Thank you to all who attended our Christmas Concert on Tuesday evening.  We were thoroughly entertained by our fabulous fours and fives and our super sixes and sevens as they retold the story of Christmas from the point of view of the ‘Witnesses’ at the event!  Thanks to all members of staff for their efforts in preparing our children and costumes so well, however, the biggest thank you goes to our talented children.  Well done everyone!  Please leave us a comment. I’m sure you’ll agree the photos are wonderful although we’re not too sure about the dancing of some of the guests!

On Wednesday, we were treated to 2 wonderful performances from our Infant pupils.  All the children from Primaries 1, 2 and 3 shared their Nativity play with us.  We’re sure you’ll agree, the children were fantastic performers.  Please feel free to leave a comment for our children.  Thanks go to all the Infant Department teachers, our Support Staff and Mrs Mary (Spielberg) Mullen for their hard work in preparing the children for this spectacular event!

Here we are enjoying the new enhancements to our yard.  Huge thanks to Miss Phee for organising these additions and thanks to the Fundraisers for donating over £3000 to fund Miss Phee’s project.

Here are some photos of the fabulous Primary 4 Assembly about the Vikings.  We certainly learned a lot from Primary 4.  Please leave them a comment or review on their excellent Assembly.

Coming this week for the first time ever…..Our Fundraisers BINGO Evening Tuesday 19^th November at 7pm. Tickets £1 from school office or pay at the door.

Refreshments provided and a whole array of fantastic prizes. Please come along, and bring a friend or two or three…

This week in school Monday was an incredibly exciting day as we watched our new permanent basketball stands and playground markings be completed in our yard. These new additions are a wonderful enhancement to our playground and allow all of our children to broaden their play experience and enjoy new challenges. Sincere thanks to Miss Lesley Phee, Principal Teacher who has successfully taken this project from start to finish. The basketball stands and playground marking selected were at the request of our children. A huge thanks also to our Fundraisers without whom we could not have financed this project. The total cost for our yard equipment is £3340. This seems an awful lot of money, however when you consider the number of children who day and daily enjoy playing with it, it is money well spent. Soon the seagulls will be complaining as there are no scraps to eat after playtime, our children now spend most of their time playing instead of eating – another health benefit!

Tuesday and Wednesday our children continued to enjoy learning in a whole variety of ways. As parents you will no doubt have begun to recognise the sounds of Christmas coming from our school. Our nursery, our infants and our upper school have all begun rehearsals for forthcoming Christmas Shows. Each of them is  very different and each promises to be fabulous fun, whilst keeping the true meaning of Christmas throughout.

All of our school children participated in Knights of Saint Columba Competition ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’. All children were asked to design an A4 drawing/painting illustrating the true meaning of Christmas. Many of these designs were excellent. Prior to the designs being collected I selected three to become our school Christmas Cards this year. This was a very difficult decision as I was spoiled for choice. Well done to everyone for the super effort. I won’t say who the Christmas Card design winners are as the children have not yet been informed. (I like them to be first to know)

Thursday evening our school hosted an In-Service for staff from across Lanarkshire. Fr. Stephen Reilly, in his capacity as RE Advisor asked if we could host this prestigious event. It was a very popular event with over 120 staff in attendance. I am, once again, incredibly grateful to our own staff who led by example and gave so willingly of their own time to continue to build on their knowledge and skills of how best to support our children in their spiritual development. Fr. Stephen remarked on the great number of our own staff who were in attendance.

Sadly, for Lanarkshire, Fr. Stephen has resigned his post of RE Advisor. Fr. Stephen has been the driving force behind all of our developmental work on This is Our Faith, he has led us through this transient time of RE Programme Work. Throughout all of this Fr. Stephen has endeavoured to encourage all staff to actively participate in all developments ensuring we feel ownership of our new programme. He has been an inspirational RE Advisor and a fantastic help to all. His wisdom and guidance will be sadly missed. However, I am sure the parishioners of St. Bernadette’s will be delighted he will have more time to devote to his beloved parish.

Thursday evening also marked a very important event in Lanarkshire where we celebrated a beautiful Mass of Thanksgiving to Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine. Bishop Devine has been a stalwart supporter of our school throughout his 30 years here in North Lanarkshire. We were delighted and honoured to be asked to bring some of our P7 pupils along to lead the Procession of The Gifts. Well done to our P7 girls who volunteered for this special event:

Niah Welsh

Ciara Scullion

Caitlin O’Neil

Collette O’Neil

Alicia Brown

Weronika Kahl

Morgan Brown

Thanks also to our children who served so reverently on the altar:

Robbie Whitfield

Joey Leach

Robyn Leach (now S1 on OLHS)

Daniel inyang

Liam Knox

Keara Watson

We are very proud of the contributions our children make to parish life.

Our week ended on a magnificent note with P4 entertaining us all and educating us in the life of the Vikings. P4 assembly was absolutely outstanding. The children so obviously enjoyed learning all about the Vikings and their knowledge was immense. It was a truly comical learning experience. It makes me smile just thinking about it. I loved it.

A huge thanks to the talented P4 children who sang so well, who acted so professionally and who so proudly shared their knowledge with the audience. A fantastic example of a deep learning experience. A big thanks to Mrs. McCoy and Mrs. Gillies who scripted the show, sourced the music and taught the children with such gusto and delight, absolutely brilliant. We are so blessed to have such creative staff and such positive thinking children who are open to all aspects of learning. Thanks also to our support staff who work so hard behind the scenes with costumes and props. Thanks also to you, as parents, who are so very supportive of all we do in our school. We could not be as successful without you.

Meanwhile………Our littlest people have been very busy down in the nursery, here’s what’s been happening:

• In nursery this week the children have been SHAPING their lives in more ways than one.
• • In the maths area they have been concentrating on 2d shapes this culminated in a shape treasure hunt/survey within the nursery. The children had pictures of 2d shapes on their clipboards and they got busy finding the shapes and when they found them they had then to place them in the correct shape basket in the maths corner. They had great fun finding squares, triangles, circles and rectangles. The results showed that there are more rectangular shapes than any other in the playroom. This survey will continue next week outside.
  • In the art area they made shapes from playdough following the pictures on their new playdough mats and they got the chance to create shape pictures using potato printing.
  • In the snack area they made delicious homemade soup and this was accompanied by square, rectangular and triangular toast. The triangular toast was a request made by one of the children!
  • In the writing area the children told stories using the puppets and they also got the chance to write their stories in their own books which can be seen on the wall of the cosy library corner in the playroom.
  • Mini movers continued with the emphasis this week on how to protect our bodies when it is sunny and when we are on holiday. There is a lot of learning going on throughout this programme all about our bodies and the importance of keeping them healthy through fun exercise and healthy eating. One child recalled this week that “your heart pumps your blood round your body”
  • The children have started preparing for the Christmas show. Letters have been issued requesting help with some of the costumes.

As always, thanks for reading this Blog, any comments always welcome.

Mrs Shields

This has been a great week in school, we have benefitted from 19 S4 students from Our Lady’s High School for work experience. 14 of the pupils were placed in classes with 5 being gamefully employed in the nursery. All 19 of the students were excellent role models for our pupils, they behaved impeccably and worked really hard throughout the week engaging fully with their classes and groups. It was lovely to welcome back 17 of our former pupils who have continued on their educational journey with a positive attitude to learning and a super work ethos. Having an excellent start to their education has obviously been a tremendous influence!!!

Tuesday of this week our P7 pupils all enjoyed their first taste of Our Lady’s High School, this was a most successful venture with all of our pupils returning to school looking forward to the challenge ahead in high school. Meanwhile our 4 Taylor High future students continue to enjoy their weekly visits to high school.

Wednesday evening our fabulous Fundraisers held their second meeting of the year, we continue to say a huge thanks to all who assist in our school. Our parental partnership is sector leading and has a huge impact on our children’s learning.

SAVE THE DATE: Next Fundraisers venture: Tuesday 19th November BINGO evening, come along and join in the fun. Tickets cost £1 and refreshments are included. We are looking for donations of raffle prizes – If you can help please hand in donations to the school office. You can do this as you come to buy your bingo tickets!!

BAG 2 SCHOOL….Coming Soon. Wednesday 27th November is our bi-annual Bag 2 School collection. Time to clear out all the old clothing, bags, shoes, textiles, bedding etc etc. Bags can be delivered throughout the week beginning 25th November and/or throughout school disco scheduled for Tuesday 26th November. Another FREE event organised by our Fabulous Fundraisers.

Bag 2 School bags will be issued on Monday 11th November (apologies to Fundraisers I promised to do this Last Wednesday and forgot : (     The problem with having an aging HT.

The last two days of the week saw P7 pupils all enjoy a workshop on WWII at Motherwell Heritage Centre. This was an excellent culmination of a most popular and successful learning experience. Thanks to parent helpers who volunteered to accompany our children and staff on the journey.

This Monday we look forward to welcoming back Mrs Campbell, Mrs Murphy and Mrs Blaney.

Now….What’s happening down in the nursery…….here’s Mrs Murphy’s story this week:
We were joined this week by 5 girls from Our lady’s High school for their work experience programme. They were a valuable asset to the busy week we had and the children will no doubt miss them as will the staff for their ICT skills.

This week in nursery we celebrated Guy Fawkes night with a BANG!

•    The children made a GUY from old clothes which they stuffed with newspaper and made his face out of a balloon. They put him in a wheelbarrow, made a “penny for the guy” sign and went out and about in the local community. They had a fantastic experience and loved every minute of it. Outside this week the children have been exploring our new fort and our new boat.
•    In the Maths area the children are learning all about 2D shapes. They made firework pictures using squares, circles, rectangles and triangles. Some of these pictures can be seen on the maths wall.
•    In the science area an experiment was carried out using small blue crystals, the children slowly added water to the crystals and immediately they started to expand. The children left them overnight and when they checked them the next day they had grown even more. They explored them by smelling, touching squeezing and bouncing them. The children spent a long time at this activity and some of the language they used to describe their findings will be placed on the science wall this week. Hours of endless fun a must for every child’s stocking this Christmas!
•    The sensory area has had a makeover and the children are having fun exploring all things new.
•    The Farmer’s Shop has also had a complete makeover as it has been turned into a cafe and is now using all the produce from the farmers shop in its meals. The children made cakes along with some of the girls from the high school to sell in the shop. Look out for the menu coming soon.
•    Over in the art area the children made sparklers and firework pictures using the sponge stampers.
•    In the writing area the children were busy using all things related to ICT. They drew pictures on the smart board of fireworks and printed them off. They used the camera to take pictures of what their friends were drawing.
•    The Mini Movers programme continued with the children learning all about healthy heart and lungs.

As always any comments, thoughts, ideas on any aspect of our school please let me know, feel free to leave a comment on my weekly blog. Thanks for reading.

Mrs Shields

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 2^nd and 3^rd 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

Well done to Devine, our first winning House of the year.  This Thursday as a reward, the children in Devine are having a non uniform day.  This month’s points were as follows:

Douglas:  3900 Scanlan:  4320 Thompson:  4925 Devine:  5135 Gilmour:  4770 Carey:  4100

These points will carry forward to our yearly totals, but we start again this month for a new winning house!

Here are our Pirate winners.  Well done to everyone who took part.

Congratulations to our new Junior Rad Safety Officers (JRSOs), Katie and Joe.  Here they are at their training course!