Hello everyone

Well Done P7 Choir
A huge well done to all of the children in the P7 choir who sang beautifully on Tuesday evening at the community concert at Netherlee Church and a big thank you to Mr Watson for all of the work that he has done with the choir this session. Everyone left feeling very festive!

Netherlee Times
We present to you, the Netherlee Times! A wonderful group of Primary 6 and 7 pupils and one of my dedicated teachers have been working very hard to create the second issue of our school newspaper. We hope you enjoy having a read at all of the fantastic things that have been going on in the school this term. Myself and Miss McLauchlan would like to say a HUGE well done and thank you to the pupils involved in creating this for you. Please have a look by clicking this link.

Early Finish on Friday 23^rd December
School will close slightly earlier than usual on this day. P1 and P2 will finish at 2.25pm and P3-7 will finish at 2.30pm.

Chatter Café (Wednesday 21^st December 9.15am – 9:45am)
A little reminder below of the information sent out previously regarding our Chatter Café on Wednesday.  We do so very much hope to welcome anyone who can spare a little time next week.

We always strive to have excellent ways for you to get in touch with us and we have therefore introduced termly drop in sessions for any parent from nursery or school who would like to pop in for a coffee and chat with the Leadership Team. This is a very informal opportunity to come along and chat to us.  Some of our pupils would also love to serve you a juice or a coffee/ tea and there may even be some of their delicious baking there too.

On the 21^st, this will be our second time running the Chatter Café this session, and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting to lots of parents at our café in term 1. You maybe have an idea or a suggestion on any aspect of Netherlee life or you may have concerns or looking for some advice. Our PTA will also be with us so you can find out about the PTA or volunteering in school and nursery too or even if you just fancy a quick coffee and a chat with some other parents! We will also have the recycled uniform rails available to browse as well. We look forward to welcoming anyone who has a spare few minutes on the date and time above.

Celebrating Diversity in Netherlee-Hanukkah
If you and your family are celebrating Hanukkah and you would like to share photos or videos of how you are celebrating this important time at home, please email them to us, we would love to share these with our classes.  Thank you very much.

Jólabókaflóð – A Christmas Book Flood
This year we are going to take part in the Icelandic Christmas tradition of Jólabókaflóð which roughly translates as ‘Christmas Book Flood’. In Iceland, people exchange books on Christmas Eve then curl up to read them straight away.

On Wednesday 21^st December, your child is invited to bring in one of their books from home and swap it with someone in their class or stage. The children will be given time to read their new books in class and will be able to take their new book home too. This is completely optional of course and families do not have to participate if they choose not to and will be given the opportunity to choose a book from the class library to ensure they can still enjoy reading with everyone in class.

We feel that this activity not only fits in well with our continuous drive in Netherlee to recycle and re-use pre loved items but also our focus this year on diversity and raising awareness of world cultures and traditions.

Parent Council Meeting Highlights
Thank you to the Parent Council for producing the latest Meeting Highlights Newsletter.  We had a very productive meeting and the highlights can be found here: December Meeting Highlights.

Primary 1 and Primary 2 Karate Club
An after school P1/P2 Karate Club will be starting on a Tuesday from 3.15-4.15pm. The club will run for 5 weeks. Full details are as follows:
Activity: P1/2 Karate Club
Day and Time: Tuesday 3.15 – 4.15pm.
Dates: 17^th, 24^th, 31^st January and 7^th, 21^st February
Venue: Gym Hall
Delivered by: Japan Karate
No. of pupils: 20
Cost: £5.50

If you think your child would be interested in attending, please complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/e/sPUAhYSxdx no later than Wednesday 21^st December. In the event of oversubscription names will be balloted. All successful applicants will be notified and asked to complete a consent form via ParentsPortal.

Church Service
As P4-7 are attending church on Tuesday 20^th December, all children in these stages should wear their shirt and tie uniform that day please. If any class has PE that day, there is no need for children to bring their PE uniform with them on Tuesday.  Thank you.

P4b Literacy
As part of their recent Literacy learning, the children in P4b have been reading ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl. We would like to conclude this learning on Tuesday, by watching the movie in class. As this is rated PG, we ask that if you do not wish your child to take part, please inform Miss Holden via the school office before this date, in order for us to arrange an alternative learning activity for your child.  Many thanks.

P6a, P6c and P6d Health and Wellbeing
As part of their Health and Wellbeing learning for term 1 and 2, the children in P6a, P6c and P6d have been doing a novel study of ‘Wonder’ by R.J Palacio. We would like to conclude this learning on Wednesday 21^st December, by watching the movie in class. As this is rated PG, we ask that if you do not wish your child to take part, please inform the school office before this date, in order for us to arrange an alternative learning activity for your child. In addition to this as a festive treat, we would like to offer all pupils in Primary 6 a ‘Hot Chocolate and Movie Day’. This will involve watching a U rated movie and enjoying a reduced sugar hot chocolate drink, in class, on Thursday 22^nd December. Children should bring in a mug to school.  If there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child, please advise the school office before this date.  Thanks you.

P6b Festive Treat
As a festive treat, we would like to offer all pupils in Primary 6b a ‘Hot Chocolate and Movie Day’. This will involve watching a U rated movie and enjoying a reduced sugar hot chocolate drink, in class, on Thursday 22^nd December. Children should bring in a mug to school.  If there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child, please advise the school office before this date.  Thanks you.

Primary 7a Treat
As a treat, we would like to offer pupils in Primary 7a a ‘Hot Chocolate and Movie Afternoon’ on Wednesday 21^st December. This will involve watching a U rated movie and enjoying a reduced sugar hot chocolate drink, in class. If there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child, please advise the school office before this date.  Each child should bring a mug please and a cosy cushion/pillow (entirely optional).  Many Thanks and Merry Christmas, Mr Aitken

Primary 7b Treat
As a treat, we would like to offer pupils in Primary 7b a ‘Hot Chocolate and Movie Afternoon’ on Thursday 22^nd December. This will involve watching a U rated movie and enjoying a reduced sugar hot chocolate drink, in class. If there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child, please advise the school office before this date. Each child should bring a mug please and a cosy cushion/ pillow (entirely optional).  Many Thanks and Merry Christmas, Miss Elliott

Primary 7c and P7d Treat
As a treat, we would like to offer pupils in Primary 7c and Primary 7d ‘Hot Chocolate and Movie Afternoon’ on Thursday 21^st December. This will involve watching a U rated movie and enjoying a reduced sugar hot chocolate drink, in class. If there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child, please advise the school office before this date. Each child should bring a mug please and a cosy cushion/ pillow (entirely optional). Many Thanks and Merry Christmas, Mrs Callaghan and Mrs Dempster.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Yvonne Donaldson
Head Teacher
Netherlee Primary School & Nursery Class

Hello everyone

House Event
The yellow house has won this term’s reward. On Friday 16th December, if your child is in yellow house they will have a fun disco in school. To help them celebrate, if possible, we would very much like your child to wear their yellow House Coloured T- shirt as part of their school uniform. Next week we will visit the classes to take “sensible” song suggestions that can be played at the disco.  We can’t wait to lead this event for the children.  Thank you, Grace and Carys. (House Captains)

Panto is coming to Netherlee Primary! Oh yes it is!
The PTA have very kindly paid for our school and nursery to watch a streamed version of the pantomime this year. The teachers and children have a choice of three pantos to watch, with this being decided by the children on the day. Continue reading →

Hello everyone

Everyone Matters
Would you like to be involved in our ‘Everyone Matters’ partnership group? We would love it if you would join us! Please read more here.

I’m delighted to let you know that one of my class teachers Mrs Kelly Linn, has been successful in securing an Acting Principal Teacher post here at Netherlee. She will start her new role on Monday 28^th November and I’m certain she will be a superb addition to the Leadership Team. As mentioned in the Friday Bundle last week, we say goodbye to Mrs Lorna Wharton today- good luck Lorna- enjoy your new DHT post- I know you’ll shine brightly in your new school.

A Festive Message
As always I would like to thank all of our families for the continued support and feedback that you give us across the school and nursery.  Recent times, have brought various challenges to many and this includes experiencing various financial challenges too, even more so as we head into the winter months and the festive period. We would therefore like to reiterate the message we have shared over recent years.

Every year we are overwhelmed by the kindness extended to us by way of gifts. While we would never presume of course, what anyone does in this regard, we are very aware that this time of year can present many challenges for everyone.  Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to say that a kind word, in a homemade card made by your child or a little message via email, would be so lovely to receive and would be appreciated by us every bit as much as any bought gifts, particularly when everyone is facing such challenging financial times right now.

The message above is sent with kindness and gratefulness from all of the Netherlee Staff and we hope that you don’t mind us mentioning this to you.  Thank you.

Celebrating Scotland Lunch
There will be a change to the lunch menu on Wednesday November 30^th to Celebrate Scotland.  The menu will be:
Soup
Scotch pie with beans and wedges
Cheese toasties with diced potatoes and salad
Baked potato
Sandwich or baguette

Christmas Lunch
We will be having our Christmas Lunch on Thursday 8^th December. If your child would like to have Christmas Lunch please use the link below to place an order. These must be completed no later than 2^nd December.

Christmas Lunch Order Form

St Andrews Day – 30^th November
To mark St Andrew’s Day, we are inviting all children, only  if they wish to and already have something at home, to wear something tartan with their school uniform on Wednesday. This could be a hair bobble, badge, scarf etc.

Parent Council Meeting – Change of Date
The date of the next Parent Council Meeting has been changed and will now be on Tuesday 6th December at 7pm on Zoom.  Please email netherleeparentcouncil@gmail.com if you wish to attend or have matters you would like us to discuss.

Clothing Swap
MK Swap are taking/swapping children winter clothes & accessories, Christmas jumpers and party clothes. They also have a section for nativity costumes which may be of use to many parents in the coming weeks. More information can be found in this poster.

P1 Nativity and P2 Festive Musical Medley!
We’re delighted to share with you that our P1 children will be presenting ‘A Wriggly Nativity’ on Tuesday 13^th December at 9.30am in our school atrium. They will be accompanied by our P2 classes who will sing a selection of songs to get you in the mood for the festive season! Please could we ask that a maximum of two adults attend for each child, due to the capacity of adults we can hold in our atrium space. Our doors will open at 9.20am, ready for a 9.30am start.

We are looking forward to seeing you all then!

Primary 3 Shortbread
Primary 3 pupils will be celebrating St. Andrew’s Day by baking shortbread biscuits. The ingredients are; butter, flour and sugar. We will be designing and decorating a ‘cake bag’ to carry our baking home.

Primary 5c Cooking
On Monday 28^th of November the children will be cooking. The children have been learning all about fractions and would like to consolidate this learning with a fun activity. As a class, we have decided we would like to make pizzas. The following ingredients will be used to make this:
Pizza base (Gluten, dairy and soy free version available)
Tinned Tomatoes
Cheese (Gluten, dairy and soy free version available)
Pepperoni
Peppers
Tomatoes
Sweetcorn
Pizzas containing allergy alternative products will be prepared and cooked separately.

In addition, on Friday 2^nd December, the children will be making snow cones. The following ingredients will be used to make this:
Ice
Sugar Free Diluting Juice: (Blackcurrant and Apple, Tropical)
https://groceries.asda.com/product/no-added-sugar-squash/capri-sun-no-added-sugar-multivitamin-apple-and-blackcurrant-squash/1000273768561
https://groceries.asda.com/product/no-added-sugar-squash/capri-sun-no-added-sugar-multivitamin-tropical-squash/1000374282589
Please advise us if there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child or if you wish your child not to try a pizza or a snow cone.

Primary 5 Cooking during December
During the month of December all of Primary 5 will be making Vegan Festive Cookies in our new school kitchen. This activity will be carried out in groups with your child making cookies on one of the following dates: 1^st, 8^th, 15^th or 22^nd December

The children will be notified of their cooking date in school.

The ingredients are as follows-
caster or granulated sugar
light brown sugar
vegetable or sunflower oil
non-dairy milk
vanilla (paste or extract)
plain all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
chocolate chips

Please advise us if there are any changes to the allergy information we hold for your child or if you wish your child not to make/try a cookie.

Primary 7: S1 Transfer Forms
We have been advised that he P7 to S1 transfer letters and forms will be sent to parents/carers on Thursday, 24 November 2022, via Royal Mail however, due to the postal strikes planned, there will be a delay in these being delivered. These should be returned to the school no later than 16 December 2022 please.

Thank you- I hope all families have an enjoyable weekend.

Yvonne Donaldson
Head Teacher

Hello everyone

Firstly this week, I have some news to share….one of my Principal Teachers (PT), Mrs Lorna Wharton will be leaving Netherlee next Friday to take up a new Depute Head Teacher post within another local authority.  Lorna is, and has been, a valuable and dedicated member of staff in Netherlee over the past 18 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her in her role as PT. I know you will wish to join me in wishing Lorna continued success in her continuing career, you will be a truly fantastic asset to your new school and families Lorna and we all wish you the very best for the future.

Message from the PTA: PTA Wear What you Want Day: 25^th November
A little reminder, that on Friday, 25th November the PTA will be having a ‘Wear what you Want’ day in school, and if your child is able to please bring along a chocolate or bottle donation which will be collected at the gates as they go into school. Please see the poster for more information.

Message from the PTA: PTA Winter Fair: 1^st December
We still need some volunteers to help us run the Winter Fair on the 1st December – if we all do a little, we can all enjoy the fair with our families too. Please sign up if you can help via this link Netherlee PTA (pta-events.co.uk). Please see the poster for this exciting festive event.

Primary 1 Dental Inspections
Please have a read over the letter regarding the school dental inspection for your child, which will take place in school on 13^th December.

Primary 1 and Primary 2 Recycled Donations
As you know, children lead their own learning through play in P1 and P2. Children’s ideas and interests are a key consideration when planning for our classroom and Open Area and resources. We are on the hunt for pre-loved items related to the children’s interests. These are items that you would otherwise be throwing away that we can use to refresh our resources in the Open Area. If you have, and are finished with, any of these types of items, please place any donations into a bag and leave this in our Recycled Donations Box situated at the main school office entrance from 21^st November. Many, many thanks.

This week, we are looking for the following resources to support our Role Play and Creativity area:

• Shoe/Tissue boxes
• Toilet roll/kitchen roll tubes
• Yoghurt pots
• Elastic bands
• Jingly bells
• Café role play items (e.g. aprons, tablecloths)

P2a Class Teacher
We’re delighted to let you know that Mrs Linn has been successful in securing an Acting Principal Teacher post here at Netherlee. She will start her new role on Monday 28^th November and we’re sure she will do a fantastic job! Your child’s class will be taken on by Mrs Catherine Williams, who is a very experienced teacher who has taught in Netherlee Primary over the years, making her very familiar with the staff and pupils. There will be a robust and detailed hand over to ensure the transition to a new teacher is as seamless as possible for your children. Mrs Williams is really looking forward to working with the children in P2a!

Primary 3-7 Recycled Donations
Thank you so much to everyone who kindly donated recycled items this term. We really appreciate it! This week we would gratefully receive any creative play materials from our wish list below. Please put any donations into a bag and leave this in our Recycled Donations box situated at the main school office entrance next week. Many, many thanks.

Creative art items: Beads, Corks, Pinecones, Pompoms, Ribbons, Sponges and Kitchen Roll Tubes

Primary 6d Volunteers for the PTA Winter Fair – Thursday 1^st December 6pm-8pm
Primary 6d are organising a festive decoration stall at the PTA Winter Fair on Thursday 1^st December. The event will run from 6pm-8pm and we would ask for the children to volunteer for a half hour block on the evening. This will involve working with a member of staff at the Primary 6 stall.

If your child is able to help at the Winter Fair then please complete the Microsoft Form below. We will then send you a consent form via ParentsPortal to complete. Thank you in advance for your support.

https://forms.office.com/r/1yAytySpKM

Primary 7 Dental Inspections
Please have a read over the letter regarding the school dental inspection for your child, which will take place in school on 6^th December.

Primary 7 Volunteers for the PTA Winter Fair – Thursday 1^st December 6pm-8pm
We would like to ask for some Primary 7 volunteers to help at the PTA Winter Fair on Thursday 1^st December. The event will run from 6pm-8pm and we would ask for the children to volunteer for a half hour block on the evening. This will involve working with a member of staff at the Primary 7 stall or the children’s games area.

If your child is able to help at the Winter Fair then please complete the Microsoft Form below. We will then send you a consent form via ParentsPortal to complete. Thank you in advance for your support.

https://forms.office.com/r/cJcUEbf40Y

Primary 7 National Entitlement Cards
We have been asked by the council’s Customer First Team to issue out consents to any Primary 7 pupil who have yet to sign up for the National Entitlement Card (NEC). Consents will be going home in school bags today, for anyone that this applies to. Can we please ask that these are returned to school by Friday 25^th November.

Industrial Action
Just a reminder that, as per the Director’s letter sent yesterday, the school will be closed to all pupils on Thursday 24^th November.  School will reopen to pupils on Friday 25^th.

Have a lovely weekend

Yvonne Donaldson
Head Teacher
Netherlee Primary School & Nursery Class