We are delighted to be participating in East Ayrshire Council’s Active Travel initiative Mission to the Moon. The aim of this project is to get young people walking to school in a bid to further reduce our carbon emissions here in East Ayrshire, while also reducing congestion at our school gates and promoting Active Travel.
Earning S-Miles (‘School Miles’)
Each time our young people travel to/from school by walking, scooting/cycling, they will earn an S-mile for their class.
Park & Stride – pupils will earn an S-Mile even if they walk part of the journey to/from school. Bonus S-Miles can be earned by parents/siblings/staff walking the journey to school too!
A walking circuit will be available in the playground for pupils who travel to school by taxi/bus and for any pupil who wishes to gather bonus S-miles for their class during break/lunchtime. Class walks, outings and Daily Mile time also earn S-Miles for classes.
Our Eco Committee will collate our S-Miles each week in school and send our totals to the Climate Change Team at East Ayrshire Council each month.
Our S-Mile Journeys
In Mount Carmel we have agreed that our first target will be to walk the length of the Zambezi River. This links to our Lenten SCIAF appeal, which this year is focused on supporting families in Zambia. Many children there walk up to 10 miles a day to get to school. The length of the river is 1599 miles and we hope to accrue the equivalent miles in 3 weeks.
We will try our best to collect the miles we need within the timescale we have set. Once we have reached our target destination, we will decide on our next destination and time scale.
The Launch!
We will begin collecting S-Miles week commencing Monday 20th February and continue on our travels during the rest of Term 3 and 4. Once all participating schools across East Ayrshire have banked 238,855 S-Miles, we can launch our EAC Clean Green rocket, sending it all the way to the moon!
We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress via our school app and blog throughout the year.
Mrs McGahon
Depute Head Teacher
Have you ever thought of a career in Childminding?
East Ayrshire Council provides Pre-Registration Training and support FREE to anyone residing in East Ayrshire who is looking to become a childminder. Please see the information leaflet below:
Please complete the form below only if you do not wish your child/children to receive ashes
The form Ash Wednesday Consent Form is now available and will take you 2 minutes to complete. Please be sure to submit it by 17/02/2023.
Thank you!
The letter above went out to all pupils last week. Please check your emails (including junk) for your Learning Journals log in details. Please contact the school if you have not received your login email or are having problems accessing Learning Journals.
Thank you.
Please complete the form below only if you do not wish your child/children to receive ashes
The form Ash Wednesday Consent Form is now available and will take you 2 minutes to complete. Please be sure to submit it by 17/02/2023.
Thank you!
Please find attached information about a Mental Health Open Evening at St Joseph’s Academy this Wednesday 8th February.
Dress to Express – Wednesday 8th February
Children are welcome to come to school in clothing to showcase their personality.
There is no cost for this.
Please complete the form below only if you do not wish your child/children to receive ashes
The form Ash Wednesday Consent Form is now available and will take you 2 minutes to complete. Please be sure to submit it by 17/02/2023.
Thank you!
Freshly made pancakes will be available at lunchtime on Shrove Tuesday as an additional item.
Toppings available will include:
Banana with natural yoghurt
Strawberries with ice cream
Looking forward to an exciting block of sports input from Active Schools
Primary 6 invite their parents and carers to a ‘Sharing the Learning’ afternoon on Tuesday 7th February at 2pm.
This is a chance for Primary 6 parents and carers to see the wonderful work that has been taking place . The focus will be on ‘Scots Language’.
I hope as many of you can make it as possible.
Thank you,
Mrs Terras
Childsmile will be visiting the P1-4 pupils in school on Thursday 2nd February from 9.30am-11.30am for a catchup visit to administer fluoride varnish.
Dress to Express – Wednesday 8th February
Children are welcome to come to school in clothing to showcase their personality.
There is no cost for this.
Updated PE days for all classes:
Primary 5 had a lovely time with Mrs Elstone on Friday when she came to visit. She taught us all about factors and how these numbers can help us in our learning.
Hi everyone. The lovely Primary 5 have asked for their rainbow reward next Friday to be junk modelling. Could you please send in any boxes, milk cartons or kitchen roll tubes for this activity. Thank you!!!
Dear Parent/Carer
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 2023).
Secondary school hand books are available at: https://eastayrshi.re/SchoolHandbooks
Please complete the online P7 transfer application at http://eastayrshi.re/p7transfer
Curricular update – Primary 5 – Term 3
I hope you all had a lovely family Christmas!! The children are now back in class and the hard work for term 3 has already began. Here you will find an update on what will be coming up regarding the children’s learning over the next few months.
Literacy
In terms of reading, the children will continue to develop their skills in their tool for reading such as using their prior knowledge to help them with a text or visualisation which allows them to use their imagination when descriptions are provided. There is a need for continued learning when it comes to answering questions regarding their texts. We will continue to work on the skill of notetaking. The children will develop an understanding that notes help to organise thinking and sort information into manageable chunks. They will also learn how to take their own notes. Within their reading, we will look at the language within texts, with a particular focus on persuasive language which will then link in with our writing this term.
Term 2 focussed on report writing whilst utilising a lot of different skills taught. The children wrote excellent newspaper reports on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot. This term, we will be learning all about response writing as well as discursive writing.
Due to the nature of discursive writing, our listening and talking focus will be on looking at the difference between fact and opinion. We will continue to complete listening tasks whilst working on our ability to listen for instructions.
Numeracy
I am so very proud of the entire class with regards to their learning in numeracy last term. The majority of the class used their knowledge of times tables to complete complex multiplication calculations using different number talk strategies. They worked extremely hard with Mrs MacKinnon to complete 3D shape, co-ordinates, and symmetry. They also learned about grid references. The children will continue to practise their times tables daily in order to retain these facts. This will help them when it comes to completing division tasks and fractions this term. The beyond number topics that will be taught are money and different aspects of measurement. These will be taught by Mrs MacKinnon.
Health and Well being
This term, we will have a focus on the children’s self-perception. We will look at the positive things they feel about their appearance as well as looking at what self-esteem and self-worth is. This is really important as they are the generation that are exposed to so much body image negativity in social media, it is extremely important that they understand how precious and perfect they are. As part of this, we will look at the achievements of each of the children and what areas of development they all have. There will also be a small focus on what potential careers each of the children could have and what will be required of them to achieve these goals.
Before we look at sexual health and relationships in term 4, we will first explore the meaning of the word ‘private’ and explore how important this is as we grow.
Within our P.E. lessons, we will learn about tennis, basketball and football and all of the skills and rules for each of these.
R.E.
This term, we will learn about how Jesus helps people who may have been considered as outcasts during this time. We will look at how Christians across the world are called to look after everyone, regardless of religion, race, culture and treat everyone with respect. Jesus called his disciples to follow him. We will revisit previous learning and examine the Jewish Sabbath and rituals associated with it. Towards the end of the term, the class will begin preparation for the celebration of Lent.
Expressive Arts
Art – Last term saw us explore colour and tone with paints. This term, we will be creating collages using different kinds of materials to create contrasts within a picture. We will use these skills to create art through our topic of Floods, tsunamis and landslides.
Drama – During our drama inputs, we will be learning about using different voices and how to use tone of voice to enhance characters. We will also be looking at giving constructive feedback to our peers.
IDL (Topic)
Our topic this term will be Floods, Tsunamis and Landslides. This topic will look at these natural disasters throughout our world and how climate control and climate change is impacting on these incidents.
Science
Our science topic this term is going to be diseases within our bodies. We will also have a look at pioneers in the world of medicine, such as Joseph Lister and Alexander Fleming.
ICT
The children’s understanding of ICT and how the hardware and software can be best used. They have a good understanding of how programs such as glow and word can be used to aid their learning. This term, we will learn how to attach documents to our emails, use hyperlinks and save our work on an online platform. The class are making god progress in their ICT learning.
French
Mrs MacKinnon is very pleased with the progress in French so far this year. The class will be learning the French vocabulary for hobbies this term and how they can use this vocabulary properly within French spoken language.
This will be a busy term. Our P.E. days continue to be a Tuesday and a Thursday. Please ensure that your child has a suitable P.E kit in school on these days. (Indoor shoes – NOT their school shoes, a pair of shorts/joggers and a t shirt)
As always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support. If there is anything you need to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office.
Many thanks, Mrs McCreadie
Welcome back to all families!
Pupils in the Oak Room have been very busy! The children love to come along to each session and are making great progress and great friends along the way!
This term pupils will continue to grow their social and emotional skills and will be using ‘Target Trackers’ in class to support them in this. As part of our Health and Wellbeing learning pupils will explore ‘friendship’ as a theme; we will focus on positive relationships and how we foster these and will explore issues and barriers to friendship such as bullying. Pupils will produce art work related to these themes and participate in group discussions.
The children are enjoying our group novel ‘Charlie Changes into a Chicken’, the pupils enjoy having a chapter read to them each day. This helps to regulate us and promotes conversation, attentive listening and group relationships.
Chat with your child around their attendance of the Oak Room, I am always happy to hear family feedback!
Mrs Crawford
As part of the cost of living support we are introducing free toast within the school dining hall to pupils for pupils to collect in the morning. In line with this we will also be temporarily reducing the cost of Breakfast Club food from £1.00 to £0.80.
Please note, this reduction to the charge is only temporary whilst we have Cost of Living funding available, and we will let you know when this reduction is due to end.
The Killie Community are starting an initiative every Wednesday night from 5pm-7pm at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, whereby you can come along for a tea/coffee, hot food and some company. It is called
“The Killie Winter Get-Together”
and will run weekly until the end of March. Entry is via the glass door to the left of the Killie Superstore. There is no registration required.
Happy New Year and I hope Santa was good to you all. And so we enter P7’s final year at primary!! Good to see all the pupils back after the holidays considering so many had been unfortunately unwell shortly before the break. Here is a brief overview of our learning focus this term.
Literacy
Our focus this term will continue to develop all reading skills through Bug Club guided reading texts. We will also be reading texts to identify fact and opinion and discuss the reliability of sources of information. We will also be looking at Scots language and poems. For writing, we are concentrating on discussion texts (discursive essays) until the February holiday then look at the narrative genre with a particular focus on using dialogue to advance the story.
Numeracy
The emphasis of our numeracy this term is on fractions, decimals and percentages and how they interlink. Having completed the set Number Talk discussions, we will continue to use Number Talk strategies to develop mental strategies using all four processes. The class are also working on skills beyond number with Mrs MacKinnon and will be investigating data handling.
Health and Wellbeing
The PATHS focus this term is looking at respect and how to deal with conflicts and identifying positive steps to de-escalate situations. We will also continue to praise and compliment children through Pupil of the Day. We are also exploring risk taking behaviour including substance misuse and practise basic first aid procedures.
Our PE days will now be a Tuesday and Wednesday. We will be first concentrating on fun fitness, creating personal fitness plans and setting personal goals. We also aim to develop our team game skills through netball where we will understand different roles within the team.
IDL
The topic this term is Scottish based and is looking at the Highland Clearances. We will be investigating important historical figures involved in the event, how people lived during that time and the mass emigration from the Highland area.
RE
This term we will be aiming to complete our Pope Francis Faith Award journals, revising all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and giving evidence of them being used in the school, at home and in the community or Parish. As well as this, there will be a final reflection on how the Gifts will help support them as they develop and grow.
French
Mrs MacKinnon will continue teaching French with P7. Through a range of talking, listening, reading and writing tasks, this term the focus will be on describing the weather and looking in to current affairs within France as well as using the verb etre (to be).
Technologies
This term P7 will look at coding and understand its importance within society. We will use block coding software to program small digital devices and explore various commands to create games and move characters within games.
I look forward to working with P7 in their final year and will enjoy accompanying them on their trip to Lockerbie this term.
Mr Bertoncini
Term 3 P6 Class News
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday. We are now in Term 3 and we have a busy couple of months of learning ahead of us.
Below is an overview of the learning and teaching taking place in P6 this term.
Literacy
Reading
P6 start the term by focussing on Scots Language. We will be reading Roald Dahls ‘The Eejits’ in order to experience the Scots Language being read out loud. P6 will learn and discuss different Scots poems. They will choose a Scots poem to learn and then recite in class. In February P6 will listen to and learn to interpret different genres of poetry. In March focus will return to fiction reading comprehension through Literacy circles, again appropriate to their level. Focus comprehension strategies this term are fact and opinion and to identify the theme of different text types.
Writing
Through January, P6 will complete a block of lessons on Descriptive writing – writing in Scots Language. A Scots Kist (dictionary) will support the children during these lessons. Focus will then turn to Response Writing – in particular responding to different types of poems. Lastly P6 will learn the features of a discursive piece of writing and how to write a discursive piece appropriate to their level.
Spelling
The spelling groups will continue to experience the Active Literacy spelling program, this will introduce familiar words and focus on phonemes pertinent to their level and stage. The pupils will continue to experience the Active Spelling strategies throughout Term 3, these include diacritical marking, syllabification, and words within words. Some weeks pupils will be given topic-specific vocabulary as part of their topic. Grammar lessons will focus on speech marks, prefixes and suffixes.
Numeracy
This term P6 will focus on decimals, percentages and fractions appropriate to their CfE level. This is a key topic in P6 and will be taught in depth. Our Beyond Number topics are 2D and 3D Shape and Information Handling. Through daily Mental Maths tasks P6 will continue to consolidate the four operations. P6 are encouraged to practice multiplication tables using Sumdog and Topmarks games.
Health and Wellbeing
The focus this term is Physical Health. P6 will learn about the importance of sleep, exercise and healthy eating.
Our PE days are Monday and Wednesday. Pupils are asked to bring FULL PE kit on these days. If pupils are without PE kit the school will be able to provide pupils with required items of clothing. The focus in PE this term is Fitness, Netball and Block 2 of Gymnastics.
Expressive Arts
In January, P6 will have opportunity to learn and experience traditional Scottish songs. They will learn about tone, expression and volume through learning about poetry. P6 will have the opportunity to create pieces of Scottish and Spring art.
RME
Throughout Primary 6 the pupils will listen to and engage with stories from the Gospel of Matthew. This term P6 will continue to work on their Pope Francis Faith Award, reflecting of how they use the different gifts in their wider world. During Lent P6 will focus on the importance of the Easter Story.
Modern Languages
This term P6 have the opportunity to take part in weekly virtual French lessons with the aim to increase their confidence in reading, writing and talking in French.
Homework
Homework this term will include Spelling, Reading, Mental Maths, and one other curricular area (RME, topic, etc). Homework is issued on a Monday and is due back on a Friday. I appreciate and wholeheartedly support wider achievement outside of school. If there are any reasons why pupils cannot complete the homework, due to activities out with school please contact the school.
In Primary 6 we promote hard work and amazing attitudes. P6 are aware of the high expectations I have of them. Our reward card system allows pupils to gain reward cards for Wonderful Work, Amazing Attitude, and being a ‘Superstar.’ When the pupils gain five cards, they can choose an individual reward. They can also choose to go for a class reward once everyone reaches five reward cards; this promotes teamwork within the class.
If you have any queries or questions, please contact the school directly.
Thank you for all your support.
Mrs. Terras
Toast will now be available to any child that may require this. This is provided by East Ayrshire due to the cost of living. This provision will be available daily in the dinner hall from 8.45am. Children can enter the hall via the middle door.
This is in addition to the current Breakfast Club. Our Breakfast Club will remain in place for named daily list of pupils that have requested a space. Currently we have no additional Breakfast Club spaces, however, a waiting list is in place.
