Dear Parent/Carer

As part of the council’s budget-setting process for 2020/21, it was decided to remove the lunchtime school crossing patrol service at all primary schools.

The decision was based on the fact that the number of children using the school crossing patrol service at lunchtime has decreased significantly over recent years. In addition, all children in
primaries 1-3 are entitled to a free school meal and many parents/carers take up this option. It has also become the council’s practice to remove the lunchtime patrol when vacancies occur and
it is evident they are no longer required.

The last day of the lunchtime crossing patrol service will be Friday 30 October.

All children may dress for their Halloween on Friday 30th October.  Unfortunately due to ongoing restrictions we can’t have our annual Halloween disco or parade for Pr. 1 – 3.  Halloween celebrations will take place in each class in the afternoon.

Primary Menu

From Monday 26^th October 2020 the Primary menu has been updated and this menu cycle will run until the end of March 2021. As well as our hot main meal option we are now offering a Baked Potato choice on a daily basis. The two course lunch consists of a main course plus soup and bread or sweet treat fruit or yoghurt as indicated on the menu and the option of plain milk or chilled water. With each meal children also have a choice of two seasonal vegetables and/or salad with their lunch. The council would also like to reassure parents that the school meal service has worked hard to provide a safe working environment and staff are working to COVID 19 protocol.

Price of a School Meal

Due to financial pressures over the last few years, the council can no longer afford to subsidise school meals which is why it was decided as a budget decision at a meeting of the full council in February 2020 to fully recover the cost of school meals which has resulted in a price increase which should have been implemented in April 2020.  The price of a Primary 2 course lunch is now £3.00. We understand the impact that this may have on families and we do advise families who are eligible for free school meals to take this up. A free school meal entitlement is up to the value of the school meal price of £3.00. This includes all pupils from P1-P3 who are entitled to a universal free school meal.

Payment methods

In response to the COVID 19 outbreak we have made changes to our payment methods.  This includes taking cash out of the process which will help reduce the spread of the virus. (Localised solutions will be in place for anyone who is unable to sign up for online payments.)

It will be wonderful to see everyone return to lessons after a well earned break from school.  Our first term was a challenging one but all children and staff responded marvellously well to all the new protocols and regimes.  Throughout the pandemic we have all had to respond to new restrictions and updated guidance and schools are no different.  We will keep you up to date with any new guidance that impacts upon school life.  Please continue to adhere to all social distancing guidance and wear a face covering when at the school gates/fence.  Please contact the school by phone if you have a query.  The school will get back to you.

As we move into colder weather please ensure your child is wrapped up well for school and outdoor play. Please ensure all garments have your child’s name on it so that they can be returned to the rightful owner.  Jackets and uniforms are costly.

We look forward to working with you all in the term ahead.

This week is Challenge Poverty Week. To show our support our non -uniform day on Friday will be in support of this most worthwhile campaign. Please ensure your child brings a tin to school this week.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary.  Please remember to keep praying and growing in love with our faith.