January/February 2018 Issue 4
Happy New Year everyone…I hope everyone has a happy and successful 2018!! This message is a little late…my apologies. Our refurbishment programme seems to be taking up most of our energy at the moment, but we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel! We have a very busy term coming up with the diary full of opportunities for pupils across all stages in school.
Stay and Play
We have now had two very successful stay and play mornings in school and we are set to host these again. You will have already received a letter about this, but just to remind you of the organisation…
Tuesday 6th Feb – P1 and P4/3
Wednesday 7th Feb – P3/2 and P5/4
Thursday 8th Feb – P6/5 and P7
All sessions are from 9.15-10am and you are welcome to join your child in class to observe and take part in some of their learning activities. This is a super opportunity to see your child ‘at work’ and I do hope you can manage along. If you are not able to attend, please do get in touch and we can try to arrange an alternative time/day. If you would prefer to e-mail me with regards to this my e-mail is:
headteacher@royston-pri.glasgow.sch.uk
Refurbishment
Our refurbishment programme is moving forward at a steady pace. Obviously we want this finished as quickly as possible but we don’t want to rush things. Our internal works is on track but external work has been delayed by around 5-6 weeks due to weather. I have already sent out a detailed update on different aspects of the programme, please refer to this for more information. As always, I am happy to speak with anyone about this and how we strive to minimise the impact on the pupils.
Quarriers
We continue to work closely with Quarriers organisation to provide support for pupils’ mental and emotional well-being. This is going very well with our worker Christine gradually building up positive relationships with pupils and staff. She is keen to meet with more parents and is available for you to pop in for a chat on Wednesdays 9-9.30am and 2.30-3pm.
After school clubs
As you will be aware, our afterschool clubs have had to be reduced due to our refurbishment programme. We are almost at a stage where these can be hosted again and we are looking to have a variety of clubs for different age groups. More information to follow soon.
Parents Evening
Our next parent meetings will take place on February 27th. Parent’s appointments will be given out to all parents with parents/carers requiring interpreters being hosted the following week.
Trips and future events
P5-7 will participate in the event ‘How to Fix A Broken Wing’ on 16th February. This will take place in school and addresses the issues around Global Citizenship and Sustainability.
Around 30 pupils will be attending cross country championships on 20th February. Pupils have opted in to this opportunity.
P1 will be going on a trip to the Kelpies on the 21st February in line with curricular work in class.
P3/2 will be going to Vikingar centre and bird sanctuary on the 22nd February in line with curricular work in class
P4/3 will be attending the Egyptian showcase at Kelvingrove in March.
P6/5 will be attending Amazonia in relationship to their class learning on the Rainforest.
This is just a very brief overview for the next few weeks…not all opportunities are listed here!
School Attendance
I am very disappointed that since November our overall attendance rating has dropped. Pupils need to be in school every day or their learning and development WILL suffer. It is a very simple message to give. I know that every parent/carer wants their child to get the best from the education on offer and for this to happen, they must be in school every day. Please be rest-assured, if your child is ill during the school day, we will get in touch with you. In light of this, please can you ensure your contact details are kept up to date with our admin staff. It is vital that we have the correct contact numbers for you and emergency contacts.
World Book Day – 2nd March 2018
In response to some feedback gathered last year, we will be celebrating this event in a slightly different way this year. There will be no dressing up. We will be having a pyjama party where pupils can wear their pyjamas and bring a book and a cushion. We will have a lovely ‘reading day’ Pupils will read themselves, listen to their peers reading and opt in to teacher stories. The whole day will centre around reading but with a more relaxed feel, focusing on reading for pleasure.
Transition
Upper transition work has already begun with Smithycroft staff beginning to get to know the pupils in P7. Although many of our pupils are not intending to attend Smithycroft Secondary, we must assume they will go there until their placing request for another establishment is confirmed. Smithycroft staff have been visiting and this will continue. We have also managed to forge links with St Roch’s Secondary in light of the fact that many of our pupils attend there. We will be able to take part in some of their transition activities with staff coming to get to know our pupils. We have some keyboarding lessons being taught by St Roch’s staff and pupils are enjoying this opportunity.
Our nursery transition programme is about to begin. We will be having monthly events, linking in with nursery pupils in our catchment area. Last year this proved very successful and we will look to replicate the programme whilst making some minor tweaks where required.
Credit Union
Credit Union runs on a Wednesday with school staff accompanying pupils to Spireview Housing association offices to deposit their money. This is a great way for pupils to begin to learn about finance and credit. If you would like your child to participate, please request an application form at the school office.
Healthy Snack
We continually encourage pupils to try to make good choices with snacks. Pupils can win awards at our Friday celebration assembly for having a healthy snack each day of the week. Once a pupil has 5 awards they will then get to go on a special outing or receive a special treat. This week, our 5 award pupils are going to the local park as a treat for making healthy choices with snacks. Pupils are excited about this and I hope we will be able to have lots more pupils winning awards.
I would also like to remind you that pupils are only allowed to have water at school. Flavoured water is fine for playtime and lunchtime but during class time, only plain water should be consumed. We actively promote drinking water as this stimulates brain development and ultimately increases pupils’ capacity to learn.
Child Protection
Policy, procedures and actual practice in child protection is being reviewed across Glasgow City Council at present. In light of this, it is important I let you know that I am the child protection coordinator for the school. In my absence, Ms White will take on the role. Should you have any concerns regarding the protection of children please do share it with us. We are able to pass issues on to social services and will record any information which may impact upon a child’s health and well-being or learning and development in school. We have very clear procedures in place and comply with all legislation and policy in place.
Midterm holiday dates
School will be closed to pupils on Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th February. We will return as normal on Thursday 15th February.
School will them close again on 29th March at 2.30pm for spring break. Pupils will return as normal on 16th April.
Jane McShane
Head Teacher
