Today at assembly we wished Mrs Hastings well who, at the end of the school day, will be beginning her maternity leave. Mrs Crawford presented Mrs Hastings with flowers on behalf of the school and, inviting our young people to vote on whether they thought Mrs Hastings would have a boy or a girl, the majority thought she’d have a baby boy – we’ll have to wait and see, but we wish Mrs Hastings well as she starts on her maternity leave.

During Mrs Hastings’ maternity leave Mr Jason Johnstone will be covering as acting head. Mr Johnstone has extensive experience as a head teacher, joining us for the year from Lainshaw Primary School (Kilmarnock). Mrs Hastings reminded our school community to be on their best behaviour for Mr Johnstone, living out and witnessing to our school values: ready, respectful, and safe.

We wish Mrs Hastings well on her maternity leave and welcome Mr Johnstone to our school community.

If you need to get in touch with Mr Johnstone, you can do so by phone (01563 549549) through our school office, or by email: jason.johnstone@eastayrshire.org.uk.

At Assembly this morning Mrs Hastings announced the winner of our design and name a bear competition. The competition was inspired by our Jubilee Bear who, for the Jubilee Year of Hope, has joined our school community – but without a name! We couldn’t let that continue and so the competition was held to design an outfit for our bear, and to give him a name.

Erin from P3V had the winning entry, and so we’re delighted to introduce you to ‘Sunshine the Explorer’ (or as we’ve nicknamed him ‘Sunny the Bear’). Sunny will be visiting our classes over the year and helping us to celebrate and learn more about the Jubilee Year.