Thank you for the many generous donations for the sponsored walk. Despite the rain, pupils had a fabulous time and enjoyed raising funds for the school and local charities.
Summer Fayre
Thank you to everyone who supported the PTC Summer Fayre. The fayre raised the fantastic amount of £569.23.
School Sports
The school sports will go ahead on Tuesday 11th June at the Ally McCoist complex. We have decided to opt for competitive sports this session, encouraging resilience and celebrating sporting success through the event. Each pupil will have an opportunity to run in a flat race and a novelty race. Each year group will choose between a sack race or ‘spud and spoon’. Thank you to the Health and Wellbeing Team (Mrs Hughes, Miss Houldsworth, Miss L. Harris and Miss Meek) for organising the event.
Races will start at 1.15pm and the event will be completed by 2.50pm.
The school sport award ceremony will be the following morning. The parents of medal winners will be invited to attend.
Please note, children will not be able to attend without a completed EV5 permission slip.
Classes 2019/2020
We are on track to issue letters to pupils informing them of their class next session on Wednesday 12th June. These are final class lists and a great deal of consideration has been given to the academic and social groupings. We do not expect any changes after this date however the school is still receiving new registrations and will continue to do so until the new session starts.
Playground Procedures
We are reviewing procedures in relation to the school playground and I would like to take the opportunity to inform you of an important change to the system currently in place.
The priority for all is the wellbeing of pupils and ensuring parents know that once pupils have entered the school gates they are safe within the care of Heathery Knowe PS staff. From August 2019, Heathery Knowe Primary School playground will be staffed by School Support Assistants from 8.45am and will offer supervision and support to pupils on their arrival at school. Staff members will greet children at each of the access gates into the playground in the morning. Children will then be able to come into the school grounds under the care and supervision of our staff. Primary One pupils will be escorted from the gate and into the Flower Pot Garden by senior pupils and supervised by a member of staff. We will no longer have access for adults in the morning and would ask that you say goodbye to your children at the gates as they start the school day. If you would like to speak with someone or have something to drop off then please speak to the staff member at the gates or come around to the office to make an appointment.
School Building Procedures
The safeguarding procedures are reviewed in school annually. The Senior Leadership Team have been reviewing procedures this week to ensure the safety of pupils and security of the school building is of utmost priority. We welcome the many visitors and volunteers who assist us in school and add richness to the educational experience of pupils. In line with South Lanarkshire Council guidance, the following procedures outline the way in which adults are welcomed in Heathery Knowe Primary School whilst ensuring the environment is safe and secure for learners.
- All visitors to the school building must sign the visitor book and wear one of the Heathery Knowe PS visitor badges provided at reception. All staff and pupils are aware that if an unfamiliar adult is in school, they will be accompanied by a member of school staff and be wearing a visitor badge. If you attend school for a meeting or as an adult volunteer then we will ask you to follow these procedures.
- When you have an individual arrangement to collect or drop off a pupil or meet a member of staff, please wait in the foyer area and staff will be happy to assist you. We will be putting up new signs to direct visitors to the waiting area and signpost the areas that are only for staff and pupil access.
- Mobile phones should not be used by visitors within any pupil areas.
I trust that you understand that these steps are taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
Mobile Phones
Many of our pupils now bring mobile phones to school. Whilst we recognise the many benefits of technology, we believe that building friendships and social communication skills is a priority in school and we do not encourage pupils to use them during the school day. The following guidance outlines our expectations in relation to pupil use of mobile phones.
- Pupils should keep their phone in their bag (turned off or on silent) during the school day. Please do not make arrangements to text or telephone your child directly as they will not be able to respond. The office is the quickest and most reliable way to contact your child.
- Pupils take individual responsibility for their phone. Whilst we would assist any pupil in finding their phone, we are not able to take responsibility if the telephone is lost or stolen. Staff will not take the responsibility of keeping a telephone safe for a pupil.
- Staff will not take responsibility for confiscating a phone. If your child chooses to take their phone out to use during the school day then we will ask a parent to arrange to collect the phone and it should not be returned to school until you are satisfied that your child understands the school procedures.
Pupils will be made aware of these procedures during assemblies in June and on their return in August.
What’s on next week?
Tuesday – Nursery Graduation
Tuesday – Sports Day 1pm
Wednesday – Letters issued to parents regarding classes for 2019/2020
Friday – Moving on morning – all pupils in new classes 9-10.30am
Thank you for your continued support
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
