A huge well done to our Primary 7 pupils who successfully completed their Bikeability Road Safety Training this week with the brilliant Mike Blakeman.
During the session, pupils took to the local roads to develop their cycling confidence and learn vital safety skills. From signalling at junctions to checking for traffic and managing road positioning, everyone rose to the challenge and made amazing progress.
Mike Blakeman was full of praise for the group, saying:
“They were all great and grew over the sessions, particularly individuals who overcame many challenges. Fantastic to see their confidence grow.”
Lacey, Carter, and Louise, who showed great determination throughout. Each of them overcame challenges and grew in confidence as the sessions went on. Their perseverance and positive attitudes were impressive!
It was wonderful to see the pride on everyone’s faces as they achieved their certificates and cycled away with new skills and self-belief.
Thank you again to Mike for leading such an engaging and supportive session, and to our P7s for being such fantastic role models.
Keep cycling safely, everyone! 🚲💪
UNCRC
Article 29 – Education should develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full
SHANARRI
Safe – Pupils learned how to stay safe while cycling on roads
Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – Promotes active, healthy lifestyles through cycling
The next instalment in the adventures of Inky and Lion with the Rev…
Inky Mouse and Lion have been off on another exciting leg of their European adventure with Rev Breakey! This time, they leapt (or rather, snuck) into her bag to see a real volcano, Mount Etna.
From the city of Catania, they could see clouds of steam puffing from Etna’s top. Despite years of eruptions and earthquakes, people still live nearby because the soil is so good for growing things. Inky was a little nervous when they explored a dark lava tube, but Lion couldn’t wait to charge in! Lava had once rushed through the tunnel like strawberry milkshake through a straw, and now it’s a cool cave where people (and cuddly toys) can walk. In the olden days, clever Italians used these caves to store blocks of ice to make yummy granita, even before fridges were invented.
As the sun set over an old crater, the stowaways admired the view, with Etna steaming quietly in the distance. But their adventure wasn’t over yet…
Next, a railway strike meant big travel changes. The plan to head to Venice by train was halted, so a cunning plan was needed. A speedy bus took them across Sicily to Palermo, where the streets were buzzing and the scenery flashed by.
Then came a huge overnight ferry ride, full of trucks, tourists and even dogs! It reminded them of the Stena ferry to Belfast. After landing in hot and dusty Livorno (with delicious pizza!), they caught busy trains north.
Where to next? Switzerland, of course, if the trains behave!
On Thursday, our Primary 5 to 7 class from Portpatrick Primary set off on a truly memorable adventure to the awe-inspiring Garden of Cosmic Speculation, just outside Dumfries. We were joined by our friends from St Joseph’s Primary P5 to 7, making the day even more special. 🚌💫
We were lucky with the weather — warm, dry, and not a drop of rain in sight. Perfect conditions to explore the fascinating sights this unique garden had to offer. The gardens only open to the public one day every year and we were lucky enough to be able to granted an invitation to visit.
Designed by architect and theorist Charles Jencks and his wife Maggie Keswick, the garden is renowned for blending science, maths, nature and art in imaginative and thought-provoking ways. Every corner revealed spirals, patterns, sculptures and features that challenged us to stop, think and marvel.
🌿 Our pupils had a brilliant time exploring the different zones, from artistic landscapes and unusual buildings to cleverly designed spaces and curious plants. Each path seemed to lead to something unexpected.
🐌 A real favourite was Snail Hill, a spiralling grassy mound that plays tricks on your sense of direction. Made entirely from earth and grass, it was a gentle challenge to walk, but what a view from the top.
🌉 Another fascinating moment was learning about the two red bridges. The original Japanese-style red bridge is a striking feature of the garden, and when a railway had to pass through the grounds, the owners ensured the new bridge matched in colour and design to keep the garden’s harmony. This thoughtful mix of natural beauty and human impact really captured the children’s interest.
To top off our day, both schools took part in some fantastic STEM challenges:
🔍 Find the Fibonacci! – We searched for natural spirals and patterns in plants and surroundings.
🦆 Bridge Building! – Could we construct a bridge strong enough to support a rubber duck for 10 seconds? The pupils were up for the challenge.
🧱 LEGO Structure Design! – With one of the garden’s wooden structures damaged by storms, we were challenged to create a new version using LEGO. It had to be strong, creative and in keeping with the spirit of the garden.
It was a day full of learning, creativity and fun, and it was even better shared with our friends from St Joseph’s. A huge thank you to all the staff and organisers who helped make this joint experience one to remember. 🌟👏
🔹 SHANARRI Indicators:
Achieving: Pupils developed skills in STEM and problem-solving
Healthy: Outdoor learning supported wellbeing and physical activity
Included: Everyone participated and collaborated across schools
🔹 UNCRC Rights of the Child:
Article 28: Right to education
Article 29: Education must develop every child’s personality and talents
Article 31: Right to relax, play, and take part in cultural and creative activities
Our school fundraiser coffee morning was made even sweeter thanks to the hard work of our Primary 5 and Primary 1 to Primary 4 students!
Primary 5 took the lead in making buttery, crumbly shortbread. They practiced important skills like measuring ingredients carefully, mixing the dough, and baking it to golden perfection. Their teamwork and focus really paid off — the shortbread smelled and tasted amazing!
Meanwhile, our younger friends from Primary 1 to Primary 4 got busy making colourful, chocolatey rocky road. They measured, mixed, and stirred all the yummy ingredients like marshmallows, biscuits, and chocolate. Everyone worked together cooperatively, sharing tasks and encouraging each other.
Both groups helped prepare these tasty treats to sell at the coffee morning, raising funds for our school. It was wonderful to see children of all ages learning practical skills, working as a team, and having fun while helping a great cause.
Thank you to all the students, teachers, and families who supported the event — together we made it a huge success raising £761!
UNCRC Articles related to the baking and fundraiser
Article 12:Children have the right to express their views and be listened to. — Children planned and worked together, sharing ideas and cooperating during the baking activities.
Article 28:Every child has the right to education. — Learning new skills like measuring, mixing, and baking is part of their education.
Article 29:Education should develop every child’s talents and abilities. — Through cooking and teamwork, children develop practical skills and confidence.
Article 31:Every child has the right to relax, play, and take part in cultural and artistic activities. — Baking and cooperating with friends is a fun and creative activity that supports well-being.
Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) related to the baking and fundraiser
Goal 4: Quality Education — The children are developing important life skills and working collaboratively, which supports quality learning.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — The fundraiser teaches children about contributing to their community and supporting local causes.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities — The fundraiser helps build a sense of community and supports equal opportunities for all children.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals — The activity shows how working together—students, teachers, and families—can achieve great things.
We welcomed the new P1s to our school for Transition Day!
We were so excited to welcome our newest friends from nursery to our school for Transition Day! It was a special day designed to help the little ones feel comfortable and happy as they get ready to start their school journey.
During the visit, the P1 children explored our classrooms, met their new teachers, and made new friends. They enjoyed fun activities like storytime, arts and crafts, and playing games together. It was wonderful to see their big smiles and hear their laughter!
Our older students helped by showing them around and sharing tips on how to have fun and learn at school. Transition Day is all about making new children feel welcome and confident, and we can’t wait to see them all again when they start officially.
Welcome to our school Kaiden and Arya!
UNCRC Articles related to Transition Day
Article 28:Every child has the right to an education. — Transition Day supports children’s right to start school and access quality education.
Article 12:Children have the right to express their views and be listened to. — The P1 children are encouraged to share their feelings and ask questions about their new school.
Article 29:Education should develop every child’s personality, talents, and abilities. — The activities on Transition Day help children discover new skills and build confidence.
Article 31:Every child has the right to relax, play, and take part in cultural and artistic activities. — Fun activities like games and crafts make learning enjoyable and support children’s well-being.
Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) related to Transition Day
Goal 4: Quality Education — Transition Day promotes inclusive, equitable quality education and supports lifelong learning opportunities for all children.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being — Helping children feel safe and happy during transition supports their mental and emotional well-being.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities — Providing all children with the chance to get ready for school helps reduce barriers and inequalities.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions — Creating a welcoming and supportive school environment builds peaceful, inclusive communities.
What a fantastic day it was when our partnership schools came together for an exciting day of fun, laughter, and friendship! Students, teachers, and staff all joined in for a special outing that included putting, eating ice cream, and enjoying the sun at the beach.
The day started with a friendly putting competition. Everyone gave it their best shot – some students showed surprising skills, while others just enjoyed trying something new.
After working up an appetite, it was time for a sweet treat. Vanilla and Raspberry ripple flavours were devoured by the children.
The highlight of the day was definitely the trip to the beach. The golden sand and sparkling sea welcomed everyone. Kids built sandcastles, collected seashells, and splashed in the gentle waves.
This day was a wonderful reminder of how much fun learning and friendship can be when the schools work together. We look forward to many more days like this, filled with joy, teamwork, and sunshine!
UNCRC Articles related to the fun day
Article 12:Children have the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them. — The children actively participated in choosing and enjoying activities like putting, ice cream, and beach play, showing their right to have a say and be involved.
Article 31:Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. — The fun day with putting, ice cream, and beach games supports children’s right to play and enjoy recreational activities.
Article 24:Every child has the right to the best possible health. — Spending time outdoors, playing in the sea, and enjoying healthy social interaction contributes to children’s physical and mental well-being.
Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) related to the fun day
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being — Encouraging physical activity through putting and beach play promotes children’s health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality Education — Partnership schools working together to provide enriching, inclusive activities supports inclusive and equitable quality education.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions — Bringing schools together fosters peaceful, inclusive societies and promotes collaboration and community spirit.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals — The collaboration between schools demonstrates the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals, including the well-being of children.
What else can you do when the temperature is very hot, but go swimming and eat ice cream?
That was exactly the plan for Inky Mouse and Lion. With their sunglasses perched firmly on their noses and a generous squirt of sunscreen (factor 50, of course), they headed out for a seaside adventure.
Now, this wasn’t quite like a day out in Portpatrick. There was no soft sand between their paws. Instead, the beach was made of dramatic black rocks, formed long ago when Mt Etna’s lava cooled and hardened at the water’s edge. No donkey rides here. But there were smooth steps leading right into the glittering blue sea.
And instead of staking out a spot with towels and windbreaks, everyone paid to enter a beach club where they could relax on comfy loungers under umbrellas. A lifeguard watched over everyone with a very serious pair of binoculars, although Inky Mouse suspected he was mostly making sure no one tried to dive in with their flip-flops on.
Lion decided swimming wasn’t really his thing and instead flopped onto a lounger to sunbathe with style. Inky Mouse tucked into a whole box of juicy grapes and declared it the finest beach snack ever. No sand in your sandwiches here!
Later, Rev Breakey, Claire and the stowaways wandered off in search of something cool and sweet. They found a local Italian café that looked like dessert heaven, with shelves stacked full of beautiful cakes and colourful tubs of ice cream. But the treat of the day was something very special indeed — a granita. It’s a cross between ice cream and sorbet, served with a soft, fluffy brioche bun. Lion wasn’t sure at first, but after one bite, his eyes widened and he refused to share. Inky Mouse dipped her brioche like a true professional.
Yum.
With bellies full and paws sticky, they chatted excitedly about tomorrow’s plans — a short (and hopefully safe) hike near Mt Etna. Rev Breakey mentioned getting a bit lost on Friday and bumping into some ladies in their undies, but no photos were taken and everyone agreed that was probably for the best.
More to come as the stowaways continue their Sicilian adventure. Stay tuned!
Well, it has been a busy few days for Inky Mouse and Lion.
They arrived in Sicily on Friday after a long, noisy but comfy sleeper journey all the way from Rome. They tucked themselves into Rev Breakey’s bunk and watched the world whizz by. It was exciting when the train coaches were disconnected and shunted onto a ferry. Lion and Inky Mouse took the chance to have a breath of fresh air up on the deck of the ferry. Even at 7am, it was a lot warmer than the Cairnryan ferries.
Once safely back on solid ground, the stowaways wasted no time. They went exploring in Catania, a small town near Mt Etna, an active volcano perched on the Eastern side of Sicily like a fiery guardian next to the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot. The ancient Romans once called this place home and built a spectacular amphitheatre right in the heart of the city.
More than 2000 years later, the amphitheatre still whispers stories from the past. Rows of stone seats curve round the arena where people once cheered for races, mock sea battles, and gladiator duels. Inky Mouse tried to imagine what it would feel like to be in the spotlight, while Lion quietly decided he much preferred modern snacks to ancient swordfights.
The grand marble that once lined the theatre was taken away to build palaces and cathedrals, but the sturdy brick seating and dark, echoey passageways still remain. Much of it is hidden under houses and shops now, but our intrepid soft toy explorers found their way into the sunlit arena.
There was no danger of gladiators or runaway chariots, just the warm Sicilian sunshine and the perfect photo opportunity. Inky Mouse posed dramatically, while Lion tried to look brave but ended up lying flat on the warm stone, purring in contentment.
They agreed it was a very fine place for a stowaway adventure, and there may have been a gelato or two involved afterwards. What’s next for these mischievous travellers? Keep your eyes peeled — you never know where they’ll pop up next.
West Rhins Pupils Make a Splash with Watersports Adventure on Loch Ryan
Pupils from Portpatrick and St Joseph’s R.C. Primary Schools, both part of the West Rhins Partnership, enjoyed a thrilling morning on Loch Ryan last week, thanks to an action-packed session with Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), kindly funded by the Rhins Educational Trust. We are continuing to build wider achievement experiences.
Senior pupils from St Joseph’s R.C. and Portpatrick Primary came together for the outing, which featured exciting watersports activities: kayaking and sailing. Despite the grey skies and occasional rain, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of the children or their sense of adventure.
Kayaking Challenge Brings Big Smiles
Working in pairs, pupils launched double kayaks onto the loch and took part in a light-hearted challenge that involved passing a tennis ball while navigating the water. The activity sparked plenty of laughter and showcased excellent teamwork and coordination.
Sailing Success with a Splash of Excitement
The pupils also had the chance to try their hand at sailing small, single-sail boats. With guidance from experienced instructors, the children helped launch the boats before setting off across the loch.
A Joyful Finish
The morning concluded with an opportunity for everyone to splash and play in the sea together. Rain or not, the smiles on the children’s faces said it all. It was a morning filled with energy, fun and adventure. Staff and pupils alike expressed their gratitude to the SWSA instructors for their expert guidance and support. Thank you to all who made the experience possible.UNCRC Rights of the Child
Article 31: Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in cultural and artistic activities.
Article 29: Education should develop children’s talents and abilities to their fullest potential.
SHANARRI Wellbeing Indicators
Active: Pupils engaged in energetic watersports like kayaking and sailing.
Included: Children from both schools participated together, building friendships and teamwork.
Achieving: Pupils learned new skills and challenged themselves in a supportive environment.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – Promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing through outdoor learning.
Goal 4: Quality Education – Learning beyond the classroom in a fun, practical setting.
Goal 14: Life Below Water – Encouraging respect for marine environments through positive interaction.
Despite the rainy weather, spirits were high at yesterday’s Portpatrick Primary School Fundraising Coffee Morning held at the Portpatrick Hub, and what a fantastic morning it was! The event was kindly organised by our fabulous Parent Council and Community Members.
We were delighted to see such an amazing turnout of parents, family, friends, past and present pupils and members of the wider community. It was lovely to see everyone come together for a cuppa, a chat and some fundraising fun.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who donated prizes for the ever-popular tombola. From home-baked goodies to generous gifts from local businesses and artists, your kindness helped make the event a great success.
We are thrilled to share that we’ve raised an incredible £761. 🎉
A special thank you to the Portpatrick Hub for kindly providing the use of their brilliant facilities. Your support made it all possible.
Once again, thank you to our fantastic school community for your generosity and support. Rain or shine, you always show up.
This event supported:
SHANARRI Wellbeing Indicators:
Included
Nurtured
UNCRC Rights of the Child:
Article 15 – The right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations
