Portpatrick and St. Joseph’s primaries jointly decided to collect donations towards our local Galloway Action Team Christmas appeal. As part of supporting Children in Need day, our children and families have been sending in donations of money and presents for children from the very young to teens to help make sure that every child in our community receives a Christmas gift. Being close by, members of St. Joseph’s Enterprise Group delivered the presents and money this week. Thank you to our families for your generosity. We are glad to support our local community.
Capacities for Learning: Effective Contributors
UNCRC Rights of the Child – Article 26: Social and Economic Help
We are pleased to announce that the West Rhins Partnership has achieved Education Scotland’sThe Promise award.
Our staff undertook a professional learning award programme to raise our awareness and understanding of The Promise (the commitment made by the Scottish Government to improving the experiences and outcomes for Scotland’s care experienced children and young people), and our responsibilities as corporate parents.
This training help us understand the needs of children and young people and what we can do to support them. The ethos and values aligns with our Rights Respecting School Award and helps us to better make our school a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Our team are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of every child.
UNCRC Rights of the Child – Article 3: Best Interests of the Child
SHANARRI – Nurtured, Respected, Included
Sustainable Development Goal – 10: Reduced Inequalities, 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Portpatrick Community’s Santa boots were made for walking this week. Everyone came together in their festive jumpers and Santa hats, donated by Nikki to help raise funds for our wee school. Walkers young, and more senior, joined our pupils for a beautiful walk around the village. The boys and girls were accompanied by two of Santa’s most helpful elves, Steve & Morgan, from the Lifeboat station and Mr Cerexe was on hand to act as safety marshall.
After our very pleasant stroll, everyone met back at school for welcome hot chocolate, teas, coffees, biccies and festive mince pies served by Janice, Larraine, Kim and Mrs Henry, all to the sounds of Christmas tunes. It was a great community event and get together before our Christmas show on Friday.
UNCRC Rights of the Child: Article 15 – Joining with Groups
Harry, Arran and Adam represented our school proudly at this week’s inter-school badminton challenge at the Ryan Centre. As Mrs Ross and Mr Morrison watched proudly on, the boys gave it their all in their challenge games.
There was great sportsmanship and team spirit from all. Arran was just one point away from achieving a medal. The boys performed so well and we’re super proud of them.
UNCRC Rights of the Child: Article 15 – Joining Groups, Article, 31 – Play
SHANARRI – Healthy, Active
Four Capacities for Learning – Confident Individuals & Effective Contributors
What an incredible day we had on our amazing partnership day between St. Joseph’s RC Primary and Portpatrick Primary! On this special occasion, Portpatrick pupils travelled to St. Joseph’s in the morning. There was time for a social break before kicking off our Wider Achievement Morning. Both schools came together to celebrate teamwork, creativity, and learning.
The children were grouped by year levels—Primary 1-3, Primary 4-5, and Primary 6-7—and participated in a variety of engaging activities:
🎄 Miss Scott led exciting Christmas coding sessions, where our budding tech experts unleashed their creativity.
🔬 Mr. Morrison delivered hands-on STEM activities and quiz challenges using iPads, sparking curiosity and teamwork.
✂️ Miss Lisi inspired our young artists with arts, crafts, and construction, all with a festive Christmas twist.
The children worked so well together, showing fantastic teamwork and collaboration whilst continuing to build new friendships across both schools.
After a fun-filled morning, we enjoyed a delicious lunch together, strengthening the bonds of our partnership. The children then got some fresh air and playtime outdoors, where they continued to mingle and share laughs.
To wrap up this memorable day, we headed to the Ryan Centre cinema for a special screening of the Disney film, The Wish. 🎥 The children were captivated by the movie and left with smiles on their faces.
It truly was a fantastic day of collaboration, learning, and fun, and we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to join forces again.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special. Particular thanks to Miss Lisi and Miss Scott for their kind organisation and support and to Elizabeth for feeding all those extra mouths today and to the Ryan Centre in partnership with Into Film. It’s days like these that create lasting memories and strengthen our community spirit. 🌟👏
UNCRC Rights of the Child – Article 15 – Joining Groups, 31 – Play
SHANARRI – Active, Responsible, Included
Sustainable Development Goal – 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Children in Need Day was a great success at Portpatrick primary this year, with students, staff, and families coming together to raise funds and awareness for a fantastic cause.
Students (and staff!) dressed in colourful outfits, some sporting the iconic yellow and polka-dotted theme of Pudsey Bear.
The day kicked off with a special assembly led by Mr. Morrison, where the importance of Children in Need was highlighted. Students learned how their contributions would directly help children and young people across the UK facing challenges such as poverty, illness, and disability.
The creativity on display was amazing, with children creating cupcakes in the afternoon with ingredients supplied by Miss. Whorlow. Our Pupils raised £30.00 through donations of non-uniform and seeing “how far our pennies go”.
Well done everyone involved!
SHANARRI – Safe, Healthy, Nurtured.
UNCRC: Article 27 – Food, Clothing, A safe home. Article 26 – Social and Economic help
Our STEM leaders from St. Joseph’s travelled to Portpatrick today to meet with the STEM Leaders there. Our enthusiastic team got their heads together to plan how we can promote and improve our offer of STEM in the West Rhins Partnership.
The group agreed many action points are and keen to get started on their plan. We can look forward to a monthly lunchtime STEM club organised by our keen pupils.
Have a read of the minutes of the meeting to see what ideas and plans they have in store for us.
For Scottish Careers Week 2024, our P7 pupils had an exciting day of career exploration at Stranraer Community College. The day kicked off with a fun ‘Would You Rather?’ game, where pupils worked in teams to brainstorm different careers using a range of props. They then explored a range of job options on My World of Work, discovering everything from technical trades to creative fields, helping them get a better idea of what might suit their skills and interests.
Pupils took a guided tour around the college, visiting various departments like the Hairdressing Salon, Beauty Rooms, Technical Workshops, Mechanical and Groundwork areas, Childcare Rooms, and the Kitchen & Café. At each stop, they learned about the practical skills and qualifications needed for these careers, getting a real feel for what it’s like to work in these roles.
The day wrapped up with a Shark Island challenge, where pupils worked together to solve problems and use key meta skills like communication,
teamwork, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for any career! The visit also tied back to the UNCRC rights, reminding pupils of their right to career information (Article 28) and education that prepares them for life (Article 29). To top it all off, everyone received a goodie bag full of career resources, making it a fun and inspiring day for all involved!
SHANARRI – Achieving, Respected, Responsible, Included
UNCRC: Article 3 – best interests of the child. Article 17 – Access to information
National Odd Sock Day marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day 2024. Our children ‘chose to respect‘ by wearing a colourful array of different socks. We talked about how the world is a brighter place because of difference and our uniqueness.
The day sends an important message to pupils that they should be allowed to be themselves free from bullying and helps us celebrate Anti-Bullying Week in a fun and positive way.
UNCRC Rights of the Child – Article 2: No Discrimination, 29: Aims of Education
Pupils, staff, veterans and community members joined together today at our Village War Memorial to remember all those in the armed forces who have made sacrifices for us in the past, and for those who continue to do so today.
Rev. Breakey led a service with poignant poems and readings by the children. She recounted the story of Stoker John Smith who’s name is on our village war memorial. He was a local Portpatrick Primary pupil who lost his life at just 19 years of age when his submarine was hit by a torpedo. Lacey’s Daddy shared information on the campaign medals he has been presented with for his time in the armed forces. This helped make the Remembrance service personal for the children and deepen their understanding of the selflessness of those who protect us to keep us safe from war.
We were very touched to be joined by our local veterans and community members.
The children stood respectfully for the 2 minute silence, giving the occasion the dignity it deserves.
Here is a short animated storybook about the Scottish Poppy
