Children, families and school staff are looking forward to the mid term break. Although most children have been learning at home this term, staff have continued to engage with learners through Google Classrooms and Google Meet sessions. School and Nursery are closed on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th February for holidays. On Wednesday 10th February it is an INSET day. Children re-engage with remote learning or in school learning on Thursday 11th February.
Her Majesty’s Inspectors
This week Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) engaged virtually with Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery Class to discuss the school’s strengths and challenges related to remote learning. I am delighted to share that this was very positive engagement for the school with many key strengths highlighted. One key strength was the community approach to supporting children learn remotely with parents, pupils, school staff and extended family working well together to support children.
Reporting
Teachers normally start writing each pupil’s full report during February and parents receive these before Spring break. This year annual reports will be delayed in the hope that all children will return to the classroom over the next few months and teachers will be able to report on in school learning.
Reports are now scheduled to be issued in May 2021 along with parent consultation meetings via telephone, video conference or in person.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in learning, please call the school at any point during the school year to make an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Update
The Scottish Government announced a planned phased return for pupils beginning on the 22nd February if transmission of the virus continues to be suppressed. The initial focus is on the return of Nursery – P3 children with P4-7 children continuing to learn remotely.
School staff will be tested twice weekly for Coronavirus to reduce transmission risk in school.
To find out more about the Scottish Government announcement, please click the link below:
https://www.gov.scot/news/back-to-school-1/
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
