Dear Parent\/Carer<\/p>\n
October devotions and Rosary were very well attended throughout the month, organised by our staff Liturgy Group. Thanks to Mrs Baird,\u00a0Mrs Collins\u00a0and Miss Kane for leading the children during lunch times. We are now in the month of November offering our prayers as a school community for those whom we know who have died, entrusting them to God\u2019s heavenly care.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Mrs Dowling \u2013 Early Retirement Mrs Dowling has been responsible as depute headteacher for a number of significant remits during her outstanding career. These have included department responsibilities for both junior and senior pupils and Sacramental preparation of pupils for Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. She has led on Additional Support Needs provision for a number of years. She has organised the annual Castle Toward \/ Ardentinny Primary Seven residential visit and has accompanied the children on eighteen occasions. We are all going to miss her immense talents and professionalism.<\/p>\n The staff will celebrate a Mass with Mrs Dowling before the end of term and there will also be a final assembly to allow our pupils to present Mrs Dowling with a small gift.<\/p>\n Mrs Dowling has asked that if any parents wished then they could make a donation to one of our charities to mark her retirement rather than a personal gift.<\/p>\n \u00a0Ardentinny \u00a0PSA Hallowe\u2019en Party \u00a0<\/strong>Knitting Mania \u00a0New Director of Education \u00a0<\/strong>Autumn Walks \u00a0<\/strong>Parents\u2019 Evenings \u00a0Book Fair \u00a0Lost Property \u00a0Charity Christmas Cards \u00a0Academy Uniforms \u00a0Cross Country Races \u2013 Giffnock North Athletics Club\u00a0 Rouken Glen Park\u00a0\u00a0 Sun 27th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Primary Prom Concert \u00a0<\/strong>St Columba Cantata \u00a0Parent Staff Association\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Christmas Fayre\u00a0\u00a0 Sat 7th<\/sup> Dec 1.00pm \u00a0Parent Council \u00a0Attendance Tracking and Late Coming May I remind everyone that when a child is absent the school should be notified at the earliest opportunity. Office staff will continue to check all registers before 9.30am each day and text the parents of those children for whom we have no notification of absence. It is the parent\u2019s responsibility then to contact the school. I\u2019m sure you would agree that this shared responsibility should ensure that the whereabouts of all pupils is known and safeguarded.<\/p>\n \u00a0I would ask that we all work together to reduce incidences of avoidable late coming and to try to ensure that pupils arrive for school by 8.55am, when the school doors open.<\/p>\n \u00a0Traffic Management In order to minimise congestion further as an alternative, parents might consider parking outwith and making the final part of the journey on foot. Additional information and measures will follow as a result of the excellent work of the Traffic Sub Committee of the Parent Council. We will also have a Road Safety Week in November, further information will follow soon.<\/p>\n \u00a0Uniform Thank you for your continued support to ensure that all children attend school in full uniform.<\/p>\n \u00a0Christmas Concerts and Nativity Plays In addition, Primary 2 and Primary 3 pupils will perform \u201cGabriel\u2019s Big Break\u201d in the afternoon from Tuesday 10th<\/sup> to Friday 13th<\/sup> December. Primaries 4 and 5 will also perform on the afternoons of Tuesday \u2013 Friday.<\/p>\n \u00a0Programme: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.00pm \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Musicians \u2013 specific days tbc see attached calendar<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.15pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 School Choir<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.30pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 P4 & P5 \u2013 please see specific dates and times on attached calendar<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.00pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 P2 & P3 \u2013 please see specific dates and times on attached calendar<\/p>\n Lending Library \u00a0Glow \u00a0Primary 5-7 pupils are busy developing their e-portfolios.\u00a0 These are intended to allow pupils to reflect on their learning, achievements and the progress they are making. Individual profiles can only be accessed through Our Lady of the Missions\u2019 Pupil Site via Glow.\u00a0 Children cannot access other children\u2019s e-portfolios. They can only be accessed by the individual pupil and staff. Parents will be able to view their child\u2019s e-portfolio by their child logging onto Glow.<\/p>\n \u00a0School Website Our website is regularly updated by Mrs Devlin. Look in the pupils\u2019 section for pictures of recent activities. There may be occasions when your child\u2019s picture appears on the school website, but their full name is not given. If you do not wish your child\u2019s picture to appear on the website please inform the school in writing.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Please keep the attached list of dates and events detailing activities leading up to the Christmas Holidays for reference and please join the school when possible, e.g. Concerts, Parents\u2019 Evenings, Christmas Fayre etc.<\/p>\n \u00a0Thank you for your continued support.<\/p>\n \u00a0Yours sincerely<\/p>\n \u00a0Charles Jamieson Nativity Play P2a & P3a 2.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Nativity Play P2b & P3b 2.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Dear Parent\/Carer October devotions and Rosary were very well attended throughout the month, organised by our staff Liturgy Group. Thanks to Mrs Baird,\u00a0Mrs Collins\u00a0and Miss Kane for leading the children during lunch times. We are now in the month of November offering our prayers as a school community for those whom we know who have … Continue reading Parent Council November 2013 Newsletter<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Mrs Dowling, Depute Headteacher since 1994 has announced her early retirement at Christmas this year. Almost all parents know Mrs Dowling through her long service here at Our Lady of the Missions. Her career began in St James\u2019 Paisley where she spent a few years before taking up post as class teacher in Holmwood House in Cathcart in 1981.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Yet another very successful outward bound experience for P7 pupils. Thanks to the children themselves who participated enthusiastically in all of the activities: gorge walking, archery, hill walking and abseiling \/ rock climbing, canoeing, and rock hop to name but a few. Water sports were to the fore this year and everyone had a splash! Thanks to our own staff who accompanied the children and to the staff of Ardentinny.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Congratulations to the PSA committee who worked extremely well to ensure the success of this year\u2019s Hallowe\u2019en Party. The costumes worn by parents and children were absolutely fantastic. A great effort on everyone\u2019s part!<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>A group of primary seven pupils met last week with some senior citizens who are keen to share their knitting skills with the next generation of learners. The group came into our school last year and the children enjoyed learning a new skill while hearing their recollections.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Mrs Mhairi Shaw has been appointed our new Director of Education. Mrs Shaw had been head of education services since 2004. Her first position within East Renfrewshire Council was as head teacher of Mearns Primary School, a role she held for three years from 2001.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Primary one pupils and staff are about to experience the magnificent seasonal changes through their Autumn walks in Eastwood Park. They no doubt will enjoy rambling through the woods, collecting leaves, chestnuts and fir cones for their class nature tables. Our thanks go to parent helpers who have volunteered to accompany the children and staff.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The staff of the school are looking forward to welcoming you into school on Wednesday 13th<\/sup> and Thursday 14th<\/sup> November when we will be conducting the first of our round of Parents\u2019 Evenings. Appointment times will be issued later this week. These appointments will give you the opportunity to meet class teachers and to receive an update on your child\u2019s progress. Members of the Senior Management Team and Support for Learning staff will also be on hand to answer any questions. Primary 7 pupils should attend the meeting with their parents.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>A Book Fair will be held in the hall during Parents\u2019 Evenings and you are invited to browse and\/or buy any of the books on display.\u00a0 A percentage of money raised will go into school funds.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The school lost property cupboard is bursting at the seams with many items of school uniform, all without labels and of excellent quality. I would urge each parent to take time to mark\/label items for ease of recognition, as we are unable to return lost items to their rightful owners. All items will be placed in the Mensa area during Parents\u2019 Evenings. Please take any items you feel belong to your children.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>We will be selling Christmas Cards during the Parents\u2019 Evening on behalf of \u201cLet The Children Live\u201d, a Scottish Charity working with Columbian Street Children.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Academy Uniforms will also be present in the school during Parents\u2019 Evenings should any parent wish to purchase items of uniform.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Over 120 children from Primaries 5 to 7 took part with great enthusiasm in this year\u2019s\u00a0 cross country competition. Mr McCann, Miss Fawcett and Miss Dunn did a great job in preparing the children and organising such large numbers. Congratulations to members of Giffnock North who were responsible for superb coordination of the event. The weather certainly didn\u2019t dampen anyone\u2019s enthusiasm.\u00a0 Results for the event are available at www.giffnocknorth.co.uk<\/a> Our Lady of the Missions was the overall winning school from East Renfrewshire \u2013 brilliant news! Primary 5 boys and girls came first, Primary 6 boys and girls and Primary 7 boys came second in their age groups.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Members of our school choir will represent the school at the annual Primary Prom Concert in Williamwood High School on Monday 18th<\/sup> November at 7pm. Thanks to Mr Docherty, Miss Kane and Miss McKenna for preparing the children. The choir will also perform at the Clarkston BID event at Clarkston Library car park on Sat 23rd<\/sup> Nov, details to follow.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Mr Docherty is preparing P7b pupils to take part in the St Columba\u2019s Cantata written by Monsignor Gerry Fitzpatrick which will be performed at Wellington Church, University Ave at 10am on Tues 19th<\/sup> November.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The committee will now be turning its attention to the annual Christmas Fayre. Already the PSA has been busy securing donations for the annual Christmas Raffle. Raffle books will be issued via the children. Please send requests for additional raffle books into the school office. The Christmas Fayre is one of the PSA\u2019s main fund raising activities and I am sure everyone will give their full support to this venture. Thank you.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Parent Council has commenced a set of regular meetings this term to discuss a range of school related issues. I am delighted to have such a committed group of parents working on behalf of the wider parent forum. In addition to discussing joining the two school campuses via a link corridor, the Parent Council will also take part in various sub groups, covering such matters as the School Travel Plan, increased parental involvement, the school website and communications.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The level of absenteeism remains within target and acceptable limits for the vast majority of pupils with only a few exceptions.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>I would urge parents who drive their children to school to:-\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/strong>We have an excellent record here at Our Lady of the Missions regarding our school ethos and strong identity in the local community. This is strengthened by the fact that all pupils are proud to be associated with the school and wear full school uniform.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Our infants are already looking towards Christmas and are just beginning to rehearse for the annual Nativity Concert. This year Primary 1 pupils will perform \u201cJump if you Love Christmas\u201d, P1a & P1b will perform on Tuesday 10th<\/sup> December, and P1c & P1d on Wednesday 11th<\/sup> December, both in the morning at 11.30am.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>We are very lucky at Our Lady of the Missions that every class has the opportunity to borrow books from our lending library on a weekly basis, encouraging children to read a wide range of literature. Some Primary 7 pupils have been trained as librarians and will give books out on a Friday. If the book has been read it should be returned the following Thursday. In order to keep the library well stocked, it would be appreciated if you could ensure that books are returned. This is a wonderful opportunity for the younger children to share their library book with you.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Primary 1-4 now have their own class blog which can be accessed via Our Lady of the Missions\u2019 Pupil Site within Glow. The purpose of this is to allow pupils to reflect on their learning, achievements and the progress they are making. It is designed to challenge, motivate and support all children. Class teachers are working with the children to blog what they have learned and the skills they have developed. The blogs also record achievements in and out of school. Please take the time to look at your child\u2019s class blog and discuss it with them. It will give you a good insight into what they have been learning.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>http:\/\/www.ea.e-renfrew.sch.uk\/ourladymissions\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHead Teacher<\/p>\n\n\n
\n Date<\/strong><\/td>\n Event<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monday 4th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Head Teacher\u2019s Surgery 3.10 \u2013 5pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Autumn Walk P1a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n P7 Confirmation talk\u2013 St Joseph\u2019s Church 7.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 5th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Autumn Walk P1d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Egyptian Exhibition P3a and P3b pm school hall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday 6th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Autumn Walk P1c<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Egyptian Exhibition P3c and P3d pm school hall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Vikingar P4c and P4d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday 7th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Autumn Walk P1b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Vikingar P4a and P4b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n P6 Stage Mass 1.45pm school hall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n Parent Council Meeting 7.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 12th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Parent Staff Association 7.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday 13th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Parents\u2019 Evening 3.55-6.45pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday 14th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Parents\u2019 Evening 3.55-6.45pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 19th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n St Columba\u2019s Cantata P7b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n David Livingston P6a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday 20th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n David Livingston P6b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday 21st<\/sup> November<\/td>\n David Livingston P6c<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday 22nd<\/sup> November<\/td>\n David Livingston P6d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n \u00a0<\/td>\n House Day Activities \u2013 details to follow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Saturday 23rd<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Clarkston Gala Day – School Choir performing pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday 27th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Tall Ships and Riverside Museum P5c and P5d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday 28th<\/sup> November<\/td>\n Tall Ships and Riverside Museum P5a and P5b<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 3rd<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Parent Staff Association 7.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday 5th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n School choir group\u2013 St Enoch\u2019s Centre in aid of Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday 6th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n First Friday Mass P7 St. Vincent\u2019s Church<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Saturday 7th December<\/td>\n Christmas Fayre 1.00pm-3.30pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 10th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Nativity Play P1a\/P1b \u00a011.30amMusicians 1.00pm \u2013 WoodwindSchool Choir 1.15pmP4a & P5a 1.30pm<\/p>\n \n Wednesday 11th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Nativity Play P1c\/P1d \u00a011.30amMusicians 1.00pm \u2013 StringsSchool Choir 1.15pmP4b & P5b 1.30pm<\/p>\n \n Thursday 12th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Musicians 1.00pm \u2013 GuitarsSchool Choir 1.15pmP4c & P5c 1.30pmNativity Play P2c & P3c 2.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday 13th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Musicians 1.00pm \u2013 Individuals\/Brass tbcSchool Choir 1.15pmP4d & P5d 1.30pmNativity Play P2d & P3d 2.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monday 16th December<\/td>\n P7 Enterprise Free Day \u2013 Non Uniform Day for charity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 17th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n Christmas Parties P4 \u2013 6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday 17th<\/sup> December<\/td>\n P7 Disco St Joseph\u2019s Church Hall 7.00 \u2013 9.00pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday 18th December<\/td>\n Christmas Parties P1 \u2013 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday 20th<\/sup> \u00a0December<\/td>\n School closes for Christmas Holidays at 2.30pm<\/strong> and re-opens on Monday 6th<\/sup> January<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"