Another busy dynamic week in school filled with precious moments of learning across all areas of our curriculum.
In our nursery this week there has been so much happening it has been incredible, here’s Mrs. Murphy’s report…..
Outdoors the children converted the shed into a scary witches house, they covered the windows with black paper and hung Bones the skeleton from the ceiling and put a very scary spider’s web in the corner. They made a sign for the door and then made up a story about the witch who lived in the house. This can be seen displayed in the writing area. At soft play they played Halloween games such as rolling the pumpkin down the hill.
Our Eco duties continue each day outdoors.
In the Writing Area the children used the magnetic letters to spell out lots of different Halloween words. They also got a chance to write some on the pumpkin shapes.
In the Numeracy Area the theme of day and night continued to ensure all children get an opportunity to explore this. They were also busy weighing Autumn vegetables. They quickly discovered that the pumpkin was the heaviest of all the vegetables that they weighed.
In the Art Area they made Halloween decorations, a witches cauldron, scary masks and they got the chance to explore some very yucky slime.
In the snack area they made cakes for the Halloween party.
On Thursday we celebrated Halloween with a BANG! The children all looked FAB in their costumes and all had a great time. They listened to some scary stories and played Halloween bumps and pass the pumpkin. The Mini Movers coaches provided Halloween games and after some party food they danced the rest of the session away.
The lending library is now up and running with most children taking a book home this week.
Friday was a more relaxing day in nursery with the children getting to watch Room On The Broom. They recalled the party and all things Halloween in their floor books. They couldn’t go outdoors as our new outdoor equipment was being built up.
The children will have a chance to explore our new fort, boat and fenced off area this week. A big thank you again to Shotts prison for providing these items and to a very helpful gentleman from O.L.G.A Cathedral parish; Kenny McDermott, who provided the van for them to be delivered along with ‘Papa Ian’ our janitor (and big pal) and to our friendly joiner; Jim, who spent all morning putting it together.
Meanwhile in school we have been equally busy.
Monday we had our Parent Council AGM followed by our usual meeting. We have 4 new members of our Parent Council:
Mr. Paul McFadden – Imogen P5 & Jude Nursery
Mr. Stuart Angell – Callum P2
Mrs. Naomi Dobbin – Jack P2 & Emily Nursery
Mrs Anwar – Raafiah P1
As always I extend my grateful thanks to all of our parents who actively participate in our Parent Council, they are an invaluable support to me and head teacher and to all in our school community striving to provide the best possible educational environment for our children.
Office bearers are:
Chairperson Mr. Gerry Bonnar – Emma P2
Vice Chair & Church Rep Mrs. Julie McMahon – Aidan P1
Treasurer Mrs. Mary Frances Verrecchia – Michael P7
(and Lucy coming soon)
Clerk Mrs Helen O’Rourke
Helen has been part of our Parent Council for the last 8 years, she has been a tremendous help all through our new build process and through her efficiency as Clerk to the Board. May I take this opportunity to offer a HUGE thanks to Helen for all of her work and commitment to our school community.
Helen has decided to move on, as she no longer has children in our school, however we persuaded Helen to remain with us for the next month to allow us to find a replacement.
Job Advertisement:
Clerk to Parent Council: Come and join a dynamic group who work together to make our school an excellent learning environment.
Council meet on the last Monday of every month (excluding school holidays).
Post involves minuting meetings, emailing agenda items, minutes and all other correspondence to the Council.
Should you be interested in this post please contact the school 01698 274935 and speak with Mrs. Shields.
Tuesday evening we held our Sacramental Meetings in St. Bride’s hall. The large number of parents/guardians in attendance was wonderful. The spiritual development of our children is a key component of all we do in school and we are committed to ensuring we work closely with our children, our parish and our parents to continue our children’s faith journey and promote their spiritual development. Many thanks to all who came along from both P3 & P4 and we look forward to meeting with you all again on 2nd and 3rd of December.
Wednesday saw our joint garden gang continuing to enhance our school outdoor areas, come rain, hail or shine the ‘gang’ are outside preening and pruning. Well done to everyone involved.
Thursday we celebrated Hallowe’en in our traditional manner with our annual Dress Up Parade. This was great fun. Our whole school was in the hall dancing and singing and admiring each other’s costumes. Times like this are made all the more enjoyable through the active participation of all staff, there was a great atmosphere in the hall and it is a measure of the wonderful ethos of our school when we can all come together and dance The Time Warp as a school community. Thanks to the Management team for leading by example from the stage. (Now you realise why we don’t have any adult witnesses to our madness!!!)
Great fun was had by all.
Friday we celebrated the Feast of All Saints by attending morning Mass in O.L.G.A Cathedral. Our younger children (P1,2&3) were bussed to and from the Cathedral whilst our older children walked. I cannot articulate how grateful I am to the large number of parent helpers who escorted our children and to our local community police who escorted us to and from the church. We could not do this without you.
The Mass was a truly beautiful experience, I was so happy to have our children back in the community of the parish. Our thanks to Fr. Millar for his continued support.
Events like this demand meticulous organisation which we, as a school, are delighted to provide. Our children’s reverence and respect within the church was admirable. I am so proud of each and every one of our children. Well done everyone.
What a fabulous way to end a very successful week.
As always all comments about my blog are welcomed and any ideas for further improvement of any aspect of our school would be appreciated.
Mrs Shields
