Primary 6a are participating in Clyde in the Classroom. It is a hands-on project which uses the life history of a native Scottish species, the brown trout, to promote awareness of river ecology among young people across the River Clyde catchment. Over the next seven weeks, P6 will engage with nature and develop a sense of pride in their local environment. The children will be responsible for the care of brown trout within their classroom and will work weekly with Clyde River Foundation scientists. The twin outcomes of developing citizenship and personal confidence will be illustrated by their personal and group work. Yesterday, P6a visited the Science Centre in preparation for the project. They also had time to explore the Science mall. You can read P6’s Blog on the trip by following the link.
Category Archives: Latest News
ARTiculate
This term ART-iculate has been launched! This is a fantastic opportunity for P6 and P7 children to immerse themselves in the lives and works of the Glasgow Boys and Girls. These painters were a pioneering group of Artists that were driven and motivated; they embraced change, created masterpieces, and became Scottish icons in the process.
Last week the children thoroughly enjoyed four workshops at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, where one room is dedicated to the group. The museum houses an impressive collection of the Boys’ and Girls’ pieces that were created between 1880 and early 1900. The education providers were very impressed by the attitude and knowledge displayed by the children.
P7 and P6 will be given an opportunity this term to choose and research a painting by one of these famous Glasgow Boys or Girls
They will then take part in an upper school ART-iculate competition, to orally present their findings. The finalist will compete in St Mark’s Art Exhibition, 2015. There will be guests in attendance as well as invited judges from Glasgow School of Art.
Have a look at some of our photos from our museum visit last week.
Robert Burns Celebration
On Friday 23rd January we will be celebrating the Bard’s birthday with songs, dance and treats.School uniforms should be worn however pupils are invited to wear something tartan e.g kilt, tie, scarf.
Parents/carers are welcome to join the celebration from 1.45pm when classes will provide entertainment and light refreshments will be served.
Little Splashers
Eastwood Park Theatre
Eastwood theatre have a fantastic selection of performances and events to keep you busy from January-May.
Parent Equalities Forum
The first meeting of the Parent Equalities Forum will take place on Thursday 15th January in Woodfarm High School at 7pm. The main item on the agenda will be the Education Department’s Equalities Delivery Plan.
Weather Warning
Keep up-to-date with East Renfrewshire Council Twitter
Kind-hearted Pupils
A masssive well done to two very compassionate St Mark’s pupils, Josh and Noah of P6b. The boys raised £255.71 for Chas Charity. The two thoughtful boys decided to sell their own old football cards for charity. They also held a raffle to win a signed Celtic strip, 4 St Mirren match day tickets and 2 footballs. The boys gave up their own time at break and lunchtimes over 5 weeks to the raise the funds.
After School Clubs
This term, we are offering a wide variety of fun, stimulating and free after school clubs in which your child can participate. The clubs will run on the following 8 weeks:
Weeks beginning 19th, 26th of January, 2nd, 16th and 23rd February, 2nd, 16th and 23rd March.
Monday- Running Club P5-7
Monday-Gardening P4-7
Tuesday – Drama Club P5-7
Tuesday – Netball P6-7
Thursday – Movie Making P6-7
Friday – Multi sports P1-3
If your child would like to participate in any of the above clubs, please complete and return the tear-off slip sent home today.
Primary 1 Registration
East Renfrewshire Council Council has set up one week for Primary 1 registration. If your child is 5 between 1st March 2015 and the end of February 2016, you are invited to visit the primary school within your catchment area between 1:30pm and 3pm on any day from 12th January to 16th January.
There will be an opportunity to take a walk around school on Thursday at 9.30pm or 2pm.
Christmas Holidays
- A reminder that Christmas Parties take place on Wednesday 17th December, pupils should come as they please.
- Any outstanding money for Panto taking place on Thursday 18th December P1-3 and Friday 19th December p4-7 should be handed to the office. £5 each or £7 a family.
- Please join us on Thursday 18th December for an Advent Mass at 2.15pm. Everyone welcome.
- St Mark’s closes on Friday 19th December at 2.30pm. The school will reopen on the 5th January at 9am. The breakfast club will be open as normal from 8am.
Finally, it only remain for me, on behalf of the entire staff of the school, to wish you and your families a peaceful, Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
Gerard McLaughlin
Head Teacher
Free School Meals Initiative, P1-3
FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR PRIMARY 1 TO 3 PUPILS: COMMENCING MONDAY 5TH JANUARY 2015
I write to inform you of the start of the free school meals provision for all Primary 1 to 3 pupils. This initiative was announced following a decision by the Scottish Government earlier this year and will start in East Renfrewshire Council on Monday 5th January 2015.
As of Monday 5th January 2015 all Primary 1 to 3 pupils will be provided with a healthy lunch that meets the requirements of the Health Promotion and Nutrition (Scotland) Act 2007 and I would ask you to encourage your child to take up their entitlement and try the various food available.
Facilities Management catering staff have been working with Head Teachers and school staff to ensure that all children have a positive and enjoyable experience at lunch time. We have developed a menu to allow the pupils to try new and varied foods and we intend to consult with parents towards the Spring break to seek views on the menu. I have attached a copy of the menu for your information and to allow you to discuss this with your child, this information can also be accessed through the following website www.eastrenfrewshire.scottishschoolmeals.co.uk
I wish you and your families’ best wishes for the festive season and look forward to seeing your child for their free lunch in the New Year.
Yours sincerely
Fiona Morrison
Head of Education Services (School Performance & Provision)
Sports for All Ages
Nativity 2014
Scotland Lights up Malawi Project
Barrhead Foodbank and Yorkhill Hospital
St Mark’s collected and donated food and presents to Barrhead Foodbank and Yorkhill Hospital.
Barrhead Food Bank
The Pupil Council are holding a fundraising event on Friday 12th December. Pupils can wear a Christmas jumper to school but instead of bringing money pupils should bring an item for the local food bank. The food bank needs the following items:
- tinned vegetables
- long life milk
- orange juice
- creamed rice
- selection boxes
- shampoo
- shower gel
- toothpaste
- soap
Many thanks for your continued support.
Active Schools- We Need You!
The aim of active schools is to offer all children and young people the opportunities and motivation to adopt active, healthy lifestyles, now and in adulthood. We aim to do this by increasing sporting opportunities before, during and after school. To assist us we have a group of volunteers, coaches, leaders and teachers who help deliver these activities and we would like you to be part of the programme.
From active travel initiatives to helping school clubs we have roles big and small to suit your requirements. Even if you don’t have coaching certificates or qualifications we can help you get them!
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete the form your child has brought home from school.
Barry Cook
Senior Active School Coordinator
St Mark’s Christmas Fayre
Christmas Choir
In the lead up to Christmas, our school choir brought festive cheer to the staff and customers of Tesco in Barrhead! They sang a fabulous medley of Christmas hymns and songs and raised a whopping £109.42 for Yorkhill Children’s Charity. Well done and thank you to all of the children in the choir for their fantastic effort!
