Mrs N’s Notes 17 May 2019
SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS
CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
As I look back on what we have achieved this week, I am shocked that this all happened since Monday! We teach a curriculum that is underpinned by the four capacities listed above, and this week allowed us to practise them all in abundance!
Our new intake of Primary 1 pupils demonstrated all of these qualities when they met with Mrs Begley and Mrs McGarry to play and learn in Room 1 on Monday. While I took the time to give parents and carers an overview of school-life, our youngest learners showed how independent they can be, completing a wide range of tasks with their teachers. Each one of them confidently spent the afternoon with their new classmates. They were are credit to all of their families! We look forward to our next meeting, when we will welcome Mrs Giuliani too. If any parents haven’t handed in their lunch choice for that day, please pop it into the office at your earliest convenience.
We are also full of praise for our infant classes who enjoyed a super day of outdoor learning at Almond Valley. Huge thanks must go to Mrs Harkness who organised the whole day for all three classes, as well as leading an inventive fundraising event in order to keep the cost of the day down for all of our families. All pupils enjoyed every minute of the day, with MANY falling asleep as soon as their seat belts were fastened on the way home! As you can see from the photograph above this provided a stimulus for further learning, such as personal writing. As always, we are indebted to our teachers and support staff, as well as parent and grandparent helpers – without you, we really couldn’t organise days like this.
These weren’t the only pupils out and about this week. Mrs McNamara and Ms Watson took a large group of learners to Kelvingrove Art Galleries to take part in the annual art competition. This trip was not limited to one class – it was open to all pupils who demonstrate an interest or talent in drawing and painting. From what I have seen, this year’s artists have produced excellent pieces of work that are strong contenders for a prize.
Our Nursery pupils took advantage of the lovely weather this week to get out and about too. I loved seeing all the photographs taken at the park today. However, I think some pupils spent their entire week outside in the sunshine! While Mrs Johnston and Mrs Woodward, our new Continuous Improvement Officers, were visiting, we spotted some impressive counting, cooperation and reverse parking (using a pedal car)! Our staff will continue to raise attainment, using the outdoor environment, as well as the indoor, for quality learning opportunities.
In addition to taking our learning OUT, we also welcomed visitors IN! Community Learning and Development staff continue to provide North Lanarkshire Challenge opportunities to our P.7 pupils. The fabulous weather this week allowed them the chance to take their learning outside. It is most encouraging to see the vast majority of our young people rising to this challenge!
Coatbridge High School teachers filled our day on Thursday. The Drama department visited P.6 in the morning, with Art teachers visiting P.7 in the afternoon. All pupils fully engaged in the learning experiences on offer. Successful Learners all round!
Then there is Primary 7/6 Enterprise! This class decided to try to raise money to pay for their planned excursion to Dynamic Earth. I gave every individual a £1 loan, with the challenge to make their money grow. Little did I know how many amazing ideas this inventive class would come up with! Car washing, nail painting, beat the goalie, plus LOADS MORE! Their events continue into next week, so hopefully I can give you a final total very soon. What an amazing team!
Thursday also saw our Green Gang continuing their work with Toni, our Community Gardener. With 2 after school gardening clubs, parent volunteers and our Green Gang, we are seeing a huge difference in our school grounds. Thank you all!
However, I can’t round up the week without thanking all the adults supporting our pupils. At our Parent Council AGM on Monday, I was given lots of food for thought, as our members shared with me their thoughts, hopes and dreams for Kirkshaws. All of this will be fed into our School Improvement Plan, along with the input the Parent Forum has provided through recent surveys.
As we move into the weekend, I hope everyone enjoys a rest … you deserve it!
