As we finish another busy week of learning, I hope all families enjoy a well earned rest over the weekend. All of the children have settled back into school life and are settled into learning routines.
Flu Immunisation
NHS Lanarkshire will provide flu immunisation to children on 3rd November. If you have not returned your child’s permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.
Outdoor Play and Learning
The school and nursery have embarked on their journey towards becoming an accredited OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school. We strive to improve the quality of play for all our children by providing a high quality playground environment, resources and staff expertise. You can find out more about OPAL using the following link: Home – Outdoor Play And Learning. By registering on the website you will have access to two short courses, focusing on the 16 types of play and playworks essentials.
As children become more active and engaged in their play, it is more essential than ever that children have waterproof trousers, jacket and wellies. Children enjoy sitting and kneeling while playing and we do not want to restrict any child’s play based on unsuitable outdoor clothes. Please contact Miss Wharton if you need any support to provide these for your child.
Miss Wharton will provide a video showcasing the play adventures that have taken place each week.
We would be delighted to accept any donations of:
- Wellies and waterproof clothing
- Low wheeled toys (Wheelbarrows, shopping trolleys, carts, prams and buggies)
- Books and games
- Trowels
- Pots, pans and utensils for outdoor music making
- Empty plastic crates or tool boxes for storing and transporting play resources.
Industrial Action – Local Government Trade Unions
You may recall that I let you know earlier about the potential impact of targeted industrial action by the Local Government Trade Unions.
I can now confirm that there is extensive support from a wide range of unions for the 3-day strike on Tuesday 6 September, Wednesday 7 September and Thursday 8 September 2022.
Given the impact that this withdrawal of labour by janitorial, cleaning, catering and support staff will have the Council has taken the decision to close the school on health and safety grounds on these days.
The council is making arrangements to help those families who are entitled to a free school meal. A free school meal payment of £7.50 is expected to be made by Thursday 8 September 2022. The payment will be made directly into bank accounts. However, if there is an issue, please contact us and we will support you in this regard.
We regret the inconvenience that the school closure will cause families and at this stage would urge you to make plans for alternative arrangements for your child during this time.
The school will re-open again on Friday 9 September 2022.
Love Autism Workshops
We are delighted to welcome to our Learning Community this session Anne Love from ‘Love Autism’. Some of the schools within our learning community will be working in partnership to deliver a monthly parent workshop from Anne. These workshops will be hosted by the partnership schools in our learning community for all our parents.
Anne is the founder and owner of Love Autism. She is a retired teacher who has worked in both education and the third sector for 40 years. She is steeped in experience, wisdom and practical startegies in working with children with ASD.
It is our delight to welcome her to Maxwellton Primary School on Monday 5th September @ 9.30am to lead us in a parent workshop titled ‘Sensory difficulties in autism’.
The idea behind this workshop is to provide support, strategies and a place to chat and meet other parents in our learning community who may also have a child with autism or an interest in this area.
There will of course be coffee, tea and even a wee cake or biscuit!
Over the course of the year, the following workshops will take place:
| Monthly Workshop Date | Hosted by | Workshop Title |
| Mon 5th Sep @ 9.30am | Maxwellton Primary School | ‘Sensory difficulties in autism’ |
| Thurs 29th Sep @9.30am | Heathery Knowe Primary School | ‘My child is so anxious – help!; |
| Thurs 3rd Nov @ 9.30am | Blacklaw Primary School | ‘Raising confidence & self esteem’ |
| Mon 28th Nov @ 9.30am | Mount Cameron Primary School | ‘Helping them to better understand and express emotions’ |
| Mon 16th Jan @ 9.30am | Hunter Primary School | ‘Making communication easier’ |
| Mon 20th Feb @9.30am | Maxwellton Primary School | ‘My child struggles to go to school. What can I do?’ |
| Mon 27th March @9.30am | Heathery Knowe Primary School | ‘Coping with challenging behaviours at home’ |
| Mon 24th April @ 9.30am | Mount Cameron Primary School | ‘Preparing for transitions’ |
| Mon 22nd May @9.30am | Blacklaw Primary School | ‘Approaching the teenage years/puberty’ |
| Mon 19th June @ 9.30am | Hunter Primary School | ‘What else is out there to support my family?’ |
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
