child’s progress then please contact your child’s teacher.

 

P7 Leavers Assembly

We aim to have an end of term assembly outside so that P7 parents can attend.  We are keeping an eye on current guidance and hope to confirm arrangements soon.

 

School Trips

We would like to take pupils on a school trip to a local destination but we must be mindful of the guidance.  Again we hope to confirm arrangements soon.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher