Category Archives: Latest News

Parental Hints and Tips

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Some things to think about when talking/spending time together with younger children:

Talk about what you’re doing as you carry out everyday tasks like making lunch/dinner, washing up etc.

Point out all of the things you see around you when you’re out at the park, on the way to school, at the supermarket etc.

Look at your child when you and they are talking – it shows that you are interested in what they have to say.

If your child says something incorrectly instead of correcting, say it back in the correct way.

Art

Primary Four have been celebrating the Turner Prize coming to Glasgow by looking at Scottish contemporary artists. They loved the bold colours used in Jolomo’s paintings and were inspired to replicate the cottage and lighthouse scenes. Pupils enjoyed mixing colours and exploring how shades effect the emotions of their painting. We then created our own ‘artist’ names using the first two letters from our first, second and surnames.

You can view P4’s Artwork by following the link below.

Artwork

Bookbug Primary 1 Bag Surveys – prizes on offer!

We would really like your help in gathering feedback about this year’s Primary 1 Family Bags. Scottish Booktrust have compiled a survey for Parents.   There are bundles of books to be won on the survey. The deadline is Friday 18th December.

The link for the survey is:

For Parentshttps://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2RC87LX

Lockerbie Trip -Reminders

P7 Lockerbie Trip

Monday 30th November-Friday 4th December

We hope all the P7 pupils, parent and carers are excited about our imminent trip to Lockerbie! The children will have a fantastic time meeting new friends, building relationships and learning lots of new skills.

Here are a few reminders, and answers to some questions raised over the course of this week:

  • Can we please ask parent/carers bring the children into school with their luggage on Monday at 9:10am. You should enter the building via the gym hall entrance.
  • Parents should bring along any medication their child will require during the trip. You will be asked to label and check you have filled out any medical permissions. If you believe your child may require Calpol or Paracetamol during the week,you must fill in a medical permission when you drop  off your child at 9:10am.
  • Pupils can bring a hairdryer with them. If they are sharing a room with a friend, maybe they could discuss and agree on sharing hairdryers one between two. Straighteners should not be brought to Lockerbie.
  • Children can bring their own snacks. No fizzy drinks though. A tuck shop will be available each evening and £10 will be issued by the school to buy items over the course of the week.
  • No mobile phones. You can still keep in touch with how your child is getting on via the school twitter. Photos will be posted daily.
  • Remember to bring a black bag for dirty clothing.
  • Miss Flaherty will be in daily contact with the school. If there are any issues Miss Flaherty or the school will call you.
  • Children can bring denims to wear at the disco but should not wear them during the day activities.
  • Children do not need a lunch box. We are not participating in any activities that require one.
  • Girls can bring make-up. This can be worn to the disco.
  • You can come and wave the children off on Monday at 1:00pm if you are free to do so.
  • Please help your child practice rolling up and putting their sleeping bag in its bag. This will save a lot of time during the trip.
  • Please take the time to remind your child of the standard we expect from them during the trip. They are representing St Mark’s and we expect great manners, excellent listening skills and kindness throughout the week.

Only three sleeps to go!

Fair Trade

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At Parent’s night, pupils hosted a Fair trade stall to promote Fair Trade. Pupils raised a fantastic £130.45. By hosting a Fair Trade stall we have helped to make a difference, not only in direct benefit to producers from the sales made, but also in spreading the word and message of fair trade to the wider community.

A big thank you to the children involved in the making our stall welcoming and for giving up their time to sell items at the stall. Also thank you to the parents who purchased items at our stall.

Parenting Tips

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Encourage your child to get involved in making decisions about things that affect them e.g. what you do at the weekends, what you have for dinner etc.  This will make them feel involved in family life and that their ideas matter.  If their suggestions are not possible, be honest and discuss them and where possible, incorporate some of their suggestions.  Use phrases including:

“So what do you think we should do?”

“What don’t you try that on your own this time?”

“The choice is yours.”

Parental Hints and Tips

  • Encourage your child to take responsibility for jobs around the house which are appropriate for their age e.g. make their bed, clean their bedroom, wash/dry the dishes, make their packed lunch/dinner with you etc.

 

  • If your child finds it hard to tidy their room, be more detailed.  For example, give them 3 or 4 tasks to complete: put dirty clothes in the wash basket, fold clean clothes and put them away, make your bed and tidy toys away into the box.

Energy Efficiency

As part of wider research into fuel poverty within East Renfrewshire, the council is looking to distribute an energy efficiency and affordable warmth survey to engage with local residents.

The primary goal is to find out how residents are managing their fuel bills and if they are aware of the support that’s available. It’s hoped the survey will help participants to save on their gas and electricity bills and better heat their homes.

Please complete the following online survey.

Energy Online Survey

EE AND AFFORDABLE WARMTH SURVEY FINAL

Any support you could give would be appreciated – the closing date for the survey is 20th November 2015