St. Bernadette’s Primary School
August 2024
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 are settling in very 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.
We are also delighted to welcome some new members of staff to St Bernadette’s Primary – in Primary 1 we have Mrs McGinley, in P3 Miss Miller, and supporting P2 and P3 is Miss Bennett. We also welcome Mrs L Mullaney as our new Cluster Improvement Lead. Mrs Mullaney has a wide remit supporting the schools in the OLHS cluster. In addition we will be supported by a Cluster Support Teacher Mrs McHugh. I’m sure you will join me in making them feel valued and welcome in St Bernadette’s PS.
We are all missing Mrs Purdue and she has been in contact and has asked me to pass on her sincere thanks to all children and families for their kind wishes, cards and gifts which she received in June. Mrs Purdue is settling well in her new school but missing us all too.
School Uniform Can I remind everyone to clearly label ALL items of school uniform and to please check at home that items have not been accidently taken 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.
We also have an extensive clothing bank of school uniform including jackets and blazers. All items are clean and free of charge to anyone who would like them. I would encourage you to make use of this facility. New and pre-loved items of school uniform are available from the Family Learning room 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.
PE Kit – Please ensure your child is prepared for PE sessions with a blue t shirt and black or navy shorts and a pair of gym shoes/trainers. One PE session per week is outdoors if the weather allows and children should have warm trousers/top. Many of these items are available in our uniform bank.
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.
We always encourage children to eat healthily in school and request that sweets and treats are only brought to school on Fridays.
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. There are a number of bottles available in our uniform bank if you require one.
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 6th September. Everyone is welcome to attend.
After playtime, children join their Pupil Voice group (ECO, Faith, Global Citizens, Media and Community Links) 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.
P7 Residential to Abernethy Outdoor Centre Barcaple www.abernethy.org.uk
Our P7 pupils will take part in a residential outdoor learning experience from 17th-20th September. This will be an exciting adventure for all involved. Further information will be provided to the children of P7. The cost of the trip to parents is £160 and should be paid via the online payment portal as soon as possible. (The school is using money from our pupil eqiuty funding to supplement the cost of £100 per child and the cost of transport)
There will be a short meeting for parents of the P7 pupils who are going to Barcapel on Wednesday 4th September at 3pm. If you are unable to attend the meeting please contact the office and we will arrange for additional information to be passed on to you.
P5 & P6 children are involved in a swimming programme every Wednesday morning for a block of 12 weeks. This has also been funded by our Pupil Equity Fund.
New School Library and Family Learning Room
Our new school Library and Family Learning Room are both up and running and provide an excellent resource for the school. The family learning room is available for sessions delivered by Lisa Roebuck our Community Learning and Development Support Worker, however it is also available if groups of parents wish to join together for morning coffee after the children come into school. Please contact the office if you would like to help to set this up for our parents. It would be a great way to start your day and get to know other families.
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 October 10th 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 Thursday 26th 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 18th September at 1.45pm. We hope you can join us to celebrate starting this school journey as part of a community of faith. Following the service you are invited to stay on for a short session with advice on how to support your child’s learning at home. Tea and coffee will be served.
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 6th 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
Our school website https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/nl/StBernadettes/ for policies and procedures.
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 App/ Play Store.
Finally, please do not hesitate to contact me, Principal Teacher, 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
