It is hard to believe that we are in the month of already November already.
This was a very busy week in school however, they all seem to busy this year!
We were delighted to host a CPD event for teachers on behalf of Motherwell Diocese on Thursday evening. Father Stephen led the session with teachers preparing children for their First Reconciliation.
We also welcomed colleagues from CAMHS on Thursday who used our wonderful Literacy Den to host a session for children and parents in the Hamilton area.
Wednesday was our Flu Vaccination day for all our children in school. This went extremely well with the nurses, once again, complementing our children’s behavior, manners and high standard of uniform. I hope that children and their families experience the benefits of this programme during the winter season.
On Tuesday evening there was a Crime Scene Investigation in Primary 7 as the staff took part in a training session using GLOW. It was called Fun with Forensics. Primary 7 were most upset when they witnessed Miss McKendry unpacking the box in preparation for the session. However, they were happy to learn that they will have the opportunity to participate in the session later this term.
This session highlights the commitment of our staff to continuing to improve their knowledge and skills in order to enhance the learning for our pupils.
In the classes this week ….
Primary 1 have been learning to tell the time on analogue and digital displays. They have also been evaluating their individual targets in their learning journeys and started their new topic, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch. I look forward to the return of the pesky seagulls in the bottom corridor!
In Primary 2 the children have been learning about the five senses. They had the wonderful opportunity to use glasses to help understand the challenge involved when having a visual impairment. They are able to name the parts of the eye and the ear and went on to do a sound experiment to understand how the ears work.
In Primary 3, the theme of senses continued as they had another visit from the Guide Dogs. This time Mrs Hamilton came with Isla to demonstrate the work of guide dogs. The children thoroughly enjoyed this session and then used their experience to write a thank you letter to Mrs Hamilton and Isla.
In Primary 4 the focus has been on direction, identifying left and right using both the English and Spanish language.
In P5/6 this week Primary 5 designed a method of transport for Glasgow and built models of their designs. Primary 6 moved onto their new IDL, Japan.
An important week for Primary 6 and 7 pupils as they started their preparation for Confirmation.
In Primary 7 there was a topical discussion around firework safety and the legal issues surrounding use / misuse of fireworks.
Many classes this week have been using the Big Maths strategies that many members of staff were trained for during the last development day. A further session will be held in school next week to ensure this approach is used throughout the school. The teachers who have introduced this have been overwhelmed by its impact on pupils’ confidence at mental calculations.
In the nursery the children have been busy learning about the emergency services. There is a fantastic painting of a fire engine on the wall. Number 9 is a big focus, for obvious reasons, in the numeracy area!
We look forward this week to a visit from the Fire Service and also a paramedic.
A busy week ahead as preparations for Christmas are well underway. We look forward to a visit from Miss Sandra Bogan, Quality Improvement Officer, to discuss our approach to raising awareness and understanding of GIRFEC in our school.
I hope everyone has a good week and thank you for reading my blog,
Mrs Hendry
