Last Wednesday each year group took part in a photo and it was lovely to see pupils looking smart and wearing full school uniform. We are hoping to have all of the photographs ready to display at the Christmas Fayre to allow families who would like to purchase a photograph to place an order on the evening.
School and Nursery Closure – 12th December
The General Election was announced this week and I have now been advised that Heathery Knowe Primary School will be used as a polling station. This means that the school and nursery will be closed to pupils on this day. All staff will attend work and the day will be used to focus on school improvement.
The Primary 4 Christmas Party has been rescheduled to Friday 20th December. A letter will be issued to all P4 pupils next week.
Adverse Weather Arrangements
All children will have an opportunity to play and learn outdoors during winter. However, if the weather is icy then it may be necessary to close the Nursery garden or areas of the playground. Children enjoy playing in snow and if it is safe underfoot, children may be allowed to choose to go out to play in snowy weather. Please ensure your child carries gloves, scarf, hat and a change of socks over the winter months.
The janitor’s priority is to ensure there are safe walking routes into school and these will always be gritted first. The first route is the access gate at the left hand side of the building and up to the front door. The janitor will then move on as quickly as possible to clear a route from the right hand access gate, along the side of the pitch and towards the cafeteria door.
South Lanarkshire Council has issued its updated guidance on preparing for adverse weather conditions. Every effort will be made to ensure that Heathery Knowe PS remains open to pupils. However, in cases of severe weather conditions, there may be a need to open later, close earlier or be closed all day.
A parent guide to adverse weather arrangements will be sent home next week with guidelines on how we make decisions and share information.
Uniform
Thank you to parents for their continued efforts to ensure pupils come to school in uniform. Children should wear shirt and tie or polo shirt along with skirt or trousers. We appreciate that some pupils are sensitive to the fabric of clothing and find wearing a shirt and tie unsettling. Please let us know if your child needs an individual arrangement for uniform. Shoes should be comfortable and with good grips to enable children to play freely without slipping.
Recently there has been an increase in senior pupils wearing jeans, leggings and branded hooded jumpers / zippers. These are not part of the school uniform and we would appreciate your support in ensuring these items are kept for wearing outwith school.
Families who attended Nursery Big Blether events have requested uniform for nursery children. Ms McPherson and Mrs Kerr will consult with pupils over the next few weeks to seek their views.
Anti Bullying Week
Pupils in Room 9 have organised activities for anti-bullying week. The focus this year is, “change starts with us”. Within each class, there will be opportunities to participate in discussions and activities about the school rules of ‘be safe’ and ‘be kind’.
Christmas Update
We continue to prepare for Christmas in school and are finalising arrangements. If you do not wish your child to participate in the celebration of Christmas, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can plan an individual timetable for them.
On Monday 16th December, all pupils will have an early lunch before we leave to attend the pantomime at East Kilbride Village Theatre. All pupils should wear school uniform for this event. Pupils are welcome to bring a carton of juice (no fizzy juice) and one snack for the interval.
The office staff are organising show tickets. If you have already purchased a Christmas Pass, you should receive tickets for your chosen performance within the next two weeks. Additional tickets can be purchased at a cost of £1.50 each. We will let you know when the additional tickets go on sale. If you do not require both of your Christmas Pass show tickets then we would appreciate if you could hand extras back into the office to allow them to be redistributed.
We have tried very hard to reduce the cost of Christmas in Heathery Knowe PS this year. Money raised from the hampers will cover the cost of buses to East Kilbride Village Theatre. There will also be a children’s raffle for a large teddy to contribute to the cost of the class parties. Please contact the Mrs French, Mrs Gallacher or myself as soon as possible if you anticipate any difficulty in being able to purchase a Christmas Pass for your child(ren).
What’s on next week?
Monday – Ms McWee (student teacher) visiting Room 6. Ms McWee will return in December for a week and then after Christmas for 10 weeks.
Wednesday – Mrs McGee and Mrs Duff attending training in using the school software (SEEMIS) to record progress and achievement. This includes the new process for reporting to parents.
Friday – Children in Need
Friday – Primary 7 attending transition event at Calderglen High
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
