You may be aware that there has been discussion at Scottish Government level about whether there should be an extended Christmas break or period of home learning. The Scottish Government have decided that no changes will be made to holiday dates at a national level. Heathery Knowe Primary School will close at 2.30pm on Tuesday 22nd December and will re-open at 9am on 6th January 2021. I am therefore able to confirm the Christmas dates for the remainder of the term with no anticipated changes.
Staffing Update
There will be a change to Heathery Knowe PS staffing following the Christmas break. Mrs Gallacher is moving to another school as Depute Head Teacher. In her short time at Heathery Knowe PS Mrs Gallacher has quickly become an invaluable member of the team and we will miss her greatly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and commitment to Heathery Knowe PS and wish her well in her new school.
A separate letter will be issued to pupils in Room 9 next week informing them of the name of their new class teacher alongside Mr Currie.
Christmas
We are looking forward to beginning our Christmas celebrations next week. The staff have been working very hard to prepare festive events for all to enjoy this year whilst doing our very best to keep everyone safe. Below is a timetable of events for the next two weeks in school. There will be no cost for Christmas in Heathery Knowe PS this year for our families. Please note that an early lunch from 12.10 to 1.00pm will take place for the children on their Christmas party days. Children may choose to go home for lunch on this day and return for 1.20pm in time for the party starting. Children are welcome to bring party clothes to change into or change at home. Full uniform should be worn in the morning.
| Monday 7th December | *Classes will tie hand made decorations to the ajoining fence at St Louise over the course of the day. *Exchange of Christmas wreaths with St Louise at 2pm. *Room 6 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Tuesday 8th December | *Christmas cards to be delivered to class post boxes by today. Children are invited to write one card for the class. No other cards can be distributed. *Room 9 Christmas party at 1.30pm |
| Wednesday 9th December | *Room 8 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Thursday 10th December | *Room 7 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Friday 11th December | *Room 10 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Monday 14th December | *Christmas classrooms will be set up today. Please follow your class on Twitter for photo updates. *Room 5 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Tuesday 15th December | *Room 4 Christmas party at 1.30pm. |
| Wednesday 16th December | *Wear something ‘Christmassy’ day. If you need support with this, an item of clothing can be collected from the school. *Whole school Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ streamed live to each classroom at 10am. Children may bring one small snack and a drink for this. Fizzy juice and anything containing nuts is not permitted. *Christmas Lunch. *Room 3 Christmas party at 1.30pm |
| Thursday 17th December | *Room 2 Christmas party at 1.30pm
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| Friday 18th December | *Launch of HK Christmas Classroom video presentations on Google Classroom. *Room 1 Christmas party at 1.30pm *Nursery Parties – AM and PM |
| Tuesday 22nd December | *School closes at 2.30pm |
Learning Journals
Electronic learning journals are now available for all pupils attending Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery Class. There are weekly updates including photographs of learning activities for each child. Please access learning journals each week to stay up to date with your child’s progress.
Parents who have not given permission for their child to have a learning journal need to contact Mrs McGee if they would like one set up in future. Mrs McGee can be contacted via the school office telephone number (01355 221042) or by emailing office@heatheryknowe-pri.s-lanark.sch.uk and entering Mrs McGee in the subject line.
Digital Access for All
The Scottish Government has provided the school with a limited number of chromebooks for families who have no electronic devices at home and are in receipt of a free meal benefit entitlement. This has now been widened to consider other families. Any families who do not have access to any electronic devices or wi-fi at home should contact the school office.
Outdoor Clothing
Now that the weather is much colder, please ensure your child wears a warm jacket, gloves and hat and brings a change of socks or tights in their bag. If you need support to purchase any of these items please contact the school.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
