I would like to wish all families and staff a restful and enjoyable long weekend. Since returning in August the children have coped admirably with changes to routines across the school. On behalf of the staff team I would like to thank all parents and carers who have supported us and offered both positive feedback and suggested improvements as we adapt to new ways of working.
Retirement
After a long career at Heathery Knowe Primary School, Mrs Neary has made the decision to retire at the October break. Mrs Neary has worked as a School Support Assistant in classes and latterly in the office and has offered support to staff, pupils and families for a number of years.
Mrs Neary recently became a gran and we wish her well as she prepares to enjoy her retirement with her family and especially Baby Bow.
Parent Consultations
The September parent consultation events could not go ahead as planned.
Parents of pupils in Primary 1 will receive a short settling in phone call next week. If further discussion is required then a longer telephone appointment can be arranged.
Parents of pupils in Primary 2-7 will receive a settling in report sheet and a copy of the attendance and late-coming summary for their child. It is possible to arrange a follow up telephone discussion if required by contacting the school office to request this is arranged.
Parents who have concerns about their child’s learning or would like further information on how to support their progress can contact the school at any point in the school year to request a telephone discussion with the class teacher.
Parents who do not live together can request separate copies of all reports via the school office.
Refunds
The refund for the trip to Lockerbie Manor that did not go ahead in May 2020 (Current S1 pupils) has now been paid into South Lanarkshire Council’s bank account. As soon as the money has cleared in the school account we will start to refund the final part payment back to parents. This should only be outstanding deposits as all other money has already been refunded.
The refund for the trip to Wiston Lodge that did not go ahead in May 2020 (current P7 pupils) has also cleared in the South Lanarkshire Council accounts and Mrs MacKay will start to arrange refunds for the outstanding money paid.
The refund for the trip to the Scottish Orchestra (current P4 pupils) has cleared and Mrs Mackay will be working on the final refunds for this on Tuesday 29th September.
Residential Experience
Current Primary 7 pupils were booked to attend Lockerbie Manor in the Autumn term. This has been postponed as no school excursions are permitted at this time.
We have provisionally booked a weekend in June 2021. This is the latest weekend available and I hope this gives the best chance of restrictions being relaxed and the excursion being safe to go ahead.
Primary 7 pupils have received a letter with the option to transfer the deposit to the June weekend. If the trip cannot go ahead parents will receive a refund at this point. Alternatively families can make the decision not to transfer the deposit and request a refund at this stage. Children who were not booked to attend are able to book a place on the June excursion.
INSET Day
On Tuesday30th September it is a staff inservice training day. Teachers are developing skills to lead learning and teaching online including the use of a wide range of software to support learning, tools for Google Classroom and the use of G Suite to support education.
Nursery staff will be developing skills in using Learning Journals to record and share each child’s learning journey electronically with parents and carers.
What’s on next week?
Monday – holiday
Tuesday – Inservice Day (no pupils)
Wednesday – Pupils return to school
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
