Category Archives: School Blog

September Update

September Update (Paper copy in bags today)

Dear Parent/Carer

School closure for Queen’s funeral

Further to the text that was sent, we would just like to remind you that schools and nurseries in Renfrewshire are closed on Monday 19th September for the Queen’s funeral.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club starts next week, everyone who has been allocated a place has now been informed and for those who did not get a place we have created a waiting list.

School Inspection

HM Inspectors from Education Scotland will be visiting us to conduct an inspection during the week commencing Monday 3rd October You can find out more about inspection, from the Inspection and review documentation pages of Education Scotland’s website.
As part of the inspection, Inspectors gather the views of stakeholders via an online survey which is available from https://forms.education.gov.scot/s/04&seed=8622728&t=1
I would like to encourage you to complete the survey. Inspectors will also be meeting with groups of parents during the inspection so to be part of that discussion you should complete the survey with additional links provided to indicate your interest in taking part.
You should complete the survey by Wednesday 21st September 2022 for one child or for each of your children in attendance.

Staffing Update

I would like to share the news that our Senior Clerical Officer Mrs McGregor has been successful in obtaining a new post. While I am sure you will join me in wishing Mrs McGregor all the very best in her new job, she will be very much missed here at Cochrane Castle. Mrs McGregor has worked in the school for 11 years (20 years with the Council overall) and helped to support a large number of our families. Mrs McGregor’s last day with us will be this Friday. We will miss you and wish you all the very best in your new post Mrs McGregor. We are sure that you will remember us fondly and keep a little piece of Cochrane Castle with you always.

A new staff member Mrs Marion Bradshaw will join us on Tuesday as Cochrane Castle’s Senior Clerical Officer. We welcome her to our school.

September Weekend Holiday

School will be closed on Friday 23rd September and Monday 26th September. School re- opens for all pupils and staff on Tuesday 27th September.

School Jackets

We have a number of school jackets available in the school. Each child was presented with a school jacket last year and now every child should have a school jacket. Moving forward, we will keep a small store in the school should a child forget to bring their jacket to school or as often happens the weather changes and a heavier jacket is required. We kindly ask that you clearly mark your child’s belongings with their name.
As always if you have any questions regarding this letter or indeed any aspect of your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Michelle Ferguson
Head Teacher

Important Information

The Photographer will be here on Friday, 9 September to take the pupils photos.

The first meeting of the Parent Council will take place at 9 am on Wednesday, 7 September.  All parents/carers are warmly invited.

There will be a drop in session on Tuesday 6 September from 2pm to 3pm to help parents/carer sign up for Parent Pay.  Parent Pay will be used for all permissions, emergency contacts, trip information/consents going forward and it is vital that families are linked to this.

Road Closure – Beith Road, Johnstone

The following Road Closure is due to take place: 

Closure: Beith Road (Eastbound only) – between Craigenfeoch Avenue and Rannoch Road.

This closure will be in force from Monday 21st March 2022 until Monday 4th April 2022.

Closure Reason: Removal of temporary cycle lane.

Alternative routes: Cochranemill Road – Kilbarchan Road – Quarrelton Road – Beith Road.

Please note: Cochrane Castle/St Davids shared campus will be accessible via the Westbound lane of the Beith Road during this closure.

Free Bus Travel for 5 to 21 Year Olds

To access the scheme, young people need to apply for a new entitlement card.

5 to 10-year-olds will use a junior card which does not require a photograph and those aged 11 and over will use an updated Young Scot card – which is also a photo identity and proof of age card.

New cards can be applied for using the website below:

  • ParentsPortal.Scot – This is an additional online national portal that allows parents of children aged between 5 and 10-years-old to apply for the ‘Junior’ version of the National Entitlement Card.  This is the quickest way for parents to access the junior card for their children.

The usual process of delivering Young Scot cards to Primary 7s will take place in March and April 2022 and this year will include a consent process to allow access to the free travel scheme too.

FREE BUS TRAVEL – 5-21 YEAR OLDS

To access the scheme, young people need to apply for a new entitlement card.

5 to 10-year-olds will use a junior card which does not require a photograph and those aged 11 and over will use an updated Young Scot card – which is also a photo identity and proof of age card.

New cards can be applied for using the website below:

  • ParentsPortal.Scot – This is an additional online national portal that allows parents of children aged between 5 and 10-years-old to apply for the ‘Junior’ version of the National Entitlement Card.  This is the quickest way for parents to access the junior card for their children.

The usual process of delivering Young Scot cards to Primary 7s will take place in March and April 2022 and this year will include a consent process to allow access to the free travel scheme too.