From monsters and ghosts, to motivational speakers and gardeners…I’ve had them all in Kirkshaws this week!<\/p>\n
This week saw my introduction to Hallowe’en, Kirkshaws style.\u00a0 First of all I was amazed by the decorations that mysteriously ‘appeared’ in our hall, transforming the room for the disco.\u00a0 HUGE THANKS<\/span> to our Fundraisers, who took on that decorating task, left the decorations for the school to use on Tuesday, then magically made every pumpkin, skeleton and ghostly figure disappear before school on Wednesday morning!\u00a0 How did they manage that?\u00a0 It is these ‘little things’ that mean so much in the life of a school.\u00a0 So, to those involved, I would like to say a personal thank you<\/span>.\u00a0 All your efforts were noticed and very much appreciated!<\/p>\n I was also blown away with the effort that was put into all the Hallowe’en costumes.\u00a0 The imagination and artistic talent in Kirkshaws is truly astounding.\u00a0 The teachers had the toughest job on Tuesday, picking winners from the fabulous costumes on display.\u00a0 Our dinner ladies also put a huge amount of effort into decorating the dinner hall.\u00a0 Once again, demonstrating that team-spirit that is always evident in our school and nursery.<\/p>\n\n It was also a busy week OUTSIDE<\/span>.\u00a0 The Bedrock Gardening Team was in, building a new mud kitchen and starting work on our nursery garden.\u00a0 Unfortunately all their supplies did not arrive on time, so their second visit has been delayed for a few weeks, until all the necessary resources are in place.\u00a0 Toni, the Community Gardener, continued her work with our Garden Gang on Thursday.\u00a0 Together, they are making our school grounds winter-ready<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0 I’m sure you will agree with me that they are doing a fabulous job.\u00a0 I am so proud of each and every one of the learners involved.\u00a0 The front entrance to the school is looking great!<\/p>\n A member of North Lanarkshire Council’s Sustainable Travel Team also arranged to meet with me this week.\u00a0 She carried out a spot-check on the behaviours of drivers around the school at 3pm on Thursday.\u00a0 Unfortunately, her report included evidence of traffic parked on the zig-zag lines, cars blocking driveways of local homes, unauthorised vehicles using the staff carpark and increased levels of air pollution, due to idling engines at the school gates.\u00a0 Working in partnership with our Junior Road Safety Officers, she is hoping to address some of these issues over coming months.\u00a0 I am sure you will support us in making the school a safe environment for all our children.<\/p>\n I also had a meeting this week with a company which specialises in Growth Mindset.\u00a0 We are looking at a package of workshops, aiming to motivate our learners, staff and parents!\u00a0 More information coming soon.<\/p>\n Plans are underway to replace some classroom carpets and sink units over the coming weeks, so there may be a little disruption to classrooms as classes move out for a day or two to allow the necessary work to be done.\u00a0 It will involve a little inconvenience, but it will be well worth it in the end!<\/p>\n Two pupils from St Andrew’s High School completed their week-long work experience placement with us too.\u00a0 Both girls were enthusiastic, cheery, cooperative and able to show initiative when necessary.\u00a0 It was a delight to be able to give such a glowing report to their teachers on Friday.\u00a0 I wish them well in their future careers.<\/p>\n Some senior pupils visited Asda towards the end of the week to help raise money for their Tickled Pink campaign.\u00a0 As we have benefitted from the help of Asda in our own fundraising ventures, it felt right this week to be giving something back to the community, supporting this cancer charity.<\/p>\n Of course, this is only a fraction of what has gone on this week.\u00a0 I haven’t even started telling you about the learning yet…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From monsters and ghosts, to motivational speakers and gardeners…I’ve had them all in Kirkshaws this week! This week saw my introduction to Hallowe’en, Kirkshaws style.\u00a0 First of all I was amazed by the decorations that mysteriously ‘appeared’ in our hall, transforming the room for the disco.\u00a0 HUGE THANKS to our Fundraisers, who took on that decorating task, left the decorations for the school to use on Tuesday, then magically made<\/p>\n