Head Teacher’s Blog

Session 2024 – 25

Week ending 20th December 2024

Mass 

We had a lovely morning celebrating our final school Mass on the year.  Father Dominic has warmly welcomed the children to attend 10am Mass on Sunday 22nd December.  Following Mass there will be the opportunity to make a Christmas Tree decoration in the hall, and these will be put onto the tree. 

Mass Schedule for Christmas Solemnity of the Nativity of Our ...

Christmas Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Christmas Eve Vigil – 5pm  

Midnight Mass – 12am  

Christmas Day – 10am and 2pm 

We would like to wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas.

Choir 

Our choir have had a busy week.  Firstly, singing at our Cafe Noel on Monday and then entertaining the residents of Forefaulds Care Home on Thursday.

Furthermore, ten members of the choir were live on Camglen radio on Wednesday, and we enjoyed listening to them in school. Thank you to Mrs Masson for leading the choir this year.  

Travelling Crib 

Our travelling cribs have been welcomed into so many of our children’s homes over the past six weeks.  The children have described what they did at home and how enjoyable an experience it was for them to pray and read as a family. Thank you for sending in photographs. 

Cafe Noel  

Many thanks to those who were able to attend our Cafe Noel on Monday.  The boys and girls thoroughly enjoyed entertaining you with their songs. We hope you enjoyed the event.  Thank you to our parent helpers for organising and serving the tea.   

Farewell 

We bid farewell to Miss Davies of our support staff team as she transfers to St Kenneth’s Primary in the New Year.  Our thanks go to Miss Davies for all the help and support that she has provided to our children and staff over the years. We will miss her and wish her the best of luck in her new establishment. 

MISSIO 

Our running total for MISSIO is £358.01.

Thank you so much for your support and contributions. 

P1 Enrolment 

Enrolment for P1 (August 2025) will take place the week commencing 6th January.  Details on enrolling your child can be found via this link: 

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/392/enrolling_your_child_for_school 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Week ending 13th December 2024

P1-3 Nativity 

A huge well done to our boys and girls in P1-3 for entertaining us with their nativity!  They have worked so hard to learn their songs and lines.  Thank you also to our staff for preparing them. 

 Food Bank Appeal 

Thank you very much for the kind donations to Loaves and Fishes.  These were uplifted today and are making their way to homes to help over the Christmas period.   

Our raffle winners were Chloe and Addison.  £126.50 was raised and donated to Loaves and Fishes today.  Thank you! 

Christmas Lunch 

We thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas lunch today and wish to thank our catering staff for such a delicious treat! 

Mass  

We will be attending Mass on Friday 20th December.  You are most welcome to join us.  

Early Finish 

Please note that we close at the earlier time of 2.30pm on Friday 20th December and reopen on Monday 6th December. 

Competition 

We are excited to announce that Karla in P6 won the  Christmas Card Competition and her design will be used by East Kilbride MP, Joani Reid.  We are looking forward to a visit from Joani Reid in January where she will meet our upper school classes and discuss jobs for the future.  

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 6th December 2024

P1-3 Nativity 

Our P1-3 Nativity, ‘It’s a Census, Get Me Out of Here’ takes place on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th December.  The show will start at 1.45pm.  Tickets are available via ParentPay. 

Our P1-2 do not require any costumes.  P3 can wear a festive t-shirt, jumper or hair accessories.  

Cafe Noel

Café Noel will take place at 9am on Monday 16th December.  We welcome you to a coffee morning followed by festive singing performances from pupils across the school.  As with last year we anticipate large numbers so will allocate 2 tickets per family to P4-7 pupils   If you plan to uptake your ticket allocation for Café Noel, please complete and submit the form below by Thursday 12th December.  There is no charge for this event.  

https://forms.office.com/e/RVPCeUKDmQ

Food Bank Appeal 

A polite reminder about our Food Bank Appeal 

Our Mini-Vinnies are organising our Christmas charity appeal this year.  Donations for Loaves and Fishes can be sent in up until Thursday 12th December.  The uplift is organised for the 13th and the items donated will be provided to families in plenty of time for Christmas. 

Please refer to the attached flyers for details on items requested.   

As we always say even one tin, packet of biscuits, pasta etc can be added to make up bags.  Don’t feel that you need to spend a lot of money and send in a bag full of items.   

 In addition to the above donations, Mrs Toner has kindly knitted some Christmas elves and a Santa hat to go along with a mug and chocolate orange.   These items are available for raffle at a cost of £1.  Children can bring in money up until the 12th December and the money raised will be given to Loaves and Fishes.  

Christmas Lunch 

Please note that the Christmas Lunch takes place on Friday 13th December and must be pre-ordered.  Orders are not available on the day.  Children are permitted to wear a festive t-shirt, jumper or hair accessories that day. 

Christmas Parties 

On party days, children can come to school wearing their party clothes.  

Thurs 12th Dec – Rooms 9 and 10 

Mon 16th Dec – Rooms 7 and 8 

Tues 17th Dec – Rooms 1 and 2  

Wed 18th Dec – Rooms 3 and 4 

Thurs 19th Dec – Rooms 5 and 6  

Mass  

We will be attending Mass on Friday 20th December.  You are most welcome to join us.  

PTA Disco  

Many thanks for our PTA for hosting last night’s disco.  We hope everyone enjoyed a boogie!

Early Finish 

Please note that we close at the earlier time of 2.30pm on Friday 20th December and reopen on Monday 6th December. 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

 

Week ending 29th November 2024

Food Bank Appeal 

Our Mini-Vinnies are organising our Christmas charity appeal this year.  Donations for Loaves and Fishes can be sent in up until Thursday 12th December.  The uplift is organised for the 13th and the items donated will be provided to families in plenty of time for Christmas. 

 

As we always say even one tin, packet of biscuits, pasta etc can be added to make up bags and gifts.  Don’t feel that you need to spend a lot of money and send in a bag full of items.   

In addition to the above donations, Mrs Toner has kindly knitted some Christmas elves and a Santa hat to go along with a mug and chocolate orange. These items are available for raffle at a cost of £1.  Children can bring in money up until the 12th December and the money raised will be given to Loaves and Fishes.  

Christmas Fayre  

A massive well done to our PTA for organising a very successful Christmas Fayre.  Also, to all who contributed donations, time and money.  We really do appreciate the support of our children, families, staff and local community as this is a big fundraiser for us.  Money this year within our school budget is significantly reduced and without these fundraisers we would very much find it difficult or near impossible to buy some items and experiences for the children.   

MISSIO 

Our running total for MISSIO is £266.00.  This includes the £80 raised at the School Fayre by the children who assisted Mrs Melrose.  They kindly donated £80 to the PTA and £80 to MISSIO. 

Thank you so much for your support. 

Children are welcome to bring in monetary donations any day of the week. A few pennies here and there add up.  Our P6 MISSIO Champions count the money weekly. 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

 Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 22nd November 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Rosie for Star Effort  

Room 2 – Alyssa for Star Kindness 

Room 3 – Elisha for Star Attitude 

Room 4 – Bryan for Star Effort and Attitude 

Room 5 – Elliot for Star Effort 

Room 6 – Macie for Star Attitude 

Room 7 – Toby for Star Maths 

Room 8 – Connor for Star Attitude 

Room 9 – James for Star Effort 

Room 10 – Riley for Star Effort  

Uniform 

A polite reminder that indoor shoes are required by all children.  This helps to keep our school carpets and corridors clean, as well as is more hygienic, particularly when children are working and playing on the floors.  Our heating is under floor so indoor shoes also assist with children not overheating in boots and heavy outdoor footwear. 

PE kit 

A reminder that gym kit is required as part of health and safety.  An increasing number of children are not bringing in gym kit.  It is especially important for hygiene purposes that older children are not wearing the same clothing all day following a PE lesson. 

Letters will be issued to those not bringing in kit and we ask for your support in this.  Children may not be able to participate in the lesson if they are in unsafe footwear.  We want all our children to be able to participate in lessons but must adhere to health and safety.  

Names should be on all items of clothing please.  

Caledonia Gladiators 

On Monday, Andrea a coach from Caledonia Gladiators basketball team led sessions with Rooms 1- 4.  We had a lot of fun!  They are running classes for children and details can be found by emailing:  enquiries@caledoniagladiators.com or telephoning 01355 208200  

World Book Week Scotland 

P1-3 were issued will be given their Scottish Book Trust Bags this week.  We hope that you enjoy reading these together at home. P7 loved reading the books to the infant classes. 

A few photographs have been uploaded to our Photo Gallery. 

Competition entries should be emailed to stleosdropbox@glow.sch.uk no later than Friday 29th November.  Winners will be chosen the following week.   

Christmas Fayre  

A polite reminder that the Christmas Fayre opens at 10am on Saturday 23rd November.  It closes at 1pm.  Please join us for some Christmas festivities, gifting ideas, refreshments and entertainment from our school choir. 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 15th November 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Siannan for Star Writer 

Room 2 – Tommy for Star Phoneme Blender 

Room 3 – Rory for Star Attitude 

Room 4 – Chanudi for Star Respect 

Room 5 – Ivy for Star Speller 

Room 6 – Jax for Star Maths 

Room 7 – Noah for Star Maths 

Room 8 – Emily for Star Maths 

Room 9 – Zara and Thomas for Star Numeracy 

Room 10 – Mya for Star Attitude  

Values Winners 

Room 1 – Aiden P for Kindness 

Room 2 – Mia for Respect 

Room 3 – Emmanuel for Respect 

Room 4 – Lochlan for Kindness and Respect 

Room 5 – Max for Kindness and Respect 

Room 6 – Lucas B for Respect 

Room 7 – Jacob for Friendship 

Room 8 – Amber for Love 

Room 9 – River for Love 

Room 10 – Caleb for Respect and Kindness  

World Book Week Scotland 

Next week is World Book Week Scotland and the children will be taking part in a variety of literacy-based learning experiences. 

Our Reading Committee have come up with lots of ideas and fun things to do and they are inviting the children to take part in a homework competition.   We will issue details about this competition next week via a ParentsPortal message. 

Also, next week the Scottish Book Trust Gift Bags will be provided to P1-P3.  The children will have read these with some older pupils in the school prior to bringing home and we hope that you enjoy the stories and games at home. 

Catholic Education Week 

Catholic Education Week runs from 16th November (St. Margaret’s Feast Day) until 30th November (St. Andrew’s Feast Day).  The theme this year is Pilgrims of Hope, and we will be undertaking learning experiences over the coming two weeks based on this theme.  

Dress Down Day 

We are holding a Dress Down Day on Thursday 21st November and would kindly ask that in lieu of money children bring in an item for the tombola for the Christmas Fayre which takes place on Saturday 23rd November. 

As always, football colours are not permitted.  

MISSIO 

Our running total for MISSIO is £111.85. 

Thank you so much for your support. 

Children are welcome to bring in monetary donations any day of the week. A few pennies here and there add up.  Our P6 MISSIO Champions count the money weekly. 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 8th November 2024

P7 Transition

Many thanks to those in P7 along with their families who attended the Transition Welcoming Mass on Monday evening at St. Andrew’s and St. Bride’s.  This is a very important part of the transition programme and a wonderful way to be welcomed into the school community.

Sacramental Enrolment Mass

Next week we will issue enrolment paperwork to all those in P3, P4 and P7 who are celebrating a Sacrament this year.  This paperwork is required by the Diocese to enrol your child for each Sacrament they undertake while at school.  Please look out for these forms coming home.

Additionally, there will be an enrolment mass on Sunday 1st December at 10am.  All those making a Sacrament this year are invited to attend along with their families.  Children should sit in the Church with their families and can wear their own clothing.  This is a family-parish event, although some staff will also attend as we support them on their faith journey.

P5 Retreat Day

Primary 5 will be attending their Disciples of Jesus retreat on Tuesday 12th November in the parish hall.  Children should wear their uniform and bring a packed lunch and water bottle. They all thoroughly enjoyed their first retreat earlier in the school year.  Mr Finnigan will accompany them this time.

P6 Trip

P6 enjoyed their trip to the Lanark Agricultural Centre on Wednesday.  This was fully funded trip by the RHET.  Some photographs can be viewed in our photo gallery on the website.

Parent Council/PTA

Thank you to our PTA for funding the Circus workshops on Monday.  This was to celebrate St. Leonard’s Feast Day (6th November).  As this date clashed with the flu immunisation we held it on Monday.  The children thoroughly enjoyed it.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 13th November.

Parent Council – 6.15pm

PTA – 7pm

Inservice Day

A polite reminder that the school is closed to pupils on Monday 11th November.

Diary Dates

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church

 

Saturday Vigil – 6pm

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm

Week ending 1st November 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Aaron for Star Bravery 

Room 2 – Sophia McG for Star Author 

Room 3 – Finlay for Star Maths 

Room 4 – Grace for Star Literacy 

Room 5 – Reinette for Star Literacy 

Room 6 – Orla for Star Helper 

Room 7 – Magnus for Star Maths 

Room 8 – Filip for Star Maths 

Room 9 – Caoimhe for Star Effort 

Room 10 – Macie Leigh for Star Effort  

Flu Immunisation Day  

A reminder that the flu immunisation takes place in school on Wednesday 6th November. 

PTA Halloween Disco 

Thank you to the PTA for organising another fun filled disco and fundraiser.  Also, to all the volunteers and attendees who made the night such a success.  

MISSIO 

Our MISSIO total so far for the term is £77.84 

Thank you so much for your support. 

Children are welcome to bring in monetary donations any day of the week. A few pennies here and there add up.  Our P6 MISSIO Champions count the money weekly. 

Month of the Rosary 

Many thanks to our Mini-Vinnies in P5 and our Pope Francis Faith Award children in P6 and P7 who have led us twice weekly during the month of October in praying the rosary as a whole school. 

P7 Transition 

A polite reminder that P7 children and parents are invited to attend the Welcome Mass on Monday 4th November at 6pm.  Please be in and seated no later than 5.55pm.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Children must be in school uniform (shirt/tie).  

Bonfire Themed Lunch 

Please note that there will be a Bonfire Theme School Menu on Tuesday 5th November. 

Red – Firecracker Pizza & Fries (v) (Pizza with spicy topping served with chips or potato croquettes and sweetcorn) 

Blue – Banger & Fries (Sausage in a finger roll served with chips or potato croquettes and sweetcorn) 

Sandwiches on offer are cheese, ham or tuna. 

Dessert – toffee apple sponge cake  

Brew and a Blether 

A reminder that Mrs Gillen is hosting a Brew and a Blether for P1 parents/carers on Monday 4th November at 2.30pm.  We hope to see you there.  

Room 4 Parental Engagement 

A reminder that Room 4 are holding a Parental Engagement Session on Thursday 7th November at 2pm.  We hope to see you there.   

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

 

Week ending 25th October 2024

PTA Halloween Disco 

The PTA are holding a disco on Wednesday 30th October.   Please ensure that you sign up via the link issued on ParentsPortal and remain in the building if your child requires medication.  There is no access to school-based medication by the PTA and staff are not in attendance. 

P1-3 Disco at 6.10pm – 7.10pm 

P4 – 7 Disco at 7.25pm – 8.25pm 

Halloween 

Over recent years more and more children have expressed that they are worried or frightened in school on Halloween due to the wearing of costumes.  It unsettles many of our children and as the PTA are offering a disco for everyone to attend, we will not be holding any Halloween activities in school on the 31st. 

On the 31st October all children are required to wear school uniform.   

Beat the Street 

Many thanks to all our parent volunteers who have supported with Beat the Street over the past six weeks.  Keep on collecting those points up to and including Wed 30th October.  Our final walk takes place that day.  

MISSIO 

Our MISSIO collection this week raised £54.16.  Thank you so much for your support. 

 Head Lice

We have had some recent bouts of headlice within the school.  Please check your child’s hair regularly and treat as appropriate.

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 11th October 2024

Star Workers for week ending 4th October  

Room 1 – Stanley for Star Inventor 

Room 2 – Ezra for Star Writer 

Room 3 – Connor for Star Worker 

Room 4 – Travis for Star Reader 

Room 5 – Levi for Star Worker 

Room 6 – Aidan for Star Worker  

Room 7 – Emmanuel for Star Numeracy  

Room 8 – Hannah for Star Effort in STEM 

Room 9 – Erin for Star Numeracy 

Room 10 – Faye for Star Numeracy   

Values Winners for September  

Room 1 – Nneoma for Kindness 

Room 2 – Lucy for Kindness 

Room 3 – Jaxon for Respect 

Room 4 – Joshua for Respect 

Room 5 – Max for Respect 

Room 6 – Anthony for Respect 

Room 7 – Evie for Respect 

Room 8 – Jude for Kindness 

Room 9 – Nikola for Respect 

Room 10 –Lewis for Respect  

Beat the Street 

Weekly walking timetable is as follows up until Wednesday 30th October when Beat the Street concludes: 

 Monday – Thursday walks at 2.15pm. Friday’s Walk is at 9.15am. 

 Mon – Rooms 4 and 8  

Tues – Rooms 5 and 7  

Wed – Rooms 1, 2 and 10  

Thurs – Rooms 3 and 9  

Fri – Room 6  

Feel free to join us at any of these times. 

Parents’ Evening 

Many thanks for your attendance on Wednesday at our Parents’ Evening.   

Book Fair 

Well done to P7 who ran an excellent class enterprise with their planning, organisation and operation of The Book Fair.  Thank you for supporting with the purchases and we hope that your child enjoys reading their new book.   

Summer Reading Challenge 

A huge well done to all those who were presented with a Summer Reading Challenge Certificate this week.   

Sacraments 

The following dates have been confirmed for Sacraments.  Further details on enrolment, preparation and format will be issued following the October holiday. 

P3 – First Confession – Tuesday 18th March from 6pm (appointments) 

P4 – First Holy Communion – Saturday 10th May at 10am 

P7 – Confirmation – Wednesday 2nd April at 7pm  

Parental Engagement Session

Room 1 and 2 will be hosting their Parental Engagement Session on Tuesday 22nd October at 2pm.  We look forward to welcoming you along to share in their learning.  If you are unable to attend then another family member or friend can do so on your behalf.  Please come to the school office at 2pm when the doors will open for the event.

Diary Dates  

 A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

A polite reminder that we are closed next week for the October holidays.  We re-open on Monday 21st October.  Have a lovely break. 

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

 

Week ending 26th September 2024

Beat the Street 

Weekly walking timetable is as follows: 

Monday – Thursday walks at 2.15pm. Friday’s walk is at 9.15am. 

Mon – Rooms 4 and 8  

Tues – Rooms 5 and 7  

Wed – Rooms 1, 2 and 10  

Thurs – Rooms 3 and 9  

Fri – Room 6  

Feel free to join us at any of these times. 

Parents’ Evening 

Our Parents’ Evening will take place on Wednesday 9th October.  Appointments are only bookable via ParentsPortal.  Bookings can be made from Wednesday 2nd to Monday 7th October.  We will issue an email to advise when they are ready for booking.  

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

 

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 20th September 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Sophia H for Star Listener 

Room 2 – Dottie for Star Helper 

Room 3 – Jan for Star Worker 

Room 4 – Stirling for Star Maths 

Room 5 – Annais for Star Worker 

Room 6 – Aiden for Star Respect 

Room 7 – Daniel for Star Presentation 

Room 8 – Amber for Staff Effort 

Room 9 – Lexi for Star Maths 

Room 10 – Lewis for Star Manners 

Jam Jars  

We are looking for donations of empty jam jars, with or without a lid.  Room 9 later in the term will be using these for an Enterprise/Art experience.  Please send any jars into school over the next couple of months. 

Photographer 

The photographer will be issuing the photographs later this month.  He will do a catch-up morning on Monday for anyone who was absent this week.  If this includes your child, then please send them to school that day with shirt and tie on. 

Beat the Street 

Our weekly walking timetable is as follows: 

Monday – Thursday walks at 2.15pm. Friday walk at 9.15am. 

Mon – Rooms 4 and 8  

Tues – Rooms 5 and 7  

Wed – Rooms 1, 2 and 10  

Thurs – Rooms 3 and 9  

Fri – Room 6  

PTA  

Thank you to our PTA for organising a fantastic evening on Wednesday with the Taylor Swift Tribute Night.  Many thanks to those who attended and sang/danced their hearts out. 

Parents’ Evening 

 Save the Date!

Our Parents’ Evening will take place on Wednesday 9th October.  Appointments are only bookable via ParentsPortal.  Bookings can be made from Wednesday 2nd to Monday 7th October.  We will issue an email to advise that they are ready for booking.  Please leave sufficient times between sibling appointments. 

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

A polite reminder that we are closed on Friday 27th and Monday 30th September for the holiday weekend.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 13th September 2024

Committees 

This week we established our school committees involving all children.  They will work with staff in a range of activities to raise awareness of their subject area and to offer learning experiences across the year.  

The committees are as follows: 

Pupil Council 

Laudato Si 

Numeracy 

Reading Schools 

Playground and Outdoor Spaces 

Health and Sports 

Mini-Vinnies 

Photographer 

A polite reminder that the photographer will be in on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th September to take pictures of the family groups, or individuals if no sibling in the nursery or school.  All children are requested to wear shirt/tie on these days.   Room 9 and Room 7 family groups will definitely be taken on Monday due to swimming and class retreat respectively.

Room 5 will also have their class photograph taken as we ran out of time yesterday.  

If you do not wish for your child to be photographed, then please contact the school office in advance.   

Beat the Street  

Beat the Street commences on Monday 18th September.  The children have been issued with a fob/card.  Should you require any additional cards for family members these can be located from local sports centres and libraries.  Those over 13 years can play on a smartphone by downloading the app.  We encourage all children to keep their card fob safe and bring it to school daily as we will go out on walks.   We do not have any spare cards.

Diary Dates  

A list of diary dates can be found on the website.  

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 6th September 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Ruth for Star Friend 

Room 2 – Nico for Star Maths 

Room 3 – Arabella for Star Writer 

Room 4 – Adrianna for Star Maths 

Room 5 – Callum for Star Worker 

Room 6 – Alfie for Star Listener 

Room 7 – Zanelle for Star Handwriting  

Room 8 – Aaron for Star Writer 

Room 9 – Callan for Star Effort 

Room 10 – Ellie for Star Attitude  

Values Winners

Room 1 – Oliver for Friendship 

Room 2 – Niamh for Friendship 

Room 3 – Alfie for Respect and Kindness 

Room 4 – Wiktoria for Kindness and Respect  

Room 5 – Orlaith Rose for Kindness 

Room 6 – Robbie for Respect 

Room 7 – Oma for Star Respect 

Room 8 – Darcie for Kindness 

Room 9 – Murron for Kindness 

Room 10 –Kalise for Kindness  

Parent Council and PTA AGMs 

The meetings will now take place as follows on Wednesday 2nd October.  Apologies for the date change once again.  This is due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Parent Council 6.15pm 

PTA 7pm 

Pupil Leadership Teams 

This week we held elections for our Vice House Captains.  Presentations took place and the senior pupils voted following these. 

Thank you to all candidates and I am pleased to announce the following results. 

St. Bernadette (red) – Leo 

St. Joseph (yellow) – Emily  

St. John Bosco (blue) – Ella  

St. John Ogilvie (green) – Andrew 

MISSIO 

We welcomed Gerard from MISSIO to Assembly last week. As you may be aware, MISSIO is the charity which Pope Francis asks all schools to support, and it very much focuses on children helping children.  We have a strong relationship with MISSIO and fundraise annually for them. 

Every day children can bring in loose change and pop this into their class MISSIO boxes.  As we say to the children, every penny counts, and we can achieve great things together. 

Lines 

Well done to St. Bernadette who were the winning House for the lines.  

Tidiest Classrooms this week are Room 2 and Room 5. 

Tidiest Cloakroom this week is awarded to Room 1 & 2 and Room 5 & 6 . 

ASDA Cashpot 

We are registered with the ASDA Cashpot Reward Scheme.  If you shop in ASDA and use the App then you can select our school and help us raise some much-needed funds. 

Details can be obtained by following the link: 

 https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools 

Photographer 

P1 will have their photograph taken by The Evening Times on Tuesday 10th September.  If you do not wish your child to be photographed, then please advise.  The class photograph will be published, and we will advise of the date once known. 

The photographer will be in to take photographs of the nursery children and classes on Thursday 12th September.  All children must wear shirt/tie on this day. 

Furthermore, he will return on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th September to take pictures of the school children.  Again, all children are requested to wear shirt/tie on these days.  

If you do not wish for your child to be photographed, then please contact the school office in advance.   

Beat the Street 

Beat the Street is returning to EK from 18th September to 31st October.  An information leaflet is attached, and we encourage you and your child’s participation.  Many of you will be familiar with it as we have participated twice in the past. 

Children will receive a card/fob prior to the initiative starting.  Please ensure that they keep this safe and bring it to school as we will go on local walks during the day.   

Family members and friends can pick up cards at various locations, including The John Wright Sports Centre, local library etc.  Details can be found on the website: 

https://beatthestreet.me/eastkilbride/

Cycling 

Please note the following information and links with regards to supporting your child with cycling forwarded to us by our local councillor Kirsten Robb. 

My child can’t ride a bike yet – where can I get help?  

Teach your child yourself: https://www.cyclinguk.org/guide/teach-child-ride-bike 

Lessons: at Camglen Bike Town and Clyde Cycle Park on Saturday mornings – https://www.biketown.org.uk/whatson  and https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/28gO7qEIpcqPrUa0yxUp    

My child doesn’t have a bike –  You can buy quality second hand ones at Camglen Bike Town, Climate Action Strathaven, PedalZone (East Kilbride) or Halfords EK. 

My / my child’s bike needs repairs: Free bike checks and simple repairs being done now across EK with CamGlen BikeTown at these events: https://www.biketown.org.uk/event-details/east-kilbride-guided-bike-ride-2024-09-05-11-15 . These are guided rides for adults but Dr Bike will be there too so you can bring your bikes down. There’s also a big active travel event in Calderglen Park on Saturday 14th September,11am-3pm https://www.climateactionlanarkshire.net/get-involved/lanarkshire-climate-action-festival?view=article&id=237&catid=18 . For more complex repairs, East Kilbride has online booking for repairs at Sick Cycles at Stroud Road  https://bikebook.co.uk/mechanic/sick-cycles?fbclid=IwY2xjawFGZi5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTIqk4v12tVIMT68Uzy-luCAkwmsMVuCg-b9QyinA_aKsu2P7u2I8hdgFQ_aem_GEkunuTmAFjbNITQ23Mx7w 

 Where can I cycle with children locally? Glen Esk and Lammermoor Parks and John Struthers Nature Area are great for mostly flat cycling. For more adventure, once they can cycle, Glen Esk is also good in the woods with a purpose built adventurous cycle with logs and berms. A group of local volunteers are also looking into creating a family cycling loop in Calderwood. Navigable map of routes here: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200166/getting_outdoors/380/walking_cycling_and_horse_riding_routes 

Diary Dates  

These can be found in the diary section of our website.

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

 

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

Week ending 30th August 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – Orlagh for Star Helper 

Room 2 – Idris for Star Friend 

Room 3 – Jaxon for Star Work and Respect  

Room 4 – Matthew for Star Effort in Sustainability  

Room 5 – Eva for Star Role Model 

Room 6 – Ellie for Star Worker and Listener 

Room 7 – Mila for Star Artist 

Room 8 – Keegan for Star Role Model 

Room 9 – Kalli and Erin for Star Workers 

Room 10 – Michael for Star Resilience  

Parent Council and PTA AGMs 

Apologies for the late change of date to these meetings.  The AGMs will now take place on Wednesday 11th September.  New members are most welcome.  

Parent Council 6.15pm 

 PTA 7pm 

Brew and a Blether 

P1 parents are invited to attend an informal get together with Mrs Gillen on Monday 2nd September at 2.30pm.  This is an opportunity to get to know other parents and carers in the year group. An information leaflet was sent out earlier in the week.  

Pupil Leadership Teams 

This week we held elections for our House Captains.  Presentations took place and the senior pupils voted following these. 

Thank you to all candidates and I am pleased to announce the following results. 

St. Bernadette (red) – Jakub 

St. Joseph (yellow) – Lewis M 

St. John Bosco (blue) – Michael 

St. John Ogilvie (green) – Oscar  

All P7 have a leadership responsibility, and these are as follows: 

Senior Pupil Leadership Teams

Next week our P6 leadership roles will be announced following elections.  

Attendance and Punctuality 

Attached is a summary of the impact that attendance can have on education.

SchoolAttendanceLeaflet St Leonard’s

We very much value attendance and appreciate that at times children are unwell and unable to be at school.   

It is essential that children are punctual for school, and we are already seeing a lot of late coming.  Learning time starts immediately in classes as well as routines, and children arriving late can leave them a little unsettled or waiting for help to learn their task for the session if they’ve missed the start of a lesson. 

We are also experiencing a high volume of children being picked up prior to 3pm.  We understand that at times appointments for doctors and dentists are scheduled in.  We ask that collection prior to 3pm is only done so if absolutely necessary.  The volume of children leaving early with no specific reason is becoming vast.  The office has been inundated with requests to get children from classes. This can prove difficult at times given how many children are being picked up; locating where in the school the class are (playground/gym/classroom), answering the phone and dealing with medical situations.  

Library 

Our school library opened again this week.  All classes will visit the library on a Wednesday morning.  Children will not be able to take out a new book until the previous one is returned.  If they are still reading it, then this can be extended for another week. 

Should you have any outstanding books at home then please return these to school.  

Lines 

Well done to St. John Bosco who were the winning House for the lines for the second week in a row.  

Tidiest Classrooms this week are Room 3 and Room 7. 

Tidiest Cloakroom this week is awarded to Room 3 & 4 and Room 5 & 6. 

Diary Dates  

Please refer to the diary section of our website.  This will be updated regularly.

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

 

Week ending 23rd August 2024

Star Workers  

Room 1 – The Whole Class  

Room 2 – The Whole Class 

Room 3 – Theo for Star Worker 

Room 4 – Aria for Star Maths 

Room 5 – Andrew for Star Worker 

Room 6 – Conor for Star Role Model 

Room 7 – Matthew S for Star Attitude 

Room 8 – Mia for Star Helper 

Room 9 – Dylan for Star Worker 

Room 10 – Isaac for Star Attitude 

Parent Council and PTA AGMs 

A polite reminder that next week we have our meetings.  All are invited to attend, and we are always keen for new members to join.   

Parent Council 6.15pm 

 PTA 7pm 

 Flu Immunisation Forms 

The flu immunisation forms were issued this week.  Please return these in the coming days if you haven’t already done so. 

Personal Items 

Please ensure that your child’s name is on all items of clothing, water bottles and lunch boxes.  We have a build-up of lost property items already. 

Children must bring a jacket to school daily as they will be outdoors for breaks and learning time.  The children only remain indoors when it is very heavy rain.  

Lines 

Well done to St. John Bosco who were the winning House for the lines.  

Tidiest Classrooms this week are Room 4 and Room 10. 

Tidiest Cloakroom this week is awarded to Room 1 & 2 and Room 9 & 10. 

School Lunches

The new school menu launches on Monday 26th August.  A direct line is available via our website and below.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/2224/primary_menu_2024-2025

Diary Dates  

 Please refer to the diary section of our website for diary dates.  This will be regularly updated.

Mass Times at St. Leonard’s Church  

 Saturday Vigil – 6pm  

Sunday – 10am, 12pm and 5.15pm  

 

 

 

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