After a good sleep, eating breakfast and getting ready for our busy day. And the weather looks decent!

After a good sleep, eating breakfast and getting ready for our busy day. And the weather looks decent!

Archery, bushcraft and abseiling before dinner


Please find link below for our February Newsletter
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The Met Office has now issued a red warning for wind from 10am until 5pm on Friday 24 January.
Storm Eowyn will cause very dangerous conditions and there will be significant disruption. The Council has taken the decision to close all schools and Early Childhood Centres, plus SL33 and SL66 on Friday 24 January.
This is a difficult decision to take and the Council understands the impact on parents and carers, however the safety of children and young people is paramount.
Parents of children taking part in Reconciliation in 2025 are invited to attend a short meeting in OLMC on Sunday 19th January 2025 after the 11.30 mass to discuss the program.
Please bring along your childs registration form, if parents require a registration form these are available from the school office.
Primary 5 – Term 3
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. I am so excited to be joining Primary 5, and I’m absolutely delighted by how quickly everyone has settled into the new term. We have an exciting and busy term ahead, and I’m confident that Primary 5 will embrace every challenge and excel in all that we do. I’m really looking forward to working with each of you and watching how much the class will grow and thrive throughout the term. Here’s a look of what we’ll be learning about in the weeks to come.
 Literacy
Reading – This term, the class will embark on an exciting exploration of Scots language. A key focus will be on poetry, allowing the children to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of Scots verse while developing their analytical skills. Additionally, they will hone their non-fiction reading skills, concentrating on practical strategies such as note-taking, mind mapping, and scanning texts to identify and highlight key words and phrases effectively. These skills will help enhance their comprehension and organisation of information across all areas of learning.
Spelling – Throughout the week, the class will further develop their spelling skills. A variety of active spelling strategies will be implemented to engage learners and reinforce understanding, with a strong focus on consistency and application. These approaches will be extended into homework tasks, providing opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning in different contexts.
Writing – The focus genres for writing this term will be persuasive and discursive texts, which will be closely linked to the class topic work to provide meaningful and engaging contexts for learning. Pupils will continue to refine their tools for writing, with an emphasis on mastering the use of complex punctuation and enhancing their vocabulary through effective use of a dictionary and thesaurus. This integrated approach will not only strengthen their writing skills but also deepen their understanding and application of knowledge across the curriculum.
Talking and Listening – This term, Talking and Listening skills will be developed through the study of Scots language, providing an engaging context for pupils to explore rich vocabulary and expressive communication. Additionally, pupils will enhance their presentation skills through links to their topic work, delivering presentations on a new invention, as well as the topic of tsunamis, flooding, and landslides. This integrated approach will allow students to build confidence in speaking and listening while deepening their knowledge and understanding of key curricular areas.
Numeracy
This term, P5 will continue with daily Number Talks as a starter to of our numeracy lessons, fostering critical thinking and encouraging pupils to explore and share a variety of problem-solving strategies. Our main focus for number based learning will be multiplication and division, to build fluency, accuracy, and confidence in these foundational skills.
In Beyond Number, the class will begin by exploring time, ensuring pupils develop a secure understanding of both analogue and digital formats, before moving on to the study of angles. Practical activities and real-world applications will be incorporated to deepen understanding and make learning engaging and meaningful for all.
Health and Wellbeing
Our PE days are Tuesday and Thursday. Our learning journey begins with a strong focus on fitness. In these sessions, the class explore various aspects of physical fitness, including cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Through a range of activities and exercises, we will not only improve our physical abilities but also develop a deeper understanding of the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. P5 will challenge ourselves to set personal fitness goals, track our progress, and learn about the long-term benefits of regular physical activity. As we work together in a supportive environment, we will also foster teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards health and fitness.
During our lessons on substance misuse, P5 will explore the effects and risks associated with harmful substances, as well as the importance of making informed and responsible choices. To deepen our understanding, we will connect this topic with persuasive writing skills by creating our own TV advert. Through this project, the class will learn how to effectively convey important messages and influence attitudes using compelling language, emotional appeal, and strong arguments.
Science
This term in science, the class will be exploring the topic of sound and light. Pupils will investigate the properties of sound, including how it travels, how different materials affect sound, and how we use our senses to perceive sound. P5 will also explore the nature of light, examining how light travels, how it reflects and refracts, and how light enables us to see objects in the world around us. The class will use a range of practical and collaborative activities to reinforce these concepts.
IDL
This term, we are excited to explore the contributions of Scottish inventors and their impact on shaping Scotland’s culture and heritage. As part of this journey, the class will work collaboratively in teams to design our own innovative solutions to address a sustainable challenge facing Scotland today. Through this project, P5 will also dive into the concept of META skills, exploring how we can apply these skills—such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—in real-world scenarios to make a positive difference.
R.E
This term in R.E, the focus of learning will be on the life and teachings of Jesus, exploring how His example continues to inspire and guide people around the world. The class will also learn about the season of Lent, reflecting on its significance and the items associated with this period of spiritual preparation. Through this exploration, P5 will gain a deeper understanding of Catholic values and how they can be applied in our own lives. Together, the class will reflect on the themes of compassion, sacrifice, and renewal, considering how these ideas can shape our actions and attitudes.
Technology
Our focus in technology this term will be learning how to log on to and navigate the Chromebooks effectively. The class will explore essential skills such as accessing different applications, managing files, and using the internet safely and responsibly. Throughout this process, P5 will become more confident in using technology for research, collaboration, and task completion. Additionally, we will discuss online safety and digital etiquette, ensuring we understand how to protect ourselves and others while using technology.
UNCRC
After exploring the UNCRC for Human Rights Day, we created a class charter focused on the rights of the child. Each of us took responsibility for identifying and highlighting the rights we believe are most vital in fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment. Each of us plays an essential role in creating and maintaining this culture by actively respecting and supporting one another’s rights, ensuring that our classroom is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. The children have adapted well to the changes in their class structure, and we are so pleased with how they are managing. This term is set to be a busy and exciting one, and I am looking forward to all the learning and growth that will take place. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Take care,
Miss Dorby

The staff at Mount Carmel would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 6th January 2025.

Please see copy of our updated December Newsletter
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As you are no doubt aware, your child is due to transfer from primary to secondary education at the beginning of the new school session (August 2025).
Secondary school hand books are available at:Â https://eastayrshi.re/SchoolHandbooks
Please complete the online P7 transfer application at http://eastayrshi.re/p7transfer no later than Friday 20 December 2024.
Pupils christmas Parties will take place on the following days from 1.30pm – 2.50pmÂ
Monday 16th December P1 – P3
Tuesday17th December P6 & P7Â
Wednesday 18th December P4 & P5Â
Children should attend school wearing their party clothes

Primary 7 pupils WILL NOT take part in the scheduled transition visit to St Joesphs on Thursday 19th December, this will allow them to participate in our Christmas Mass instead.
ThanksÂ

Please ensure your child arrives in school on time (no later than 9am) tomorrow as buses will leave at 9.15am prompt

Children can wear their Christmas Jumpers to school tomorrow on top of their normal school uniformÂ
***This payment item is now LIVE on Parentpay. Please make sure you make payment for the correct performance***
Please find below link for additional tickets for the P1 – P3 Nativity.Â
Please do not use link on December Newsletter as this is no longer active or working

We look forward to seeing you all at our Christmas Fayre tomorrow evening from 6.30 pm – 8.30pm, our wonderful school choir will be getting us into the Christmas spirit from 6.15pmÂ
Tempest school photographs will be in childrens school bags today (27/11)
Thanks
Dear Parents/Carers,
Â
Following interviews held yesterday, I am delighted to be able to advise that Mrs Joanna McGahon has been appointed to the post of Acting Head Teacher, St Sophia’s Primary School.Â
Â
Joanna is currently Depute Head Teacher at Mount Carmel Primary School, and will commence her post at St Sophia’s PS in the New Year.
Â
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Joanna on her appointment.
Â
Kind regards,
Â
Linda McAulay-Griffiths
Chief Education Officer and Head of Education
East Ayrshire Council
London Road
KILMARNOCK
KA3 7BU

On Tuesday 19th November children in Primary 1 will receive their Bookbug Family Bag and children in Primary 2 and Primary 3 will receive their Read Write Count bags.
We will have a special afternoon of activities on the day. Children in P1-3 can come to school dressed in their pyjamas, bring a cuddly toy The teachers have planned a lovely afternoon for the boys and girls, where they will also enjoy a special treat of milk & cookies.

Tomorrow is Children In Need Day, donations can be made through Parentpay aswell as through the link on our blog.
Children can dress down or wear any spotty/Pudsey clothes they may have, children can also bring along a donation for our Christmas Fayre.
There will also be a special lunch menu tomorrow to celebrate Children In Need, please see below for detailsÂ
ThanksÂ

There is still time to purchase your tickets through Parentpay tickets for our November raffle where your child had the opportunity to win either a Barbie or Hot wheels Advent Calendar.

The Parent Council will be selling Raffle tickets at both of our Pupil Progress Meeting Events for all of the wonderful prizes that can be won at the Christmas FayreÂ
Wider AchievementsÂ
At Mount Carmel Primary School we want to showcase and recognise all of our achievements. This includes items that children take part outside of school such as dancing, football, gymnastics, swimming – the list is endless. Please take some time to detail some of the activities your child takes part in out of school and any special awards they might have received recently as part of this. In order for us to share these achievements and recognise them at our special Wider Achievements Assembly on Friday 22nd November. If you have any photographs that you would like to share please email these to eamountcarmel.ps@eastayrshire.org.uk before Wednesday 20th November.
Thankyou
Primary 5 – Term 2 UpdateÂ
Hello everyone,Â
Welcome to the P5 update for Term 2.Â
Interdisciplinary Learning (IDL)Â
This term, our interdisciplinary topic will be ‘The Victorians in Scotland’. We will be exploring the life of Queen Victoria and the many accomplishments during her reign that had a significant impact on the people and children of Scotland. Additionally, the class will be learning about influential groups, as well as notable scientists and artists from this period whose visions helped shape the modern world. The children will be able to act out a day in the life of a Victorian school pupil and take part in a Victorian P.E. lesson.Â
LiteracyÂ
We have almost finished last term’s class novel, The Butterfly Lion and will be deepening our knowledge of comprehension strategies and questioning this term with our new class novel, Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson.Â
In writing, we have started work on narrative stories and after this, will then move onto response pieces. The class will continue to edit and redraft their work to improve clarity and detail. Â
For talking and listening, there will be a health and wellbeing focus on friendships and what makes a good friend. We will also be improving our listening skills and the importance of listening to others.Â
NumeracyÂ
Our focus for Numeracy in Term 2 will be Addition and then Subtraction. Groups will expand on their prior learning and add and subtract with 2, 3 and 4 digits, carrying and exchanging, what this looks like using practical materials and then spending some time exploring negative numbers and their real-world contexts.Â
On Thursdays, Mrs Terras will be teaching the children about money and then moving on to measuring area.Â
Health and WellbeingÂ
Our P.E. sessions are scheduled for Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Please ensure that your child brings in their P.E. kit on the correct day. Â
The key areas for this term will be Gymnastics with myself and Football with Mrs Terras. Â
Within our P.A.T.H.S lessons children will be looking at ‘The Control Signals’ (Stop, Make a Plan and Go) that help us calm down when we are faced with a problem. This will also link in with our friendship focus in Health and Wellbeing. Â
We are broadening our studies in Health and Wellbeing to look at why groups of people may avoid certain food groups, viewing some of the statistics surrounding obesity in Scotland and how adverts we see on various platforms contribute to this.Â
R.E. Â
In term 2, we will be looking at many different topics such as Remembrance, how we honour our departed and the promise of eternal life through the month of November. December will be a month for learning about Advent as well as composing our own prayers. In both months, we will be researching some of the many Saints, how they were the models of Christian life and how they can help us through prayer. Mrs Terras will concentrate on the life of St Vincent de Paul on a Thursday.Â
Expressive ArtsÂ
Our expressive arts will be interwoven through our learning of our new class topic. We will experience techniques such as printing, allowing the children to create their own stamps and prints using everyday materials. Â
Mrs Terras will be focussing on drama this term with the class using drama games, creating and evaluating group performances.Â
TechnologiesÂ
We have been working on getting groups of pupils onto the school Glow network, resetting passwords and accessing educational resources as well as their pupil emails. I will be sending reminders of children’s glow log ins and Bug Club passwords home with them in the coming weeks, please keep an eye out for this.  Â
Our ICT time will also be used for word processing our narrative and response writing pieces, learning how to save those files and retrieve them. Â
1+2 LanguagesÂ
Primary 5 will be learning some Spanish phrases to say hello, goodbye, introduce themselves as well as ask someone else’s name. In French, Mrs Terras will be looking at classroom vocabulary as well as the use of ‘le’, ‘la’ and ‘les’ before nouns.Â
Thanks as always for your continued support
Miss Carr & Mrs Terras
Our children have worked hard in creating beautiful Christmas Art designs.
Parents/Carers have the opportunity to view and purchase various products that showcase your childs individual image should they wish to do so. With any purchases made a percentage of this will go towards fundraising for various school activites.
Pupils have been provided with a leaflet today detailing how parents/carers are able to view their childs design as well as purchase any products should they wish to do so.
TeamMC

Gentle reminder that the clocks go back 1 hour this weekend

We would like to say a great big THANK YOU to the Parent Council for organising last nights Halloween disco.
All of the children (and adults) had a brilliant time.
Thankyou
We hope you all have fun Trick or Treating at Killieween tonightÂ
Team MC

***** Reminder *****
School will close for the October break on Friday 11th October @ 3pm and will reopen on Tuesday 22nd October @ 9am
As part of their Rainbow Reward on Friday 4th October, Primary 5 have chosen to have a Pyjama Day, children are able to bring pyjamas, a small snack & blanket to school wil them, they will change into their pyjamas after lunch, enjoy a movie then change back into their school clothes at hometime.
Children SHOULD NOT come to school dressed in their pyjamas, if you have any questions please contact the school office.