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<\/a><\/p>\nSTUDENT PLACEMENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It has been our pleasure over the past few weeks to get to know two student teachers who are carrying out a placement with us this term.\u00a0 Miss Parker and Miss Hamill are working in Rooms 5 and 9, alongside the class teachers.\u00a0 Mrs King and Miss Watson are still working closely with the class on a daily basis and will remain your first point of contact, should you wish to discuss any school matters.<\/p>\n In addition, Miss Murphy has been working in our nursery class since before the Christmas break.\u00a0 We are most grateful to all three ladies for their enthusiasm and commitment.<\/p>\n PARKING & ROAD SAFETY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Please remember our school carpark is not big enough to be used as a drop-off zone. \u00a0We have had some staff members struggling to enter due to cars leaving first thing in the morning. \u00a0In addition, it is not a safe area for children to be walking unaccompanied.<\/p>\n Thank you for keeping the yellow zig lines clear in front of the school. \u00a0I know Old Monkland Road can become very busy, particularly at the end of the day, \u00a0but in order to keep your children safe I must continue to ask you to park legally, a short distance away from the gates.<\/p>\n We continue to train our pupils in appropriate road safety behaviours. \u00a0However, we do trust that all drivers will adhere to the 20mph limit outside the school and always be vigilant for children and families crossing. \u00a0Thank you for \u00a0your support in this.<\/p>\n SCOTTISH FOCUS MONTH<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n I am sure you have been hearing Scottish poems and songs 24\/7 for the past week! \u00a0Many thanks to all those who are helping their children learn their ‘party pieces’ for our Scottish Assembly, planned for 4th February. \u00a0No pupils will be forced to perform, but everyone will be invited to take part, even if that is just in front of their own class.<\/p>\n ATTENDANCE & LATE-COMING<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n I know I have shared this before, but it is worth remembering that while 90% in a test sounds great – it is the minimum<\/strong><\/span> attendance rate expected across Scotland.\u00a0 \u00a0Anything below 90%<\/strong> is classed as a Cause for Concern<\/strong>.\u00a0 As you can see from the graphic above, that’s because 90% attendance in June means your child has lost 19 days of learning across a whole school year.\u00a0 We know that there are many occasions when your child cannot attend school due to ill-health, but we want to give them the best possible chance this year and would encourage them to return as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Before I say anything else, can I be VERY CLEAR<\/strong>, your child will always be welcomed into school, no matter how late they may be.\u00a0 However, it is worth pointing out that persistent late-coming does build up very quickly.\u00a0 It is worth keeping in mind that being just 10 minutes late each morning actually adds up to losing almost one hour of learning time in just one week…and the graph below shows how this can add up to the equivalent of several days lost across a\u00a0 school year.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n