Gorgeous day for it!
Our lovely Student Teacher braved the ‘Wet the Teacher’ station, Well done Nicola!
Primary D loving the Garden Fayre!
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Category Archives: For Parents
Parent Council Minutes May 2018
James McFarlane School
Parent Council Meeting
Monday 14th May 2018 at 10.30am
In James McFarlane School
In Attendance:
Lesley Ward, Deputy
Paul McIvor, Deputy
Donna Curran, Chair
Carol Caven, Parent
Gemma Soons, Parent
School Improvement Plan
Paul went over the school improvement plan for James McFarlane. The main priorities are to continue working on GIRFEC, to continue to develop and embed communication rich approaches to teaching and to continue to develop staff.
The staff will undertake peer assessment and observation to allow more experienced members of staff to share their knowledge with less experienced or newer members of staff.
A member of staff will attend regional Makaton Tutor training so there will be an in house qualified tutor.
The improvement plan is extensive and will be available on the blog.
New School
There are drawings of plans for the new school up in the school on the notice board outside the staff room for any parents who would like to see them.
Physio
Some parents had contacted Donna with concerns over recent physio appointments. In addition to the physios the school will aim to contact parents to remind them of any in school appointments.
Parent Council Chair Meeting
Donna attended a recent parent council chair meeting. The pupil equity funding was discussed and the way the money is allocated may be changing.
A new font has been developed for use by pupils with dyslexia, it is easier for dyslexic pupils to read.
School Transport
Parents are reminded to contact the HUB directly with any transport concerns including any issues surrounding pick ups and drop offs.
Summer Holidays
Donna suggested the possibility of a Summer meet up for any parents/carers and children who may be interested. No definite plans have been put in place but maybe a day at the beach?
Lesley has spoken to the school activities coordinator for KA Leisure to raise the point that the Summer programme does not include activities suitable for our children. This will hopefully be addressed but it might not be possible this year.
Pupil Fundraising
The school has reached its fundraising target for the magic carpet and it has been ordered.
Christmas and Halloween Parties
Preparations are already under way for these events. We are hoping to have a themed Halloween party- maybe a ‘Funky Hat’ theme? If anyone has any ideas or suggestions can they please contact Donna.
Garden Fayre
The annual garden fayre will be held on Thursday 7th June. Any plants or donations to the ‘good as new’ or bottle stall are gratefully received. If anyone is available to help on the day manning stalls or helping with teas/coffees please contact the school.
School Funds Committee
The school funds committee decides how best school funds should be spent. Donna suggested adding a parent to the committee.
Primary D had a great time making Butterfly biscuits today
Art time in Primary D – Sponge printing butterflies
Primary D are exploring their Planting book that they made for the smartboard, using SwitchIt! Maker 2.
Primary D Sunflower homework challenge
Primary D have been given a fun homework challenge to care for their own sunflower at home, with the help from their family.
There is a prize for the tallest sunflower before the summer holidays!
Happy growing!!
Primary D went on a snail hunt!
Yesterday Primary D were outside on a ‘snail hunt’ as part of our topic work – ‘All things bright and beautiful’ searching for ‘all creatures great and small’.
Both pupils and staff loved closely exploring these fabulous little guys!
After giving them some tasty salad to eat we returned them to their home, in our sensory garden.
Transition information event
Contact a Family are hosting a valuable transition information event. If your child is 12 – 18, I would encourage you to attend this at Sense Scotland’s Touchbase in Ardrossan. Click on the link for more information.
Welcome Back!
A very warm welcome back following the Christmas holidays. I hope you had a restful and peaceful one. We have been super busy already with lots planned prior to the February break. I would like to remind parents and carers to visit our blog and twitter feed on a regular basis to keep up to date with the latest news and events.
Progress is underway for our brand new school. A parent reference group meeting took place prior to the Christmas holidays and today I attended an ASN planning group meeting. NORR architects who designed Craigmarloch have been contracted to develop the concept design that Irene Farris produced. Irene will continue to be involved as she has a really good understanding of the needs of the children across the 4 ASN schools. What is really exciting is that the landscape surrounding the new build will be utilised fully to enhance the educational provision that will be created. There is no doubts that being outdoors enhances the wellbeing of not only our learners but our staff team too 👍
Exciting times …
Yvonne
Christmas School Lunches
Once again North Ayrshire Council are providing lunches at various schools across the Authority over the Christmas holidays.
For details of when and where you can access this service visit –
https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/Holiday-meals-service-back-over-Christmas.aspx
