School News

Appointment of Head Teacher for Ochiltree Primary School

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Please see the original letter attached announcing the appointment from Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer –

Parents-Carers – Ochiltree PS

The following if copied from that letter:

Dear Parent/Carer,

I wish to provide an update to you on the leadership of Ochiltree Primary School. I am very grateful to Mrs Pamela Lockie who has led the school since Mrs Black’s departure earlier this year, and I am sure you will join me in thanking her for all of her hard work.

I can now advise that, following discussions with the Chair of the Parent Council, Mrs Denise MacColl has been appointed as the Head Teacher of Ochiltree Primary School. Mrs MacColl is an experienced Head Teacher and will be ably supported by Mrs Lockie as Depute Head Teacher.

I hope that you and your families enjoy the rest of the term and have a very restful and enjoyable summer break.

Yours sincerely,

LINDA McAULAY-GRIFFITHS

Chief Education Officer and Head of Education

School News

School Lunches

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Please note that there is a change to the menu for Monday 17th June.

The Super Tattie’s Tasty Tray will now come with an egg sandwich and not the chicken mayo baguette as noted on the ParentPay app.

Please also note that menus may be subject to change at short notice as we come to the end of the academic year.

Thank you

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Sports Taster Sessions

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All pupils will take part in activity sessions this week. Please ensure that your child has their PE kit  with them every day  this week ( no football strips, please).

On Wednesday all pupils will have the chance to show their Fast Feet in football  with coaches from Kilmarnock Football Club.

On Thursday each class will have a taster session of Karate.

Children will be focusing on health and will also take part in Daily Mile activities, in between the rain showers. Please ensure your child has a waterproof jacket with them.

Weather permitting, and if our pitch has dried out enough, our Sports afternoon will take place on Friday afternoon at 1.30 p.m in the school. Please look out for updates on whether this event will go ahead on the  31st  May.

Health and Wellbeing

WHATSAPP AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Advice for parents and carers

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Mobile phones are a great way for children and young people to keep in contact with their parents, carers and friends, especially as they begin a new school year. However, issues may arise if our children and young people excitedly share their mobile phone number with other pupils in their new school year group and even wider, as they perhaps join ‘WhatsApp’ group chats or other social media group chats.

This can lead to your child or young person sharing their mobile phone number with a whole year group and being included in what could amount to over one hundred school pupils on single group chat! The reality of this is that they don’t all know each other, they will all be from different backgrounds, they will all have different levels of online awareness and they will most likely be seeing messages, images and even video footage shared in the group which you, as a parent or carer, would not like them to see but which is out with your control. This situation can be difficult to manage and could be distressing in relation to what is read or seen. Coupled to this, peer pressure could lead to bullying.

WhatsApp is by far the most used messaging App although there are many other similar messaging Apps, and it allows users to send instant messages only to contacts that they have added to their WhatsApp account. Only people who have a WhatsApp account can send and receive messages through the app. Messages can be sent ‘one to one’ or within a ‘group conversation’ and for all messages sent, WhatsApp sends “read receipts” to tell sender if the message was delivered, read, seen or played. These settings can be changed, see the ‘how to guide for parents’ link below for more information. In relation to a group chat on any social media platform, even those as a parent or carer you are involved with, you have no control what will be sent, seen or shared so it is worthwhile having a conversation with your child or young person about this.

We know peer pressure can lead to people of any age doing something they otherwise would not do, online or offline, so this awareness during your child or young persons’ early years is very important.

Our colleagues at Internet Matters have created information resources below to inform you of how the social media platform “ WhatsApp” operates and how you can you can put measures in place to protect what your child or young person sees on the app and awareness on the apps security settings.

Please see the links below for more valuable advice:

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/whatsapp-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents/

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/monitoring-apps-parents-guide/

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/social-media-advice-hub/

Extra Curricular

East Ayrshire Summer Schools – William McIlvanney Campus, Kilmarnock, 22-26 July 2024

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Please see the attached information regarding this year’s East Ayrshire Dance Summer School (P4-P7 & S1-S6).

Each day will begin at 10.00 a.m. and finish at 3.00 p.m. On the Friday afternoon there will be a joint performance at 1.30pm in the Assembly Hall to showcase to family and friends what has been achieved during the week.

The course will be based at William McIlvanney Campus and participants should bring a packed lunch each day. No previous experience or specialist clothing is necessary; enthusiasm and comfortable clothing are adequate.

There are limited places available on this course with the participants divided into groups according to age, experience and friendship-groups where possible.

This year’s course is being co-ordinated by Zara Smith, Cultural Co-ordinator, Dance and Movement and all sessions will be taken by highly qualified and experienced artists. To ensure maximum benefit for everyone, it is anticipated that the usual high standards of behaviour expected in our schools will be displayed.

The Summer School is subsidised by East Ayrshire Council, however, there will be a non-refundable administration charge of £30 per child (£25 for siblings) for the entire week. Once we receive your form an invoice will be sent out via Parentpay by the end of June secure your child’s place. Pupil’s entitled to FSM will be free.

Please note, each applicant must be able to make their own transport arrangements. If you would like to apply for a place on this course for your child, please complete the online form:

https://forms.office.com/e/XTxcJjKgjh

by Friday 14th June 2024.

Confirmation emails will be sent out the end of June.

Kind Regards,

Zara Smith
Cultural Co-ordinator, Dance & Movement
Creative Minds Team
East Ayrshire Council

Kilmarnock Dance Summer School Forms 2024

Sports

P5 Sports Day

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Could Primary 5 pupils please bring in a hat, scarf and pair of gloves for our novelty race.

Items should be brought to school in a labelled bag by Wednesday 29th May, for sports day Friday 31st May.

Many thanks,

Mrs Meek and Mr McMillan

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Super Hero Themed Lunch – Thursday 30th May 2024

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Please note that there is a change to the usual Week 2 school lunch menu for Thursday 30th May.

For one day only….It’s Super Hero Day…..

  • Batman Burger (beefburger), or
  • Power Ranger Panini (cheese/vegan cheese panini)

both served with Wonder Woman Wedges (potato wedges) and Superman Salad.

Captain America Cupcake for dessert.

If your child would like a lunch from this menu on the 30th, please place, or amend your order on Parent Pay in the usual manner.

Thank you

School Trips

School Trip to Culzean – Monday 3rd June 2024 – Packed Lunches

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The whole school will be going on a visit to Culzean Castle and Country Park on Monday 3rd June 2024.

We would like to thank the Parent Council for funding the transport and workshop cost from their successful grant application to 9CC. There will be no cost to pupils.

Children will be enjoying the following workshops:

  • P1 – Sense Walk
  • P2-4 – Power of Our Planet (outdoor learning), and
  • P5-7 – Castle Learning, Life in the Past.

As the pupils will be out of school all day a packed lunch will be required.

Should you wish to order an East Ayrshire provided school lunch, please place your order via ParentPay by no later than Wednesday 29th May, as the kitchens require at least 48 hours of notice prior to a trip.

Please do not place an order on ParentPay if your child is bringing a packed lunch along from home.

With the typical Scottish weather being so variable, it would be advisable to bring along a waterproof jacket and suitable sturdy waterproof footwear, as well as sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses. Who knows what surprises the weather may bring, but here’s hoping it behaves and gives us a fine day.

Extra Curricular

Junior Chess Tour – Event 7 – Thursday 6th June 2024

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Venue – Greenwood Academy, Dreghorn, Irvine KA11 4HL

Start time – 6.30pm – 8.45pm

This is the seventh in a series of junior events to be held this season, continuing on from the success of previous season’s Junior Chess Tour.

Multiple entries from schools as well as individual entries are very welcome.

This is an ideal event for beginners or inexperienced players. Players should know how to play chess and NOT be playing in the Ayrshire Chess Leagues. Each player will play approximately 4 games against other players . Winners will receive medals. This is meant to be a fun event as an introduction to more formal chess events.

There will be no entry fee, but names of entrants must be submitted by 5pm on 4th June 2024. Late entries will not be accepted. Entries by email to ayrshirechess@gmail.com. Postal entry to Mr S Taylor, Greenwood Academy, Dreghorn, Irvine KA11 4HL. As well as names of players ACA also require school/class/year of players.

Please note that the rooms used for playing and analysis have restrictions that only players or organisers are allowed in these rooms. A waiting room is provided for parents and teachers and non playing juniors.

Report on Junior Chess Tour event 6 Greenwood 2nd May 2024

Health and Wellbeing

The Exchange Counselling Service

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Please find information regarding the Exchange Counselling Service. More details can be found at the following links:

The Exchange – Psychological Wellbeing Guide for Parents

The Exchange – Psychological Wellbeing Guide for Primary Children

These documents are also available to view on the this blog.  Click on the menu, ‘School Information and Documents’, then click on ‘Health and Wellbeing’.

 

Sports

Run, Jump and Throw Olympics After-School Club

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This after-school club is being run by Vibrant Communities for Primary 1, 2 and 3 pupils, in the school, between 3pm and 4pm, on the following three Thursdays:

  • 23rd May,
  • 30th May, and
  • 3th June.

Parents of P1, P2 and P3 pupils have already received a letter regarding this after-school club.

P6/7 Play Leader Volunteers

P6 and P7 pupils have been asked in class today if they would like to volunteer to be a Play Leader for these sessions. Letters and consent forms will be issued on Monday to those pupils expressing an interest in taking part.

Participating children and volunteer Play Leaders should bring their PE kits with them on the above dates.

 

Primary 7

P7 Transition to Robert Burns Academy – A Reminder of Key Dates

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  • P7 Information Evening – Wednesday 5th June 6.30 – 8.00pm
    This is an information evening for P7 parents and carers. The evening will start with a presentation in Barony Hall, which will cover the timeline of the transition process for this year, including what will happen during the two induction days in June. There will also be information on the S1 curriculum and how to stay in touch with the school, including key contacts for you and your child. Handouts will be available, which will include answers to frequently asked questions as well as links to online platforms. When the presentation concludes you will be given the opportunity to explore the school building, some pupils and members of staff will be on hand to give more details regarding their subject area and assist you in finding your way around the building. In addition to this, many of our partners who offer supports in school, and to the local community, will also be on hand to discuss some of the work they do. Please use the QR code on the attached letter (link below) to complete a short Glow form confirming your attendance. If your child will be attending the Supported Learning Centre (SLC) next year then you should attend the main presentation in Barony Hall before being accompanied to the SLC where staff will be able to show you the facilities.

 

  • Induction Days – Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th June
    Primary 7 pupils will be visiting the school for a two day ‘induction’ on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th June. Transport arrangements for the days will be advised nearer the time. The purpose of these days is to allow new S1 pupils to meet their new schoolmates and teachers, while experiencing some of the learning activities from the S1 curriculum. P7 classes will also be shown a video made by some of senior students, featuring interviews with many of our staff members and giving them some tips for success before they arrive in June.
  • Transition Letter April 24
School News

Ochiltree Cattle Show 2024

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This year’s cattle show has been another success for Ochiltree Primary School.

Pupils were asked to create a front cover design for this years’ show schedule and the winners were:

Class Winner
P1/2 Will
P3/4 Arthur
P4/5 Rebecca
P5/6 Lottie
P7 Harris

with the overall design winner being Lottie, P5/6; her design is pictured above.

Pupils also entered handicrafts to the show too, with the following successes:

Class  Placing  Pupil Name 
P 1/2 Third Alix
Second Illy
First Wallace
 
P 3/4 Third Arthur
Second Lukas
First Tommy
 
P 4/5 Third Lewis
Second Lilianna
First Jaxon
 
P 5/6 Third Rubie
Second Hannah
First Lottie
 
P 7 Third Jennifer
Second Jess
First Eva

The judges had a very difficult task selecting the winners in each class group. They were very impressed with the quality of the creations made for this year’s show and commented how talented all of our pupils are.

Stuart Watson, Chairman of the Ochiltree Cattle Show Committee, visited the school on Wednesday 8th May to present our winning pupils with their prizes at assembly. Thank you to Stuart for celebrating the pupils successes.

Ochiltree Cattle Show Committee thank all pupils and staff for their hard work producing such fantastic works of art for the show. Thanks also go to our lovely parents who encourage the young people to enter the handicrafts and animal showing sections; without everyone’s contributions, and the weather of course, the cattle show wouldn’t be the successful event it is each year.

Check out the Sway below for pictures of all of the pupils’ fabulous creations;

Ochiltree Cattle Show 2024
Congratulations to all pupils for their entries to the 2024 Ochiltree Cattle Show held Wednesday 24th April.
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Be safe in the sun 🌞

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It is lovely to see the sunshine and we hope it continues for the weekend.

As a Sunsafe school,  we would like to remind you that children should wear suncream, a sunhat and sunglasses, if possible. Children can bring suncream into school for their own use.

A sports bottle of water is also recommended and can be re- filled in school.

Thank you

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Primary 3 and 4 Football

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Coaches and players from Kilmarnock Football  Club  will be working with Primary 3 and 4 pupils  for a block of 4 weeks, starting on Wednesday 15th May.

Children should bring their PE kit with them on Wednesdays.

An after- school football club will also run in the school from 3 to 4 p.m. on these Wednesdays for children in P3 and P4.  Please look out for further information and complete the consent form if you wish your child to attend.

 

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