St. Bernadette’s Primary School
August 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is wonderful to see all the children return to school, looking very smart in their school uniforms. A big welcome to our new Primary 1 intake who have settled in well. We are really pleased to see how independent the children are becoming in following school routines and adapting to new people and learning opportunities.
Can I remind everyone to clearly label ALL items of school uniform and to please check at home that items have not been accidently collected that belong to other children. If this is this case, please return to the class teacher as soon as possible. The P1 and 2 classes have a box which will be put out at the end of the day with items of clothing or possessions with no name for parents to check through for lost items.
School Lunches
All children from P.1 – P.5 are eligible for a free school lunch and breakfast. The Primary school menu can be found on the North Lanarkshire Council website. Please note, if your child has a food allergy or intolerance, please contact the office. The Breakfast service runs from 8.15am – 8.45am. Please do not leave children at school before 8.15am as there is no supervision.
As we have children with nut allergies please adhere to our strict no nuts or nut products in the school policy for all pupils.
Water Bottles
I would ask that every child brings a bottle with water to school each day. This helps keep the children hydrated whilst in class (no juice in keeping with dental initiatives). Please label the bottle with your child’s name.
First Friday of the month
On the First Friday of the month all pupils will once again attend 9.30am mass in St Bernadette’s Parish. Mass is led by a different class each month. P4 will lead our first one on Friday 1st September. Everyone is welcome to attend.
After playtime, children join their Pupil Voice group (Pupil Council, Faith, Global Citizens or Media) to work on empowering and driving our school forward.
After lunch, children change into outdoor learning clothes they have brought to school (old clothes that can get dirty please) and take part in activities such as den building, orienteering and outdoor art.
New School Library and Family Learning Room
Work on our new school Library and Family Learning Room is progressing well. We are looking forward to sharing this new space with you once completed.
N.E.C Cards (National Entitlement Cards)
Children over 5 are entitled to free bus travel using an N.E.C card. We will issue forms to all new P1 children who are over 5, please complete these and return to the office. If your child is aged between 5-10 years of age and you have not previously applied for an N.E.C card, please contact the office for the relevant form and the school can apply for this card on your behalf. If you have lost a card you should contact North Lanarkshire Council.
Flu Vaccine
NHS Vaccination Team will visit the school on December 13th to administer the Flu Vaccine (Nasal Spray). Consent forms will be issued to children this week, please ensure that you return these to the office as soon as possible. If your child does not receive a form, please contact the Immunisation Nurse Christina Smith. Christina’s telephone number is available from the office.
Dot Day
We will have our annual Dot Day on Friday 15th September. Children can wear their play clothes and dots! A £1 donation can be made if you wish. The Parent Council will also sell donuts for 50p with all monies raised going towards school funds.
P1 Prayer service
We will be hosting a prayer service for our P1 children and their families on Wednesday 20th September at 1.45pm. We hope you can join us to celebrate starting this school journey as part of a community of faith.
Uniform Store
Our uniform store has proved very popular since it opened at the end of last term. New and pre-loved items of school uniform are available from the reception area at no cost. Please feel free to drop by and peruse the rails. Donations can also be dropped off at the office during school hours. School ties can be bought for £3 and P7 ties for £5.
Playground
For health and safety reasons could I remind you that dogs are not allowed in the school yard and all bikes and scooters should be dismounted and pushed from the school gates and not ridden in the yard. Any child coming to school on a bike or scooter is strongly advised to wear a helmet.
Parking and pupil safety
Parking at or near the school gates is prohibited by law. Please park considerately away from the school gates to ensure all pupils are safe when entering or leaving the school grounds.
Homework
Positive learning experiences with an adult at home can help to consolidate skills built in school and can help your child to become a motivated and confident learner. The teachers will share home learning activities (both written and online), at the beginning of the week to be completed by a Friday. Please help your child to engage in home learning by creating a positive routine which encourages and embraces learning. If you have any questions or concerns about homework please contact the school office to arrange an opportunity to speak to the teacher.
Parent Council
Our Parent Council are looking for new members. The first meeting of the new term will take place on Tuesday 5th Sept at 6 p.m.
JOIN THE PARENT COUNCIL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
• Provide a voice for parents on issues that are important to you and your children
• Help the school with fundraising
• Support the school in developing strong home/school partnerships
• Support the school in making links with the wider community
• Help capture the varied skills, interests, knowledge & experience that parents can offer
Please contact our school office if you are interested in becoming a member.
For your diary
Listed below are some important dates and events already in our calendar for the coming academic year. Separate communications will be put on our school app with details and times nearer each date.
Date Event
Friday 1st September P4 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Tuesday 5th September Parent Council Meeting 6pm – 7pm
Friday 15th September Dot Day
Wednesday 20th September P1 Prayer Service 1.45 (in school)
Friday 22nd September Bank Holiday – School Closed
Monday 25th September Bank Holiday – School Closed
Thursday 5th October Parents Evening 3pm – 8pm
Friday 6th October P7 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Thursday 12th October School Photographer will visit
Friday 13th October School finishes at 3pm for October week
Monday 16th – Friday 20th October October week – school closed. School reopens Monday 23rd October
Tuesday 24th October Parent Council Meeting 6pm – 7pm
Thursday 26th October Halloween Disco – Gym Hall 6pm – 8.15 . P1 – P3 attend 6-7pm, P4 – P7 attend 7.15 – 8.15pm
Tuesday 31st October Halloween Parade P1 – P3. Gym Hall 1.15pm
Friday 3rd November P4/5 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Monday 13th November In Service day – children should not attend
Friday 1st December Annual Christmas Fayre
Friday 1st December P5/6 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Wednesday 6th December Christmas Panto – Hamilton Townhouse 1pm
Thursday 7th December Carol Concert – Motherwell Cathedral 5pm
Monday 11th December Christmas Show – Evening Performance
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Show – Afternoon Performance
Wednesday 13th December Flu Vaccination
Tuesday 19th December Christmas Party P1 – P3
Wednesday 20th December Christmas Party P4 – P7
Thursday 21st December Student Christmas Lunch
Friday 22nd December School Closes at 2.30pm for Christmas Holidays
Monday 8th January 2024 New School Term starts
Tuesday 23rd January Parent Council Meeting 6pm – 7pm
Friday 2nd February P3 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Tuesday 6th February Sacramental Information Evening for P3, P4 & P7 – St Bernadette’s Church
Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th February Mid Term Break
Wednesday 14th February In Service day – children should not attend
Friday 1st March Staff will lead First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Tuesday 12th March P3 First Reconciliation – St Bernadette’s Church 7pm
Thursday 21st March Parents Evening 3pm – 8pm
Monday 25th – Thursday 28th March P7 Strathclyde Park
Thursday 28th March School Closes at 2.30pm for Easter Break
Monday 15th April New School Term starts
Thursday 2nd May In Service Day – subject to change -to coincide with UK Parliamentary Elections
Friday 3rd May P2 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Monday 6th May Bank Holiday – School Closed
Saturday 11th May P4 First Holy Communion 11am
Tuesday 21st May Parent Council Meeting & AGM 6-7pm
Friday 24th May Bank Holiday – School Closed
Monday 27th May Bank Holiday – School Closed
Friday 7th June P1 First Friday Mass in St Bernadette’s Parish
Friday 14th June Sports Day
Tuesday 18th June School Outing
Thursday 20th June P7 Leavers Assembly and Mass 1.15pm
Monday 24th June End of Year Disco P1 – P3 attend 6 – 7pm, P4 – P7 attend 7.15 – 8.15pm
Wednesday 26th June School Closes 1pm for Summer Holidays
Communication
X (Formerly known as Twitter) Follow us at @Bernadette’sPS – Here we publish photographs and messages to celebrate achievements.
School App for Parents – We use this to communicate important information daily. This can be downloaded for free via the Play Store.
Finally, please do not hesitate to contact me, Principal Teachers, the office staff or teaching staff should you have any concerns or queries. Appointments can be made through the school office.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Christine Boyle
Head Teacher
