Friday 14th January 2022

Although we are only 2 weeks into the new year it seems like it started so long ago.   We hope that you all shared some special times with those you love over the holiday period.   We are so pleased to be back at school and have (almost) all of our learners back too.  The majority of pupils are out of isolation periods and Monday, will again, see the return of some others we have not seen since before Christmas.

COVID

Household contacts no longer need to isolate.  That means that pupils can continue to come to school as long as they are taking a test on a lateral flow device each day for 7 days.  We appreciate that of an adult is self isolating or unwell within the house it can prove difficult to support children getting to school.  Please get in touch with us.  There are lots of ways in which we can help.  We want to have pupils in school learning and if we can avoid long periods at home we will do whatever it takes.

Please continue to upload all LFT results online.

Information about the universal LFD testing can be found here. 

Using a LFD is not suitable for those with symptoms.  A PCR should be booked if you develop any symptoms.

Changes to Timetables

PE days are now as follows:

P1 – Monday, Wednesday

P2 – Tuesday, Thursday

P3 – Wednesday, Friday

P4/5 – Wednesday. Friday

P5/6 – Monday, Thursday

P6/7 – Tuesday, Thursday

Staffing

Before Christmas we wrote to tell you that Mrs Sinclair was appointed as Depute Head Teacher.  Mrs Sinclair has now started in her new role.  This has meant some changes to class staffing.

Primary 5/6 will now be taught by Mrs McCrorie on Mondays and Tuesdays and Mrs Sinclair Wednesday – Friday.

We continue to be joined by Miss Smith on a temporary basis who is providing support in P6/7, P5/6, P1.

Mrs Cunningham is back with us two days a week on a temporary basis providing support in P4/5 and P2.

Mrs Gilhooley is supporting P3 on a temporary basis.

This morning we held interviews for a temporary fulltime class teacher post.  This post will continue until the end of June 2022.  Once all the relevant departments have been informed of the successful candidate we will let you know.

Primary 1 Registration

This closes today.  We are looking forward to welcoming the newest members of the St. Patrick’s family in due course.  We are really pleased to have so many joining us in August 2022.

P7/S1 Transition

Transition forms are available to fill in online until the end of January.  Our P7s were visited by St. Joseph’s academy prior to the holiday period.  Next week they will take part in a virtual meeting with staff from Robert Burns Academy.  We are hopeful that the transition programmes for P7 will include some visits this year.  We’ve all got our fingers crossed.

Laudato Si ‘ CHANGE FOR GOOD

Today’s assembly was used to hold our Prayer Service of Commitment as a Laudato Si’ school.  This is our commitment to the calling of Pope Francis to look after our common home.  Throughout the coming months we will Learn, Pray and Act together to meet the Holy Father’s goal.

There will be opportunities for parents, carers, parishioners and the wider community to get involved along our journey.

Whole School IDL

During the first few weeks of the new year all classes are learning through an Interdisciplinary Learning Context.  All classes are learning about Scots language and Scotland. 

At the beginning of February we will hold our poetry and singing competition.  More details will follow.

Big Talk Homework

The topics for Big Talk Homework this session were chosen by our Pupil Council.  Look out for the first of these being published on Tuesday.

As always, please get in touch if there is anything we can support you with.  We are looking forward to a successful and fulfilling 2022!

Have a great weekend from all in Team St. Patrick’s.