School Term Dates
The term dates for the next few school years can be found here.
Please note that the term dates for the 2021-2022 school year were recently updated to take account of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Holiday in June.
School Handbook
The handbook contains all of the information you need if your child is new to Papay School or Nursery. You can download the handbook here. Please get in touch if you require any further information.
Prospective Parents
Please call or email us if you would like further information or to arrange to come and visit the school. We’re very happy to provide information about the school, or the island more widely.
Nursery
We have a well-resourced nursery which is open five days a week. Children in Scotland now qualify for nursery provision once they turn three years old. In some cases your child may qualify from the age of two. We organise sessions to fit in around the school day, the number of hours requested and plane and ferry timetables. For information about nursery eligibility the following link will take you to the Orkney Islands Council Early Learning and Childcare page. Link.
Parent Council
We have an active parent council which meets at least once a term and all parents are encouraged to join. The meetings provide an opportunity for the parents and head teacher to meet together, to discuss plans for the future and to reflect on progress to date. The parent council is supported by several co-opted members of the community and has recently played an important role in supporting projects for the benefit of the local community, such as the recently revamped community play park. If you would like to get in touch with the chair of our parent council the school office can provide contact details.
SEESAW for daily home-school communication
We regularly use the SEESAW application as a method of keeping in touch with parents. Please access the app regularly for up-to-date information and messages about school routines and activities. The app also allows parents to send private messages to school staff. Our primary use of SEESAW is to share information about children’s learning and progress with families. The children use their iPads in school to take ownership of this sharing and to comment and reflect on their learning. Parents have the opportunity to ‘like’ and comment on work, or to make suggestions.
