Portpatrick Primary

Guess who’s sneaked their way into a European interrailing adventure? None other than our cuddly classroom companions Inky Mouse and Lion!

Last week, Reverend Breakey was getting ready for her exciting summer travels around Europe when she noticed her backpack felt just a little bit… fluffier than usual. To her surprise, she unzipped it to find two very familiar faces peeking out: Inky Mouse and Lion, complete with their own tiny passports and big smiles!

Reverend Breakey emailed the boys and girls to share her surprise. “What? I just found Inky Mouse and Lion in my bag!” She said that since they’ve gone to all the trouble, they might as well come along for the company and the experience.

And so, the adventure begins! Inky and Lion have just sailed in to Amsterdam Harbour, the very first stop on their European tour using eco-friendly travel options. They’re excited to explore the canals, try some local snacks (cheese for Inky, of course), and see what this big, wide world has to offer.

We hope to follow their journey right here on the blog, so stay tuned for travel tales, fun facts, and plenty of photos as they make their way across Europe with Reverend Breakey.

Inky and Lion have sent us a postcard:

POSTCARD FROM: Amsterdam
📅 Date: 10th June 2025

Dear friends at school,

Greetings from Amsterdam! 🐭🦁

We’ve just arrived and are already having a wonderful time. Today we saw a cat wearing clogs. Inky tried eating a tulip, which he found wasn’t his favourite snack ever, and Lion was very brave when we took a trip on a canal boat. Even big cats don’t like water!

The people here are so friendly, and there are lots of sights to explore. We can’t wait to tell you more! We’ll share where we are heading soon, so stay tuned for our next postcard.

Lots of love,
Inky Mouse & Lion 💕

Thank you for taking good care of them Reverend and Happy Travels!

🗺️ Where in the World Are They Now?

We hope to follow Inky Mouse & Lion as they travel with Reverend Breakey across Europe!

🇪🇺 Country	🏙️ City	📍Current Status	📸 Highlight
🇳🇱 Netherlands	Amsterdam	Just arrived! First stop on the trip	Awaiting their first stroopwafel and canal stroll

We are delighted to share how a group of our responsible pupils represented our school when they recently visited our local Tesco to collect a generous donation of items in support of our upcoming School Fundraiser Coffee Morning, taking place at the Portpatrick Hub on Saturday, 14th June 2025.

The boys represented the school brilliantly as they picked up a fantastic collection of goods kindly donated by Tesco that will help make our coffee morning a great success. Their enthusiasm, politeness, and community spirit were a credit to our school, and we’re grateful for their efforts.

A heartfelt thank you to Tesco for supporting our fundraiser, and to all those who continue to donate and contribute. Your kindness helps us raise funds for valuable school projects and creates more opportunities for our pupils to thrive.

We hope you’ll join us at the Portpatrick Hub on 14th June for a warm drink, some home baking, and a great chance to come together as a community.

See you there!

#PortpatrickPride #CommunitySupport #CoffeeMorning2025

UNCRC Rights of the Child – 29: Aims of Education

SHANARRI – Included & Responsible

Our annual Sports Day was held today, the sun threatened to break out but our pupils made the most of the breezy conditions! The kids were filled with excitement, cheering, and the occasional boo! (Mr. Morrison in the teacher race) Pupils from all year groups took part in a variety of races and activities, showcasing their energy, teamwork, and determination.

The day began with the sprint races, where students dashed across the field, cheered on by their classmates. This was followed by the skipping race which added a fun twist with ropes flying everywhere. We then held the sack race, which caused lots of laughter as everyone tried to hop to the finish line without falling over (unsuccessfully)! The egg and spoon race tested our balance and focus with some funny concentration faces.

Later, the distance race challenged the runners’ stamina, and the obstacle race brought out everyone’s agility as they climbed, crawled, and zig-zagged their way through. One of the most exciting parts of the day was the relay race, where teams worked together to pass the baton and race to victory, this was given as a joined first as Carter and Louise passed the line at the same time.

We also enjoyed watching the parent and teacher races, which brought lots of cheers and smiles – especially when Mr. Morrison triumphed in a closely contested teacher race. It was great to see everyone joining in and having fun.

Throughout the day, we were proud to uphold the values of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), especially:

• Article 31: The right to play and take part in sport and cultural activities.
• Article 6: The right to life and to grow up healthy.

We also linked our Sports Day to the United Nations Global Goals, especially:

• Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – encouraging physical activity, positive relationships, and mental wellness.
• Goal 4: Quality Education – by promoting learning through play and teamwork.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – making sure all pupils could take part, regardless of ability.
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – as we worked together with families and staff to create a successful event.

Our Sports Day also reflected many of the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators:

• Safe: The event was well-organised and supervised.
• Healthy: Everyone took part in physical activity.
• Achieving: Pupils set goals and tried their best.
• Nurtured: Supportive staff and cheering friends created a caring atmosphere.
• Active: The whole day promoted movement and enjoyment through sport.
• Responsible: Pupils helped set up, tidied away, and followed the rules.
• Respected: Every child had the opportunity to participate.
• Included: Events were accessible and welcoming for all.

Overall, it was a fantastic day full of energy, encouragement, and school spirit. A big well done to all the pupils for their amazing efforts, and thank you to the staff and families who made the day such a success.

This week, P1–7 have been busy learning all about mapping Europe as we helped organise luggage for Reverend Breakey’s exciting trip around the continent! We explored different countries, identified capital cities, and calculated travel times between destinations. Using maps and atlases, we developed our geography skills while practising time and organisation. It was a great way to connect our learning to real-life adventures!

We linked our work to Global Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and explored UNCRC Articles 28 (right to education) and 17 (access to information). Bon voyage, Rev. Breakey! 🌍✈️🧳

Today, P1–7 had a fantastic time making delicious apple crumble to celebrate National Numeracy Day! We measured ingredients carefully, practising our skills in weight and volume. A big thank you to Mrs. Shannon and Miss Mackenzie for helping us in the kitchen. Our apples were locally sourced, linking our activity to sustainability and Global Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption) and 13 (Climate Action). We also explored our rights through UNCRC Articles 24 (health and food) and 29 (education goals). Everyone loved learning through cooking — maths, sustainability, and fun all in one! 🍎🥣 #GlobalGoals #UNCRC #NationalNumeracyDay

Mapping Our Community

This week in class, we’ve been exploring maps as part of our geography learning — and the children have loved becoming mini map-makers!

We began by learning how to read map symbols and keys, understanding what different pictures and colours represent, such as schools, parks, rivers, and roads. Pupils then used these skills to explore maps of our local area, pinpointing familiar places like the school, library, shops, and their own streets.

We also created our own maps of the community, adding keys and compass directions to show landmarks and routes. It was a fantastic way to link our learning to the real world and develop our understanding of where we live.

This learning supports:

• UNCRC Article 28 & 29 – Every child has the right to an education that develops their knowledge of the wider world.
• Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Learning about the places and people in our local area helps us understand how we can care for our communities.

The children showed great teamwork, observation skills, and pride in learning more about the place they call home!

At Portpatrick, we love bringing learning to life through exciting experiences — and our recent school trips did just that!

Trip 1: A Journey Through Space

P1-4 had an out-of-this-world adventure as they visited the Kirkcudbright planetarium! Inside the darkened dome, they watched stars twinkle and planets swirl, learning all about the solar system in a truly immersive way.

Back at the learning centre, the children took part in fun science activities, exploring how gravity and forces work. They tested different materials, dropped objects to see how fast they fell, and even investigated how astronauts live in space! We even had time for a picnic and play at the local park afterwards.

This trip supported:

• UNCRC Article 28 & 29 – Every child has the right to an education that develops their talents and curiosity.
• Global Goal 4: Quality Education – Promoting hands-on, inspiring learning opportunities for all.

Trip 2: Discovering Nature Through a Lens

The whole school then explored a beautiful botanical garden on Thursday, surrounded by trees, flowers, and peaceful green spaces. Guided by an expert, they learned how to use photography to explore contrast, capturing shadows, textures, and colours in nature.

They took their time observing the details of plants, insects (and especially fish!), linking their photography to their learning about science, habitats, and art.

This trip supported:

• UNCRC Article 31 – Every child has the right to relax, play, and take part in cultural and creative activities.
• Global Goal 15: Life on Land – Learning to appreciate and protect the natural world.
• Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Exploring green spaces and how we can care for them.

Both trips were fantastic opportunities for pupils to learn beyond the classroom, ask big questions, and build lasting memories.

On Thursday the 8th May, we marked VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) at Portpatrick Primary, a special day that commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on 8th May 1945. It was a thoughtful and reflective day for our pupils as they learned about this important moment in history.

At 11:00am, the whole school gathered together to observe a two-minute silence, showing respect for all those who served and sacrificed during the war. The children stood quietly and respectfully, taking time to think about the bravery and resilience of people during those difficult times.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in a variety of VE Day-themed activities. These included making Union Jack bunting, writing postcards as though they were living in 1945, and learning popular facts about the war.

In the afternoon, we came together for a special VE Day assembly, where we shared what we had learned, and reflected on the importance of peace and remembrance. The children were engaged, thoughtful, and proud to take part in such a meaningful day.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to connect with history and to understand why we remember and give thanks on VE Day.

This learning links closely to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), especially:

• Article 38 – Children have the right to be protected during war and to live in peace.
• Article 29 – Education should develop every child’s personality and talents, and encourage respect for others and the world around them.
• Article 12 – Every child has the right to have a say in matters that affect them.

Our work on VE Day also supports the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, particularly:

• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
• Goal 4: Quality Education – Helping children understand history, human rights, and the importance of peace.

Pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 took part in a fantastic mini marathon, running an impressive 2 miles in support of our school fundraiser. The event began on the top football pitch, where pupils ran laps with enthusiasm and determination. After completing the first mile, everyone continued their journey through the village, finishing the final mile on a scenic walk filled with smiles, encouragement, and a great sense of achievement.

This event not only promoted physical fitness and resilience but also brought our school community together in a positive and energetic way. Children of all ages supported one another, showing teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit throughout the challenge.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all our friends and family who kindly donated in support of the mini marathon. Your generosity has helped raise valuable funds for our school and made the event even more meaningful for the children.

The mini marathon was a wonderful example of health, community, and fun coming together, and we are incredibly proud of all our pupils for completing the challenge with such enthusiasm and pride.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4 – Quality Education
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

UNCRC Rights of the Child:

• Article 24 – Right to health and health services
• Article 29 – Right to develop talents and abilities
• Article 31 – Right to play and recreational activities

SHANARRI Indicators:

• Healthy – Promoting physical activity and well-being
• Active – Encouraging participation in outdoor exercise
• Included – All pupils took part and were supported
• Achieving – Children completed a physical challenge and contributed to a fundraising goal

Pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 enjoyed an exciting outdoor bowling session this week, where they learned and practised a range of bowling skills in a fun and supportive environment. The session began with a demonstration of basic techniques, followed by group practice where pupils worked on their aim, control, and teamwork. The younger children in Primary 1 particularly enjoyed playing small bowling games tailored to their level, helping them build confidence, coordination, and communication.

Older pupils explored more advanced skills, focusing on accuracy and strategy while encouraging and supporting their younger peers. The mixed-age setup promoted leadership, cooperation, and a strong sense of community across the school.

A special thank you goes to Jean, Linda, and Florence, whose support and enthusiasm helped make the day a great success. Their guidance and encouragement were appreciated by both staff and pupils alike.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4 – Quality Education
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

UNCRC Rights of the Child:

• Article 29 – Right to develop talents and abilities
• Article 31 – Right to play and recreation

SHANARRI Indicators:

• Active – Engaging in physical play
• Included – Mixed-age, accessible activities
• Healthy – Promoting physical and emotional well-being
• Achieving – Learning and developing new skills