Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope this newsletter finds you well.  Our pupils have been enjoying the good weather.  Please remember to provide your child with sun cream and a hat when necessary.  Pupils should come to school wearing sun cream or apply it themselves.

 

£500 of Grant Money for Loose Parts Play Equipment

We have applied for £500 of funding for loose parts play equipment and training for staff from the Learning through Landscapes Local School Nature Grants Programme supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.  The deadline is the end of April and we will let you know if we are successful.

 

Crossmichael Parent Council AGM

The Parent Council AGM will be held at 7pm on 7^th May 2021 via ZOOM.  More details will follow shortly including the agenda for the meeting.

 

Ordering School Uniform

If you wish to order school uniform then please do so via the School Trends website.  Here is the link:
https://www.schooltrends.co.uk/uniform/CrossmichaelPrimarySchoolDG73AP

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope that this newsletter finds you well and that you had an enjoyable Easter weekend.  We are delighted to welcome the children back into school for Term 4.

 

Covid-19 Update

I am pleased to tell you that almost 70 per cent of the region’s adult population have received their first COVID-19 vaccination (a quarter of whom have had their second dose).  There have only been five reported positive cases in Dumfries and Galloway this week so the outlook is much brighter than before.

 

Please continue to adhere to Scottish Government guidelines and wear face coverings and maintain a 2m distance when collecting or bringing pupils to school.

 

Please can I remind you to be vigilant and if you or your child develops one of the following three symptoms that you keep them (and their siblings) at home until they have received a negative test:

1. High temperature
2. A cough
3. Loss of sense of taste or smell

Adults in school continue to participate in twice weekly voluntary testing.

 

Online Ordering for School Meals

This term we are hoping to move to online ordering of school meals with a view to online payment of meals in the future.

 

We have sent all parents an email with three Microsoft Forms to complete for Week 1 (w/c 12th April), Week 2 (w/c 19th April) and Week 3 (w/c 26th April).  Ideally, once we have this information then this would repeat on a rolling programme unless you contact us to say differently.

 

For the next few weeks we will continue to use the old system alongside the new one until it is up an running.  I would like to thank you for your patience as we switch systems.  (It is worth noting that pupils will still be able to order on the day if they have accidentally left their packed lunch at home.)  If your child has a food allergy or intolerance then you should contact us directly.

 

Class Term 4  Newsletters

We will email you a copy of your child’s class newsletter in the next few weeks.  This provides you with information about curriculum coverage and other useful information such as key dates and information about PE days, homework, etc.

 

Pupil Progress Reports

You will receive an end of year summary report for your child at the end of term.  In the meantime, feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you wish to discuss a particular issue.

 

Sports Day

Although it is unlikely that we will be able to have parents present during sports day, we will continue to go ahead with this and ensure that you are kept up to date with photographs and information.  We will provide you with details as soon as possible.

 

Transition Arrangements 

We will begin to look at classes for next year and consider which pupils will require an enhanced transition between classrooms.  We will ensure that all pupils have a seamless transition into their new classes.   Where classes are split between two rooms, we will notify parents by telephone.

 

I have spoke to our feeder Early Learning and Childcare providers and we will have arrangements in place (in a Covid-19 safe way) for our new Primary 1s so that they can visit before starting school in August.

 

In May, our Primary 7 pupils will be able to access a ‘Movin’ On Up’ booklet via their TEAMS page.  They be notified about the S1 register and practical class lists.

 

In June, pupils will complete the three transition days virtually from Primary School.  (There may be an opportunity for some pupils with additional support needs to visit castle Douglas High School before the summer holidays.)

 

 

Please do get in touch if you wish to discuss anything in more detail.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

It has been a busy term for us all and as the Easter holidays approach, I wish pupils, parents and staff a restful holiday.

 

Easter Holiday Dates

Monday 29^th March – Friday 9^th April.  Pupils and staff return on Monday 12^th April.

 

‘Alphabet Street West’ Challenge

Active Schools are working in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and Youth Work DG to launch the ‘Alphabet Street West’ challenge.  This is a four week challenge where pupils and adults can walk around their local community following a map to find letters stuck to signs.  All materials can be found on the ‘Active Schools Actify’ website where they can be downloaded or printed.

 

Weekly challenges will be set on the Alphabet Street West Facebook page.  You can plan your route so that you can spell words as you walk to ‘collect’ each letter as you pass them.  The aim of the challenge is to increase community morale, and to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.  Look out for the first challenge – Easter themed!

 

There are a set of signs in seven different towns (Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie, New Galloway, Wigtown, Whithorn and Newton Stewart). Those who send photos in to the shared email account will be entered into a weekly draw for a chance to win some fantastic prizes including free swimming pool access, free block of ice skating lessons, a chocolate Easter hamper and lots more!.

 

The email address for the programme is – alphabetstreetwest@outlook.com

Facebook Page link- https://www.facebook.com/Alphabet-Street-West-105787058265643

Actify (Link will be live and will be highlighted on the Facebook page by the end of the week).

 

We look forward to seeing how you get on!

 

An Update from the Director of Skills, Education and Learning

Here is the latest position on schools reopening and the phased return – 25^th March 2021:

https://supportdg.dumgal.gov.uk/article/21889/Schools-Update-Phased-Return-to-In-School-Learning

 

Best wishes

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

Welcome Back to P4-7s

I cannot express how happy we are to have all pupils back in school again.  It is fantastic to see everyone and we cannot believe how much our pupils have grown in the past few months!  It is also lovely to welcome back our P4-7 teachers.

 

Positive Behaviour Expectations

Last year our Cluster Primary Schools developed a Positive Behaviour Policy and we created a leaflet for our school community.  Please take some time to read over the leaflet and to discuss the expectations with your child.  In particular, please ensure that your child knows that swearing will not be tolerated in school.  We will be relaunching our Positive Behaviour strategy in term 4.

Promoting Positive Relationships Information Leaflet

 

P7 – S1 Information

In June, P7 pupils normally attend three induction days at secondary school.  This year, these days will be completed remotely and pupils should attend Primary School as normal.

Parents of all P7 pupils should have returned ‘Young Scot Card’ applications to school.  We are uploading photographs before sending them away.

 

Head Lice

Please can I remind parents to check your child’s hair regularly for Head Lice?  It would appear that head lice are not good at following social distancing rules!

 

Parent Council Update

We had a Parent Council meeting last week.  Minutes of the meeting will be uploaded to the parent Council page of the blog as soon as possible.

 

Pupils’ Paintings Featuring on RSPB Information Panel

Mrs Bielinski has been working in partnership with the RSPB to provide them with art work to be used on an information panel to be placed at the goose viewing platform at the west side of Loch Ken at Ken Dee Marshes.  Goose paintings created by our P4-7 pupils at Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools are featured in the design.  We wish to thank Mrs Bielinski and the RSPB for organising this and also the children for their wonderful art work.

AP1161_KIDS MAP FINAL (1)

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

 

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael Primary School,

 

We look forward to welcoming back our P4-7 pupils on Monday 15th March.

 

Arrangements will be the same as they were in Terms 1 and 2.  Pupils will continue to wash hands regularly and follow hygiene measures.  Pupils do not need to distance themselves from each other but they should keep a 2m distance from adults and adults should maintain a 2m distance from each other.   Adults will wear face coverings in the school building and in the playground.

 

We ask that parents and other adults remember to keep a 2m distance from each other at the school gates and that you wear face masks.

 

Pupils should line up at their designated entrance as before:

P1/2 – cloakroom door at the back of the school

P2-4 – outside the portakabin

P4/5 – at the main entrance

P6/7 – at the library entrance

 

Pupils in P1/2 and P2-4 will have the same break and lunch times – 10:40-11:00 and 12:30-13:15.

Pupils in P4/5 and P6/7 will share their break and lunch times – 10:20-10:40 and 12:00-12:45.

The playground will be zoned into two halves.  P1/2 and P2-4 will play around the back and P4/5 and P6/7 around the front.  there will be a rota for the community play park and football pitch.

 

Pupils travelling on school transport should wear face masks but do not need to socially distance.

 

Please feel free to contact the school if you require any further information.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

Last week saw the return of our P1-3 pupils in addition to pupils attending the emergency childcare hub.  The school has come to life once again and it has been wonderful to see how happy the children are to be back together!

 

We hope to welcome back our P4-7 pupils from 15th March once this has been confirmed by Scottish Government.  Meanwhile our P4-7 pupils continue to work very hard at home and have been submitting some excellent pieces of work via Microsoft TEAMS.  Thank you for supporting your children with remote learning.

 

World Book Day – Thursday 4^th March 2021

Teachers have recorded video clips of themselves reading an extract from their favourite book.  These will be uploaded onto the class Facebook pages so that adults and pupils can try to guess who is telling the story!  Pupils will be engaging in activities related to story books and we have art work planned around Roald Dahl.

 

Parent Council Meeting

Our Crossmichael Parent Council meeting will take place via ZOOM on Monday 8^th March at 7pm.  If you wish to join us then please email Mrs Gilli Hodson for details.  The address is:

crossmichaelparentcouncil@gmail.com

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Families and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

We are delighted to be welcoming back our P1-3 pupils on Monday 22^nd February.  There is excitement in the air and we hope that it won’t be too long until our P4-7 pupils return too.  The First Minister is making a statement in two weeks and we hope that our older pupils can return from 15^th March but this will depend on the prevalence of the virus.

 

I know that many of you may have mixed feelings about sending your children back to school.  Please rest assured that we have stringent risk assessments in place to ensure the safety of our pupils and staff.

 

Here is a letter from Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director who explains the reasons for the partial re-opening of schools.

 

JL letter – 18 February

 

Additional Information for Pupils Returning on Monday

 

Crossmichael Primary School

On arrival, P1/2 pupils should play at the front of the school (from the main entrance to the library end) and then line up at the library entrance when the bell goes.

 

P2 and P3 pupils from the P2-4 class should play at the back of the school and line up at the Portakabin when the bell goes.

 

Pupils attending the Hub should play at the side of the school beside the PE hall and round to the main entrance.  They should line up at the main entrance when the bell goes.

 

Gelston Primary School

P1-3 can play anywhere in the playground and line up as normal when the bell goes.

 

School Meals

The school meals menu can be found here:

https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/media/23822/Primary-School-meals-menu-January-to-March-2021/pdf/0201-20-School-meals-January-2021.pdf?m=637431237068170000

For the first week, there may be slight changes to the meals offered but there will be a hot option and sandwich options available.

 

P1-3 pupils receive free school meals and P4-7 pupils pay £1.90 unless receiving free school meals.  Pupils may bring a packed lunch if they wish.

 

Gelston pupils will eat school dinners together in the dining hall.  At Crossmichael, P1/2 and P2-3 will have school dinners in the hall at different times.  Pupils who attend the Crossmichael Hub will eat meals in the classroom.

 

Water Bottles

Please ensure you send your child to school with a water bottle as we are unable to provide pupils with cups.  Pupils may re-fill their bottles in school.

 

Uniform

We are relaxing the dress code so whilst pupils are welcome to wear school uniform, it is not a necessity.  Please ensure your child brings several layers with them as we will have windows open for ventilation. Pupils should also bring a change of shoes so that they have an indoor and an outdoor pair.

 

Social Distancing

Pupils do not need to socially distance from each other although we will be operating a class ‘bubble’ system where there is more than one registration class in school.  Pupils should maintain a 2m distance from adults and adults should maintain a 2m distance from each other.  Please remember to wear a face covering when bringing your child to school or collecting them from school.  We ask that no adults enter the playground unless they have made an appointment.

 

 

Child Protection Scotland Campaign

Please remember that it is now against the law to use any form of physical punishment towards a child.  The pandemic has put increasing pressure on us all and this has led to an increase in reported cases of domestic abuse and substance misuse.

 

If you have concerns about the welfare of a child then please call Social Services on 030 33 33 3001.  Call the Police on 999 if it is an emergency or on 101 for advice.

 

If you see something, say something!

 

 

Retirement of Castle Douglas Headteacher – Mr David Tyson

Mr David Tyson used to be Headteacher at Gelston Primary School and we know that his well known and well respected by many people.  He is retiring at Easter and to mark the occasion, we will be asking for your help!  Please look out for an email containing details.

 

If you have any questions then please get in touch with us.  I will be based at Crossmichael Primary School and Mrs Glover (Principal Teacher from Crossmichael) will be based at Gelston Primary School (Mon-Thurs) and Mrs Maxwell on Fridays.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Friends and Family of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope that you are well.  The sun is shining today and the days are getting longer.   I hope that we can all be optimistic and look forward to getting back to some normality over the next few months.

 

Return to School Information

We look forward to the return of P1-3 pupils from 22nd February and hope that this is possible.  This will be confirmed by the First Minister on 16th February.  In the meantime, we have been making preparations for the return of our P1-3 pupils whilst also continuing to provide emergency childcare for pupils in P4-7.

 

All risk assessments and hygiene practices will continue to be in place to keep us all safe.

 

Arrangements at Gelston Primary School from 22nd February

In Gelston, our P1-3 pupils will return and be taught by Miss Drummond.  Miss McNeill will continue to support pupils in her role as Learning Assistant.  Mrs Bielinski will teach the class on a Tuesday morning so that Miss Drummond can complete her reduction in class contact time (RICCT) time.

 

Mrs Glover (Principal Teacher from Crossmichael) will be on site from  Monday – Wednesday.  Mrs Maxwell will be on site each Friday.  Miss Reid will be working from home and can be contacted Monday to Thursday as normal.

 

Miss Reid, Mrs Maxwell and Mrs Bielinski will provide remote learning for P4-7 pupils as they do currently.

 

School meals will be available as normal.

 

Arrangements at Crossmichael Primary School from 22nd February

In Crossmichael, P1/2 will return as normal with Mrs Marscheider.  Mrs Stitt will continue to support pupils in her role as Learning Assistant.

 

P2 and P3 pupils from the P2-4 class will return to their classroom in the Portakabin with Mrs Burton (Mon-Thurs) and Miss Todd (Fri).  Miss Todd will provide the remote learning for the P4 children who are at home.   On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Mrs Jennings will support pupils in P2 and P3 in her role as Learning Assistant.

 

Miss Todd will also cover Mrs Burton and Mrs Marscheider so that they can complete their RICCT time.

 

I will be on site every day.

 

Each class will operate within a bubble so that they will play in zoned areas of the playground and will have staggered lunch breaks.

 

School meals will be available as normal.

 

Arrangements for Emergency Childcare for P4-7 Pupils

The emergency childcare hub will be collapsed into one site at Crossmichael Primary School from 22nd February so that we can staff it appropriately.

 

The hub will be staffed by our Learning Assistants, Mrs Cowan and Mrs Clifton.  This means that Mrs Clifton will not be available to continue with her targeted interventions – Closing the Literacy Gap/ Literacy Ladders.

 

This means that all P4-7 Gelston pupils will now join the hub at Crossmichael Primary School.  We have 13 pupils on the list for emergency childcare but there tends to be around 8 pupils attending each day.  Pupils who attend the hub will operate within a bubble so will have separate break and lunch times to pupils in the other classes.

 

Covid-19 Testing Arrangements In Our Schools

More detailed information will be available on the Dumfries and Galloway Council website soon.  All adults working in our schools will be tested twice weekly.

 

How to contact us

You will be able to contact the Headteacher at Crossmichael Primary School on 01556 670282 or 07741 686730.

 

For general enquiries contact the school office via email:

gw08officegelston@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

gw08officecrossmicha@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

 

If your enquiry relates to learning then please contact your child’s teacher via email.

 

Please stay safe and do get in touch if you wish further clarification.

 

Best wishes,

Mary E Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

 

 

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

 

I hope that you are well.  It has been lovely to see pupils online at TEAMS meetings and to see how well everyone is engaging with remote learning.  Thank you very much for your efforts.  I have been delighted to send home some Headteacher’s Award postcards this week.

 

 

Message from the Director of Skills, Education and Learning

You will be aware of the First Minister’s announcement this week and what this means for our children.  I would like to share a message from the Director of Skills, Education and Learning, Dr Gillian Brydson, who provides more detail:

 

“A couple of days ago (2 February) the First Minister made a statement in the Scottish Parliament in relation to coronavirus in Scotland and the steps that are being taken to tackle the virus.

Within her statement, the First Minister extended the lockdown until the end of February.  She also stated that nurseries and Primaries 1 to 3 will return to schools full-time on 22 February and for a part-time return, albeit on a limited basis, for senior phase pupils to allow in-school practical work that is necessary for the completion of national qualification courses.  These arrangements are subject to final confirmation two weeks from now, that sufficient progress in tackling the virus has been achieved.

 

We are waiting for the full details from the Scottish Government following the First Minister’s statement.  Once we have finalised our arrangements with Headteachers and partners, we will be writing to all parents to let them know what this means for all of our pupils.  We will do this by as soon as possible, by Thursday 11 February at the latest, recognising the midterm break for pupils is between Monday 15 – Friday 19 February.

 

We have just received guidance from the Scottish Government on the Asymptomatic Testing Programme, which is being put in place as part of the package of COVID-19 risk reduction mitigations in schools. The Schools/Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) asymptomatic testing programme will be available to all primary, secondary and special school staff (including school-based ELC and childcare staff), and all senior phase pupils in Scotland.  Self Testing kits are expected to be delivered to our schools from next week and the operational arrangements are being worked through with Headteachers.  We will provide further information in our letter to parents (mentioned above).

In the meantime, I’d like to thank all parents for their continued support in assisting with remote learning for our children and young people.  Many of our parents are juggling working from home whilst supporting their children.  The safest place for everyone at this time is to stay at home so we appreciate everyone’s effort to keep our communities safe.

 

We will be in touch soon to provide you with an update on the arrangements for our schools as we take this important step forward.”

 

 

Mid-Term Holiday

Please note that schools are closed for all pupils from Monday 15^th February until Friday 19^th February.

 

 

Emergency Childcare School Hub Places

P4-7 children who already have places at the emergency childcare hubs in school will continue to have a place from 22^nd February if required.  (P1-3 will hopefully be back at school anyway.)  There will be no childcare provided during the holiday week (15^th-19^th February).

 

 

Good News

Dumfries and Galloway Council is reporting a decreasing number of Covid-19 cases so thank you so much for everything that you are doing to help.  The restrictions are tough but with your ongoing support I am delighted that we may be able to re-open schools gradually from 22^nd February.  THANK YOU!

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott

Headteacher

Dear Family and Friends of Crossmichael and Gelston Primary Schools,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well.  Thank you for all that you are doing at home to support your children with remote learning.

 

Update on Return to Schools

Recently, Scotland’s First Minister explained that schools will not reopen to pupils on February 1  and will remain closed to most pupils until the middle of February.    This will be reviewed on 2 February.

 

Emergency Childcare Hubs

Our schools continue to be used as emergency childcare hubs and we have 15 pupils registered at Crossmichael and 8 pupils at Gelston.  Non-teaching staff supervise children in the hubs and teachers provide remote learning from home.  Mrs Glover and I attend each school on a daily basis.

 

Pupils’ Health and Wellbeing Questionnaires

At the beginning of each week, we send home a link to the Pupil HWB Questionnaire via parental email.  This should be completed by pupils on Friday of each week.

 

P4-7 pupils receive the link via email and can complete the questionnaire themselves.  We would appreciate it if you would help your child to complete the questionnaire if they are in P1-3.

 

We ask that you do this so that we can check on pupils’ health and wellbeing and also so that we can support families and set realistic expectations of the quality and quantity of remote learning.

 

Thank you so much for your responses from last week.  Mrs Glover and I read through your responses and contacted families where appropriate.

 

P7- S1 Transition Arrangements

All P7 parents have now completed the Pupil Placement Request form detailing which secondary school they wish their child to attend.

 

On Friday, P7 teachers met with Mrs Cathro (Principal Teacher of Support at Castle Douglas High School)  to discuss detailed transition information for P7 pupils.  At this meeting key information was shared including curricular levels, health and wellbeing information and additional support needs.

 

So far this has been a timeline of what has taken place:

August/ Sept – Cluster Headteacher’s meeting to discuss those pupils who may require enhanced transition arrangements.  Transition information sent to CDHS from each Primary School.  CDHS staff invited to attend any relevant meetings for pupils with additional support needs.

 

September– P7s engaged in virtual visits to CDHS by Mrs Cathro and S1 pupils.  (Unfortunately Gelston pupil were unable to complete this due to staff absence.)

 

November – The virtual P7 Parents’ Open Evening was recorded and posted on the P7 TEAMS group for all P7s across CDHS Cluster.  This informed parents about transition work, how CDHS gather information about pupils, provided a tour of the school and gave a description of S1 courses.  (Still available if your child logs into their P7 TEAMS group.)

 

Reporting Pupil Progress to Parents

In Term 1 and Term 2 teachers emailed a short summary of your child(ren)’s strengths and next steps in learning.  This was a brief overview of their learning.  We understand that many parents would prefer to have a more detailed picture of their child(ren)’s progress.  We are considering the best way of getting this information to you and more detail will follow soon.  In the meantime, if you wish to find out more information then please contact your child’s teacher.

 

The Scottish curriculum is called Curriculum for Excellence 3-18.  It is divided up into levels.  The national expectation is that:

• Early Level will be achieved by most pupils at the end of Primary 1
• First Level will be achieved by most pupils by the end of Primary 4
• Second Level will be achieved by most pupils by the end of Primary 7
• Third Level will be achieved by most pupils by the end of S3

 

ICT Update and Appeal for More Devices

Dumfries and Galloway Council is improving the infrastructure around ICT in schools.  Soon, Windows 10 will be available in all schools.  (At the moment we are working with Windows 7.)  It will also be possible for staff and pupils to bring in their own devices and connect to the school WiFi.

 

It is our aim to apply for funding to purchase new devices that are compatible with Windows 10.   In the interim, we are in desperate need of devices at Crossmichael Primary School.  We are looking for donations of tablets or laptops that are less than eight years old.  It is our intention to wipe the data and use these devices in school or loan them to pupils for remote learning during lockdown.  Please contact the school office if you are able to help us.

 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Tommy Cannon and Mrs Caroline Cannon for kindly donating five tablets to us at the weekend.  These will be put to good use during lockdown and when pupils return to school.

 

Best wishes,

Mary Lidstone-Scott
Headteacher