Month: March 2026

Reinspection Report from HMIE – March 2026

Following the reinspection visit by HMIE to St Andrew’s Primary and ECC in February HMIE have provided the following letter to parents and carers. We are delighted with the report which recognises the hard work and tireless commitment of our whole community: staff, pupils, and families in ensuring our commitment to providing a quality education for young people in preparing them for the future.

You can access the report by clicking here: INSPECTION REPORT 2026.

RCDG Youth – Easter Youth Day (P5+)

The Galloway Diocese Youth Office (RCDG Youth) who run events for Young People in P5 and upwards invite children to join them for their Easter Youth Gathering on Saturday 18th April. The day runs from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm in St Teresa’s Church, Dumfries, with free transport provided from St Joseph’s Church, Kilmarnock.

The day is completely free of charge and includes:

  • A wide range of games and activities, facilitated by S3 Junior Leaders from St Joseph’s Academy and other Catholic secondaries.
  • A free lunch: pizza, BBQ, sweets, chocolate, and juice.
  • Two short talks on the theme of the Holy Spirit.
  • Mass accompanied by the St Joseph’s Academy Junior Choir.

Many of our young people have taken part in their events over the last year, and in particular the monthly Youth Evenings in St Joseph’s Church, Kilmarnock, and have had an extremely positive and enjoyable experience meeting up with friends and making new friends too. The events are a particularly good opportunity for P7 pupils to meet other young people from across the cluster and to make friends ahead of their move to S1, although the day is open to any young people in P5 and up.

For full details and to register your child to take part, please see the Youth Office’s website: Easter Youth Day – RCDG Youth

RCDG Youth – Advent Retreat (P6+)

The Diocesan Youth Office (RCDG Youth) invites young people in P6 and up to join them for the 2026 Advent Youth Retreat. The retreat takes place at Gowanbank SU Centre (near Darvel) from 27th-29th November and is open to any young person currently in P6-S3 (P7-S4 at the time of the retreat).

Over the weekend, young people will take part in a range of different elements including:

  • Outdoor Activities: Archery, Archery Tag, Tree Climbing, and Nightline.
  • Time with friends and making new friends too with: Arts and Crafts, Silent Disco, Games Room, and Breakout spaces.
  • Mass, Prayer, Talks, and Discussion and Reflection in small groups, encouraging young people to explore the meaning and purpose of Advent.

Last year the group welcomed 29 young people from across the Diocese and they look forward to returning this year and welcoming even more young people along. The weekend costs £140.00 per person if you register before Easter, however bursaries and grants are available from RCDG Youth for any families in need, or for any families with more than one child wanting to take part. When registering, a £50.00 deposit is required.

To see photos from last year you can see their promotional video here: 2026 Advent Youth Retreat Promotional Video.

Or for more information and to register, see their website: Advent Youth Retreat – RCDG Youth