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.
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
