The school community were delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance MSP to the school this afternoon. She was welcomed at the school entrance by our newly elected House Captains who did a wonderful job of introducing themselves and informing her of their very important positions. On her arrival she met Mrs.Docherty and several other members of the local authority including Chief Executive for Learning and Leisure, Andrew Sutherland. Her planned brief chat extended to thirty minutes with a focus on the National Improvement Framework and the Scottish Attainment Challenge. The school feels very honoured to be involved in such discussions and for the opportunity to contribute to national debate. The Minister visited the Pr.1 pupils in Room 2 and got the opportunity to chat to the children about their learning. The children were a delight and made the Minister smile throughout her visit to the class. Plenty of successful learners and very confident individuals!!

This week will be a very important week for the school community as we host a visit by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance MSP. This is a great honour for the school and a wonderful privilege. Our esteemed guest will join us on Monday and will be introduced to NLC Chief Executive of Learning and Leisure, Andrew Sutherland and Curriculum Improvement Officers, Gillian Hanlon and Jim Beers. Our newly appointed Depute Head Teacher, Mrs. Margaret Maria Elliott will also join the welcoming party who will be involved in discussions around the National Improvement Framework. Our children know this very important visit will be taking place on Monday with a possibility that they may be filmed or photographed during the visit. Please ensure all forms are returned in order that permission is granted or not for such photography of your child.

This week several members of the staff will be out of school for staff training, this will involve training in regard of literacy and the Pope Francis Faith Award of which we will be a part of this year.

On Thursday our Pr.1 pupils will be photographed by the Advertiser. it goes without saying that all children will be in full uniform. Our uniform policy has been fully supported and our pupils look resplendent everyday. A great big thank you for your support in this regard. This gives a strong message in terms of how we present ourselves in the local community and the pride that we have in being part of St.Augustine’s community of faith and learning. Your children are a real credit to you all!!

On Friday we hope the weather looks kindly upon us for our sponsored walk along the leafy lanes of our locality. This is the school’s main fundraising event to raise money for school funds that will benefit all children throughout the school year. As a school community we thank you in anticipation of your generosity and support. Parents who would like to walk with us on Friday please contact the school. This will be an own clothes day and children have been reminded to dress appropriately for the walk and to prepare for inclement weather. Our fingers are crossed that we have a dry day and perhaps even some sun!!
Our Pr.7 pupils are due to leave on the 21st September for their visit to Kilbowie. Please ensure all payments are made in advance of next week. Thank you.

This term we have a number of afterschool clubs running – football, cross country, netball, badminton and dance. We hope to add to this throughout the term for other stages. Any parents who would like to assist with the delivery of our clubs or would like to run a club for pupils please contact the school.

The whole school were entertained by visiting theatre company Hopscotch Theatre and enjoyed a presentation about The Rights of the Child. The play used the UN Conventions on the Right of the Child as it’s starting point and taught the children about rights and the plight of children across the world who are denied fundamental rights. The play will provide the children with plenty to think about when they begin working together in their Make a Difference Groups this session. Every group has the aim of making a difference and impacting at school, local and national level.

School premises were a hive of activity throuhgout the summer as major work took place on the school roof and necessary repairs took place inside the school building. The whole building was painted and decorated and gave the school a much needed facelift. We look forward to inviting all parents to our Open Afternoon on Thurs.10th Sept. to tour around the school and classes and to meet the staff team. Many thanks to Mrs.Chisholm who worked tirelessly throughout the summer to tend our wonderful school garden. We are all looking forward to a plentiful harvest thanks to her work and the work of classes throughout last session.
Mr.Redmond, our janitor, Mrs.Cunningham and Mrs. Innes (cleaning staff) were outstanding in preparing the school for the beginning of the school term. Their dedication and commitment to getting the job done was tremendous and really gives us a school to be proud of.
I am always reminding children on a regular basis that it is our school and everyone’s responsibility to make sure the school looks good at all times for the benefit of everyone. The recent facelift has made a huge difference and as a school community we aim to ensure our school learning environment is a building to be proud of.