Heathery Knowe Head Teacher's Blog

On Tuesday the First Minister announced that schools would remain closed to most pupils until mid February at the earliest. The children have developed skills in the use of digital technology and some are able to use jamboards, interactive games and video clips to support their learning. Well done, Heathery Knowe learners. Once again the overall attendance for the week has been over 90%. Thank you parents and carers for supporting children with attendance, engagement and use of technology. We appreciate the support.

Resources

Teachers may require parents to collect further resources and learning aids from school to support the continuity of education.  If you require pencils, jotters or other stationery items, please contact the school office and they will make arrangements for this. There is no requirement to print resources for your child to use. If you are unsure how a task or activity can be adapted to make it a digital task, please send a message to the class teacher for support.

Remote Learning at Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery 

The Heathery Knowe PS draft remote learning policy can be accessed using the following link:

Please provide any feedback and suggestions about the content of the policy by emailing Mrs Duff (gw14hknowepsht@glow.sch.uk)

Targeted Support

Learners at Heathery Knowe PS are offered the same level of targeted support as they would experience in school as far as the remote context allows. This includes:

• The provision of physical learning aids (sloping boards, coloured overlays etc)
• Targeted support within Google Meet facilitated by a member of staff
• Continued planning with the child’s additional support plan with regular reviews
• Weekly check in for learners who are vulnerable and require additional support 
• A member of the Senior Leadership Team is available every day to support parents and pupils with learning queries. 
• Access to an ICT Co-ordinator to assist with software and hardware issues

Some pupils receive additional support for learning from teachers and support staff. Targeted support live lessons begin week beginning 25th January. You will be advised by your child’s class teacher if there are targeted support sessions scheduled for your child to attend.

Quality Assurance

We are seeking feedback from parents, pupils and staff about remote learning at Heathery Knowe PS.

 

Pupil feedback will be requested from P4-7 pupils using Google Classroom. Please use the following link to provide your feedback:

https://forms.gle/tzuuEAtrT6pcugxq8

Please only use the link above for parent responses.

Thank you for your continued support

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

The children at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery have shown incredible resilience and adaptability as they have moved into a remote learning environment, showing positivity and commitment to learning. I know this is underpinned by the contribution made by parents and carers to support learning, organise devices and balance employment, family life and the demands of remote learning. Thank you to parents, pupils and staff for creating a positive environment for children’s learning.

PTC Thank you

The PTC continue to support the school in any way they can and this is very much appreciated by the school community. The PTC have agreed to part fund the purchase of webcams and microphones for every classroom in school. There have been issues with wi-fi and sound quality in some recordings, along with glitches and lag time in live meets. The purchase of the webcams allow all teachers to use their desktop computer without the need for wi-fi. This will make an enormous difference to the quality of remote learning and teaching.

Fundraising through PTC events throughout the year means that they are able to contribute so generously to the school. Thank you!

Google Classroom 

During January 2021, Google Classrooms will be used for setting tasks and communicating with pupils who are learning from home.

Tasks set for pupils require them to engage in new and progressive learning experiences. Staff will engage with learners using a range of live and recorded sessions. They will complete learning activities independently and engage in consolidation activities.

Consistent Approach

Across Heathery Knowe Primary School, all children will engage in:

• Registration and check in
•  ‘Big Maths’ (mental maths)
• Literacy (including direct teaching)
• Numeracy (including direct teaching)
•  Reading for Enjoyment: Story time
• Interdisciplinary Learning Activities
• Live interactive pastoral check in
• Leadership Team STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenges or Expressive Arts challenges

Tasks and plans for the day will be posted by 9am each week day.

Individualised Approach

The learning activities above will be offered to all pupils at all stages of the school. Teachers know their learners and families well and are best placed to make decisions about the most suitable teaching approaches and resources for each class / group. Some classes may have more pre-recorded teaching whilst others have more live teaching time. Similarly, some teachers will make greater use of interactive whiteboards (jamboards) and others will adopt a more direct teaching approach. This replicates normal school practice. Teachers adapt teaching and learning approaches to suit the needs of the learners  and continue to do this in a remote learning environment.

Supporting Pupils

Teachers will be recording lessons and engaging in live teaching sessions  during the school day however they will still be available for questions/clarification. We ask that you be patient and we will aim to answer questions as quickly as possible. If you have an urgent learning query, a member of the Senior Leadership Team is available in school every day.

If you have a computer related query, Mrs McGee and Miss Wharton are available by contacting the school.

On a Friday afternoon, a task will be set by a member of the SLT to allow teachers planning time and marking of activities.

Live Interactions 

This week all children were invited to live interactions with the other children in the class and the staff who work with them. The aim of these sessions is to promote positive health and wellbeing through a live check in. Teachers use this opportunity to speak with the class.

This is done through Google Meet within Google Classroom as it is a secure way of ensuring only children with access to the classroom can join the meeting. The link is made available around 5 minutes before the meeting starts. Following SLC guidance, the sessions are always recorded to safeguard all children and staff. The recordings are stored on the school system only and are not shared with others.

Daily live check in times for each class are as follows:

Room 1 – 10am
Room 2 – 11am
Room 3 – 1.30pm
Room 4 – 1.30pm
Room 5 – 12 noon
Room 6 – 12 noon
Room 7 – 11.30am
Room 8 – 1.30pm
Room 9 – 2.30pm
Room 10 – 1.30pm

Promoting Literacy 

Heathery Knowe PS is a literacy loving school and we recognise the importance of developing children’s literacy and the impact this has on their overall learning experience.

Each day I will read a story most suited to P1-3 learners although all are welcome to attend. This session will be at 9.15am daily. A recorded version will also be available for children who cannot attend the live session.

Mrs French will read a novel most suited to P4-7 learners. This will always be pre-recorded so that children do not miss a chapter if they cannot attend a session.

Primary One Enrolment

Children starting school in August 2021 are required to register for school by Friday 22nd January using the link below:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/392/enrolling_your_child_for_school

We have 14 learners registered so far and look forward to video calls with the families next week.

If you are considering deferring your child’s entry to school, please contact the school and speak with Mrs McGee, Mrs Kerr or Miss Harper as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued support

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

 

I hope all families had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year.  We are looking forward to welcoming all children back to school for the start of the new term. For most pupils this will be remote learning with a small number coming into school.

Primary 1 Registration

South Lanarkshire Council has revised the date to start registering new Primary One pupils.  New pupils can be registered using an online form from Thursday 14th January2021. Parents must register for their catchment school even if they are making a placing request or deferring their child’s start date. When the registration form is live, the link will be shared on the South Lanarkshire Council website, Twitter and the school website.

Once a child is registered for Heathery Knowe PS, we will arrange a telephone call or virtual meeting to meet the family and discuss our transition programme. We are looking forward to meeting new Heathery Knowe pupils starting school in August 2021.

Applying for Key Worker Childcare 

The school building remains open for children of key workers to attend while they are at work. The service should only be used by key workers required to work and when there is no suitable alternative childcare.

If you need to apply for a place, please use the following link:

https://forms.gle/fWJwQZXBVbHDFEwz7

Remote Learning at Heathery Knowe PS 

The Scottish Government extended the dates of home learning from 11th-18th January 2021 to 11-29th January 2021 with a review scheduled on the 18th January.

Nursery pupils will use Learning Journals to access remote learning activities.

Pupils in Primary 1-7 access remote learning using Google Classroom.

Structure of the day for school pupils

Teachers plan the day to closely reflect in school learning and will upload a suggested plan and actvities for 9am each day. We understand the need for flexibility therefore most learning activities can be completed at any point in the day or evening.

Next week children will engage in  activities to revise work from the previous term using Google Classroom and home learning packs.

From 18th January, each day will include the following learning sessions:

• Registration and check in – The check in question is the way that attendance is monitored while we are learning remotely. If your child does not respond to this, we will call home to check if they are unwell or if there is any support needed with Google Classroom.  If there is a day your child is unable to participate in remote learning,  please call the school office to report their absence.
• Big Maths – this is the school’s approach to mental maths and this activity should take around 20 minutes a day.
• Direct Teaching Literacy / Numeracy – The literacy and numeracy teaching will focus on new learning rather than revision activities. To ensure children continue to make progress with their peers, these sessions should be the priority to complete if time is limited. Children should spend around an hour on each area. Teachers will provided direct teaching (e.g. powerpoint, video, demonstration) then children will be asked to complete a task independently then finish the session with a consolidation activity. Some sessions may be live and children will be invited to participate in a Google Meet. Teachers will advise parents via Google Classroom if there is a live session for your child.
• Class Novel / Story – each day children will be read a chapter of a novel or story book by an adult in school. This is an opportunity for your children to relax and listen for enjoyment.
• Google Meet – Each day, 30 minutes has been allocated to a class Google Meet. This is a pastoral check in and a chance to ask any questions about learning. Each class teacher will advise their class of the time for their daily Google Meet. Devices need to have a camera and microphone function to engage in this activity.
• Wider Curricular areas – In the afternoon sessions, teachers will focus on inter-disciplinary learning and will offer sessions covering other curricular areas such as PE, Expressive Arts, Social Studies, Health and Wellbeing and RME
• If your child receives additional support for learning in school, they will be invited to small group support sessions using Google Meet

Communicating with Teachers

Teachers are available each day to support children and parents with remote learning. You can request support from teachers in the following ways:

• Telephone or email the school office and the teacher will call back when they are available
• Send a message on Google Classroom

During the school day teachers will be involved in Google Meet sessions, recording direct teaching sessions and supporting learners. On most occasions teacher will not be able to respond straight away but they will get back to you as soon as they can. All communication will be within the school day (8am-4pm). Teachers will not be able to respond in the evening.

If you have an urgent request for support, a member of the leadership team will be available to take your call during the school day.

Support

The school staff understand that remote learning needs a high level of support from families at home and this can often involve sharing devices and juggling the commitments of employment with supporting children.

Children are moving on with new and progressive learning experiences and to ensure they move forward with their peers, it is very important that they engage with remote learning.

We are here to support families. Please call us if you need advice or support. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Thank you for your continued support

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

 

As we finish the final full week of the term, I would like to thank parents and children for the support offered to the school since our return in August. We appreciate the many kind messages that have been received and suggestions about how routines can be improved for all.  I hope that all children, families and staff have a peaceful and relaxing Christmas break. I know many children are looking forward to seeing family members and enjoying time at home.

End of Term

All routines and procedures to reduce the risk of transmission remain in place until the school closes. This means that children will sit at their allocated classroom and dining hall seat even if fewer children are in class. Children will continue to play in their allocated playground zone. Children are unable to bring toys and games to share with their friends and full school uniform should be worn.

Some parents have contacted the school to inform me that their child will not be attending next week as they are hoping to reduce the risk of transmission before meeting vulnerable family members on Christmas day. If you have made this decision and have not contacted the school, please email me to let me know and this will prevent you receiving an absence alert text on Monday.

Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery closes at 2.30pm on Tuesday 22nd December. All children will exit the building from the normal doors.

Winter Clothing Campaign

South Lanarkshire Council is  pleased to launch a new Winter Clothing Campaign. From Monday 21^st December 2020 until Sunday 10^th January 2021, SLC is asking members of the public to donate new or nearly new winter jackets suitable for nursery, primary or secondary-aged children and young people. A central team will arrange distribution to children and young people across SLC who need them.

The drop-off points across SLC are at the following supermarkets:

Morrisons, Hamilton
Morrisons, Stewartfield East Kilbride
Morrisons, Lindsayfield East Kilbride
Tesco Metro, St Leonard’s East Kilbride
Tesco, Lanark
Tesco, Carluke
Tesco, Lesmahagow
Morrisons, Cambuslang

Please support this campaign if you are able to.

Christmas raffle

Primary 1/2 children have organised a raffle to raise money for school funds. Raffle tickets can be purchased on ParentPay if your child would like to enter the raffle.

Christmas performances

All Christmas class performances are now available to view on Google Classroom. We hope you enjoy watching the video.

Return to school

Please remind your child to bring their waterproof clothing back to school at the start of term.

All children require indoor shoes. Younger children will bring home their indoor shoes for parents to check if they are too small or damaged and need replaced. Older children will check in school and bring them home only if they need replaced.

School reopens on Wednesday 6th January 2021 at 9am. The playground opens at 8.30am and children can enter class from 8.45am.

I hope everyone has a lovely break and look forward to seeing the children on their return to school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty

 

Christmas celebrations are now well underway at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery. Next week we have more parties, Christmas lunch, pantomime, classroom decoration activities and the launch of our class Christmas video productions.

Quick Christmas reminders

Christmas lunch – Christmas lunch must be pre-ordered. If you have not ordered Christmas lunch for your child and they are not bringing a packed lunch from home, please phone Mrs Rankin in the office to discuss arrangements. There are no sandwiches or baguettes  available from the school kitchen on Christmas lunch day. The only lunch options in school are roast turkey, steak pie or vegetarian roast.

Christmas panto – children may bring a small snack and drink for the panto. Please do not provide your child with a fizzy/ sparkling drink or any snacks containing nuts.

Christmas performances – each class will upload their Christmas parent presentation on Friday 18th December during the school day. I will post an announcement on Twitter when it is available. You need to be able to log into Google Classroom to get the link. If you have any difficulties logging in, please contact Mrs McGee as soon as possible.

Uniform – Children are welcome to wear something Christmassy on Wednesday for the pantomime and lunch. This should be in addition to school uniform. For example, a Christmas jumper with full uniform below. There are Christmas jumpers and accessories (pre laundered and quarantined) available in school for children who do not have access to a Christmassy item at home. Children should continue to wear school uniform for the rest of the term. Tuesday 22nd December is not a dress down day.

Staffing 

Ms Harper is joining the Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery staff as Acting Depute Head Teacher. She will take over from Mrs Gallacher until the end of the summer term. Ms Harper will teach in Room 9 with Mr Currie and will have a full leadership remit. There will be some changes to the leadership team remits and this will be shared in next week’s blog.

Chromebooks

I am pleased to share that the school now has 8 additional chromebooks for short term loan whilst pupils are self isolating. This means that any child who is isolating and would not have access to a chromebook or laptop at home can request one from school for their period of absence.  We have also arranged for another 4 pupils to have chromebooks on long term loan to support their learning.  As soon as the resources are available in school we will arrange the distribution to families.

School winter clothing allocation

The school has a small budget to purchase winter weather clothes for children. It can only be used to provide children’s clothing and the school must purchase the items. It is not possible for families to request cash from the school to purchase items themselves.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and need support with the purchase of winter jackets and accessories (hats, scarves, gloves), warm outdoor PE kit, winter footwear (boots for snow / heavy rain), warm tights / socks, cardigans/ jumpers then please email or phone Mrs French (Monday – Thursday only). These items can be supplied before the end of term.

Financial Support 

South Lanarkshire Council is pleased to announce financial support for families of children entitled to the free school meals (FSM) benefit. You must be eligible through the means tested benefit system not receiving free meals because your child is in P1-P3. If you are eligible for means tested free school meals but have not claimed as there is a universal provision of free meals in P1-3 then you will not be able to claim the following financial supports. The following link will confirm eligibility and provide a link to apply:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200259/education_benefits/159/school_clothing_grants_and_free_school_meals/2

Winter fuel payment– £50 per household (not per child) will be paid to you directly if your child receives a free school meal. You do not need to apply for this as it is a direct payment by 11th December

Winter payment – £100 per child payment to families where children receive free school meals to purchase essential items (food, fuel etc). You do not need to apply for this as it is a direct payment by 21st December

Free school meals while self isolating – £30 per child to cover the cost of provision of school meals while the child is self isolating. Backdated payments cannot be requested.  This is paid at the end of the self isolation period. Short periods of isolation (awaiting test results) are not eligible for payment. To qualify, the child must have been advised to self isolate by trace and protect or test positive for Covid 19.  There is no need to apply as this is a direct payment made towards the end of the two week isolation period.

Free school meals during school holidays –  £30 per child payment will be made to support parents in the provision of lunch over the Christmas holidays. There is no need to apply for this as it is a direct payment made by 22nd December.

Free school meals for clinically vulnerable pupils instructed to shield by NHS – If this situation arises then a payment will be made to support families in the provision of lunches. This payment will only be made when supported by a letter from the Chief Medical Officer stating the child should not attend school.

£500 self isolation support grant – £500 one off payment will be made if you receive low income benefit and are employed / self employed and will receive reduced earnings as a result of having to stay at home and look after your child while they isolate. You must apply for this grant during the period of self isolation. Please apply directly by contacting the Community Wellbeing Team on 0303 123 1009

More information about the benefits can be accessed by clicking the link below :

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200228/health_and_medical_information/1863/coronavirus_covid-19_advice/21

Primary One admissions – August 2021

Children who reach their 5th birthday before 1st March 2022 should register for school week beginning 11th January 2021. It is anticipated that the enrolment process will be fully online this year.

You are required to produce a full birth certificate and two proofs of address to complete enrolment  Children are required to enrol at their catchment school. If you would like your child to attend a different school, a placing request can be made.

Please use the following link to check the catchment school for your home address:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200140/education_and_learning/770/school_catchment_area_maps

Information about placing requests can be found using the following link:

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/569/school_placing_requests#:~:text=Primary%201%20children&text=The%20best%20time%20to%20submit,time%20during%20the%20school%20year.

Whilst we cannot offer our normal tour of the school, there will be a virtual tour available online. Prospective parents of Heathery Knowe PS are welcome to call and discuss any aspects of learning and teaching, organisation and resources available and we will try our best to help.  If you know of neighbours with children eligible to enrol for Heathery Knowe Primary School, I would appreciate if you could share this information.

Improving attainment in Writing 

I am pleased to share that we have purchased new resources to support learning and teaching in literacy (writing). Mrs French, Mrs McGee and Mrs Hughes lead this curriculum area and will share more information in the new term about the steps taken to improve attainment in writing.

What’s on next week?

Monday – Room 5 party
Tuesday – Room 4 party
Wednesday – virtual panto
Wednesday – Christmas lunch
Wednesday – Room 3 party
Thursday – Room 2 party
Friday – Room 1 party
Friday – Nursery party (AM and PM groups ) children should attend normal session times
Friday – launch of Christmas class videos on Google Classroom

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

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
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

Thank you to all families for your continued support as we work together to ensure that we reduce the risk of transmission in school as far as possible. The children are coping admirably and we are very proud of them.

Christmas Lunch 

Christmas lunch will be served on the 16th December. This is always a lovely event on the Christmas calendar. Lunch must be ordered in advance and will be paid through ParentPay as normal. Room 3 will have an early lunch to allow them to change into their afternoon party clothes.

Please order your child’s lunch by Tuesday 1st December using the link below:

https://forms.gle/KpjTLbXwB2ZzHNSy8

Digital Access 

South Lanarkshire Council are continuing to widen access to digital devices for use with Google Classroom.

Initially allocation of devices was prioritised for children in receipt of a free school meals benefit or living in SIMD 1 or 2 postcode areas with no  digital devices at home. Children are not considered digitally excluded if there are devices to share within the household.

The allocation has now been widened to consider children who are not in receipt of free school meals or live in SIMD 1 or 2 postcode areas. There is a limited number of devices available and the allocation of these devices will be prioritised by South Lanarkshire Council. The council will take a number of factors into account including whether there are any devices at home and the stage of the child (Senior Phase secondary pupil sitting national qualifications may get priority).

If you do not have a digital device in your household, please contact the school as soon as possible to ensure you are considered for a device.

Pupil Equity Fund 

Next week I will update South Lanarkshire Council on the progress made towards improving attainment at Heathery Knowe Primary School. The school received a Pupil Equity Fund of £74, 000 to help close the poverty related gap in attainment. This fund is allocated to the school based on the number of children in receipt of free school meals and/or living in SIMD 1 or 2 postcode areas.

The majority of the fund is used to employ an additional Principal Teacher at Heathery Knowe Primary School. Miss Wharton is the Principal Teacher with responsibility for equity and works closely with Mrs Gallacher who has responsibility for co-ordinating support for children across the school.

In addition, funding has been used to:

• purchase a range of standardised assessments to support the early identification of both long term and short term additional support needs
• purchase grammar and handwriting resources to support the literacy curriculum
• purchase Learning Journals to improve partnership approaches to learning and teaching
• teach small intervention groups across all stages of the school. The focus is the development of literacy skills. Pupil Equity Fund interventions are planned in partnership with Mrs Byrne (Specialist Support Teacher).
• purchase Nessy digital teaching resource

Calderglen High School Virtual Tour

Normally at this time of year Calderglen High School would invite Primary 7 pupils and families to the high school for a tour. As this is not possible this year the school have prepared a virtual tour. This may be of interest to some of our younger pupils too.

Please click the link access the video tour:

https://sites.google.com/sl.glow.scot/p7virtualevening/subjects

What’s on next week?

Wednesday – Ms McKenzie and Ms Harvey finish their placement with us and we wish them well as they continue as student teachers.

Friday – Room 2 are walking to the post box to post letters to Santa Claus

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty

 

 

 

It was a short but very busy week for all pupils at Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery Class. We celebrated ‘Book Week Scotland’  with many opportunities for writing, reading and creativity linked to literacy. The children participated in an author’s live event, creating book characters using wooden spoons, listening to stories read by the librarian and enjoying ‘book and a biscuit’. Thank you to the local Tesco store who provided milk and biscuits for pupils.

PTC Thank You

The PTC generously purchased a selection of recommended children’s books and novels related to Christmas. A member of staff from Waterstones store in the town centre spoke with Miss Wharton and recommended books for every stage for Nursery to Primary 7. With the support of the PTC, we have been able to purchase a book for every stage including every possible composite stage. This means we can bring literacy to the heart of learning at Christmas time and ensure there is a progressive range of high quality reading material at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery. Thank you!

Wet Intervals 

We try to ensure the children go out to play at every break time and appreciate the support of parents in providing waterproof clothing. When weather is dangerous (high winds, icy, very heavy rain) then there is a plan for indoor breaks. This is normally guided by weather warnings and a local assessment of the conditions.

Children will remain in their classroom if it is an indoor break. There are four choices of activity. Children can read, draw, colour in or watch an educational programme on the C-touch screen in the classroom. Each class is supervised by an adult and there are no senior pupil monitors.   To reduce transmission risk and to support trace and protect, children are not permitted to move around the room or swap seats with friends.

We had the first wet interval this week and the children were exemplary in their adaptation to the new procedure. All children in all classes followed the rules and took on board the need for safety.

Additional Support for Learning – Staged Intervention

The process of staged intervention is the system used by educational establishments to make sure the particular needs of a child are identified as soon as possible and appropriate interventions are in place.

Mrs Gallacher co-ordinates additional support for learning at Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery class. Over the last year we have focused on reviewing the way we share information with parents and develop stronger partnerships in relation to a child’s learning journey. This week most families of children who are provided with additional support received a copy of their staged intervention plan (Room 6 and Room 2 paperwork will go home early next week) This may be a short or long term intervention plan and is regularly reviewed.

There are four stages of intervention used in South Lanarkshire Council.

Stage 1 – support within the classroom. The teacher may differentiate resources specifically for a child or offer additional teaching support using staff and resources normally available within the classroom

Stage 2 – support within the school. The child may participate in targeted interventions using staff and resources within the school. They may have an individualised timetable, additional support from school support staff, targeted teaching support individually or in a small group.

 

Stage 3 – support from one or more agencies outwith school to support educational progress. The child may be supported by Educational Psychologist or Specialist Support Teacher. Children have an Additional Support Plan with specific targets to meet their needs.

Behaviour Assessment and Support Plan – Unsettled and distressed behaviour is a barrier to learning and therefore an additional support need. Children who require additional support to settle to learn will have a Behaviour Assessment and Support Plan. 

Stage 4 – Children receiving support at stage 4 require a high level of co-ordinated support from Education Resources and one or more other agencies. At this stage, the school will assess whether a Co-ordinated Support Plan is required in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in learning or would like to discuss their needs, please contact the school office to make an appointment.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

 

Welcome to the week 13 Head Teacher’s blog. Throughout this term teachers are delivering the recovery curriculum with a focus on literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing to address any gaps from the period of school closure. All teachers in school including the leadership team are supporting children’s learning. Your child may be involved in small group teaching with someone other than their class teacher. The focus for all learners is to ensure that they are learning with appropriate pace and challenge and catching up on any missed learning.

Christmas Arrangements 

The schedule of events to celebrate Christmas at Heathery Knowe PS has now been finalised.

Sharing Christmas with St Louise PS – each child in the nursery and both primary schools will make a decoration in class that is suitable to display outdoors. The decorations will all be intertwined and displayed on the joint fence between the two schools on Monday 7th December. Each school will make a wreath and these will be gifted to one another and displayed.

Christmas Performance – each class will prepare a short video performance to share with parents. These are creative and varied but may involve recreating a Christmas story or poem, solo singing, musical renditions or a nativity. Each teacher from Primary 3-7 is working with their class to create their performance. Primary 1 and 2 are presenting ‘Bundle of Joy’ nativity performance. This will be filmed in each class bubble and merged together for the final video.

Christmas lunch – Christmas lunch will be served in the dining hall on Wednesday 16th December. If children pay for school meals, money must be credited to their ParentPay account prior to lunch. Lunches are pre-ordered with a choice of roast turkey, steak pie or vegetarian roast.

Pantomime – All children will watch a virtual online pantomime, ‘Cinderella Live’. This starts at 10am on Wednesday 16th December. Children can bring a small snack and drink (not fizzy) to enjoy during the performance.

Wear something ‘Christmassy’ – As Wednesday 16th December is the day we have both the pantomime and Christmas lunch, children are invited to wear something ‘Christmassy’ in addition to school uniform. There will some items available from school for any child who does not bring something from home.

Christmas card design –  this is a voluntary home activity. Children are invited to design a Christmas card at home. The template will be supplied from school. If you decide to purchase a pack of cards designed by your child, the cost is £3 per packet. They will be printed by SLC print room and returned to school for distribution. Please note payment must be made using ParentPay.

Christmas cards – As part of the routines in place to reduce transmission of COVID, children are unable to send individual Christmas cards to friends in school. Children are invited to write one card to their class and teacher and bring it to school for 8th December. Any child who does not bring a card will be offered one from the school’s selection. All cards will be quarantined until 11th December. On this day, each child will be invited to open one card on behalf of the class.

Christmas classroom – Each class has chosen a different theme and children will work together to transform their classroom into a display of this theme. This is a fantastic opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, developing team work and friendship and celebrating creativity. All classrooms will be transformed between 14th and 18th December. Photos of this will be uploaded to learning journals and twitter

Christmas Parties – each class will enjoy a Christmas party afternoon between 1-3pm. The list of party dates is available in the week 12 blog. Nursery parties will be held in the morning and afternoon of 21st December.

Book Week Scotland 

Heathery Knowe PS will be celebrating ‘Book Week Scotland 2020’ from 17th  – 20th November. Children will participate in the following events:

Tuesday – P1-3 pupils will be given Read, Write, Count bags to bring home
Tuesday -Author, Robert Heron, has recorded a reading session for Heathery Knowe PS learners. Children have sent questions to Robert Heron and we look forward to learning more about the life of an author.
Tuesday – 5 clues activity. Children will challenge one another to guess the story by providing five clues.

Wednesday – Wooden Spoon Characters. Children will create a character from a story using a wooden spoon.
Wednesday – Story time with EK children’s librarian, Rhona.

Thursday – BBC Authors Live event with Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola (P1 to P3).
Thursday – Virtual Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour with Robin Stevens (P4–7).

Friday – 2.30pm HK Book & a Biscuit. Classes will read for enjoyment while enjoying some flavoured milk and a cookie

House Points System 

The children cannot be given house point tokens at the moment because of the restrictions. The Pupil Leadership Team have been working hard to come up with an alternative system so that children’s positive behaviour choices and efforts in learning are recognised.

Children will start to earn house points again next week. Classes will keep a tally of points on their classroom door and each Friday House Captains and Vice Captains will total up the points for their house.

This year’s Pupil Leadership Team have extended house points to link in with Superstar and Champion awards with 2 points awarded to a rising star or aspiring champion, 5 points to superstar or champion and 10 points to the HK Cup winner.

Children who achieve superstar or champion status will also be awarded a star with their name on it on the newly designed ‘Wall of Fame’. Thank you to Mrs Gardiner for her effort in designing a fantastic display to recognise learners who are kind, safe and ready to learn at all times.

What’s happening next week?

Monday – INSET Day – School closed to pupils
Tues- Fri – Scottish Book Week
Thurs – Miss Deans teaching Room 4

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff

 

 

 

The children and staff have enjoyed another busy week at Heathery Knowe PS and Nursery. The NHS staff commented on the good manners and behaviour shown by pupils when they were administering the flu immunisation. There will be a second date in December for any pupil who was absent and unable to receive the immunisation in school last Wednesday.

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 can be accessed using the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pM38C7gTr7-L_8T4jZvuwAFdaIcP4uXH/view?usp=sharing

Christmas Events 

The staff at Heathery Knowe Primary School are currently finalising plans for Christmas. We look forward to sharing all of our plans over the next few weeks.

We have booked a live online pantomime for all classes to enjoy. This is scheduled for Wednesday 16th December at 10am. You can find out more about the pantomime by vising www.pantolive.com

There will be a Christmas party for each class. This is a change from previous years as it would normally be a year group party. With current COVID restrictions, children cannot mix with other class groups therefore year group parties cannot be accommodated.

All parties will be held in the afternoon between 1-3pm. Party Dates are:

Primary 7 –      Room 6 – Monday 7th December
Primary 7/6 – Room 9 – Tuesday 8th December
Primary 6/5 – Room 8 – Wednesday 9th December
Primary 5 –  Room 7 – Thursday 10th December
Primary 4 – Room 10 – Friday 11th December

Primary 4/3 – Room 5 – Monday 14th December
Primary 3 – Room 4 – Tuesday 15th December
Primary 2 – Room 3 – Wednesday 16th December
Primary 2/1 – Room 2 – Thursday 17th December
Primary 1 – Room 1 – Friday 18th December

Nursery dates will be confirmed.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Kirsty Duff