I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful holiday. It was lovely to welcome everyone back to school this week and I was delighted to see how quickly children settled back into school life and learning.
Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night
Halloween: In school we recognise Hallowe’en through literacy and expressive arts. Teachers may plan Hallowe’en activities focused around spooky stories, poems and visual arts. Children are not permitted to dress up during the school day or bring costume accessories into school.
Please remember Heathery Knowe PS is a nut free zone therefore peanuts and snacks containing nuts cannot be consumed in school.
Bonfire Night: The focus of bonfire night in school will be around staying safe around fire and fireworks, the history of Guy Fawkes and the reason for the event and the impact this has on the environment. Children may engage in literacy, numeracy or expressive arts activities in relation to this event.
Staffing Update
Miss Houldsworth is starting maternity leave next Friday (29th October). She will be replaced by Mrs Caldwell and Mrs Furrie. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Miss Houldsworth well as she prepares to welcome her first baby in the next few weeks.
Education Reform Consultation
You may know that Scottish education is undergoing a period of review and reform led by Professor Ken Muir. It is important that as many parents, pupils and professionals share their views and take the opportunity to contribute to the future of education in Scotland’s schools.
If you would like to contribute to the consultation process, please click the link below:
https://consult.gov.scot/learning-directorate/independent-education-reform-review/
Winter Clothing
South Lanarkshire Council run a winter clothing campaign every year. If you would like to request a winter jacket or coat for your children or someone in your family, please complete the Google form using this link:
https://forms.gle/s3cSHz6zwKEzj8s29
Very soon there will be another link made available for sportswear. As soon as the link is available, I will share it with the parents using the blog.
Indoor Shoes
All children need indoor shoes for school so that they are comfortable during the day. If you need financial support with purchasing winter shoes, please let Miss Wharton know and we will arrange to purchase these for your child.
Christmas
Current restrictions mean that Christmas performances will be virtual this year as adult audiences are not permitted because of Covid-19.
Christmas parties will go ahead in stage groups and the dates will be issued next week. Children are invited to wear party clothes for these events. Children are invited to wear a Christmas jumper or other Christmas item along with uniform on the day of the Christmas lunch.
PTC
The next PTC meeting will be held on Tuesday 26th October via Zoom. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact the PTC secretary, Mrs Davidson, using the following email address: hkptc.secretary@gmail.com
Athletics
This week, senior pupils in the Athletics team attended their first event since the pandemic. We were proud of our team’s positive attitude, respect for others and commitment to represent Heathery Knowe PS.
Thank you to Mr Loveday for volunteering to take this extra curricular activity and providing an opportunity for children to participate in this competitive sports event.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
