Portpatrick Primary

Egg-cellent Easter Egg Display!

The school was full of colour and creativity this week as pupils took part in our annual Easter Egg Display Competition. Children were invited to decorate an egg in any theme they liked – and the results were absolutely egg-straordinary!

There were so many imaginative entries that it was almost impossible to choose a winner. One clever creation showed a rugby pitch, complete with tiny egg players in kit. Another celebrated Red Nose Day, with smiling red noses and charity messages painted on the shells. A group of eggs arrived dressed as superheroes, ready to save the day!

Some children looked to the stars, with a spectacular space-themed display featuring rockets, planets, and even an alien or two. Others kept their designs closer to home, with adorable farm animal eggs including sheep, pigs, and cows made from cotton wool, felt, and googly eyes.

The whole school had the chance to view the displays, and everyone was amazed by the effort and imagination on show. Well done to all who took part – you made this Easter one to remember!

This fun event supports UNCRC Article 31 (right to play and creativity) and links to SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing, encouraging happiness and expression through art.

World Book Day Fun!

World Book Day was full of excitement and imagination as children dressed up as their favourite book characters and celebrated the joy of reading. The classrooms were buzzing with stories, laughter, and colourful costumes.

One of the highlights of the day was when children paired up to read stories to one another. Some chose fairy tales, while others enjoyed funny books or thrilling adventures. It was wonderful to see the older pupils helping younger ones with tricky words and sharing the magic of a good story.

Later in the day, everyone gathered in the hall for a tasty treat – making Gruffalo Crispy Cakes! Inspired by Julia Donaldson’s famous story, the children mixed chocolate, cereal, and a few “terrible tusks” (marshmallows) to create Gruffalo-themed goodies. With a bit of imagination, the cakes looked just like something the Gruffalo himself would enjoy in the deep dark wood!

World Book Day supports UNCRC Article 28 (right to education) and Article 31 (right to rest, play, and cultural activities). It also links to SDG 4 – Quality Education, promoting lifelong learning and a love for books in every child.

On the 27^th of March, Portpatrick pupils joined their friends at St. Joseph’s for another fantastic Wider Achievement Partnership Day! Just like last time, the children were split into three mixed-school groups: P1–3, P4–5, and P6–7, with each teacher leading a different creative activity.

• Mr. Morrison delivered a digital Easter project, which got the children buzzing with excitement as they used technology in a fun and engaging way.
• Miss Scott led a fun Easter craft session where pupils decorated Easter eggs using a variety of colourful and textured materials 
• Miss Lisi’s room, led construction, modelling, and Easter-themed artwork.

The children enjoyed a lovely break and lunchtime outside together.  There was lots of laughter and friendship across the two schools.

In the afternoon, both schools walked over to the Ryan Centre for a special cinema treat: Inside Out 2!  The pupils were brilliantly behaved and thoroughly enjoyed the film—what a perfect way to end the week before the Easter holidays!

Please note: The photos shared on this blog post are from Miss Lisi’s classroom. We didn’t manage to get pictures from the other rooms this time, but all groups had a fantastic time!

UNCRC Rights:

• Article 15 –Joining in groups together
• Article 29 –Aims of Education
• Article 31 – Right to rest, play, and cultural activities
  The day was filled with play, creativity, and an enjoyable cinema experience.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
  Pupils enjoyed active outdoor play and positive social interactions.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education
  Pupils accessed varied, engaging, and creative learning experiences.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
  The event strengthened partnerships between St. Joseph’s and Portpatrick schools.

SHANARRI Indicators:

• Included
  Every child was given a voice and equal opportunity to participate.
• Active
  Children engaged in hands-on crafts, digital learning, and outdoor play.
• Responsible
  Pupils took responsibility within groups and respected expectations.
• Nurtured
  The friendly environment encouraged new friendships and a sense of belonging.

Meta-skills:

• Collaborating
  Mixed-school teamwork required listening, sharing, and working respectfully together.
• Creativity
  Art, construction, and digital projects encouraged pupils to express their ideas.
• Communicating
  Children shared thoughts and ideas during group work and social time.
• Adapting
  Children worked in new environments with new peers and activities.
• Focusing
  Each activity required attention to detail and perseverance to complete.

Portpatrick Pupils were environmentally aware today.  As part of our Eco Schools Scotland action plan on litter and waste, the children have been learning about the negative impact this has on biodiversity. 

The children have been working in partnership with our local Community Safety Wardens to design litter awarness posters.  These have been made into weather-proof posters to encourage everyone to be responsible to protect our environment &  wildlife, and to keep our beautiful village looking spotless for everyone to enjoy.  The community safety team escorted the pupils around the village to prominently display our posters for all to see. 

We are responsible citizens and effective contributors.

UNCRC Rights of the Child – Article 24: Health, Water, Food & Environment

Sustainable Development Goals: 1 – Life Below Water, 15-Life on Land, 

SHANARRI – Responsible

For our final morning activities, the groups split one last time.

With the final activities complete, it was time for one last clean-up and a chance to reflect on the experience. The biggest success of the trip has been the way St. Joseph’s and Portpatrick pupils have come together as one team—showing kindness, encouragement, and support for each other throughout every challenge.

Now, as we head home, tired but happy, we’re filled with pride for how well the children have represented themselves, their schools, and their communities. New friendships have been formed, lifelong memories have been made, and every child leaves Barcaple having challenged themselves in new and exciting ways.

UNCRC Rights of the Child:

Article 15: Making Friends and Joining Groups

Article 31: Rest, Play

Metaskills: Collaborating, Sense-Making, Communicating

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing was an excellent activity for our young adventurers today. It helped our children improve their coordination, strength, and determination. As they navigated different climbing routes, they learned to set goals and overcome challenges—boosting their confidence with every step. Well done everybody!

Abseiling

Abseiling was a thrilling experience that taught pupils to trust themselves and others. As they descended a rock face with the help of a rope and harness, they built courage and learned the importance of following instructions carefully. It was a fantastic way to conquer fears and develop self-reliance.

Problem-Solving Games and Challenges

From team-building tasks to logic puzzles, problem-solving activities encouraged creative thinking and cooperation. Whether pupils were working together to crack the code or solving riddles during their ‘rob the bank’ task, these challenges promoted communication, patience, and perseverance.

These adventure activities provided the perfect mix of fun and learning, helping children grow in confidence and teamwork. Well done on finding your treasures boys and girls!

Orienteering: A Lesson in Teamwork and Resilience and conquering fears on the climbing wall

We’ve participated in an orienteering session, and the echildren learned al sorts of life skills including shelter, sense of direction and teamwork and leadership. Watching the pupils race around forrest, solving problems, and working together was great to see.

The girls started off on the climbing wall. They tackled the wall fantastically well. For some, it was a chance to show their agility, while for others, it was a battle against self-doubt.

Wee stopped for a bite to eat at lunch. Everybody managed to get fed in some shape or form. The choices were chilli con carne and vegetable lasagne.

Wee finished off the night with some hockey in the games hall which the children really enjoyed. Here’s some photo’s of today’s activities.

Article 31: Right to Rest, Leisure, Play

Article 24: Right to health services

Article 29: Access to Education

Metaskills: self-management & Emotional Resilience, Critical thinking, Problem solving

Our community came together to celebrate Mrs. Henry’s milestone of 25 years of wonderful service to Portpatrick Primary. Families and staff, past and present, joined us for a surprise get-together to recognise Mrs H’s fabulous contribution over the years.

There were speeches, a special poem, a song, messages, cards and flowers gifted to the special lady. Everyone enjoyed a buffet lunch with cake and treats galore with delicious home baking treats to enjoy for afters – yum!

Congratulations Mrs H. Long may your reign continue!

St .Joseph’s R.C. primary hosted an inter-schools K’nex engineering challenge today as part of the Glasgow Science Festival.  Two pupils from our cluster schools came together from the following primaries:

• St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary
• Portpatrick Primary
• Drummore Primary
• Sandhead Primary
• Park Primary
• Leswalt Primary
• Kirkcolm Primary
• Sheuchan Primary

The children were set an engineering design and construction project to make a free standing exercise bike for a gym.  The specification was that the exercise must have:

• 2 wheels that spin when the pedals are turned
• A length of no more than 2 grey construction rods
• A seat for the rider
• Handlebars
• Wheels fixed in a frame for static peddling

Marks Sheering from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and Sheena, STEM ambassador joined us to be our judges.  It wasn’t an easy task, as the children had been very creative and inventive with their constructions.

The activity helped promote the development of metaskills for learning, life and work.

Adam said that the most challenging part was building the bike so the wheels turned. Arran enjoyed making the pedals.

First place was awarded to Leswalt with Sandhead runners up.

Everyone agreed that everyone was a winner with their sterling effort.

God’s Loving Plan – In the Image of God( RERC 2-02a)

UNCRC Rights of the Child: Article 15 – Joining Groups, 29 – Aims of Education

SHANARRI – Achieving, Responsible, Included

Today, our primary children took part in outdoor maths learning sessions, combining fresh air with hands-on problem-solving. Pupils explored key concepts such as measurement, shapes, and multiplication in a natural environment. Activities included estimating and measuring lengths of sticks, creating geometric patterns with natural materials, and solving real-life word problems about distance.

This interactive approach not only deepened their mathematical understanding but also enhanced teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Children were highly engaged, applying their skills in meaningful, practical ways with parents who came along to participate in the session. Well done everyone and thanks to the DG OWL team for leading the session.

UNCRC: 29 – Aims of Education, 28 – Access to Education

Metaskills: Focusing, Collaboration