Session 2013/2014 is now well under way. It has been great to see all our classes settle so well. We have got off to a flying start in all aspects of school life. Our welcome Mass last week was a lovely occasion. P7 led the liturgy and P1 sang a song for their parents and grandparents. Fr Stephen also showed us some photos of his recent trip to Malawi. We are hoping this year to establish a school and parish partnership with the area in which Fr Stephen worked. Classrooms for Malawi is the charity which organised Fr Stephen’s visit and we hope to be able to support this charity in the coming year. Cheques have also been posted to St Andrew’s Hospice, Let The Children Live, Missio, Cancer Research and SCIAF from all our charity work last session. Your generosity has been outstanding and is a tribute to the whole school community.
We are also delighted with the support and generosity shown by those who contributed to the success of our recent race night. The PTA did a great job in raising in excess of £900 in such a short period of time. This money allows us to go ahead with the pantomime outing for all the children. Well done and thank you!
Last week we were sad to see Mrs McLinden leave the school after 14 years of dedication and commitment to St Bernadette’s school. I am sure you will join me in wishing her health and happiness as she enjoys a more leisurely lifestyle looking forward to the birth of her grand child.
Tomorrow we are hosting an afternoon tea for McMillan Cancer Nurses. We hope for a big turn out with a chance for a chat and to contribute to a very worthwhile cause. The hall will be open from 1.30pm.
Well done to our children who have received an H Factor award so far. It is a great achievement to be recognised by the class teacher for consistent effort and behaviour. It is great to see the children wear their bands with pride.
P6 enjoyed a super day at Our Lady’s High School last week. They got an opportunity to see the school and work co-operatively with the other feeder schools in various workshops and challenges. We have an excellent liaison programme established with OLHS to ensure all our children make a successful transition when the time comes. I have been delighted to hear from various parents and from Mrs Donnachie that the current S1 have made a very positive start to their secondary education.
On Friday I was proud to accompany our P7 children to the Diocesan Mass at Carfin Grotto. Despite the rain the children participated fully in the Mass and were a credit to themselves and their families.
On Friday we will have our first committee meetings of the year. All children are involved in one of ten committees ECO, Health, ICT, Pupil Council, JRSO, Rights Respecting School, Community Links, Fair Trade, Outdoor Learning and Enterprise. All groups work hard to ensure we address all aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence.
Parents Evening takes place on Thursday 10th October. We are looking forward to welcoming all the parents into school to meet the teachers and to see your child’s work and class.
