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:
- High temperature
- A cough
- 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 will 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
