All posts by Ms O'Brien

Parents

Free School Meals and School Age Payment

ERC council website has now been updated with information about free school meals and clothing grants for session 2021-22, and a link to information about the School Age Payment has been added to the page.
The online application forms for free school meals and clothing grants will go live on 12th July.
https://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Details about how to apply for the School Age Payment, and support available from MART with applying for all grants, have also been shared via the council’s social media pages.
https://twitter.com/EastRenCouncil/status/1403698692486578176

Parents

Active Week and Parent Council Fundraiser

Just giving link:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/isobelmairschool?fbclid=IwAR35iq7P348l64GArxttPAlpczgokjQZMy9HLO1jN1V-LRgDlxXt9KVlmmE

The school are planning an Active Week on week beginning Monday 14th June,  to coincide with the Euros 21. The plan for the week is shown below: –

The parent council and school plan to incorporate a sponsored fundraising event into the week (similar to the October fundraiser some of our families took part in last year). The children can be sponsored for taking part in activities, in school, over the week. We have set up a Just Giving link which can be shared with family and friends, should they wish to sponsor your child. (Money can be handed in in envelopes should anyone be unable to use the link). The money raised will go towards buying outdoor equipment for the school including in in-ground trampoline, swing, and wheelchair cycle.

**We appreciate that it has been a particularly tough year financially for many people – the just giving link will allow people to sponsor the pupil body as a whole. There is no expectation that all families will be able to donate. **

There will also be a raffle at the end of the week. If anyone is able to donate raffle prizes, please let us know, or hand in to the school. We usually ask local businesses to donate prizes but, given the difficult circumstances businesses have faced over the last year we do not plan to do this.

This is the plan for active week:

Monday 14th – 1pm Opening ceremony – live assembly to announce the countries – make sure you have your flags and banners ready to cheer!
2pm – live kick off Scotland vs Czech Republic – classes can arrange to watch Scotland’s kick off

Tuesday 15th – Each class should prepare for euros week by going for a walk/run, this can be in the school grounds or the local community if appropriate

Wednesday 16th – Limber up! – Classes should focus on stretching today to warm up those muscles – this can be done through yoga, sticky kids, movement and relaxation – whatever suits your class best.

Thursday 17th – Ball skills – Time to get match day ready! Dribbling, kicking, passing, rolling, throwing and catching.  We are linking in with active schools to see if they can support with this.

Friday 18th SCOTLAND VS ENGLAND! – Celebration day so dress as you please – we would like classes to get ready for this big fixture – suggestions could be: face painting, bunting, singing. Bouncy castles for each playground and the Mod if restrictions allow by then.  There will be food and treats provided.

Just giving link:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/isobelmairschool?fbclid=IwAR35iq7P348l64GArxttPAlpczgokjQZMy9HLO1jN1V-LRgDlxXt9KVlmmE

Parents

EMA – Education Maintenance Allowance

Please see information below regarding EMA –   Education Maintenance Allowance 
•  If pupils are 16 years of age or over before 30 September 2021, they may be eligible for an EMA from August 2021. If the application is not submitted by 30 September 2021 the award will only be made from the week the application is received.

•  If pupils are  16 years of age between 1 October 2021 and 28 February 2022, they may eligible for an EMA from January 2022. if the application is not submitted by 28 February 2022 the award will only be made from the week the application is received.

•  The cut-off date for all EMA’s is 31st March 2022

•  More information can be found at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ema

Parents

Avalon Parental Support & Respite Services

Avalon Parental Support & Respite Services

Avalon is a local charity set up to support parents caring for children with Autism. The charity was founded by two parents following the diagnosis of their daughter.  Therefore, we understand the challenges you face.  This year has been particularly challenging due to the pandemic, so we have developed some exciting new services to help you.

We  have partnered with leading wellbeing experts to develop two programmes for parents to enhance your wellbeing, which will begin in June (see details below).

 Benefits & time commitment

 Both programmes will be piloted to allow us to learn from the feedback and experiences of the parents who attend.  This will also provide parents with an opportunity to shape future services.  We know your time is precious, so the sessions have been been specially designed to be flexible and to fit in with your busy life.

For a sneak peek at what the programmes will include, watch this short video.

Register your interest by 19 May

If you’re interested in taking part or want to attend a virtual information session to find out more, complete this  short survey by Wednesday 19th May. The information sessions will be hosted by Pam Donnelly, Avalon’s founder and Chairperson.

holiday, Parents

May Bank Holiday Weekend

A reminder that School will be closed on Friday 28th May and Monday 31st May for holiday weekend. School will reopen for Primary pupils on Tuesday 1st June.

School will be closed for secondary pupils only on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd June

Parents

SELF-REGISTER AS AN UNPAID CARER TO RECEIVE YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE

SELF-REGISTER AS AN UNPAID CARER TO RECEIVE YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE

From 8am on Monday, 15 March, those who provide regular face-to-face care can register as an unpaid carer in order to be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccination.

You are eligible for vaccination at this stage and should register if all of the following statements apply to you:

  • You are 16 to 64 years old;
  • You provide face-to-face care and support to one or more family members, friends or neighbours;
  • The care you provide is not part of a contract or voluntary work;
  • If caring for someone under 18, they are affected by a disability, physical or mental ill-health, developmental condition or substance misuse; and
  • You have not already received your first COVID-19 vaccination or vaccination appointment letter.

If you do not meet the above criteria (for example, you provide only emotional support by phone/video call), you will be asked to wait until NHS Scotland contacts you to let you know it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It is important not to contact NHS Scotland for a vaccination before then.

 

To access the self-registration website, visit nhsinform.scot/carersregister

If possible, please use this online option to register. For those who cannot do this online, please call the Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013, from 15 March.

If you have already received your vaccination or a letter of appointment, there is no further action to take, and no need to register. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, visit www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine.

Parents

Drop in Sessions with our Educationals Psychologists

East Renfrewshire Educational Psychology Service is delivering three online one-hour parents’ sessions in March. The next session will take place on Wednesday 10th March 6:30-7:30pm and Thursday 11th March 4pm -5pm 

The aim of these will be to explore how Covid has affected how children and young people think, feel and behave, and to discuss ways that you can support your child through the current challenges.

The sessions will refer to our Healthier minds website and resources (https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/healthierminds) and will involve input from partners across East Renfrewshire who support children and young people’s mental wellbeing.

Click here if you are interested in attending either of the sessions and an email will be sent with how to join the session.

Click to access THE-IMPACT-OF-CORONAVIRUS-sessions-for-parents-and-staff-fin_.pdf