Author: Mr Morrison

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.

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

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

Today, Portpatrick primary school pupils enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on mulching project in the school orchard. Equipped with shovels, wheelbarrows, and gloves, the children worked together to spread organic mulch around the plants. The activity not only helped to enrich the soil and suppress weeds but also taught pupils the importance of sustainable gardening.

Through this practical experience, the children learned about improving plant health and conserving moisture, linking the project to their science curriculum on ecosystems. The children showed great teamwork and effort, and everyone was eager to contribute. Well done everyone and thanks very mulch to Norvel Dampney who assisted the children.

Metaskills: Focusing + Collaborating

UNCRC: 6 – Life, Survival and Development. 24 – health, water, food and environment.

Today the school extended a warm welcome to nursery pupils who will be enrolling in our school this year or next year. The current P1s did a fantastic job of introducing the youngsters around the school and played with them in the playroom. They did various activities including modelling with playdoh, counting with a till, making food and drinks and getting used to their new surroundings for the future.

SHANARRI – Included and Safe

UNCRC – 28 – Access to Education. 12 – Respect for Children’s Views.

On the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, Reverend Breakey came into the school to make Christingles.

This gave the children a sense of association between the birth of Christ, the light that is shared and the love that is spread around the world – indicated by the red tape. The candles and sweets signify the fruits of earth and the four seasons.

The children thoroughly enjoyed their task and we thank Rev. Breakey once again for all she does for our school!

UNCRC – Article 14: Freedom of thought, belief and religion. Article 29: goals of education.

Metaskills: focused, collaboration, empathy and creative.

Portpatrick Hotel and the Portpatrick Cinema group kindly invited the children to watch a film on the penultimate day of Term 2! The children were spoilt with popcorn and mini munchie boxes provided by Portpatrick hotel and Cinema group. They were treated with watching Despicable me 4 in comfy seats.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to the Cinema Group and Portpatrick Hotel for making our children feel comfortable and giving them a sense of pride in our community. It is much appreciated and was a lovely end of term gesture for the children for all their hard work.

UNCRC: Article 17: Access to information and Article 31 (Leisure, play and culture)

Metaskills: behaviour, focussed, critical thinking.

Sorry for the belated blog post…. those pesky elves! The children had a great build up to Christmas in the school. They gave a fantastic performance in the school show and were rewarded with a visit from Santa Claus! Santa brought each of the children their own special present which they wished for in class.

Additionally, the children enjoyed a yummy Christmas dinner a few days before the holidays which included turkey, roast potatoes and everybody’s favourite… Brussel sprouts!

Well done to all the children for their efforts in Term 2. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and Happy New Year.

Metaskills: communication, collaboration, creative

UNCRC: Article 3 (best interests of the child), Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion)