Parent Council AGM

Parent Council AGM – all welcome.  No minimum commitment required.  We know it can be daunting coming along for the first time but a warm welcome awaits.

Sacramental Preparation

If our records show that your child is due to prepare for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion this session, you will have received a text message asking you to confirm this.  If your child will be preparing for this sacrament but you have not received a text message please contact the school office.  Thank You.

National Improving Writing Programme

Last session P3/4 and P4/5 took part in the National Improving Writing Programme.  This year it will be extended to P5/6 and P7.  Our new P4/5 will continue with this approach to learning and teaching of writing with Miss Ní Shúilleabháin.  Well done to P5/6 – I really enjoyed reading some of your writing from this week!

Some P1s also came along and shared their writing with me this week.  WOW!

Attendance Stats

As we Aspire for 95% attendance or are working towards a pledge of a 5% improvement we will share the overall statistics with you each week.

If your child’s attendance was below 90% last session you will have received a text message to let you know the equivalent number of days missed.   Already we are noticing improvements for some children and especially a reduction in late coming.

Please note that these figures will run one week behind…

Week 22nd August – 29th August

P1 – 100%

P2 – 95%

P3 – 99%

P4 – 92%

P5 – 93%

P6 – 87%

P7 – 97%

OVERALL – 95% 

Golden Book

This week our winners are:

Harmony – Aaylah,

Equity –

Ambition – Keylearose, Jack M, Taylor, Jessica, Casey, Phoebe M, Stella,

Respect – Etta, Annie, Jessica, Macie, Keane, Lily

Faith – Alissa

Assembly

This week we had our first Home Teams Session.  Our Home teams are groups within our house groups that work together on a given task.  The groups have members from mixed stages in them.   This week our home teams were asked to record what our school values mean to them.  We are so impressed with how involved everyone became and how productive and purposeful the energy in the room was.  Well done everyone!

Reminder about School Car Park and Gate

The school car park should not be accessed by pedestrians at any point.  The school car park should not be used to drop off or pick up pupils at any point unless this is by prior agreement with the school.  If you have been given access to the car park please use the taxi bay and enter the school playground via the main route and not the gate into the infant playground.  Thank You.

Indoor Shoes 

We have now taken delivery of indoor shoes and Mrs Reid is distributing these to anyone who has purchased via ParentPay.  The expectation is that all pupils change into soft indoor shoes suitable for PE.

P7 Elections

P7 pupils had the opportunity to stand for leadership roles across our school today.  Every pupil had the chance to vote.  Making sure everyone is involved in decision making processes in school is important to us.

We are delighted to announce the following results:

Head Girl – Aanya-Lille

Head Boy – Kallen

Depute Head Girl – Marlene

Depute Head Boy – Oliver

House Captains – Tallula, Alysa, Max, Emily, Jessica, Khaira

Monitors – Lucy, Kendall, Aspen, Poppy

Badges will be presented in assembly next week. 

Parent Consultation

As part of our school improvement plan we have included two areas identified through our parent/carer questionnaire from June 2026.

Your feedback told us you would like us to improve these areas:

• the opportunities for you to learn together with your child or children
• the advice we give to support learning at home

Please take a couple of minutes to share your views on how we can best do this.  Thank You.

Parent/Carer Views – SIP 2026/2027 – Fill in form

NEXT WEEK

Monday – P1 photograph for Cumnock Chronicle

Wednesday – Parent Council AGM

Fr Erasmus

We extend a warm welcome to Fr Erasmus to our parishes this weekend.  We look forward to him becoming a regular and well known face in our school community.

Thank You for your continued support.  Have a great weekend.

Mrs Bradley

 

It has been a busy first full week back.

We are so proud of how everyone is adjusting to their new routines, classrooms and learning groups.   The beginning of any term can be challenging but particularly the first term after summer.  Change can be difficult.

There is information to support parents with transitions here;

https://auth.education.gov.scot/parentzone/my-child/transitions/

Next week our P7 learners will be able to canvas for votes for the positions of House Captains, Head Boy/Depute Head Boy, Head Girl/Depute Head Girls.  In addition to this there will be other leadership roles available in the coming weeks.  Our P7s are wonderful role models for our younger pupils.

P6 & P7 pupils have the opportunity to be involved in the school newspaper.  Thank You to those pupils who have already come forward.

Attendance

On Monday we had 100% attendance and took the opportunity to get a whole school photograph.  It is so great to have everyone together.  Good attendance helps form stronger bonds within our school community.

The overall attendance for the week was 95%. This is broken down by stage at;

P1 – 100%

P2 – 95%

P3 – 99%

P4 – 92%

P5 –  93%

P6 –  87%

P7 – 97%

This is a disappointing start at some stages.  Everyday your child misses matters.  We know genuine illness and family emergencies  cannot be avoided, however, when this is added to non genuine reasons for absence it becomes problematic.  Good routines that are consistent and predictable in the mornings and at bedtimes can help.  Eating a balanced diet and taking part in regular exercise also help.  If you need help with putting this in place please reach out and we can signpost to agencies that can support parents.

Class Charters

Ask your child about their class charter.  Each session class teachers work with pupils to create a class charter.  This is a set of expectations; decided by the children, of what the acceptable standards of conduct are.  This supports our work around the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child.  (UNCRC).

 

Assembly Focus – Forgiveness

Each week in assembly we explore themes related to the Gospel through resources endorsed by the Bishops Conference of Scotland.  This week we talked about how forgiveness complements our school value of Harmony.  There is a ‘mission sheet’ attached  that will help you know what we are learning about.  There are also ‘wonder questions’ that are set each week.  These are great for promoting listening and talking skills and opening up conversations at home.  Mission+Files+-+Week+One

A special thanks to Phoebe, Farrah and Alissa for helping show the actions to one of our favourite hymns to our newest pupils and to Marlene, Khiara, Jessica, Aanya-Lillie, Ella and Emily for helping set up and tidy up for assemblies.

 

Golden Book 

Each week in assembly certificates are given to those children who have been nominated in our Golden Book.  These are children who have demonstrated one or more of our school values to a high standard. 

This weeks nominees;

HARMONY – Seve, Kasey, Kendall

AMBITION- Niyah, Grayson, Hannah, Lia, Max, Oliver

EQUITY –

RESPECT- Aili, Luna, Kendall

FAITH –

Well done to you all.

Partnerships

YMI – we will be supported by Mrs Hill again to take part in the whole class strings project.  Mrs Hill will work with P5/6 to continue the project started last session and will also work with P4/5 on the ‘I’ve got Rhythm project’. Mrs Hill will be in school on Monday mornings.   Rock n Role Models will once gain provide small group song writing and creativity weekly sessions.  Paul will be in school on Tuesday mornings.

Barry, our Active Schools Coordinator has already been in touch to discuss up coming opportunities.  We will give details of what’s on offer in the coming weeks.

EIT – Education Inclusion Team are in school on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  Mrs Avdic-Cekic and Mrs Fraser support pupils for who English is an additional language and Mrs Thompson will provide support for a range of additional support needs.

Football

As you may be aware we have enjoyed lots of recent success with our school football team.  WE are indebted to Kenny and Josie who so generously gave their own time to coach our team.

We are on the lookout for new coaches.  Our football team is open to P5-P7 pupils.  This is of a competitive nature and is suitable for those who already play at a competitive level and train with a club.

If you would be interested in getting involved please get in touch.  We would be keen to get this up and running as soon as possible.

Other After School Opportunities

Do you have a particular skill or interest that you would like to teach or coach our children in – please get in touch.  We would be particularly interested in someone who can support with our school grounds, other sporting activities (badminton, netball), creative interests…

It’s the Diocesan Annual Pilgrimage to Whithorn on Sunday.  Mass will take place on the beach next to St Ninians’s cave and be celebrated by Bishop Frank.  Have a great day if you are going along.

 

 

 

 

Welcome Back!

What a fantastic start to the school year!  We are glad to see everyone back and to be able to officially welcome our new P1s and another three new pupils into our school.

Our class Structure this year is as follows;

• P1
• P2/3
• P3/4
• P4/5
• P5/6
• P7

We have a total of 123 pupils enrolled in our school.

As you are aware Fr Philip our school chaplain retired over the summer.  In September we will be joined in our parishes by Fr Erasmus who will also become chaplain to our school.  We look foward to welcoming Fr Erasmus to our school community.

Newsletters will be sent home on Monday along with diary dates that are confirmed at the moment.  These are attached below for reference too.   We will add to the diary dates as the term progresses.

School Photographs will be confirmed next week.

Our Parent Council AGM will take place on Wednesday 9th September at 6pm.  This will take place in the school hall.  All parents and carers are welcome to attend.

We hope everyone has enjoyed the first week back. Have a fantastic weekend.

Diary Dates Aug 26 Newsletter Aug 2026

 

 

The first of our awards celebrate achievement within the four capacities of curriculum for excellence.

Successful LearnersAili Paal

Diana Dyedovska

Shaun Gibney

Phoebe Millar

Ella Nimmo

Kai Gemmell

 

---

Confident Individuals 

Kayson Frew

Stella Lawrie

Rorey Lindsay

Leo Bunten

Aanya-Lillie Elliot

Elliot Dalziel

 

---

Effective Contributors 

Zack Baillie

Greg Sheehan

Jamie McKinlay

Mason Black

Jessica Brodie

Amber Samson 

---

Responsible Citizens 

Ariella McMurdo

Aurora Bozner

Erin Wilson

Keane Woods

Marlene Gollek Foggo

Kioni Keller 

---

The next awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate our school values.

Harmony 

Minh Nhat Nguyen

Farrah Burns 

Alfie Little

Emily Dick

Rhian Wallace 

Equity

Kasey Reid

Max McFadzean

Ambition

Lewis Samson

Jennifer McDonald

Callagh Stakim

Khiara Ahmed

Karah Knowles 

Respect

Bonnie Wallace

Daryn MxcMurdo

Luke Samson

Nathan Nicol

Faith 

Seve Lopez Kyle

Ezra Dumigan 

---

Sports Championship (St John’s Shield)

3rd – AJ Ward, Elliot Dalziel

2nd – Kioni Keller, Harley Waddell

1st – Amber Samson, Darren Stevenson

---

The Jan Stakim Helping Hands Award 

Aanya-Lillie Elliot

Jessica Brodie

Ella Nimmo

---

Excellence in Sport – Effort in Football 

Leo Bunten, James Lithgow, Ollie McLoughlin, Kallen Johnston, Oliver Templeton, Elliot Dalziel, Ezra Dumigan, Kai Gemmell, Oscar Hayburn, Luke Samson, Harley Waddell

---

Cycling Scotland

Farrah Burns, Cole Stewart, Lilly Frew 

---

Active Leadership 

Khaira Ahmed, Jessica Brodie, Emily Dick, George Dyedovskyy, Aanya-Lillie Elliot, Saidou Fofana, Marlene Gollek Foggo, Janey Grainger, Alysa Herman, Kallen Johnston, Kaleb Johnstone, Ford Devlin, Belle McComb, Max McFadzean, Carson McMurdo, Tallula McMurdo, Casey Muir, Kendall Mullen, Ella Nimmo, Enzo Rinaldi, Cayden Robertson, Oliver Templeton, Aspen Urquhart

---

Pope Francis Faith Award

(Awarded at Leavers’ Service)

with Parish Commendation

Ezra Dumigan 

Ella Anderson, Hailey Cameron, Russell Chapman, Elliot Dalziel, Olivia Frew, Sarah Fulton, Kai Gemmell, Oscar Hayburn, Kioni Keller, Karah Knowles, Alfie Little, Autumn McClue, Flynn McLuckie, Nathan Nicol, Amber Samson, Luke Samson, Callagh Stakim, Darren Stevenson, Sophia Thom, Levi Torpey, HArley waddell, Codi Wallace, Rhian Wallace, AJ Ward, Brodie Wright 

Proposed School Term Dates 27-28 (1)

As we approach the end of the month it marks 6 weeks since we returned to school we can certainly feel the change in the weather.  We are looking forward to Autumn and of course the transition into winter.

UNIFORM 

Missing Items 

We are receiving LOTS of enquiries about missing uniform.  Please can you ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.  This includes jackets and PE shorts.

All children are encouraged to put sweatshirts and cardigans onto their peg or into bags when removing them.  However, these are often left lying around cloakrooms and classrooms.  Please speak to your child about the importance of looking after their own property and keeping it where it should be.

Class teachers and classroom assistants remind children throughout the day about general housekeeping and looking after their belongings.

If your child does bring an item home that is not theirs, please return it to school as soon as possible and we will return it to the rightful owner.

Indoor shoes 

It is the expectation that all pupils change into indoor shoes that are suitable for PE each day.   For the majority of pupils this is black plimsoles.  Taking on board the feedback from our older pupils last year we adapted this to allow any black soft shoes.  We have a number of pupils, particularly at the upper stages, who refuse to change into indoor shoes or do not have indoor shoes.   Please ensure your child has a change of shoes that are kept in school.

PE kit

Again, mainly at the upper stages,  we have pupils who do not have PE kit on PE days.  It is mandatory that pupils participate in 2 hours of physical education per week.  We have a high number of pupils missing out because of they do not have shorts/leggings to change into.

Attendance and late coming 

As you may be aware we run attendance checks every 6 weeks.  The first attendance letters will be sent next week to those families where attendance rates have dropped below 90%.   This is 30% of our pupils.  Given we have only been back 6 weeks this is alarming.  There is a direct impact on your child’s learning when they are absent from school and while we appreciate that illness cannot be helped there are absences that are unreasonable.

When children come to school late they miss out on the most important part of the day.  The daily ‘meet and greet’ that teachers have and the outline of the day’s activities.  Both of these strategies support children in their wellbeing and give them the security of knowing what will happen in the day.  The teacher can provide reassurance for any changes to the normal routine.

If your child requires a softer start to the morning we suggest the breakfast club.  This has proved successful in supporting other children who have found the transition from home to school difficult.  The breakfast club runs every morning from 8.15am.  There is no need to book.   The cost is 80p per day or if your child is entitled to means tested free school meals there is no charge.

School Carpark and Traffic

A gentle reminder that the school car park should not be used by parents and carers.  If someone different is dropping off or collecting your child please ensure they are also aware of this.

Last week we had another near miss with a pupil almost being struck by a car.  Please be considerate of where you are parking.  We strongly ask that you do not park on the corners or on the access road.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday 2nd October – P6 to Dumfries House,  Parent Workshop – Numeracy session 1 at 2.30pm,  after school dance, Parent Council Meeting 6pm, church hall.

Monday 6th October – school photographs, individual, sibling groups and P7 group photo.

Wednesday 8th October – childsmile tooth varnishing

Thursday 9th October – After school Dance

Friday 10th October – After school football

Monday 13th – Monday 20th – October break (pupils return on Tuesday 21st October)

European Languages Day

Mrs Sinclair delivered assembly this week with a theme of languages.  And while it was European Day of Languages we expanded this to raise awareness of the languages spoken by pupils within our School.   There are no less than 8 of them across the school.  Thank You to the pupils who shared simple greetings with us all.

 

We also had wider achievements shared with from Sarah, Lia and Jack E.  Thank You.

Our Senior Pupil Leadership pupils received their badges.

We’ll publish the Golden Book Awards and House Points tomorrow.

Communication 

It is with regret that we must issue guidance around the communication with staff.  Aggressive communication in any form will not be tolerated.  Please note that all incidents of aggressive communication is recorded at a local authority level.   As in all walks of life there will be decisions that we take that you do not agree with and we welcome suggestions and different ideas.  However, being told how to do our jobs, unreasonable requests and judgements being made on competence in an aggressive manner is simply unacceptable.  The wellbeing of all in our school community is of paramount importance and that includes all staff.  Please be mindful of this.  We do not want to find ourselves in a situation where we need to escalate this and close down some of our communication channels.

Ways to contact us :

Absence Reporting – Safer Schools Scotland App, email or message left on phone.  If you do not get an answer on the phone please leave a message.  There are times of the day when the office is not manned or it is not possible to answer the phone due to meetings or dealing directly with pupils.  Someone will get back to you – we ask that you do not repeatedly call expecting an answer.

General Enquires – email or letter

Thank You.

 

Another week has come to an end.

Here’s a wee round up of the last two weeks.

Congratulations

Mrs Tennent and her husband welcomed baby Amelia to their family.  We are so excited for them and cannot wait for cuddles with Amelia when she comes to visit.   I’m sure you will join me in wishing them all the very best and a huge congratulations.

Parent Council

Our Parent Council AGM took place last night.  We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support from Lana and Gayle.  Lana has been the chairperson of our Parent Council for  a number of years and Gayle has been our treasurer despite her own children having left a number of years ago.  THANK YOU so much for all you have done in supporting our school.  You will be greatly missed.

It was great to see some new faces last night and everyone is always welcome.

Our new office bearers are;

• Chairperson – Shauna Stakim
• Secretary – Conny Gollek
• Treasurer – Laura Barker

Events 

Last week we visited Our Lady and St Patrick’s church to celebrate Mass.  This special mass marked the beginning of our new school session.  Thanks to the parents who supported us by walking with us and to those who joined us in mass.  Our learners were a credit to our school community and to you, our families.  Huge shout out to those who participated in the liturgy by reading and to those who took part in the offertory.

Wider Achievements

Well done to Bodhi on his Rugby trophy and to Colt for his achievement with swimming and cycling.  Thank You for sharing these with us.   You can share your child’s achievements from out with school with us by completing the form on the ‘surveys’ section of the school app.

Golden Book 

W/B 1/9

• Harmony – Bintou,
• Equity –
• Ambition – Kai, Shaun, James,
• Respect – Kendall, Annlouise, Ella N, Aroosha,
• Faith – Kayson, Cole, Enzo, Nathan, Stella

W/B 8/9 –

• Harmony – Dahlia-Rose, Zack, Farrah-Grace, Sloane,
• Equity –
• Ambition – Santi, Farrah, Aanya-Lillie, Sophia, Codi, Elliot
• Respect – Saidou, April, Theia
• Faith –

Thank You to the P7 pupils who researched the newly canonised Saint Carlo Acutis and told the school all about this special occasion and the life of Carlo.

Senior Pupil Leadership Team

Elections have taken place for Leadership positions within the school. We are delighted to present to you our Senior Pupil Leadership Team for 2025/26.

Head Boy – Luke

Head Girl – Kioni

Depute Head Boy – Ezra

Depute Head Girl – Codi

House Captains – Amber & Kai (Blue), Ella A & Oscar (Red), Elliot & Sarah (yellow)

Thank you to all those who prepared speeches and presented these to the school today.  There were some very hard decisions for voters!

Transitions

P7s who will move onto St Joseph’s Academy made their first visit to the school on Thursday.  Our pupils were praised for their conduct during this visit.  We were so pleased to hear our 7s come back enthusiastic and excited about St Joseph’s.  Those moving onto RBA will hear about transition visits soon.

After School Events 

Our Boys Football training will start after the September weekend.  Letters will be given out to interested pupils from P5-P7 next week.  Our girls training will also start shortly, we are just waiting on the safeguarding checks being completed for our volunteer.

Next Week –

Parent Literacy Workshop – Thursday 18th,  1.45pm (please sign up using the link that was shared on the school app)

Friday 19th and Monday 21st – Local Holiday.  School Closed.

Have a great weekend.

Mrs Bradley and all the staff.

And to finish… some of the learning going on in classes.

 

 

Our first full week back together for our learners and we are so proud of them all.

Today we held our first full assembly.  The theme for this week’s assembly was ‘Hope’.   We talked about our hopes for the school session ahead.  This is a particularly important theme as we continue to observe the  Church’s Jubilee Year and the theme of Pilgrims of Hope.

Big Shout to our Golden Book nominations.  Each week staff nominate learners have demonstrated one or more of our school values across the week.

Harmony; Kasey

Equity; Farrah-Grace

Ambition; Karah, Aili, Harvey, Aurora B, April, Russell, Kaleb

Respect; Jennifer, Lia, Carson, Luna, Aaylah, Lewis, Jessica

House points (week ending 29/08/25) 

Wildcats (Blue ) – 220

Red Deer (Red) – 257

Golden Eagles (Yellow) – 306

Well done to everyone who took part in the house challenge of Hula Hooping this week.

Staffing Update 

We continue to have no cover in our office.  Thank You so much for your patience with this.   This will be the same for this coming week.  We have resubmitted recruitment paperwork for a vacant classroom assistant post that has arisen again due to the successful candidate being unable to take up post.  Until we fill this post we will endeavour to bring in bank staff when we can.

Parent workshops and Open afternoon

Information has been sent out via the school app.  There is an electronic form to complete to let us know if you will be attending any of the sessions.  Please complete this to allow us to make plans to accommodate everyone.

Sandshoes

We will be stopping selling sandshoes as we use up the stock that was have in school.  Not all sizes are available and where we have been unable to provide sandshoes payment has been refunded.  As Mrs Reid has not been in the office we have missed some purchases.  We worked through these today and should have everything sorted on Monday.  Thank You for your patience.

Active Schools 

Barry, our active schools coordinator has been in for a meeting and we will notify you of opportunities in the coming weeks.  Football training will soon be starting – information and permission slips will be given out.   We also hope to have football training for girls this session.   If you have any experience in sport and wish to volunteer to run after school sessions please let us now and we can put you in touch with Barry who will support you with this.

Parent Council 

Our first Parent Council meeting of the session tales place on Thursday 11th September at 6pm in the school.  This will be the AGM.  All parents and carers are welcome.  More information about the role of parent councils in Scotland can be found here.  https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/getting-involved/parent-councils/about-parent-councils/

Sharing the Learning

It is said that to be able to teach someone else means you truly understand something.  That is what our P6/7s do.  Well done to our older learners this week supporting P2/3 with digital learning.  There is a programme in place to allow this to happen across the school regularly.

Next Week 

Wednesday – Cumnock Chronicle to take photo of new P1s

Friday – Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes and St Patrick’s Church, 10am, all welcome.

We’ll leave you some photos of our P1/2 playing and learning together.

Have a great weekend.

We are so excited to be back at school for another session. 

We hope all our P7s from last year enjoyed their first week as S1s at their respective schools.

Our new P1s are AMAZING!!  We cannot believe how they have taken to school routines.  Every single one of them is a little star.

Thank you to our P6 buddies for being such a great support, especially in assembly this morning.

Newsletters and diary dates have been issued this week alongside forms to be completed.  Please ensure these are returned to school as soon as possible.   Keep an eye out for further details of events. diary dates for parents Newsletter Aug 2025

If you have not already used the QR code to complete photographic and Acceptable Use consent you can also use these links.

Photographic Consent

Acceptable Use Consent

Staffing Update

Mrs Tennant finished with us to today to commence her maternity leave.  We are so excited to hear of the arrival of baby Tennant within the new few weeks.  We will be sure to let you know.  Mrs Tennant has been our Digital Leader in school and worked with our pupil digital leaders to submit our evidence of the use of digital technologies to support and enhance learning.  We are absolutely delighted to tell you that we have been awarded our Digital Schools Award!  What a great way for Mrs Tennant to finish up.  Congratulations to everyone across the school!

Wider Achievements

Please remember to share wider Achievements with us.  If your child has achievements to share with us from over the holiday period please be sure to have these in on time for next week’s Friday Assembly.  Assemblies are now on Fridays so if your child has a certificate, medal or trophy to show these can be brought in on a Friday.   Please use this form to tell us.  This can also be found on the school app under ‘surveys’.   OSCARs

Social Media

We kindly ask that if anyone has a concern or requires further information from us,  you contact the school directly in the first instance.  We ask that social media and WhatsApp groups are not used to discuss school issues in a public or group forum.  These are a great way to keep in touch with other parents from across the school when used appropriately.

THANK YOU 

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our families.  Every single pupil has been in school uniform and our attendance is almost 100% for the week!  Let’s keep this up!  Thank you also for your cooperation with the new drop off arrangements in the morning.  It is greatly appreciated.

As a gentle reminder – please do not use the school carpark at drop off and pick up times.  We also encourage that you avoid driving into the road leading to the school.

We’ll leave you with a couple of photographs of our two P6/7 classes.  Look out for more photos coming soon.

Have a great weekend and we will see you all again on Monday.

Mrs Bradley and all the staff.

It is hard to believe we are in November already.  With Christmas fast approaching we are beginning to plan for our winter events.  We are looking  forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Staffing Update

Retiral

We knew this day would come, but it is still a shock and hard news to share.  Mrs McCrorie will be retiring at the end of this term.  Mrs McCrorie has served our school for 41 years! During that time she has formed so many positive relationships with you and your children.  We know that Mrs McCrorie has shaped the lives of hundreds of children and young people in that time.

There will be a special mass of thanksgiving in Our Lady and St. Patrick’s Church at 10am on Wednesday 4th December.  We invite all families, parishioners, ex pupils and ex colleagues to come along.  There will be refreshments available in the hall afterwards where you be able to spend some time with Mrs McCrorie.

In preparation for this we will be creating a special book.  Please send any favourite stories, memories or photographs with us if you would like them included.

Please email them to eastpatricks.ps@eastayrshire.org.uk 

 Volunteers – we are looking for volunteers to oversee the refreshments available in the hall after mass.  School staff will be returning to school with our children.  Please contact the school if this is something you can support with.  Thank You. 

We will also celebrate with Mrs McCrorie and her family at a special mass in school for current staff and pupils.  This will take place on 18th December.

Staff Changes

Ms Reid will be leaving us on Friday 15th November.  Ms Reid currently teaches across our classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays and in P3/4 on Fridays.

We do not yet have confirmation of replacement staffing for Ms Reid and Mrs Crorie.  We will communicate this to you as soon as we know.

Events

Please see the attached document for our upcoming events.  Further information will follow for the events that require it.

Events Nov & Dec 2024

PE

There continues to be a number of children who are not coming to school prepared for physical activity.  We ask that all children bring shorts to school and if  required a t-shirt.  In the younger classes we have children coming to school with dresses on but no t-shirt to change into for PE.

PE days are as follows :

P1 – Monday and Friday

P2/3 – Wednesday and Friday

P3/4 – Monday and Friday

P5 – Monday and Thursday

P6 – Tuesday and Thursday

P7 – Tuesday and Thursday

Attendance

Attendance is monitored 6 weekly and with the first monitoring period carried out just before the October break we are now in monitoring period 2.  We know that illness and family emergencies can not be planned for but we have a number of children who have days off though the week for various reasons that are unauthorised absences.  Continued concern over attendance will result in support being requested from social services and/or the Children’s Hearing System.

Toys, Jewellery, Fake Nails

there has been an increase in recent weeks on the number of toys being brought in from home, the amount of costume jewellery being worn and an increase in the number of pupils with nail extensions and fake nails.   All of these cause a huge distraction and we ask that you support of by ensuring this is all kept to a minimum.

Toys can get lost and broken making it upsetting for your child.  We know that there are cases where transitional objects are required and these will have been discussed with school staff, this does not change arrangements that are in place for this.

Nail extensions can cause injury in PE and whilst using some school equipment.  They also make it very difficult to develop proper pencil grip and control.  We ask that these removed before coming to school.

Thank You for your support with this.

Christmas Fayre

Our Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday 23rd November.  You can help in the following ways;

Home Baking

can be handed in to school on Friday 22nd November.  Please label with possible allergens.

Donations of prizes

any items for tombola stall.  Must be in a new condition.  Any alcohol must be handed directly to the school office.

Help create crafts to sell

come along with your child to help make items for us to sell.  Come along at the following times ;

Monday 11th November, 3pm – 4pm

Tuesday 12th November, 3pm – 4pm

Friday 15th November, 1.30pm – 3pm