Dear Parents/Carers
I trust that everyone had a very enjoyable, relaxing October holiday. The weather was absolutely amazing across the country adding to the feeling of wellbeing experienced by staff, pupils and families alike.
Parents’ Evenings The first set of Parents’ Evenings held before the October holiday was highly successful and very well attended. The online booking system was also a great success.
Unusually, a sizeable number of parents were not able to attend parents’ evening due to family holiday commitments and other engagements. Requests were therefore made for an alternative/additional appointment which of course we will accommodate during school time in the coming weeks. Hopefully with plenty of prior notice parents will be able to keep diaries clear for our next set of parents’ appointments which are scheduled for Wednesday 9th March and Thursday 10th March 2016, 4pm-7pm.
After the parents’ appointments we sought parents’ views via a short questionnaire and these are the results
- My child’s learning is progressing well
AgreeStrongly Agree Disagree
355 142 5
- My child is encouraged to work to the best of their ability
AgreeStrongly Agree Disagree
391 98 4
- The school keeps me well informed about my child’s progress through newsletters, twitter/website, end of year reports, parents’ evenings, curriculum afternoons and evenings etc
AgreeStrongly Agree Disagree
332 143 6
We are of course delighted by this overwhelming endorsement for the great work that is taking place in our school. With everyone’s efforts and continued support we will seek to continue to meet the needs of every pupil.
Farewell Mrs Degnan and Ms Cannon Mrs Degnan who has taught here in Our Lady of the Missions for the last 7 years, mainly in the senior school, has secured a teaching post closer to her home in St Fillan’s Primary School, Houston and is sadly leaving us on Friday 30th October. She has been a great asset to the school and has contributed to our many successes. She has been a regular member of the staff team taking part in P7 residential trips to Castle Toward and Lockerbie Manor. Her interests in sport and information communication technologies have been extremely beneficial to our pupils and also to the staff. We wish Mrs Degnan well in her new post and thank her for her service to the pupils in our school.
Ms Pauline Cannon Ms Cannon who has been a member of the Support for Learning team and a teacher here at Our Lady of the Missions for 23 years is also leaving us to follow other pursuits. Once again we convey our thanks to her for her loyal service particularly her contribution to supporting individuals and groups who require additional interventions. We wish her every happiness for the future.
October Devotions
We have one more Thursday remaining for staff, pupils and parents to attend October Devotions. The weekly morning Rosary has been well attended and has provided the school community with the opportunity to dedicate their intentions to Our Blessed Lady.
The final morning Rosary will take place next Thursday 29th October at 8.30am in the Junior Department thereafter we will move into November when the pupils will make special intentions for deceased relatives and friends during special assemblies.
P6 pupils will have a stage Mass next Thursday afternoon at 1.45pm celebrated by Father Duggan from St Joseph’s Parish. Parents of P6 pupils are most welcome.
Parent Council and Parent Staff Association
Our Parent Council meeting will be held here in the school at 7.00pm on Thursday 29th October and the Parent Staff Association will host a ‘ sell out’ Hallowe’en Disco on Friday 30th October.
We intend to hold a sporting fund raising event in November with the help of our active school coordinators and Parent Council / PSA members in order to raise funds to develop the landscape between our conjoined buildings. I will issue further information soon.
School Choir
Miss Kane PT is preparing P6a pupils to take part in the annual Cantata written by Mgr Gerry Fitzpatrick which will be performed at Wellington Church at 10am on Tuesday 10th November.
The choir is also scheduled to perform at the Giffnock Village celebrations on Saturday 14th November at 4pm – more details to follow.
Curriculum Evening
Parents are invited to attend a Curriculum Evening on Tuesday 10th November from 6.00pm until 7.00pm. Each stage will organise two information sessions for parents regarding various aspects of the curriculum. Further information will follow.
Flu Immunisation
Pupils will once again receive the nasal flu immunisation this Autumn here in school on Thursday 12th November. The whole process was highly efficient last year thanks to the school office staff and health professionals working in tandem over a number of days.
Nativity Concert Dates
Advanced notice of our Nativity and Christmas concert dates.
Infant Nativity 11.00am Infant/Junior Performance
Choir and Musicians – 1.00pm
Mon 14th December 1a 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a
Tues 15th December 1b 2b, 3b, 4b and 5b
Wed 16th December 1c 2c,3c, 4c and 5c
Thurs 17th December 1d 2d, 3d, 4d and 5d
Fri 18th December 1e ———————-
We look forward to welcoming many parents into the school during November and December.
Yours sincerely
Charles Jamieson Head Teacher
