Newsletter 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2. I do hope you have all managed to have a happy break over the last two weeks and perhaps found some sunshine in far away places! It has been lovely to welcome all the children back to school today as we have a busy and fun filled term to look forward to.

Weather: I came across a well-known phrase recently- there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing! Being outdoors even in the winter months is important for wellbeing, but it is not pleasant if the body gets wet and cold. So please send children to school with a warm and waterproof coat and sturdy shoes and
practical everyday clothing – skimpy tops and very short skirts or shorts are not a good idea. We are currently updating our procedure for adverse weather conditions which may prevent children or staff
getting to school and which may mean school closure at short notice. We will circulate this to you once finalised this week.

PE: Lessons continue on a Tuesday with the specialist teacher. Children are asked to come to school in their PE kit on that day, and just a reminder that no jewellery should be worn including ear studs. P4,5,7 and P6,7 will start swimming for 6 weeks next Tuesday so they will need to come with their swimming costume and towel. All
the P6s and 7s, following their swimming lesson, will have the opportunity to take part in a 6 week science enrichment block of learning at Sandwick Junior High in their science labs. This is part of our ongoing collaborative work with our cluster group which includes SJH and Cunningsburgh

Theatre experiences: As part of the Theatre in Schools Scotland collaboration, we are very pleased to let you know that all the P1,2,3s have been invited to Sandwick JH on Monday 31st October, along with Cunningsburgh children for a live dance theatre performance- Four go Wild in Wellies- presented by the visiting group- Indepen-Dance. On 7th November all the P4, 5,6,7s have been invited to Sandwick JH for a live theatre performance called Chalk About presented by the visiting group- Curious Seed.

P6 Playleader training– this starts on Monday 31st Oct and will enable our P6 children to support active playtimes.

Shetland Peerie Makkers: traditional knitting group: we hope that this will start again in the next week for those P6 and 7 who wish to learn to knit. There are no costs or charges to the school or children. The tutor- Janette Budge, and assistant tutors are voluntary and the materials needed are covered by donations, sponsorship and fundraising by the charity, a subsidiary of The Brough Lodge Trust in Fetlar.

Halloween and Bonfire Night: Halloween is often seen as a bit of fun but can be a bit upsetting for some children and families. Staff will being doing some Halloween themed learning activities but there will be alternatives for those who struggle with this festival. Some children have asked if they can come to school dressed up and as a
school we are happy for children to do that if they want to providing the costumes are not too scary and they do not bring in any accessories and the costumes are practical- allowing children to carry on with normal school activities. We will also remind children that if they do go out trick or treating- to be kind and respectful, as for some who are alone or vulnerable the whole thing can be intimidating. Please make sure you know what your children are doing and where they are going and accompany younger children. Have fun and stay safe. Bonfire night follows shortly after so please remind children to follow the bonfire night code of safety as we have
been doing in school. Bonfire Night Health & Safety Guide (bonfire-night-safety.co.uk)

Netball Club: P5-7 Netball Coaching starting on Wednesday 2nd November from 3-3:45pm.

Staffing Update: We are very pleased to welcome Carrie Coutts and Curstaidh Mackay to the nursery team this term. We said farewell to Kristi Johnson at the end of last term as she has moved on to another role, but she hopes to be able to help us out when we need cover. We welcome Molly farmer as Learning support cover while we recruit to this post. NOOSC After School Club: there are spaces most days for this provision which runs from 3pm to 5.30pm. If you
would like to book in you will find information on the school blog.

Remembrance Day 11th November – School council have been invited to lay a wreath at the Dunrossness memorial during a short 15 minute service at 10.50 on the 11th November. A consent form for this will be sent home shortly. We will also have a special assembly on 11th which Rev Fran Henderson will lead. This will not be a Christian service – but an act of remembrance for all to share in. Any religious thoughts are always presented in terms of this is what Christians believe or whatever religion is being discussed- so that assemblies remain all-inclusive and respectful for those that hold differing beliefs.

Children in Need Day: 18th November: This will be an opportunity to have some fun- children will be invited to wear something wacky and spotty- if they would like to. Any donations can be made online at Donate to BBC Children in Need so there is no need for children to bring in any money.

Scholastic Book Fair: Was a great success- thank you for all who supported. Hopefully you have received any books ordered. As a result the school has over £600 to spend on books for the school library- and the Little Librarians have been busy compiling a books list in consultation with the children.

School update: Mr. Mackenzie has been busy over the holidays painting various areas of the school and overseeing other works. The main school hall now looks wonderfully fresh with a new coat of paint and the explore and learn room used by the P1s and 2 has had a makeover too.

Parent Council– Hope to run an informal coffee morning on 10th Nov from 9 till 11 in the NOOSC building.

Dates Term 2:

31st Oct P6 play leader training starts
31st Oct P1,2,3 Dance Theatre trip 1pm to 2.30pm at SJH
1st Nov Swimming lessons start for Mareel and Draatsis class                2nd November Netball After School Club Begins 3-3:45pm                    3rd Nov John Coutts visiting for School Photographs                                4th Nov School Nurse visiting for Flu Vaccines                                                  7th Nov P4,5,6 Theatre trip 10am to 11.30 am at SJH
10th Nov Parent Council Coffee Morning TBC
11th Nov Remembrance Day
14th Nov Antibullying Week and Road Safety Week
18th Nov Children in Need Day- Come to school dressed in something funky and spotty
Dec School Christmas Lunch and Christmas jumper day. Date TBC
15th Dec Christmas Concert times and venue to be confirmed.
19th Dec Class Christmas Parties

Best wishes,
Gina Finch