The children are enjoying the sunny weather and it is great to see so many classes engaging with learning outdoors. The flower pot garden has been converted to an outdoor classroom suitable for use by Nursery and Primary 1 children. This is the next step in ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to primary education.
Readathon
Thank you for the support and generosity extended to the school through the recent readathon. The children raised almost £1100 which will be used to set up the outdoor reading areas. Mrs French is sourcing outdoor library resources which we hope to have in place just after Spring break.
We are very grateful for the ongoing support.
Mothers’ Day Shop
The children have enjoyed purchasing gifts through the PTC / P7 Mothers’ Day shop. It was very busy and Primary 7 children gained leadership experience whilst running the shop each day. The PTC work behind the scenes to raise funds to support pupil experiences in school.
Staffing Update
We are delighted that Ms Perrett has been appointed to the Nursery Team on a permanent basis. Ms Perrett works with us on a full time basis and replaces Mrs Connelly and Mrs Blair. We hope Mrs Blair and Mrs Connelly are enjoying their well earned retirement.
Mrs O’Sullivan joins Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery on Tuesday 19th April. Mrs O’Sullivan is Depute Head Teacher each Tuesday, working alongside Mrs French who has reduced to four days a week on a permanent basis. Mrs O’Sullivan is an experienced Principal Teacher from Dumfries and Galloway Council and we are looking forward to working with her.
Big Week Out
Pandemic restrictions in school has meant that children have not been able to mix freely across classes and stages for a few years. We recognise the importance of learning outdoors and developing health and wellbeing outwith the school setting.
This year we have planned a ‘Big Day Out’ for year groups to enjoy. This will allow children to build friendships and it will inspire learning outwith the school setting. All plans are dependent on Public Health restrictions in place on the date of event and will be changed in response to this, if required.
The school will subsidise the excursions to ensure they are as affordable for families as possible. No excursion will cost more than £12 to parents (paid as £2 a week for the 6 weeks before the excursion). Final prices will be shared on Tuesday 19th April and can be paid up in advance using ParentPay. Please contact Miss Wharton if you require support with making affordable payments.
The P3 and P4 excursion to the Science Centre is subsidised by Scottish Government through a £250 contribution towards bus costs which will reduce it further.
13th June – Primary 6 (Rooms 8 and 9) are visiting Culzean Castle.
14th June – Primary 1 and Primary 2 (Rooms 1-3) are visiting Briarsland Farm
15th June – Primary 3 and Primary 4 (Rooms 4-6) are visiting Glasgow Science Centre
16th June – Primary 5 (Room 7) are visiting Blair Drummond Safari Park
23rd June – Primary 7 (Room 10) are going on a trip on Paddle Steamer Waverley from Greenock to Largs (back via coach).
Primary 7 Celebration Week
We aim to ensure Primary 7 leavers celebrate the end of their primary education by making lasting memories with friends and staff. The celebration week will start on Monday 20th June. The draft timetable is below:
Monday – 10am Primary 7 leaving assembly (parents will be invited if restrictions allow). This will be followed by an outdoor brunch at the picnic benches which P7 parents are welcome to stay for. On Monday afternoon, children will visit the cinema for a private screening of a film.
Tuesday – Children will spend the day at Calderglen Park. They will play outdoor games, walk and enjoy a picnic together.
Wednesday – HK Festival Day: Children will be able to camp outdoors in the school’s teepees, toast marshmallows on the firepit and take part in team games. A large inflatable obstacle course will be available for all (P1-P7) children to play on during this day. In the evening, P7 children are invited back for dinner and a film.
Thursday – Excursion: Children will leave the school by coach to join the Paddle Steamer Waverley at Greenock. They will sail down the Clyde and disembark at Largs to enjoy a picnic lunch, a game of putting and ice cream. The coach will pick us up in Largs to return everyone to school for 4-4.30pm.
Friday – Final Goodbyes and leaving through the main door for the last time at 1pm.
Money Found
A sum of money was found in the playground during week beginning 14th March. If you lost money, please contact Mrs Robertson.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
