Dear Friends and Families of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

It has been another busy term in across the partnership schools.  Thank you once again for your support and for keeping in touch with us this term via class Facebook pages, email and telephone.

October Holidays

Schools are closed from Monday 11th October – Friday 22nd October.  Pupils and staff return on Monday 25th October.

Crossmichael Parent Council – Halloween Quiz

Our Parent Council has created a quiz sheet that was emailed to parents today.  If you and your child wish to complete the sheet then you will be put in to a prize draw.   Please send your completed sheet back into school in a sealed envelope (clearly marked with your child’s name) along with a suggested £1 donation.  All money raised will go towards paying for Christmas treats including the crackers, presents and party prizes.

School Halloween Celebrations

Pupils will be invited to join in with Halloween activities on Friday 29th October and may arrive at school dressed in their Halloween costumes.  (Please do not send your child to school with accessories such as broom sticks and masks.  We also ask that face paints are worn prior to arriving at school for Health and Safety reasons. )

Decorating Shop Windows in Castle Douglas

Pupils from Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools have been asked to create Halloween displays to decorate several shop windows in the town and in return the shops will have the name of the schools noted on the display.

Reporting to Parents

We are not yet able to hold parents’ evening appointments in person.  Instead, we will send out a summary report in November.  If you have any questions about your child’s progress then please contact your child’s teacher to discuss this further.

Have a lovely October holiday.

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well.  I have no further updates around Covid-19 other than to remind you that if your child or a member of your household has a persistent cough, a fever or a loss of sense of taste/ smell then please remain at home and book a PCR test.  If your child’s result is negative then they can return to school as normal, even if someone else in the household tests positive.  I am pleased to report that attendance levels remain high at both schools.

School Water Bottles for Sale – £2

We have some plastic water bottles with school logos on them for sale.  If you wish to buy one then they cost £2 each.  Our new P1s and P2s will receive them free of charge.

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

Covid-19 Update

You will be aware that the First Minister made an announcement on 16th September and afterwards we sent out a copy of a letter from the Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch (link below) which provides a national update of how Covid-19 cases are managed in schools.

Letter to Parents and Carers from Jason Leitch National Clinical Director – 16 September 2021

If we have a positive case of Covid-19 in school then I will send a letter to parents of pupils who are in the same class to inform you that there has been a positive case in your child’s class.

If you receive a letter then we advise that your child takes a lateral flow test that evening.  If they are negative then they can return to school as normal.  If positive, then the household should isolate and your child should have a PCR test.  This will help us to minimise the risk of spreading the virus in school.

Lateral flow test kits can be collected from local pharmacies or ordered over the Internet.

Please continue to keep us informed of test results so that we can accurately record positive cases or cases where a child has become symptomatic.

I am pleased to report that we have not yet had any positive cases at Gelston Primary School and there are no new cases at Crossmichael Primary School this week.

Lockerbie Manor Trip for P6/7 Pupils

I am delighted to report that I have booked a three day residential trip to Lockerbie Manor (Manor Adventure) outdoor education centre for our P6/7 pupils from 7th-9th February 2022.  The cost per pupil is £150 and this includes bus travel.

Although residential trips are not advised at the moment, we are hoping that the rules will have changed by February.  Lockerbie Manor have agreed to a full refund in the event that the trip needs to be cancelled.

I sent a survey to parents/ guardians of P6/7 pupils to ask if they were happy for us to proceed and the feedback was very positive.

We will provide further information via letter to P6/7 parents.  Please be aware that the £50 deposit is due by 31st October.

Vikings

Our P4-7 pupils enjoyed a trip to the Marina to see the Vikings on Friday.   They participated in four separate workshops in a real Viking encampment and looked around the heritage exhibitions at Crossmichael Hall and Hearse House.

Thank you to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for organising such a super experience for us!  Also, thank you to our parental volunteers who also enjoyed the experience.

Best wishes,

Mary Cruickshanks

Headteacher

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.

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