I am delighted to be bringing you my first newsletter during my time here in Royston. My name is Mrs Jane McShane and, as I’m sure you know, I have taken up the position of acting head teacher for the time being. I’m not sure of the time frame for this but I am enjoying being here very much. My background is in primary and I have been a depute head teacher for a number of years. I am very keen to get to know as many people as possible in my time here so please do come and chat with me or indeed come into school and discuss any concerns you may have.
Staffing
It appears that staffing for next session is almost finalised. We will be very sad to say good bye and good luck to Mrs McGinley as she goes on to new and exciting things. We are also sad to be saying good bye and good luck to Miss Mitchell who has been allocated to Royston Primary for her probationary year. Both members of staff have worked extremely hard for the pupils and school community and we will miss them.
We are however delighted to be keeping Miss Laird who has been with us as a cover teacher. Miss Laird will be permanent to Royston Primary as of next session 2015/16.
We will also be welcoming a probationer teacher who has been allocated to the school for one year. We do not know who this person is at present but should find out very soon.
I will shortly write out to you to let you know your child’s next class teacher. We will be having a transition afternoon for all pupils on 17th June. This will be an opportunity for your child to work with their new class teacher.
Blairvadoch
Primary 7 pupils will be going on a trip to Blairvadoch next Thursday 11th June. They will be away all day and should dress for outdoor activities. Please do not allow your child to wear new and/or expensive clothing as it may get mucky and wet during their day. Please see information previously sent with regards to necessary things to bring.
Water Aid
Pupils in Primary 4/3 have been learning about ‘The Water Source’ and were learning about people who do not have access to clean water. In order to give support the pupils decided to organise a fundraiser to raise funds to help. This was a very successful event and a big thank you to pupils for organising and taking part, and also to you for giving your child a little money for this event. £42.90 was raised for Water Aid.
Summer Fayre
The parent Council have been very busy this summer organising the school summer fayre. This will be held on the 12th June 1-3pm in the school grounds. It is hoped that the event will indeed be outside; however this is dependent on weather. There will be a variety of stalls and activities such as cake and candy, tombola, bring and buy, beat the goalie, bouncy castle and lots lots more. It sounds like a very exciting event and we hope that you will support this by giving your child money for the day to buy and take part in activities. This money is raised to support your child directly in school with, for example, trips and outings, transport, visiting specialists. Without this, school ‘extras’ would not be possible. Parent council are also looking for some volunteers to help on the day, manning stalls and activities etc. If you have time to spare we would be delighted if you could help, and we would keep you very busy! Any donations for raffles, tombolas, bring and buy etc will be gratefully received.
Breakfast club
Breakfast club runs in school every morning. This is for pupils who want to eat breakfast before starting their school day. Pupils who are not having breakfast in the club will not be allowed into the dining hall. This is for health and safety purposes. If your child comes to breakfast club, they eat the breakfast provided and are not permitted to bring their own. If you have any queries about the service please do speak to myself or a member of Cordia staff.
Reports
Staff are busily preparing your child’s end of session report card. These should be given out at the end of next week along with a note of who your child’s next class teacher will be. As parent meetings have already taken place we would not be arranging any further meetings, however if you wish to discuss an aspect of concern then please do contact the school.
Sports Day
We have planned to have sports day for all on Friday 19th June. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day! P1, P2 and P4/3 will compete in their events from 9.30-10.30am and P5/4, P6/5 and P7 will compete 11-12pm. If the event is outside as planned we would be delighted to welcome you to attend and spectate, however if we have to take events indoors we would not be able to have spectators.
Leavers Assembly
Our leavers assembly/prize giving will be held on the 22nd June at 9.30am. Primary 7 will lead the assembly and class awards will be handed out during this. We would be delighted if you could attend.
Accommodation
As you will be aware the school building suffered quite significant damage a few weeks ago and unfortunately we had no option but to close the school on the 18th May. The water damage spread over 3 floors of the school building. At the present time I can report that repairs have been made to the roof and I hope that we can get this onto a regular maintenance programme. We have had ceilings repaired and replaced and are now awaiting flooring repairs and replacement. It is safe and secure for all pupils and looks much better. Thanks to all for your support in this matter and for collecting your children so speedily on the 18th.
School Playground
Parent council have been working very hard at coordinating a large scale playground project. This will begin on the 6th July and should be finished for pupil return date. The playground will have lots of game markings painted on and various areas for pupils to sit and take part in activities. We are all very excited to see how this turns out and indeed, how this can be used to further learning and teaching in school.
Holiday Dates
As I’m sure you are aware, school will close for the summer holidays on Wednesday the 24th June at 1pm. I wish you all a very happy holiday period, whether you are home or away! We look forward to seeing your children all back to school 9am sharp on Thursday the 13th August.
