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SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS<\/strong><\/p>\n CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n As I look back on what we have achieved this week, I am shocked that this all happened since Monday!\u00a0 We teach a curriculum that is underpinned by the four capacities listed above, and this week allowed us to practise them all in abundance!<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 \u00a0Each one of them confidently spent the afternoon with their new classmates.\u00a0 They were are credit to all of their families! We look forward to our next meeting, when we will welcome Mrs Giuliani too.\u00a0 If any parents haven’t handed in their lunch choice for that day, please pop it into the office at your earliest convenience.<\/p>\n We are also full of praise for our infant classes who enjoyed a super day of outdoor learning at Almond Valley.\u00a0 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!\u00a0 As you can see from the photograph above this provided a stimulus for further learning, such as personal writing.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n These weren’t the only pupils out and about this week.\u00a0 Mrs McNamara and Ms Watson took a large group of learners to Kelvingrove Art Galleries to\u00a0 take part in the annual art competition.\u00a0 This trip was not limited to one class – it was open to all pupils who demonstrate an interest or talent in drawing and painting.\u00a0 From what I have seen, this year’s artists have produced excellent pieces of work that are strong contenders for a prize.<\/p>\n Our Nursery pupils took advantage of the lovely weather this week to get out and about too.\u00a0 I loved seeing all the photographs taken at the park today.\u00a0 However, I think some pupils spent their entire week outside in the sunshine!\u00a0 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)!\u00a0 Our staff will continue to raise attainment, using the outdoor environment, as well as the indoor, for quality learning opportunities.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 The fabulous weather this week allowed them the chance to take their learning outside.\u00a0 It is most encouraging to see the vast majority of our young people rising to this challenge!<\/p>\n Coatbridge High School teachers filled our day on Thursday.\u00a0 The Drama department visited P.6 in the morning, with Art teachers visiting P.7 in the afternoon.\u00a0 All pupils fully engaged in the learning experiences on offer.\u00a0 Successful Learners all round!<\/p>\n Then there is Primary 7\/6 Enterprise!\u00a0 This class decided to try to raise money to pay for their planned excursion to Dynamic Earth.\u00a0 I gave every individual a \u00a31 loan, with the challenge to make their money grow.\u00a0 Little did I know how many amazing ideas this inventive class would come up with!\u00a0 Car washing, nail painting, beat the goalie, plus LOADS MORE!\u00a0 Their events continue into next week, so hopefully I can give you a final total very soon.\u00a0 What an amazing team!<\/p>\n Thursday also saw our Green Gang continuing their work with Toni, our Community Gardener.\u00a0 With 2 after school gardening clubs, parent volunteers and our Green Gang, we are seeing a huge difference in our school grounds.\u00a0 Thank you all!<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 All of this will be fed into our School Improvement Plan, along with the input the Parent Forum has provided through recent surveys.<\/p>\n As we move into the weekend, I hope everyone enjoys a rest … you deserve it!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS\u00a0 \u00a0EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS\u00a0 \u00a0RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS As I look back on what we have achieved this week, I am shocked that this all happened since Monday!\u00a0 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<\/p>\n