Mrs N’s Notes, 8.5.20
Good Morning!
I hope you have plans to relax today and enjoy the VE Day celebrations, all be it a little differently to the way we had planned! Like so many of our plans for this term, we’ve had to adapt and find other ways to connect, communicate and carry out vital tasks.
Over the past week we have been delighted to see some pupils logging into Glow Teams. This has allowed us to make contact with our learners at a new level – chatting, addressing questions as they rise and catching up on your news. It is nothing like being in class together, but it goes a long way to keeping those precious relationships strong. If you haven’t logged on yet, we would love to see you. However, we do accept that this is not the preferred method of communication for some families, so we will continue to post Home Learning activities on the app (Piota) and school website. At the moment these remain the most successful methods of communication, allowing us to reach most families. The local KeyStore has helped out again by taking yet ANOTHER pile of jotters and pencils to keep behind the counter. These are available to any of our pupils who ask and we are delighted that so many of you are making use of this service.
Some families are happy to Tweet us messages and photographs. We love seeing these and your cheery smiles certainly brighten up our Twitter feed! Please keep them coming (remembering to not mention your child’s name – we know who you are 😉). Similarly, we will continue to post regular Twitter video messages from our school and nursery staff. Up to now we have managed to post three videos each week and we are keen to keep this going, as we know by your feedback that many children look forward to seeing these. However, we respect that many families do not like such a public method of communication. Remember, emails and Glow Teams are alternative methods to allow us to share in your achievements. You can also reply to the Groupcall school texts I send: I check incoming messages regularly too. Please keep in touch using the method that suits you best – we are desperate to know how you are doing.
One of the other events that has been interrupted this term is our transition programmes. Our P.7 pupils are being supported in this by inventive initiatives being explored by our partner high schools. Once again, Twitter is playing a huge role here. Please ‘follow’ the high school. your child is intending to attend to find out more.
Our own induction programme for our new P.1 pupils is underway too. We have created induction packs which we have been delivering to homes over the past few days. I know that both our families and the members of staff involved have been delighted where they have had the chance to share a smile, wave and have a socially-distanced chat. We have experienced a few problems with access to some properties, but we will keep trying to get these to you as soon as possible. In addition, we are putting together some short video messages to allow you to have a virtual tour of Kirkshaws. Once again – make sure you keep an eye on Twitter, the app and the website for links to these over coming weeks.
And finally, to answer the question everyone is asking me – No, we do not have any new information about a return to school and nursery. Like you, we are watching the announcements made by the First Minister with interest. As soon as we have any information and know how planned changes will affect Kirkshaws, we will be in touch. We know that you share our aim to be back at school in a safe environment as soon as possible.
So, as we look forward to our long weekend, thank you! I must give a personal THANKYOU to our pupils, families, staff and wider community who are all demonstrating resilience, patience and a positive attitude; playing their part to see us through these difficult weeks.
Remember, Monday is an In-Service Training Day, so I’ll be keeping the teachers busy on wider school development tasks – don’t expect to see them online until Tuesday.
#InThisTogether
Thanks, the school is doing a good job of keeping the children engaged. Have a good weekend.
Thank you for your support. We are working hard to keep everyone connected, but realise that needs to be modified and adapted as time goes on. We will continue to look for ways to improve.