Nursery, Whole School

Deferred Entry

Leave a comment

Dear Parents/Carers,

We would like to make you aware that information and application forms for Deferred Entry to Primary 1 for Session 2027-2028 are now available on the North Lanarkshire Council website:

Deferred Entry to Primary School 2027-2028:  Application forms for Deferred Entry

Please note that the deferred entry timeline has changed and now aligns with the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) admissions timetable.

If you are considering a deferred entry request for your child, parents/carers should complete the relevant form and return it to their current Early Learning and Childcare provider. The ELC provider is responsible for submitting completed applications to North Lanarkshire Council.

Please note that all children should still be registered for Primary 1 during the January 2027 enrolment period, even if you intend to request deferred entry. Parents/carers should indicate their intention to defer on the P1 enrolment form.As a reminder –

  • Children whose 5th birthday is between March and mid-August (including the first day of the school term – 16 August 2027) are not automatically entitled to defer entry to P1, as they have already reached the age of five on the school start date in August. A further year of funded ELC provision would be at the discretion of the local authority.
  • Children whose 5th birthday is mid-August (the day after school starts on 16 August 2027) and the last day in February are entitled to defer entry to P1, and can automatically access an additional year of funded ELC.

If you would like any further information or support regarding the deferred entry process, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Kindest regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Whole School

Meet the Teacher Reminder

Leave a comment

Dear Parents / Carers,

Just a quick reminder about our Meet the Teacher opportunity on Monday 14th September from 2.00pm until 2.45pm.  The gate on Hozier St will be opened just before 2 and we’ll open the infant doors to allow parents to enter the building – staff will be on hand to direct you to your child(ren)s class(es).

This is an informal opportunity for you to visit your child’s classroom, meet their teacher, see some of the resources they use and gain an insight into their learning environment. We hope it will be a relaxed and enjoyable experience for both you and your child.

During the afternoon, you may even get the chance to take part in a short activity alongside your child, giving you an opportunity to experience a little of school life together.

Please note that this event is not intended for individual discussions about your child’s progress or specific needs. Dedicated appointments for these conversations will be available during our Parents’ Evening in October, where teachers will be able to spend time discussing your child’s learning in greater detail.

We very much look forward to welcoming you into school and sharing a small snapshot of your child’s learning environment with you.

Kind regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Primary 7

P7 – Outdoor Education

Leave a comment

Dear Parents/Carers,

The children in Primary 7 will bring home information and a consent form today for the Primary 7 Outdoor Education Programme run by North Lanarkshire Council at Palacerigg Country Park.

Our allocated week is 29 September to 2 October, which is a four-day week. As a result, there is a reduced cost for the programme (the usual cost is £125). Please refer to the letter/consent form that has been sent home with the children today.  There is also a flyer which is too rich a document to send via mail – I will try to put this onto the school website where a copy of this will go.

Pupil Letter Consent Form – 2026-2027

Final – Outdoor Education booklet (002)

As in previous years, the School Fund will help to subsidise the cost for each child, bringing the overall cost down to £90 per pupil. This does not need to be paid before 29 September and, as outlined in the information and consent form, payments can be made over the coming months.

I would also like to reassure you that if the cost presents any difficulty for your family, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mr Deighan. We do not want cost to be a barrier to any child experiencing this valuable outdoor learning opportunity.

Our allocated week is much earlier this session than usual, so hopefully the good weather stays with us a little longer!

Danny McPhelim from the Outdoor Education Team will meet with pupils via a Teams call during the week before they attend. This will give children an opportunity to find out more about the activities and ask any questions they may have.

Children will attend and be dismissed from school as normal each day and will travel to and from Palacerigg by bus. They should bring:

  • A packed lunch
  • A bottle of water
  • A break-time snack

Children may bring their own waterproofs, wellington boots and outdoor clothing if they wish, although these can also be provided. We ask that children wear their PE t-shirt along with their school jumper or cardigan and suitable outdoor clothing. I have also suggested to the children that they wear older clothes rather than new items, as they are likely to get muddy during activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for all Primary 7 pupils and is often one of the highlights of their final year at primary school. We will provide any further information closer to the time.

Kindest regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Nursery, Whole School

Nursery Photographs

Leave a comment

Dear Parents / Carers, Due to matters outwith our control, our date for the nursery photographs – individuals and siblings – has had to be rescheduled by John Wilson Photographers.  This will now take place for the nursery on Friday 18th September.  (Instead of Wednesday 16th September.)  School photographs – individuals and siblings will still take place on Tuesday 15th September.

Kindest regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Whole School

FLU IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME

Leave a comment

Dear Parents / Carers,

Please see attached details for the lead nurse if you have not yet received the pre-populated form for this and would like your child to receive this.  Please contact and arrange consent.  A reminder that the school’s date for flu immunisation is Tuesday 15th September 2026.  If your child is absent on the day however you had wished they received this – there is always a mop up date roughly in January or February – I will keep you updated of this.

FLU CONTACT DETAILS

Kindest regards,
Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Uncategorized

Farewell and Best Wishes to Mr Fawcett

Leave a comment

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to share the news that Mr Fawcett’s last day at St Mary’s Primary School will be on Friday 28th August where he will leave to take up a new position as Depute Head Teacher at another school.

While we are naturally sad to see him leave, we are delighted that he has been offered this well-deserved opportunity and we know that he will bring the same dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to his new role that he has shown throughout his time at St Mary’s.

As Principal Teacher, Mr Fawcett has made a significant contribution to the life of our school. He has worked tirelessly to support our pupils, staff and families, helping to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and achieve their potential. His leadership, professionalism and care for our school community have been greatly valued, and his positive impact will be felt for years to come.

On behalf of everyone at St Mary’s Primary School, I would like to thank Mr Fawcett for his hard work, commitment and service to our school. We are extremely grateful for all he has done and wish him every success and happiness as he begins this exciting new chapter in his career.

I am sure you will join us in thanking Mr Fawcett and wishing him all the very best for the future.

I will be in touch soon with regards news of the appointment of an Acting Principal Teacher who will work together with both Mr Deighan, Principal Teacher, and myself as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Kindest regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Uncategorized

Welcome Back!

Leave a comment

Good evening everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and have lots of excited children (and possibly parents even more so!) for our return to school tomorrow.  Please click on the link below for an initial newsletter.  Our new Primary 1 children are not yet on our system so if any of you know of a new Primary 1 family, please share this with them.  We will send this out to our Primary 1 families tomorrow once we have access to their details. We cannot wait to see you all – sweet dreams!

Welcome Back Newsletter

Kindest regards,

Miss McLelland
Head Teacher

Whole School

Welcome

Leave a comment

Welcome to our new school blog. This blog will be used along with Groupcall as our main means of communicating with parents.  Please feel free to add any comments to posts.  Just a reminder that the most recent post will be at the top of each page.  Our Home Page will be like our General News Section on the App.  This will be your first port of call for new information being shared.

Report a Glow concern
Cookie policy  Privacy policy