Please view the minutes of our most recent Parent Council meeting here which took place on 14/1/25 online.

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

Hi everyone.

I hope you have had a lovely break during Christmas and New Year!!

This is a gentle reminder to please send in any photos of achievements that your child has accomplished outside of school. We will celebrate these  during our wider achievements assembly on the 17th January.  It can be anything from dancing awards to riding their bike without stabilisers. We can’t wait to hear from you and thank you!

Mrs McCreadie

P1 Registration

For children who turn age of 5 years between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026 and whose parents and carers wish them to attend school should be registered for education during the week Monday 13 January 2025 until Friday 17 January 2025.  To register you should complete an online application and submit no later than Friday 17 January 2025.

Register at: – https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

To register your child you will require to upload a copy of your child’s birth certificate and two proofs of your residence in the catchment area in the form of a Council Tax Notice or Utility Bill.  Should you require a copy of your child’s birth certificate for Registration, this can be obtained at www.certificates.scot

If you are unable to register online then please phone your local school who will assist you to register your child.

Placing Requests

Parents and carers who wish to make a placing request must first enrol their child/children at their catchment school. Placing requests for the session beginning August 2025, should be received by 31 January 2025.

Requests must be completed and submitted online at: https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/schoolplacingrequest

Parents and carers can also submit a placing request for Gaelic Medium Education for their child.  For further information regarding Gaelic Medium Education at Sgoil na Coille Nuaidh on William McIlvanney Campus, please contact the school directly on 01563 558505.

Welcome back to all our pupils! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. 

Parents/ Carers please view our January Newsletter 2025 

To the wonderful families of Mount Carmel Primary, thank you for all of the love and support you have shown me during my time with you.

It truly has been a joy and a privilege to work with  your amazing children. Team MC will forever be in my heart.

God bless and farewell.

Mrs McGahon

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 note when we return after the Christmas break we will be on week 2 of the school lunch menu, however,  there will be a change to the menu for the Monday only of that week.

The lunch that day will be as follows:

Macaroni and Cheese

Cheese Pizzini

Ice Cream

P1 Registration week will take place from Monday 13 January 2025 until Friday 17 January 2025 for children who attain the age of 5 years between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026, and whose parents/carers wish them to attend school

Registration forms should be completed online and submitted no later than Friday 17January 2025. Adverts have been placed in the Kilmarnock Standard and Cumnock Chronicle for early December to advise parents/carers. East Ayrshire Council web pages will be updated and our communication team will send out information on relevant social media platforms.

We will also send you information to go out on the Safer Schools Scotland  on registration week.

Placing requests for P1’s should be completed and submitted no later than 31 January 2025.

Please see copy of our updated December Newsletter

December Newsletter update 2024

We have a number of staffing changes as we move to the new year.

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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: https://eastayrshi.re/SchoolHandbooks

Please complete the online P7 transfer application at http://eastayrshi.re/p7transfer no later than Friday 20 December 2024.

Please continue to check you child’s hair for any unwanted visitors.

Thank you

This Friday is:

A reminder that the school closes at 2.30pm for the Christmas Break.

Children who travel  by taxi will be collected at 2pm

The only option for school lunch this Friday will be soup and sandwiches.

Tomorrow is the last day for purchasing tickets for the FOMC December raffle where you could be in with a chance of winning this fabulous hamper!!

Good Luck

Our Winning House is Air!

Well done to everyone in the Air House who will be going to Jungle Madness  on  Wednesday 8th  January. 

Permission forms have been issued today and  must be returned no later than Thursday19th December.

Pupils christmas Parties will take place on the following days from 1.30pm – 2.50pm 

Monday 16th December P1 – P3

Tuesday17th December P6 & P7 

Wednesday 18th December P4 & P5 

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.

Thanks 

• Application for Dance Fest 2025, 22/23 April The Gaiety, Ayr: https://forms.office.com/e/Hrv2nXXerm
• Application for East Ayrshire’s Youth Dance Company: https://forms.office.com/e/GCdQxticUV
• FORM for EAC’s Staff Dance Group: https://forms.office.com/e/7VvGqpJ3m7

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 uniform 

***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. 

Please do not use link on December Newsletter as this is no longer active or working

Additional Nativity Tickets

Please have a look at our December newsletter.

December Newsletter 2024

It was with great sadness that we heard about the passing of Councillor Maureen McKay. She was a great advocate for Mount Carmel Primary and has been central to many of the changes within …

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Tempest Photography.

It’s great to see so many parents ordering their child’s school photos.

For those parents who are yet to order online, you have until Monday 9^th December 2024 to take advantage of free delivery back to school. Order through the Tempest website using your unique link or visit www.tempest-orders.co.uk