Kirkcolm Primary School

A visitor from the NSPCC popped into school this morning to deliver a short presentation to both classes. In P4-7 Olivia and Jak were asked to demonstrate the ‘Sack of Worries,’ where Olivia put a plastic brick in the sack for each worry that the pupils were able to come up with (bullying, bereavement, feeling lonely, abuse…). Putting his great acting skills to use, Jak was totally weighed down by the sack and the pupils understood that this is how someone with lots of worries can feel.

They were encouraged to follow the NSPCC motto ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ and discussed who they could talk to if they ever felt worried, including Childline.

Primary 6 and 7 pupils then participated in a short workshop, further learning how to stay safe.

What a busy day we’ve had celebrating Burns and all things Scottish!

Mrs Mary Milroy arrive at 9am this morning to judge our poetry recital, artwork and handwriting competitions. She had some very difficult decisions to make and commented on how hard all the boys and girls had worked.

Afterwards, we headed into the hall for our annual Burns Lunch, which the Nursery boys and girls joined us for. After our Chairperson Innes welcomed everybody, Mr Andy Nicoll piped in the haggis, carried by the oldest and youngest pupils in the school, Finlay Nelson and Archie Ashton. Jack Barret gave an animated Address to the Haggis and then we all tucked into our delicious, traditional Burns lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties kindly cooked by Ann Marie.

We were then all entertained as Primary 6 and 7 pupils gave toasts, the 1st place winners of the poetry recital competitions said their poems, and each class performed a Scots song that they have been learning.

Izzy Keith and Michaela Lyon attend the Rotary Lunch at the North West Castle on Monday 21^st . They spent the afternoon listening to speaker – Adam Gray as he discussed the importance of rugby and the value of sport. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious lunch and got the chance to speak with lots of interesting people. The girls had a fantastic time and enjoyed representing the school.

As part of our bid to achieve national accreditation for the Digital Schools Award, we have selected 4 Digital Leaders to help drive our work forward. They are responsible for supporting staff and pupils in the use of ICT by sharing their skills; helping to maintain ICT equipment; leading lunch time ICT clubs; and organising parent sessions to develop their skills and knowledge.

All the Digital Leaders from Portpatrick, Leswalt and Kirkcolm came together on Tuesday for a Digital Leaders training day. They were all so enthusiastic and keen to get going! Pupils were taught how to upload, print and laminate photographs, and how to access Glow and send an email attachment to a teacher for the blog. They worked in pairs to come up with activities for Safer Internet Day on 5th February, and shared their suggestions for lunchtime ICT clubs that they could run back at school.

Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable morning mixing with other pupils from the different schools and are all away back to their own school ready and raring to go as our Digital Leaders!

Congratulations to Phoebe Manson on being the FIRST pupil in Kirkcolm Primary School to achieve a GOLD STAR AWARD. Fantastic achievement Phoebe, congratulations.

The Star awards are our own wee mini Duke of Edinburgh scheme, based on developing and tracking wider achievements.  We hope to  develop the 4 capacities of Curriculum for Excellence (successful learners, effective contributors confident individuals and  responsible citizens) by setting targets for pupils for them to work upon as an optional homework challenge.  They have to achieve the majority of targets in each level before moving up through the levels; bronze, silver then gold.

Phoebe will be presented with a special award at the end of term.  I wonder who will be joining her?

On Thursday the boys and girls had a fabulous time at their Christmas Party. There was glittery dresses and festive attire in abundance, everyone looked fantastic. The Party buffet was amazing and the children devoured it with very little left to spare. After a wonderful feast the dancing and games started. We had musical arms, musical bumps, best dancer, pass the parcel and build a snowman. With some heel and toe the children were dancing with great enthusiasm to the Military Two step , The Gay Gordans and even had a go at the Virginia Reel.  Last but by all means not least the children had a special visitor from the Big Man himself. Santa arrived to deliver some early presents and judging by the children’s reactions I would say he did a brilliant job. I would just like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and effort it is very much appreciated. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New year.

Kirkcolm Nursery and Primary 1 pupils took to the stage this morning to perform ‘The Tip-Toe Nativity.’  Pupils certainly had the cute-factor as they dressed up as angels, shepherds and wise men to tell the Christmas Story with lots of beautiful singing. The hall was full of parents, family members and friends of the school who all came to watch the performance, as well as Kirkcolm School pupils. 

Afterwards, P1-7 pupils entertained the audience with some festive songs. The adults then stayed to enjoy some tea and mince pies and have a blether! Well done to the Nursery for all their hard work.