Mrs N’s Notes ~ 3rd May
TRANSITION
Transition is a word we use a lot at this time of year…but what does it mean. Transition is a process of change. In this final term of the school year, we focus much of our attention on the BIG transitions: moving from nursery to school, from primary school to secondary and from one class and teacher to another. Here, at Kirkshaws, we have been working on these major transitions for many months, and in some cases years!
We work very closely with our secondary colleagues in Coatbridge High School to ensure there are a number of opportunities for our learners to meet their new teachers and visit the building during their years at Kirkshaws. This week we welcomed staff to work with all our Primary 6 pupils (on a Polar Explorer topic) and sent a group of pupils from Primary 7 to explore the high school and report back to their classmates. They discovered many differences in the High School building…Did you know there are electrical sockets on desks in the science department but, no, you can’t use them for charging your phone!! 😉 Transition visits for both P.6 & P.7 will continue over the next few months, covering a range of topics including STEM, Art and Drama. Our P.7 pupils will also have the opportunity to spend two days, following a full timetable, in Coatbridge High at the end of May. Exciting! Of course, we don’t forget those children who choose to attend a different high school. Our staff will also work in partnership with the receiving school to ensure pupils are well supported there too.
We also ensure our youngest learners are given ample opportunity to become familiar with the P.1 environment and staff. Those pupils who attend our nursery have daily access to the school and regular opportunities to work in the gym hall and infant classes. This week nursery children could be found working in Rooms 1 & 2, but also joining in the fun outside at playtime. In this way, Primary 1 won’t bring too many surprises! Over the next month we will also welcome pupils from our partner nurseries to join us, along with their parents. Mrs McGarry has already been our to visit many of these boys and girls and has started to get to know them, their likes and requirements. All prospective parents have been invite to accompany their children to two formal induction days taking place over the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing you all then.
Our staffing for next session has not been finalised yet, but as we start to shape classes, teachers will begin to plan together for next year. Staff will get to know the pupils in their new classes and all learners will have the opportunity to spend time with their new teacher, in their new classroom. For pupils who find change more difficult, we will work with families to ensure we get it right for you!
However, transition isn’t limited to these major milestones in life. We are always evaluating how we do things and making changes in response to the needs of the Kirkshaws Family. Keep an eye on our outdoor areas – Toni, our community gardener from PASP is leading the way as we work together to give our gardens an injection of new life. If anyone has particular skill in this area, or has resources they can share, as always, we would love to hear from you.
This week a workman visited the school and commented that it was just the same as when he’d left 40 years ago… if he looked a bit closer he would see that Kirkshaws never stays the same. We’re in the business of change!
