Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery welcomed back all Nursery children and P1-3 pupils. The children have settled back into school routines and are enthusiastic about their learning. Primary 4-7 learners continue to show commitment to learning remotely and we hope that all children can return to school soon.
Residential Experiences
The Primary 7 residential experience planned for the summer term has been cancelled because of current restrictions and following the advice from the Scottish Government.
Understandably, the children will be very disappointed however the safety of pupils and staff is our priority. School staff will now work with pupils to plan a Primary 7 celebration week with a range of activities for the children to enjoy.
Following discussion with the PTC, we have decided not to book residential trips for the current Primary 6 and Primary 5 groups until the position is clearer regarding travel and restrictions.
World Book Day
This Thursday is World Book Day and Heathery Knowe PS Literacy working group has planned exciting activities for children learning remotely and in school. World Book Day aims to inspire young people and foster a love of reading.
As in previous years, children should not dress up for World Book Day at Heathery Knowe PS and should wear full uniform if attending the school building.
Activities for children learning remotely will be posted on the whole school Google Classroom.
New Staff
Mrs Sanne Berry joins the Nursery team on Monday 1st March 2021. Mrs Berry is an Early Years Support Worker with previous experience in an Early Learning and Childcare Setting. Mrs Berry is joining the Heathery Knowe team on a permanent contract and we look forward to welcoming her to the school.
Miss Rachel Welsh joins P3/4 on a temporary basis. Miss Welsh is a student teacher and will work alongside Mrs Gray and Mrs McGee.
All new staff have been invited to be part of the twice weekly lateral flow testing programme for Coronavirus in advance of joining the school.
‘Make HK Beautiful’
As we move forward as a school, our focus is on ensuring the outdoor environment is one we can be proud of. Over the years, the original raised planters have become overgrown and damaged.
This year we are focusing on developing the grounds to create a beautiful space for children to play in. If you are able to donate any plants, planters, tubs, bird boxes, empty hanging baskets or brackets, seeds, compost or window boxes, they would be gratefully received.
We hope over Spring, Summer and Autumn you are able to watch our school grounds being transformed by the children with the help of adult volunteers.
Website safety
Thank you to the parents who have made us aware of a new website being used by some pupils in P5-7 called Omegle. Omegle advertises itself as a website to talk to strangers. The website picks a stranger at random for each user to talk to.
This is a website that parents and staff have shared concerns about. We would ask that parents are aware and vigilant if children have access to the internet that they are not accessing this site.
Chromebooks
Parents of children in P1-3 who have a school chromebook are reminded to return them to the school. Any child who has a permanent loan arrangement will be reissued with the device once it has undergone maintenance. Short term loans will be reissued to P4-7 children who are still learning remotely.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Kirsty Duff
