Additional Teachers

It’s great to see everyone back in Cross Arthurlie and to welcome a number of new staff. Miss MacLean (P2/2), Miss McGhie (P5/2) will be with us for the year and Miss Little (P7/1) will be here permanently. We are also in the very fortunate position of having a number of teachers who will be teaching vari-ous groups of children at different points throughout the week. Mrs Carr, Mrs Berry, Mrs Britton, Miss McGoran, Mr Gouchez, Mrs Eddie, Mrs Shearman and Mrs Scott will be teaching a range of different subjects throughout the school extending the children’s learning either by co-operatively teaching with the class teacher or perhaps teaching in smaller groups.

Miss Jardine has also joined us as a Pupil Support Assistant.

GDPR

As you will be aware new laws came into force in May which effect how personal information is handled. In the next few days you will receive a number of forms which will need to be completed and returned. We would be very grateful if these are completed and returned ASAP.

A number of parents had not completed forms last year and this has meant that important information is not able to be passed on to their child. If you think you are missing out on information please contact the school office who will be able to help.

Primary 1

The children in Primary 1 have settled really well and enjoying continuing to learn through their play as well as other forms of learning.

Remits

The Senior Management Team have maintained their remits from last year. As Headteacher I have overall responsibility for the school however in addition I also have a particular focus on the children in P1 & 2. Mrs Duncan (PT) has responsibility for P3 & 4 and Miss Rice (DHT) has responsibility for P5, 6 & 7.

Parking

Please be considerate when using your car in and around the school. The school car parks are for staff only and should not be used by parents. There have been a number of near misses in the past and we do not want any child to come to harm. The school bus drop off point MUST be kept clear at all times.

Parent Council News

The Parent Council are always keen to welcome new members. The Parent Council usually meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month. The first meeting will be held in the school from 7pm on Tuesday 4th September and will be a cheese and wine event. Please come along to meet everyone and find out how you can help support your child by supporting the work of the parent council. In addition the parent council has a Facebook page for all parents at the school: Cross Arthurlie PC/ Fundraisers. This is a closed group for parents and will pro-vide you with information on up and coming events.

The dates of the next meetings (to be held in Barrhead High School ) are : 02/10/18; 06/11/18; 27/11/8; 05/02/19; 05/03/19; 7/5/19; 04/06/18 (AGM in Cross Arthurlie)

Jackets & Uniform

We are keen to ensure that children are able to make the most of playtime and, given that we live in the west of Scotland, this will mean that sometimes when the children are out playing it may be raining. Could you please make sure your child has a waterproof jacket and that it has your child’s name on it. We encourage the children to be responsible for their belongings, but sometimes they can become misplaced and it is much easier to return lost property if items are clearly labeled.

The children are all looking wonderful in their school uniforms which is in line with East Renfrewshire Council’s “Dressing for Excellence” policy. We prefer the children to be in recognisable Cross Arthurlie uniforms with sweatshirts and polo shirts for younger children and shirts and ties for older. This does not mean all items have to be branded with the school badge, as plain navy sweatshirts and plain polo shirts are perfectly acceptable. If you have any questions about school uniform please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for your continued support with this as it genuinely helps us build and develop a real sense of community and being part of something that matters.

PE and Outdoor Learning

We are looking forward to making the most of our wonderful outdoor space. In Primary 1 & 2 the children will be learning outdoors on a regular basis and will be working through a programme called “Muddy Movers” which seeks to develop their large motor skills and encourage them to work cooperatively. Could I ask if you have not already done so, you drop off a pair of wellies for your child.

Most children will have two PE slots one of 100 minutes and one of 50. Initially P1 will have 3 x 50 minute slots.

Mrs Duncan is introducing a new PE programme to children in Primaries 4– 7 which will also involve the children in being outside. It is im-portant therefore that children in the upper school also have suitable kit for PE outdoors.

Bikeability

Miss Rice is once again supporting P7 children in gaining their bikeability level 3 awards. We are keen to continue to be health promoting and encouraging children to bring their bikes to school. Bikeability is one way of ensuring that when children are using their bikes they are doing so safely.

A new bike shelter has been fitted in the infant playground where children can safely leave their bikes.

Mrs Fiona MacDonald

Head Teacher