Our Primary 7 pupils will be taking Poppies to classes from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th November.
If you would like your child to purchase a poppy in school then please send them with a donation on any of these days.
Thank you for your support for Poppy Scotland.
Please find attached the updated holiday lists for the rest of this session and next.
Are you receiving all the benefits you are entitled to?
Talk Money Week is running from Monday 8 to Friday 12 November and is an opportunity for everyone to be more open about their finances. This year Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau have teamed up to offer free benefit check appointments to ensure Renfrewshire residents are receiving all the benefits they are due.
We won’t just look at income based benefits like Universal Credit we will also see whether you qualify for Scottish benefits like the Scottish Child Payment or Best Start Grants and things like Council Tax Reduction or Free School Meals. We can also give you some idea of whether you or a family member should apply for disability benefits or Pension Credit.
Appointments will last up to 60 minutes and will take place by video, over the phone or face to face.
Appointments can quickly and easily be booked online here – Book an appointment
You can also call Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 or Advice Works on 0300 300 1238 and ask for a Talk Money Week appointment.
We know working out what to claim can be confusing, but we will have trained advisers there to ensure you and your family are getting everything you should be.
We expect places will fill up quickly, so get in now to secure a time that suits you and see if we can help boost the money in your pocket
Keep Safe Kids app
The Keep Safe Kids app is a new and easier way for children and young people to access health and wellbeing information and support as well as to report bullying directly to their school.
Pupils can open the app and make reports at any time of day or night as well as make anonymous reports, helping them to control when and how they tell someone about an incident or their concerns.
Reports are sent directly to that child or young person’s school to be picked up in line with the school’s anti-bullying and wellbeing policies. Reports are not held on the app or accessible to anyone else, ensuring confidentiality and reports will not be picked up outside standard school hours.
If you have wellbeing concerns for your child, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are here to help.
To find out how to download or use the Keep Safe Kids app, visit the I Am Me Scotland website (https://iammescotland.co.uk/keep-safe-kids-app)
Dear Parent/Carer,
2 exceptional closure days have been confirmed for the 21st and 22nd December for both Bishopton and Dargavel Primaries.
This means that the term will finish for pupils on Monday the 20th December, There will be no early closure on this day. Both schools will finish at their normal times.
Pupils will start back on Thursday 6th January 2022.
https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/11751/Updates-on-Dargavel-Primary-construction
About this Event
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills announced on 22 June 2021 the intention to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and remove the function of school inspection from Education Scotland. Professor Ken Muir, University of the West of Scotland, has been appointed to act as an independent advisor to the Scottish Government to consider and advise on the implementation of these changes and consider all functions currently delivered by both the SQA and Education Scotland.
Professor Muir wants to hear the views and ideas from all those with an interest in Scottish Education. This webinar is an opportunity specifically for parents and carers with children and young people in education, to hear first-hand about this reform work, to express views and ideas about the kind of education system we want to see in Scotland for the future and to ask questions of Professor Muir.
When
The virtual webinar session will take place on Wednesday 27th October from 6 30 p.m. till 8 p.m.
How to book
Please use the link below to sign-up for the event. The event will be held via Microsoft Teams Live and the link to join will be sent the day before to the email address used by participants to register.
Please click here to book – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/193601315747
The BPPC made up a Halloween booklet for every pupil which was given out on Wednesday 20th October. Pupils can complete this at home and should post pictures of their completed work on the BPPC FaceBook group. These do not need to be returned to school.
On Friday 29th October, pupils may dress up in a costume to celebrate Halloween. They should bring £1 for the BPPC and a donation for the Food Bank.
For ideas of what to donate, please visit:
Hi everyone,
We have made it to the end of term 1. The pandemic continues to throw challenges in our direction but the pupils have all been amazing and have enjoyed some great learning this term.
As things stand, we will begin term 2 with the same mitigations in place. If this changes, the blog will be updated before the pupils return. Please keep an eye on things just in case.
I hope you all manage to have a restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for term 2.
Please note that Monday the 18th is a staff in-service day and pupils do not return until Tuesday 19th October.
Thank you all for your patience and support this term.
The school meals service, like many other organisations, is currently experiencing supply chain issues. This has resulted in some ingredients for the current menu choices being unavailable and short notice changes being made to the menu.
The school meals service is trying to align substitutes and alternative items as close to the menu as possible and will update the relevant allergen information accordingly.
Information on school meals can be found at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals
In the meantime we will endeavour to inform you of any menu changes at the earliest opportunity.
For families in receipt of free school meals on an income basis (so not all P1 to P4 children), there will be an Autumn hardship payment in October (£160) and a winter hardship payment in December (also £160).
Families will need to have applied for free school meals in order to get the payments – they won’t be made retrospectively. If you think you may be entitled to free school meals on an income basis, but have not applied because of the universal free school meals for P1-4, please apply in order to receive these payments. More information and a link to the online application are here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/Freeschoolmealsandclothinggrants
For those who qualify for free school meals on an income basis (so not all P1 to P4 children), there will be a payment of £11.25 per child for the October break.
Dear Parent/Carer,
Due to the recent surge in cases across Scotland there will be very few changes to the COVID protocols after the September weekend holiday. Most mitigations will remain in place and this will be reviewed again before the October break.
Unfortunately this does mean that face to face parent appointments cannot take place. Teachers will issue you with a time when they will call you instead. Please be aware that this may appear on your phone as an unknown or withheld number.
The only COVID change is to the ‘warn and inform’ letter. Previously this was sent to the whole school. This letter was sent after the first positive case and after 10 days if another positive case was identified.
There is now a more targeted approach and only those who are in the same physical class as a positive case, and therefore a ‘low risk’ contact will receive a warning letter. Another letter will be sent if there are any additional cases after a 5 day period.
If you receive such a letter, the recommendation is that your child takes a lateral flow test if possible before returning to school.
As always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I hope that you all have a relaxing holiday weekend.
Mrs McNaught
Please note the changes to the May holiday to accommodate the additional Platinum Jubilee holiday.
Holiday dates are now Friday 27th May, Thursday 2nd June, Friday 3rd June 2022.
Please note Monday 30th May is no longer a holiday.
Our Soft FM team are currently recruiting Facilities Operatives to deliver services in schools and early learning centres across Renfrewshire.
We’re looking for enthusiastic people who are willing to work as a team and undertake duties including building and grounds cleaning; catering; school crossing patrol; compliance; and any other related tasks.
These posts are part-time, pay above the Living Wage (between £9.74 – £10.19 per hour) and there are a variety of shifts available.
This is a good opportunity to gain permanent employment within Renfrewshire Council and support the local community. There are also opportunities for sessional posts.
If you know someone who might be interested, please share this information and encourage them to apply.
To apply
Applications are welcome through the My Job Scotland website using the links below:
Facilities Operatives, part-time, permanent
Facilities Operatives, part-time, sessional
Dear Parent/Carer,
A reminder of the COVID mitigations currently still in place in school.
The majority of COVID mitigations are still in place in schools and will be at least until after the September weekend. These may be slightly different from those in society in general, therefore it is important that we all take time now and again to remind ourselves of these.
It is hoped that these mitigations will be reviewed in the coming weeks and any changes will be communicated as soon as possible. In the meantime it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the guidance to keep everyone in our community as safe as possible.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs McNaught
Please click the link to see the latest update on Bishopton and Dargavel Primary Schools.
A temporary COVID-19 testing site is being set up in Bishopton. It is for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
Bishopton has had fluctuating rates of COVID-19 in recent weeks and the testing site is intended to help change that.
We encourage anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Bishopton to get a test – it will help protect you and the people around you by slowing the spread of the virus.
The testing centre in Bishopton Community Centre will be open:
The testing site is a drop-in facility – you do not need to book a test in advance. The testing site is being run by Renfrewshire Council as part of the national rollout of community testing.
The testing site is being targeted at anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Bishopton and who is asymptomatic (does not have symptoms of COVID-19).
Anyone aged five and over can be tested but anyone under 12 needs parental permission and must be accompanied by an adult.
Please do not come to the Bishopton testing site if you have COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, high temperature, change to sense of taste/smell).
You should instead book a test at one of the other testing centres for people with symptoms via the UK Government website.
The nearest sites are the large drive-through site at Glasgow Airport and the local walk-through site at Bridge Street in Paisley.
The national COVID-19 vaccination programme is under way. You can still catch and spread the virus even if you have received one or both doses of your COVID-19 vaccine.
So we encourage everyone who lives, works or goes to school in Bishopton to get a test – whether you have been vaccinated or not.
Getting tested will help protect you, your loved ones and your community from COVID-19.
Bishopton has had higher-than-average rates of the virus in recent weeks and we want to bring those rates down, which is why the testing site is being set up in the area.
People don’t always show symptoms when they have the virus – you could be passing it on to those around you without knowing. Getting tested is your chance to find out if you have it and help stop the spread.
Parking will be available in the Bishopton Community Centre car park. The testing site is also within walking distance of Bishopton train station and bus stops on Greenock Road and Craighead Road.
Strict hygiene measures and physical distancing will be in place. You should wear a face covering, unless you are medically exempt.
You will be asked to register your details - including name, address and mobile phone number. If you don’t have a mobile phone, we will help you to register.
The test you will be given is known as a lateral flow test. You will take the test yourself, by putting a swab in your throat and up your nose. Staff will be on hand to offer instructions.
After your test, please return to your home or car and stay there until you receive your test results. Your test will be processed on site and results will be texted to you within 45 minutes of your test on the phone you registered with.
Anyone who doesn’t have a mobile phone will be directed to an area where they can wait to receive their results in person.
Anyone who tests positive will be required to take a follow-up test to confirm this.
Dear Parent/Carer,
I hope that you have all been having a wonderful summer and managed to make the most of the incredible weather we experienced for most of the break. It is hard to believe that we will be back to school in less than a week. We are looking forward to welcoming all pupils back on Monday 16th August, details below.
As you will have heard in the media, schools will be starting back with the same mitigations that were in place at the end of June, with a few exceptions. We understand that these mitigations are not necessarily in line with those in the wider society, therefor it is important to make sure that all adults and pupils attending school are aware of this.
We will continue to have a soft start; school doors will open at 8.45a.m. and pupils should make their way to the classroom and wash their hands. The school day will commence at 9.00 a.m. Only one adult per family should accompany pupils and should only enter the playground if necessary. Face coverings should still be worn by adults on school grounds.
We will also continue to have a staggered end to the day to avoid as much congestion as possible. P1 and their siblings can be collected from 3.00p.m. Bishopton bus pupils will leave at 3.10p.m. and all other pupils in P2-7 will leave at 3.15p.m. Please note Dargavel pupils finish at 3.00p.m.
First day arrangements for P1 are slightly different and these have been communicated to parents by Mr Collins.
School lunches will return to the dining hall and free school meals have been extended to cover all P1-4 pupils. The lunch menu is available to view on the Renfrewshire Council website https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals-primary .
One of the changes to the current mitigations is contact tracing and self-isolation. Contact tracing will no longer be the responsibility of the school. If a pupil is identified as a close contact by Test and Protect they must isolate and book a PCR test. They must isolate until the results of the PCR test are received. If the PCR test is negative and they do not have symptoms they can return to school right away.
Building work has been ongoing throughout the holiday period. Most classes have been painted and ceilings and flooring replaced. All pupils’ toilets have been refurbished and the playground has been re-laid. The dining hall and gym hall will be completed during the October break.
A new entrance has been opened on Old Greenock Road. This will provide flat access for those travelling by scooter or bicycle and for parents with prams. We would therefore ask that no wheeled vehicles use the staired entrance on Old Greenock Road.
Please also note that the car park is for staff and disabled parking only. Parents/carers should not enter the car park at any point. For safety pupils should not walk through the car park at any point. Pedestrian access to the front door is through one of the pedestrian gates and the footpath around the main building. The Grove entrance is not a designated pedestrian entrance, it is goods only and should not be used at any time by parents/carers or pupils.
Staff will be on hand to direct pupils to the correct entrance on the first day. A map has been included below. The pink squares identify the pedestrian entrances and the yellow class names show the entrances for pupils. If you are at all unsure please look for staff who will be wearing hi-viz and they will show you where to go.
Please continue to enjoy the remainder of the break and we look forward to seeing you on the 16th.
On behalf of everyone at Bishopton Primary School I would like to wish you all a fantastic summer. This has been another challenging year for everyone but by working together we have made it through.
Your patience and support has been much appreciated by all staff. I truly hope that you all have a great break over the summer.
We are returning in August with current mitigations still in place but we are hoping that a return to more normal arrangements will quickly follow.
Although the new building will not be quite ready, Dargavel Primary School will begin in August 2021. To our pupils and staff who are moving we would like to wish you all the best in your new school. We are honoured that you started your journey her with us and we will continue follow your progress in your new school.
Once again, our traditional end of term bell ringing can’t take place in the usual format. Our oldest and youngest pupils have still taken the opportunity to ring the bell and we have shared it with you below.
Have a great summer and we will see you back at school Bishopton or Dargavel on the 16th August 2021.
Join musicians and friends of Scotland’s National Orchestra as we present 6 weeks of digital activity for families and children of all ages over the summer break. Utilising the resources developed over the past 18 months with world class musicians, an expert digital team and in partnership with Scotland’s teaching profession, the RSNO Summer Camp is packed full of musical activities, challenges and concert experiences and all content is completely FREE of charge.
The RSNO Summer Camp will run for six weeks and each week will focus on a different target audience:
Week commencing 12 July
Week commencing 26 July
A member of the RSNO’s Learning and Engagement team will be online every Monday to answer any questions, offer advice and engage with participating families.
For more information visit www.rsno.org.uk/summercamp/
On behalf of the staff and pupils, thank you to the Bishopton Parent Council for organising the visit from the Ice Cream Van today.
The end of term treats were much appreciated by everyone.
Class letters are in the bags today. Updated table for Bishopton class locations. New P1 letters are in the post.
| Classes | Location |
| Primary 1P& Primary 1S | Base 4 |
| Primary 2K& Primary 2B | Base 6 |
| Primary 2E & Primary 3AM | Room 3 |
| Primary 3M | Room 9(b) |
| Primary 4M | Room 4 |
| Primary 4R | Room 5 |
| Primary 5A & Primary 5R | Room 1 |
| Primary 5C | Room 6 |
| Primary 6A& Primary 6S | Room 2 |
| Primary 6M | Room 7 |
| Primary 7CK | Hut 1 |
| Primary 7C | Hut 2 |
| TOTAL – 17 Classes |
Please read the following information regarding the pupil arrangements for the return to school in August. Any changes to these arrangements over the holiday period will be communicated through this channel.
Please click the link below to see the job opportunities in Bishopton Primary in our Soft FM team.
Please find attached the class structure letter for both Dargavel and Bishopton pupils for August 2021.
Just a reminder that the annual Parent and PEF Questionnaires close on Friday 4th June.
Links to both below. If you haven’t already done so please take some time to have your say. Your feedback is important to us.
