Head Teacher Blog
Dear Parent/Carer
I hope you are well.
This week, I have been blown away by the School Captain Election Process. Over the course of the week over 10 Senior Pupils have been campaigning for the votes of pupils and staff to make them a School Captain. When I spoke with them all on Wednesday, I complemented them on their ideas and energy which have been inspiring and have brought smiles to the faces of everyone at their inventive electioneering. Whilst I recognise that there can only be 2 School Captains they have all been fantastic. I look forward to Monday when I interview the short listed 5 and their Junior School Captain colleagues.
As always, if you have any questions in relation to the information contained within this blog or any other school matter please do not hesitate to be in touch with the school. Moreover, I’m always delighted to share good news of pupil achievements outside of school as a large number of pupils are participating at an exceptionally high level in a range of activities. If your son/daughter is involved in something, please do share this with me.
Roman Legacy
Over the last 12 months our Gaelic and Art Teams in conjunction with a range of pupils in Greenfaulds and our Associated Primary Schools have been engaged in a Roman Legacy Project funded via the National Lottery. This week I received an amazing showcase document about all the work undertaken. If you would like to have a look a copy of this document is available here.
BMX Successes
The success of our pupils involved in BMX via our local club continues to go from strength to strength.
Cooper McCrum raced on Saturday in the Cruiser Male Category (15/16 year old) and took British number 4 – amazing stuff! On Sunday Cooper raced his 20” bike and just missed out by one to make the final so he finished 9th out of 52 riders in the male 15s.
Tillie McCrum also managed to get British number 4 racing in female 17/18 category. Just incredible by them both.
Brodie Geddes raced on Sunday also and got all the way to the Semi-Finals but didn’t quite make the final finishing 13th out of 64 riders. Still an amazing achievement.
Both Tillie and Cooper also picked up trophies for the national series. Cooper National Number 7 and Tillie National Number 6.
Uniform
Pupils have continued to look fantastic this week. Thank you so much to all families for your support with this. Just a reminder to families that as a school we have a wealth of preloved items of school uniform, all of which are free to good homes. Whilst I am passionate about pupils attending in school uniform, I do not want any family finding themselves stretched financially. As such, any pupil is welcome to collect a free blazer from Pupil Support.
Free School Meals
A reminder to all families, if your family normally receives Free School Meals please remember to reapply for continuation of this service as it does not automatically continue each year. Families need to apply annually. There have been a few incidences since we returned of pupils not having money on their cards. We did of course ensure that they received lunch but please do ensure that you have reapplied for Free School Meals. Please apply here: Free School Meals and Clothing Grant Application | North Lanarkshire Council
EMA 2025-26 session
The new EMA form is now live on the NLC website for the new session 2025/2026 starting in August. Any students who got EMA last years has to reapply this year.
To apply you must meet the following criteria
| Gross Taxable income | No. of dependent children in household | Award |
| Up to £24,421 | 1 | £30 |
| Up to £26,884 | 2+ | £30 |
Please note – dependent children are all those up to the age of 16 and those over the age of 16 and up to age 25 if they are in full time Further or Higher Education (proof required).
Once students have their form completed and a letter confirming they are getting EMA they should bring their EMA contract to Mr Adler who will then discuss attendance requirements with the students, but to get EMA students must have excellent attendance and be on time to school.
Community News
As always, I’m delighted to share the following pieces of community news with you.
This week, the Suicide Prevention Team within North Lanarkshire passed on the following information:
We’re lacing up again for our Suicide Prevention NL’s annual 7-a-side tournament at Ravenscraig on Wednesday 10 September and we’d love to see teams from across our services and schools (aged 16+) get involved.
It’s more than just a great day of football, the event raises awareness around suicide prevention and supports local mental health charities. Suicide touches so many lives across Lanarkshire, and this tournament is our way of remembering, tackling stigma and showing that support is always out there.
Team entries close Friday 29 August – so round up your squad and get signed up now! Email: football@northlan.gov.uk
Hope for Autism: NeuroBears
Hope for Autism were in touch this week in relation to their NeuroBears course. This is designed for 8-14 year olds along with a trusted adult. The course includes 12 short videos, shared over 4 weeks, with a handbook to guide learning and reflection. Further details are below:
Have a lovely weekend
Moran Taing
Jamie
Jamie Vaughn-Sharp
Head Teacher
