Heathery Knowe Head Teacher's Blog

Thank you for supporting the school and nursery in the first term of 2022/2023. The children have participated in a number of exciting learning opportunities and are now ready for a well earned break from school.

Wheelie Wednesday

We appreciate the generosity of the school community in supporting the Wheelie Wednesday fundraising event. Primary 7 children showed excellent leadership and organisational skills when planning the event and were delighted to raise over £1600 for the school fund. The money raised will be used to subsidise summer celebration events such as the ‘Big Day Out’ for each stage in the school.

Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night

Hallowe’en: In school we recognise Hallowe’en through literacy and expressive arts. Teachers may plan Hallowe’en activities  focused around spooky stories, poems and visual arts. Children are not permitted to dress up during the school day or bring costume accessories into school.

The Hallowe’en disco will take place on 27th October. Children are invited to dress up for this event.

Please remember Heathery Knowe PS is a nut free zone therefore peanuts and snacks containing nuts cannot be consumed in school. 

Bonfire Night: The focus of bonfire night in school will be around staying safe around fire and fireworks, the history of Guy Fawkes and the reason for the event and the impact this has on the environment. Children may engage in literacy, numeracy or expressive arts activities in relation to this event.

Indoor Shoes 

All children need indoor shoes for school so that they are comfortable during the day. If you need financial support with purchasing indoor shoes, please let Miss Wharton know and we will arrange to purchase these for your child.

PTC

The next PTC meeting will be held on Tuesday 25th October.   If you would like more information about the meeting, please contact the PTC secretary, Mrs Davidson, using the following email address: hkptc.secretary@gmail.com

Christmas Performance

This year the children will perform a carol concert and nativity for parents and carers to enjoy. Each family will be allocated two tickets. If you require more than two tickets then  you will be able to request these and a ballot will be conducted to allocate them.

There will be four performances and each child will participate in two performances (one afternoon and one evening). The school will ensure siblings are in the same performance groups.

We request that P4-7 children wear a Christmas jumper or tee shirt. Further details will be provided by class teachers for P1-3 children.

Performance dates are 13th and 14th December starting at 1.30pm and 6pm.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing October break.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

The pupils returned after the long weekend full of enthusiasm and looking forward to the week ahead. Pupils have settled well into learning routines and are working well towards learning targets.

Thank you 

The Parent Teacher Council (PTC) made a generous donation to the school to enable staff to purchase much needed stationery resources to support learning (whiteboards pens, rulers etc).  This will support the experiences of children in classes.  There was a further donation made to support festive events within the school.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the PTC and the generosity of parents in supporting the fundraising events.

Halloween Disco 

The PTC will be holding a Halloween disco on 27th October. Children are invited to come along in fancy dress.  To ensure children can benefit from the full disco slot and avoid long queues, I would advise purchasing your child’s ticket in advance via Parentpay. The option to pay using Parentpay will close at 5pm on 27th October and after this time children need to pay in cash at the door.

Primary 1 – 3 disco 6-7pm
Primary 4-7 disco 7.15-8.15pm.

Wheelie Wednesday 

Primary 7 learners are organising an event to raise money that can be used to support pupil experiences. This will include events within and outwith the school and nursery this session.

The sponsored event is taking place on Wednesday 12^th October 2022 (weather permitting).  Pupils will be challenged to travel around a designated route in the playground as many times as they can in an allocated time.

Nursery to Primary 3: 20 minutes

Primary 4 and 5: 25 minutes

Primary 6 and 7: 30 minutes

Pupils are invited to bring in a wheeled item inclusive of bikes, scooters, roller skates, a doll’s pram or even a wheelbarrow on this day.  Be as creative as you wish so long as the item does not require power and can be manually moved.  We will tag and store the item in the flower pot garden for the duration of the day.  If you are happy for your child’s wheeled item to be shared with another child who needs to borrow on the day please indicate this on the permission form.

A sponsor form created by a Primary 7 pupil has been sent home and we ask that any sponsor money is returned to school from 12^th October and no later than Friday 16^th October. Primary 7 children will benefit from the experience of counting and banking the money collected.

Inservice Training for Staff

We have now finalised the agenda for the November inservice day based on our school improvement plan.

In November, Simon Knight (Outdoor Play and Learning) will lead staff in developing the curriculum outdoors, risk-benefit assessments and an environmental audit.

Tracking and Monitoring 

Next week,  we will review the progress of our pupils and will identify pupils who need additional support to achieve. We explore a wide range of barriers to learning including low attendance, specific learning difficulties and  difficulty settling to learn in class. Individual plans are then put in place within the class and school to ensure that all pupils get the support they need to achieve. Mrs Byrne (Specialist Support Teacher),  Rick Walsh (Educational Psychologist) and Claire Bisset (Senior Manager Pupil Support) make up the wider team that support our school to meet the needs of learners.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kirsty Duff

As you will be aware the date of Her Majesty the Queen’s State Funeral has been confirmed as Monday 19, September.  This date will also be a bank holiday to mark the last day of the period of National Mourning.  The Scottish Government advises that schools and other settings across Scotland that would normally be closed on a bank holiday should close on that day as a mark of respect. 

Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery will be closed on Monday 19th September and will reopen on Tuesday 20th September. 

Parent Consultations

Parent consultations take place in person on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Slots have been allocated based on the return of the tear off slip.   Please remember that appointments will only last around 8 minutes and this is normally sufficient time for a settling in review.  However, if any parent needs a longer appointment then a follow up meeting can be arranged for a suitable time.  All consultation meetings will take place in the hall. Entry and exit of the school building will be through the main office door.

Lost property will be available to collect during this evening.

We will also be able to assist any parent / carer who requires support in using Twitter at this time.

Christmas

P1-6 children will have an opportunity to visit Hamilton Townhouse pantomime to see a performance of Beauty and the Beast. This is an afternoon performance and the return to school will be between 3.30-4pm.  The cost for this event is £12 and can be paid at £1 a week via ParentPay.

Primary 7 children will have an opportunity to see the same performance at Rutherglen Town Hall during the evening of 15th December. Times have still to be confirmed. The cost for this event is £12 and can be paid at £1 a week via ParentPay.

This year there will be a traditional nativity performance and carol singing.  Each child will perform in one afternoon and one evening performance. Performances will take place on 13th and 14th December.

Christmas parties are arranged for:

12th December – Primary 6
15th December – Primary 5
15th December – Primary 7 (after school along with panto trip)
16th December – Primary 4
19th December – Primary 3
20th December – Primary 2
21st December – Primary 1 (Santa will visit)
22nd December – Nursery (Santa will visit)

Each class will read a Christmas novel / story during December and this will be linked to interdisciplinary learning in class.

We normally have a joint carol service / celebration with Saint Louise Primary School. The details of this year’s event have still to be confirmed.

You may request that your child does not participate in the celebration of Christmas. If you need the school to make alternative arrangements for your child during the festive period, please contact the school and we can discuss the individual requirements for your child.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty

As we finish another busy week of learning, I hope all families enjoy a well earned rest over the weekend. All of the children have settled back into school life and are settled into learning routines.

Flu Immunisation 

NHS Lanarkshire will provide flu immunisation to children on 3rd November.  If you have not returned your child’s permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.

Outdoor Play and Learning 

The school and nursery have embarked on their journey towards becoming an accredited OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school. We strive to improve the quality of play for all our children by providing a high quality playground environment,  resources and staff expertise.  You can find out more about OPAL using the following link: Home – Outdoor Play And Learning. By registering on the website you will have access to two short courses, focusing on the 16 types of play and playworks essentials.

As children become more active and engaged in their play, it is more essential than ever that children have waterproof trousers, jacket and wellies. Children enjoy sitting and kneeling while playing and we do not want to restrict any child’s play based on unsuitable outdoor clothes. Please contact Miss Wharton if you need any support to provide these for your child.

Miss Wharton will provide a video showcasing the play adventures that have taken place each week.

We would be delighted to accept any donations of:

• Wellies and waterproof clothing
• Low wheeled toys (Wheelbarrows, shopping trolleys, carts, prams and buggies)
• Books and games
• Trowels
• Pots, pans and utensils for outdoor music making
• Empty plastic crates or tool boxes for storing and transporting play resources.

Industrial Action – Local Government Trade Unions

You may recall that I let you know earlier about the potential impact of targeted industrial action by the Local Government Trade Unions.

I can now confirm that there is extensive support from a wide range of unions for the 3-day strike on Tuesday 6 September, Wednesday 7 September and Thursday 8 September 2022.

Given the impact that this withdrawal of labour by janitorial, cleaning, catering and support staff will have the Council has taken the decision to close the school on health and safety grounds on these days.

The council is making arrangements to help those families who are entitled to a free school meal. A free school meal payment of £7.50 is expected to be made by Thursday 8 September 2022.  The payment will be made directly into bank accounts.  However, if there is an issue, please contact us and we will support you in this regard.

We regret the inconvenience that the school closure will cause families and at this stage would urge you to make plans for alternative arrangements for your child during this time.

The school will re-open again on Friday 9 September 2022.

Love Autism Workshops

We are delighted to welcome to our Learning Community this session Anne Love from ‘Love Autism’. Some of the schools within our learning community will be working in partnership to deliver a monthly parent workshop from Anne. These workshops will be hosted by the partnership schools in our learning community for all our parents.

Anne is the founder and owner of Love Autism. She is a retired teacher who has worked in both education and the third sector for 40 years. She is steeped in experience, wisdom and practical startegies in working with children with ASD.

It is our delight to welcome her to Maxwellton Primary School on Monday 5^th September @ 9.30am to lead us in a parent workshop titled ‘Sensory difficulties in autism’.

The idea behind this workshop is to provide support, strategies and a place to chat and meet other parents in our learning community who may also have a child with autism or an interest in this area.

There will of course be coffee, tea and even a wee cake or biscuit!

Over the course of the year, the following workshops will take place:

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

We have reached the end of the first full week of learning at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery Class and I am delighted to see almost all learners are settled and working purposefully towards their learning targets.

Settling in meetings

For some children starting school or changing classes can be very unsettling. Over the next week, Miss Wharton and I will be contacting parents of pupils who have not settled readily into the new school session to arrange an early settling in review. This will provide an opportunity for the class teacher, member of the leadership team and parents to meet together and discuss the best way to support the child.

If you feel that your child has not settled well and you would like to request an early settling in review, please contact the following members of the leadership team:

Nursery – Primary 4 – Mrs Duff
Primary 5-7 – Miss Wharton

Planned Strike Action

Local Government employees may strike between 6-8th September. I am letting you know in advance that the school may close or offer a reduced service on these days so that contingency plans can be made.

Car Park

May I remind all visitors using the school car park that the gate is closed between 2.50pm and 3.10pm. Mr Wilson will re-open the gate as soon as it is safe to do so. Please avoid leaving your engine idling whilst waiting in the car park area.

Targeted Support 

Every year, we provide targeted support for learning for children who require additional support in one or more aspects of their learning or wellbeing. This is done through a staged intervention process. If your child receives targeted support, you will be informed of the intervention and measures of success.

Stage 1 intervention – this is an intervention provided within class and by the staff normally working in the classroom. It can involve additional resources, additional teaching time or an individualised plan.

Stage 2 intervention – this is an intervention provided within the school resources. Stage 2 interventions are required if the child needs more support than can be provided within the class. Normally the child will be supported / taught in a small group with staff from within the school for a short period of time during the week to make progress in a particular area.

Stage 3  intervention – this is an intervention provided by resources outwith the school but within Education Resources. The Specialist Support Teacher, Elaine Byrne, visits the school for 1.5 days each week and works with children supported at stage 3.

In Mrs French’s absence, I will be the school and nursery Additional Support Needs co-ordinator and oversee all of the interventions in place to support learners.

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in learning or attainment, please contact Mrs Duff for Nursery – Primary 4 and Miss Wharton for P5-7.

Participatory Budgeting 

Education Resources at South Lanarkshire Council have confirmed their commitment to a process of ‘Participatory Budgeting’. This is a method of allowing all school stakeholders to take part in spending decisions regarding Pupil Equity Funding.

All parents, pupils and stakeholders will be consulted by questionnaire and focus groups.  We are looking for a group of 6 -8 parents to join the consultation group on how this money is allocated.  Parents involved in the consultation group need to be available throughout the financial year.  If this is something you are interested in and can commit to the meetings, please contact  Miss Wharton by Monday  5th September with your name, contact information and the name of your child/ren (to ensure we have representation throughout the school).

If you’d like more information on ‘Participatory Budgeting’ please visit https://pbscotland.scot/pb-in-schools.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

The teachers and leadership team are working together to organise classes for next session and I am now in a position to provide an update.  Class organisation and structure continues to be reviewed until the end of term and may be subject to change.  Currently, the school will be organised into the following classes:

Primary 1 – Mrs Hughes and Mrs MacOwan
Primary 1/2 – Miss Houldsworth
Primary 2/3 – Miss Deans
Primary 3 – Mrs McGee
Primary 3/4 – Mrs Gray
Primary 4/5 – Mrs Caldwell and Miss Grantham
Primary 5 – Mrs Spence
Primary 5/6 – Mrs Kane
Primary 6/7 – Miss Inglis
Primary 7 – Miss Wharton

Information about the allocated class for your child will be shared on 15th June 2022.

Further information about how the school is organised and how children are allocated to classes is available below.

• The first step is always to review our school roll with South Lanarkshire Council. Colleagues at Headquarters advise us of the number of classes and teachers for the following session. This process takes place from January – May and often  changes as new families move into or out of the area. The current configuration is above.
• The identification of teachers taking Primary 1 classes is always shared earlier so that visits to partner nurseries and induction processes can take place. Mrs MacOwan, Mrs Hughes and Miss Houldsworth will teach Primary 1 pupils next year.
• Our classes are organised initially using literacy working groups as a guide. Pupils who are attaining similar levels of literacy and working at a similar pace will progress as a group. This means pupils from two different classrooms may come together to form a group for the following year.
• We then consider how each class is made up using the size of the groups as a guide along with our knowledge of the pupils. Groups going into composite classes are not identified because children are not working at the expected levels.  For example, if your child is a P3 pupil and placed in a composite P3/2 class, this is not because they are struggling with learning and require to revisit concepts taught in P2. Similarly, if you have a P2 pupil going into a P3/2 composite class, this is not because they require the challenge of the P3 curriculum.
• Finally, we consider the draft classes to ensure no pupils are separated from all of their friends or socially isolated. Current class teachers flag up any issues using their knowledge of pupils and social groups and small tweaks are made.
• Class lists are then finalised and shared.

This process takes place every year and we spend a lot of time ensuring that the class groups are organised to provide the best opportunities for learning and teaching at each stage. I trust that you recognise that the robust process means we have fully considered your child’s learning and social needs and made a professional decision about classes.

Further information is available using the following link:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/853/composite_classes

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

The outcomes of placing requests into the school have now been shared with parents and we are delighted to be welcoming around 30  Primary One learners to school in August 2022.  The staff are working together over the next few weeks to plan classes for all children in August 2022. The next placing request review takes  place in during week beginning 23rd May and we are waiting for the outcome of these before we can finalise classes for next session.

Class Organisation

The teachers and leadership team are working together to organise classes for next session. There is often some anxiety about the process and questions about how we reach decisions about how a class group is made up. I anticipate class groups will be shared by 15th June. Please bear in mind that teachers move between stages and it would be helpful if you could discourage your children from assuming who their teacher(s) will be based on the stage they are teaching this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to provide an outline of the process at our school.

• The first step is always to review our school roll with South Lanarkshire Council. Colleagues at Headquarters advise us of the number of classes and teachers for the following session. This process takes place from January – May and often  changes as new families move into or out of the area. This year it looks likely that there will be a number of composite classes with most year groups split across two or three classrooms. This is outwith the school’s control.
• The identification of teachers taking Primary 1 classes is always shared earlier so that visits to partner nurseries and induction processes can take place. Mrs MacOwan, Mrs Hughes and Miss Houldsworth will teach Primary 1 pupils next year.
• Our classes are organised initially using literacy working groups as a guide. Pupils who are attaining similar levels of literacy and working at a similar pace will progress as a group. This means pupils from two different classrooms may come together to form a group for the following year.
• We then consider how each class is made up using the size of the groups as a guide along with our knowledge of the pupils. Groups going into composite classes are not identified because children are not working at the expected levels.  For example, if your child is a P3 pupil and placed in a composite P3/2 class, this is not because they are struggling with learning and require to revisit concepts taught in P2. Similarly, if you have a P2 pupil going into a P3/2 composite class, this is not because they require the challenge of the P3 curriculum.
• Finally, we consider the draft classes to ensure no pupils are separated from all of their friends or socially isolated. Current class teachers flag up any issues using their knowledge of pupils and social groups and small tweaks are made.
• Class lists are then finalised and shared.

This process takes place every year and we spend a lot of time ensuring that the class groups are organised to provide the best opportunities for learning and teaching at each stage. I trust that you recognise that the robust process means we have fully considered your child’s learning and social needs and made a professional decision about classes.

Further information is available using the following link:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/853/composite_classes

School Improvement 

At this time of year, the school leadership team finalise the report of the school’s progress over the session in the form of a Standards and Quality Report. This informs next steps and priorities for improvement next session.

Please take the opportunity to contribute to this evaluation by completing the following questionnaire:

Parents of school pupils: https://forms.gle/Cq3Cinn4PQRgfGTU7

Parents of nursery pupils: https://forms.gle/6Zhthbeicki5JDYd7

Thank you for your continued support as we plan for next session.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

The children and staff returned from spring break refreshed and ready for the final term of learning. Although restrictions have eased further, the school is still taking steps to reduce the risk of Covid transmission and I appreciate your support with this.

Before the break, all families were issued with the summer calendar of events. This is also available at the end of this blog.

Sports Day 

Primary 5-7 Sports afternoon will take place at the John Wright Sports Centre. Parents are able to attend and spectate and should follow the risk reduction measures of the sports centre.

Nursery – P2 Sports and P3/4 Sports will take place in the school grounds. Once the risk assessment is complete, I will advise parents if it is possible to attend the school events.

Parent Consultation

Parent Consultation appointments are planned to be in person, following strict risk reduction measures.  I appreciate your support in helping to keep everyone in the school community safe. Full guidance will be issued on 6th May however I can advise that the measures will include:

• No waiting areas within the school building. Teachers will run as close to time as possible and parents are requested to arrive promptly at their allocated time.
• Face coverings will be mandatory during parental appointments. Although the Scottish Government guidance is that wearing face coverings is optional, it will be essential during consultation meetings. If you are not able to wear a face covering, please let the school office know and a telephone appointment will be arranged.

Readathon

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

The children are enjoying the sunny weather and it is great to see so many classes engaging with learning outdoors. The flower pot garden has been converted to an outdoor classroom suitable for use by Nursery and Primary 1 children.  This is the next step in ensuring a smooth transition from nursery to primary education.

Readathon

Thank you for the support and generosity extended to the school through the recent readathon. The children raised almost £1100 which will be used to set up the outdoor reading areas. Mrs French is sourcing outdoor library resources which we hope to have in place just after Spring break.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support.

Mothers’ Day Shop

The children have enjoyed purchasing gifts through the PTC / P7 Mothers’ Day shop. It was very busy and Primary 7 children gained leadership experience whilst running the shop each day. The PTC work behind the scenes to raise funds to support pupil experiences in school.

Staffing Update

We are delighted that Ms Perrett has been appointed to the Nursery Team on a permanent basis. Ms Perrett works with us on a full time basis and replaces Mrs Connelly and Mrs Blair. We hope Mrs Blair and Mrs Connelly are enjoying their well earned retirement.

Mrs O’Sullivan joins Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery on Tuesday 19th April. Mrs O’Sullivan is Depute Head Teacher each Tuesday, working alongside Mrs French who has reduced to four days a week on a permanent basis. Mrs O’Sullivan is an experienced Principal Teacher from Dumfries and Galloway Council and we are looking forward to working with her.

Big Week Out

Pandemic restrictions in school has meant that children have not been able to mix freely across classes and stages for a few years. We recognise the importance of learning outdoors and developing health and wellbeing outwith the school setting.

This year we have planned a ‘Big Day Out’ for year groups to enjoy. This will allow children to build friendships and it will inspire learning outwith the school setting. All plans are dependent on Public Health restrictions in place on the date of event and will be changed in response to this, if required.

The school will subsidise the excursions to ensure they are as affordable for families as possible.   No excursion will cost more than £12 to parents (paid as £2 a week for the 6 weeks before the excursion).  Final prices will be shared on Tuesday 19th April and can be paid up in advance using ParentPay. Please contact Miss Wharton if you require support with making affordable payments.

The P3 and P4 excursion to the Science Centre is subsidised by Scottish Government through a £250 contribution towards bus costs which will reduce it further.

13th June – Primary 6 (Rooms 8 and 9) are visiting Culzean Castle.

14th June – Primary 1 and Primary 2 (Rooms 1-3) are visiting Briarsland Farm

15th June – Primary 3 and Primary 4 (Rooms 4-6) are visiting Glasgow Science Centre

16th June – Primary 5 (Room 7) are visiting Blair Drummond Safari Park

23rd June – Primary 7 (Room 10) are going on a trip on Paddle Steamer Waverley from Greenock to Largs (back via coach).

Primary 7 Celebration Week

We aim to ensure Primary 7 leavers celebrate the end of their primary education by making lasting memories with friends and staff.  The celebration week will start on Monday 20th June. The draft timetable is below:

Monday – 10am Primary 7 leaving assembly (parents will be invited if restrictions allow).  This will be followed by an outdoor brunch at the picnic benches which P7 parents are welcome to stay for.  On Monday afternoon, children will visit the cinema for a private screening of a film.

Tuesday –  Children will spend the day at Calderglen Park. They will play outdoor games, walk and enjoy a picnic together.

Wednesday – HK Festival Day: Children will be able to camp outdoors in the school’s teepees, toast marshmallows on the firepit and take part in team games. A large inflatable obstacle course will be available for all (P1-P7) children to play on during this day. In the evening, P7 children are invited back for dinner and a film.

Thursday – Excursion: Children will leave the school by coach to join the Paddle Steamer Waverley at Greenock. They will sail down the Clyde and disembark at Largs to enjoy a picnic lunch, a game of putting and ice cream. The coach will pick us up in Largs to return everyone to school for 4-4.30pm.

Friday – Final Goodbyes and leaving through the main door for the last time at 1pm.

Money Found 

A sum of money was found in the playground during week beginning 14th March. If you lost money, please contact Mrs Robertson.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

It has been a very busy week with Primary 4 in Room 6 enjoying an excursion to Alloway, Primary 7 visiting Calderglen High School and the PTC Spring disco. It is lovely to see the calendar filling up with events for the children once again.

PTC Disco

On behalf of the children of Heathery Knowe, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to the school disco. The children enjoyed the social event and funds raised will be used to support the school. If you would like to join the PTC, please let the office staff know and someone will be in touch.

Building Learning Power

Part of the school improvement at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery is to build capacity and passion for learning in the children we work with. Over the next two years, we will be working in partnership with The Learning Organisation to achieve the following aims for the children of Heathery Knowe PS:

• Helping young people become better learners
• Developing their portable learning power
• Preparing young people for a lifetime of learning

As part of our pilot scheme for Building Learning Power, we are promoting resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness and curiosity in learners in a fun and engaging way. The aim of Building Learning Power is to equip children with the skills for lifelong learning. The starting point of this is encouraging children to persevere when learning is tricky, to become absorbed in a challenge and to manage distractions.

To enable us to take forward this aspect of school improvement, we would really appreciate donations of the following used items;

• Jigsaw Puzzles (from 2 -1000 pieces)
• Board Games (snakes and ladders, ludo, monopoly etc)
• Games which require concentration (buckaroo, operation, chess, jenga etc)
• Memory Games
• Puzzles (sudoku, crosswords, mazes, wooden puzzles etc)
• Optical illusion cards or books

Any donations can be dropped in to the office or given to your own child. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Hughes at Heathery Knowe PS via telephone (01355 221042) or email (gw14hughesjennifer@glow.sch.uk)

You can find out more about Building Learning Power awww.tloltd.co.uk/ building-learning-power/

Make HK Beautiful

We are very grateful for the donations received via parentpay to contribute to the school grounds improvement project. The money raised so far has been used to buy a grow-house so that the children can grow plants from seeds to display in the school grounds.

Staffing 

I am delighted to welcome Ms Ram to the teaching team at Heathery Knowe PS. Ms Ram will join the school on Monday 14^th March. She will be based in Room 2 alongside Miss Meek and will support the teaching of Primary 1 and Primary 2 learners across Rooms 1-3. The children’s class teacher and registration room will not change.

Children will benefit from teaching in smaller groups and focused support to progress in learning. There will be opportunities for teachers to lead learning across the year group (for example, Primary 2 children in Room 2 learning alongside Primary 2 children in Room 3; Primary 1 children in Room 2 learning alongside Primary 1 children in Room 1), strengthening children’s friendships with others and developing social and emotional wellbeing.

Reporting to Parents

Each child will bring home their report on Friday 18th March and parent meetings will take place in May. If you parent together and live separately and need two copies of the report, please let the school office know.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff