Mrs N’s Notes – 22nd March
We kicked off the week with a visit from staff from Westercraig’s Nursery. Their Head Teacher, Mrs Morrison, was a former pupil of Kirkshaws who also taught here early in her career! Although she and Mrs McBain had a great time reminiscing over old staff photos, that wasn’t the main reason for her visit. This week we launched a new professional partnership; looking at ways we can learn from each other’s practice, allow our staff and pupils to work together and offer us opportunities for rigorous moderation between authorities. Plans are already afoot for a group from Kirkshaws to go on an adventure to their nursery in Glasgow soon. We are very excited about this partnership opportunity and can see how it will have a positive impact on the Kirkshaws community.
Bikeability 2 is now well underway. Mr Gall and Robert, our coach, are now taking our older cyclists out on the local roads. This is valuable training, especially with the launch of the Big Pedal event coming up on Monday. All pupils involved are making great progress within this course and Mr Gall reports exemplary behaviour out on the roads.
Two Quiz teams from Primaries 6 & 7 ventured out this week. We went to Coatbridge Library for our local heat of the Primary Reading Quiz. Mrs Dillon was bursting with pride when she returned to school with our team who were excellent ambassadors for Kirkshaws. They came in third place and demonstrated a positive attitude throughout the competition. Mr Sharp then took our Bible Quiz team to Airdrie on Thursday. We may not have won the competition but, yet again, the Kirkshaws values of Respect, Resilience and Friendship were evident throughout the morning. (Of course we must congratulate Mr Sharp who won the teacher head-to-head round by counting the number of Easter Eggs in a picture fastest. We can’t really say we are surprised – Mr Sharp knows his Easter Eggs!)
As you know, we are always open to visitors here at Kirkshaws. This week we were delighted to meet some senior pupils from St Andrew’s High School who have been working with a Community Learning & Development team. This group led a Mental Health Workshop for our P.7 pupils. This was an inspiring initiative, that shows just how much our local young people care for each other and can support each other. We would welcome them back with open-arms at any time! Thank you.
Ms Ralston welcomed a group of nursery parents to our latest Coffee & Catch-up on Thursday. This group is going from strength to strength; with parents getting to know each other better as well as having the chance to have their say on nursery matters. Please consider coming to join us – you would be made most welcome.
Learning doesn’t stop when you leave school – this week saw a huge number of staff training opportunities taking place. Various meetings and events were attended, with a focus on Literacy Coaching, Scottish National Assessments, LGBT, Healthy Schools, West Partnership, Family Group moderation and high school transition. Seriously – how did we fit it all in?
We were delighted to share our RRSA poster winners at assembly this morning. These will look great displayed around our school and nursery. Our Rights Respecting Committee led the entire assembly today and should be VERY proud of themselves. We learned all about Article 23…ask your child about it!
Of course we ended the week on a high, that I’m sure you have all heard about by now. In our desire to promote positive behaviour, we organised another treat afternoon to thank all those pupils who consistently demonstrate our core values and uphold our school rules. Amazing James lived up to his name and had everyone cheering along. (Although Mrs Dillon & Miss Black are a bit worried they will always be known as the Guardians of the Mentos!) Huge thanks to Mr Sharp and Mrs McGarry for organising yet another excellent award.
One more week to go before the Spring Break, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal yet! The Big Pedal, a Fundraisers Afternoon Tea and our first Maths Open Afternoon to fit in before we stop at 2.30pm next Friday. Let’s do it!
