Start of Term News
It’s been a busy and active start to this new session with lots to report.
In response to requests from parents to improve communication between school and home I have decided to send the ‘housekeeping’ matters and ‘dates for your diary’ sections of this newsletter home to you in paper form. I am very aware that we are endeavouring to reduce our carbon footprint and therefore information regarding school and curricular development, events, achievements and celebrations may be found in the school blog: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ea/LoanheadPrimarySchool/
School Improvement Plan 2017/2018
The targets we have set for this year are:
- To introduce ICE PACK – a resource to support and develop good mental health
- To develop 1+2 approach to modern languages
- To introduce, embed and implement changes required to up level current practice in line with benchmarks.
A positive start has been made with Health & Well Being and maths benchmarking. It is my intention to provide you with an opportunity to see the ICE PACK resource which we have purchased to deliver this area of Health & Well Being. Details to follow.
This year we have additional targets to reach through.
Pupil Equity Funding (PEF)
The PEF is additional funding allocated directly to schools to be targeted at closing the poverty related attainment gap. The funding will enable us to deliver activities, interventions and resources which will provide targeted support for children and enable them to achieve their potential.
The targets set are:
- To introduce a new reading scheme
- To increase classroom based laptop provision
- To support a Home Link Worker and Family Link Worker
- To provide homework and Health & Well Being community clubs.
We will keep you informed of developments related to these targets.
School Values
The staff have revisited Loanhead Primary School Values. These will be discussed at the first meeting of the Parent Council, Pupil Council and then be rolled out to the whole school at assemblies. The School Values:
- To be respectful
- To be trustworthy
- To be reliable
- To be friendly
- To be kind
- To have integrity
House Captains
Following our recent elections the following Primary 7 pupils have been successful!
House Captain Vice Captain
Kay Rachel Warboys Sam Taylor
Dean Amy Lindsay Niamh Murray
Piersland Izzy Maclean Zara Hogan
Howard Lucy MacKinnon Dylan Cunningham
Committees
The following committees will be formed shortly:
- Pupil Council
- Fundraising Ambassadors
- Dyslexic Friendly School
- Rights Respecting School
- Digital Leaders
- Display & Ethos
- JRSO (Junior Road Safety Officers).
Start of Term ‘Housekeeping Matters’
I am delighted to report that improvements planned during the summer holiday were carried out. I’m sure on your next visit to the school you will notice the difference to the newly sanded floors.
Outdoor Clothing & Personal Items
As a health promoting school we encourage childrento play outdoors unless it is extremely wet. Many pupils have been coming to school without jackets for wet weather. We keep a few jackets in the office but the problem has outgrown our supplies. Please ensure your child always wears or brings a suitable jacket to school.
We are having considerable difficulty with individual pupil’s property going missing or being unidentifiable. Please ensure your child’s name is on jackets and uniform items, including packed lunch boxes and school bags.
Road Safety
We continue to have traffic management issues around the school and therefore remind all parents once again not to park on the zig zag lines and not to use the car park as a gateway to the school. Please be reminded to use the top gate 
and not the car park entrance when dropping off or collecting your child. The car park area is not safe for children at this time.
These requirements are to ensure the safety of the children.
Homework Diaries 
All children have received a Homework Diary. It is a good form of communication between school and home. It is helpful if you sign it thus informing the teacher that you have seen it.
Parent Council
The Parent Council AGM takes place on 7th September in Loanhead Primary School. The Parent Council is a vital part of the school 
community and contributes to shaping the future of the school. You are warmly invited to attend this meeting.
Pupil Contact Information
If your child has an appointment outwith school or if you are contacting the school to inform us of a change of address or phone 
number, please note that such matters require to be put in writing. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Parent Meetings
Look out for information offering you an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher on 11th & 12th October 2017.
Nut Allergy
As we have several pupils within our school who have severe nut allergies, we would be grateful if you could ensure that all snacks and packed lunches sent into school do not contain any products containing nuts (eg. Nutella, chocolate spread etc). Your co-operation with this matter is much appreciated.
Dates for your Diary for the start of term. Further updates will be found in the school blog.
September
- 7th – Parent Council Friends of Loanhead AGM
- Friday 15th & Monday 18th – Holiday
- 28th Macmillan Coffee Morning, 10am – 12pm.
October
- Friday 6th P6/5 Class Assembly
- 11th & 12th Parent Appointments
- Friday 13th P5 Class Assembly
- Monday 16th to Friday 20th Holiday
- Monday 23rd In-service Day
- 27th Halloween (more details will follow)
Please note that dates are correct at the time of publication. On occasion due to unforeseen circumstances changes may be necessary. Updates/changes will be notified on school blog: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ea/LoanheadPrimarySchool
