As the session 2016-17 begins we welcome our new Primary 1 parents and pupils, and three new members of staff ; Miss Reid in Primary 4, Miss Loughlin in Primary 5 and Miss McKenzie in Primary 7. I am sure that all new starts, pupils and staff will enjoy being part of the West community. Welcome back to all existing pupils and staff who have returned with enthusiasm and a great sense of purpose.
At the end of last session we said a sad farewell to two very valued members of staff who moved on to new posts. Mrs Louise McAllister, an additional support needs assistant worked at West Primary for many years and built very strong and positive relationships with all pupils and was highly skilled at providing support where required. Mrs Alexis Irwin worked here for fifteen years, initially as a classroom assistant and then as a clerical officer. Her bright and bubbly outlook, as well as her hard work, were a real asset to the school. Both ladies are very much missed, but we wish them well in their new ventures.
You have been issued with an annual data check and it is very important that this is returned so that we can have the most up to date information for your child. If any of your details change across the year please contact the school office so that records might be updated, particularly any medical information or change of telephone number. Please also return the Flu vaccination letter as after the cut-off date of Friday 2 September we cannot guarantee your child will be able to have the vaccination in school.
Pupil safety is of upmost concern and we ask for your support in this. If for any reason you need to communicate with your child during the school day please do so via the office. If you are collecting your child outwith normal pick up times please do not cross the playground but walk round and enter via the main entrance on Newton Street.
Our House system continues to have a high profile in promoting positive behaviour and linking in with the Rights Respecting School programme. Pupils are rewarded with House Points for demonstrating good behaviour and being fully engaged in their learning and for wearing their House Badge which we check up on at assembly. Lost badges can be replaced at a cost of 20p from the school office. House points are collected on a weekly basis and the House with the most points that week gets an extra playtime during assembly time. The weekly points are then banked and there is a reward for the House with the most points each term, as well as a trip out for the House with the most points over the year.
Positive behaviour and social interaction in class is supported in P1 – 3 by Golden time which is a twenty minute slot on a Friday afternoon where pupils can choose play activities or bring in a suitable toy from home to play with. Behaviour which is not up to West Standard can result in a loss of some or all of this Golden time. In P4 – 7 Activity Time takes place once a month for an hour and pupils can lose some or all of this Activity time.
Please ensure that your child’s name is on every item of uniform and on lunch boxes as we have already had several items of lost property which we have been unable to return as they were unnamed. As we encourage pupils to bring a water bottle with them every day it is important that this too is named.
The partnership between home and school is very important, particularly with regard to homework. Many pupils will have daily homework and it is vital that you are aware of the homework tasks your child has to complete, and that you support them with these. Please sign the reading marker and / or diary as necessary and if you have any questions about homework please contact us. Information regarding homework at your child’s stage will be issued shortly.
We are committed to working with parents, carers and families to support our pupils and will treat you with respect. We will deal with enquiries, requests and concerns quickly, fairly and politely. We expect all parents and carers to treat each other and our staff politely and with respect. As a result we do not believe that verbal abuse, violence and aggression are necessary and we will not accept this behaviour. If anyone acts in a threatening way we will ask them to leave or terminate the telephone conversation and, if necessary, we will formally record the matter or report the incident to the police. If you have any comments or concerns which you wish to raise please do not hesitate to contact myself, Mrs Ormond or Mrs O’Boyle and we will be only too happy to help.
We look forward to working with you and your child and to another busy, productive and fun year ahead.
Yours sincerely
Lynn Ferguson
Head Teacher
