Dear Parent/Carer
What a busy couple of weeks we have had in the run up to the October holidays. Within school book activities, children
introducing at Book Festival, Lighthouse Music, P7 transition day and whole school apple pressing activities with MAC
CAN. The children have enjoyed a full range of activities to widen and develop their skills for learning life and work.

Our assembly focus has been on our committee activities with plans for Children in Need, Hallowe’en activity day ,
Fairtrade and playground tidies we are taking our lead from the children and planning for next term too. Today’s
assembly gave us a wee look through P5-7 keyhole. Where the children were keen to share their learning from a range
of areas of the curriculum. Their highlight was singing ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ accompanied by Mr Darwin, they
have been practising for a few weeks and it was lovely to see and hear their enthusiasm.

We welcomed you all into school last week for our first learning conversations of the year. It was lovely to see almost
all families and for the children to show you their work, classroom displays and discuss their progress and next steps in
learning. The move to slightly later in the term seems to have been a really positive one and I will gather your views on
that after the holidays.

Our P7s enjoyed an active first day at the DEHS. They had three classroom lessons in science, PE and music. All of the
children participated fully and appear to have had many of their initial questions answered by being able to experience
things first hand. The transition days are an excellent way for our P7s to grow in confidence about their move on to S1.

On our return from holiday P5-7 have a Bonfire/firework safety awareness raising talk with Stuart Dalrymple from the
Scottish Fire Service and PC Krystle Martin from Police Scotland.

Also for your diary we are planning a Hallowe’en activity day organised by P7 on Friday 31st October. It is optional
dress up in costume or non uniform for the day. We ask that there is no or very little face paint as a whole day with it
on might be too long. It can just be a touch of Hallowe’en as I know some of the children are keen to keep their costume a secret for the village party and guising. There is no partnership disco this year as we are going to use the buses
at a different time to have a full partnership day together.

All that remains for me to do is to wish you a lovely break with your children over the October holiday. The weather for
next week is looking settled so hopefully you will be able to get some days out and about. I love this time of year for
Autumn walks.

As always please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need anything at all email me on
gw08andrewskirsty@ea.dumgal.sch.uk

‘Together we succeed’
Kirsty Andrews
Partner Headteacher