On Monday evening Primary 7 parents attended our Holy Cross information evening to listen to a presentation delivered by Mrs Fagan, Depute Head of First and Second year.  We were also joined by Mr Reilly, Head Teacher of Holy Cross.  Mrs Fagan informed parents of what happens when their child starts life 0at Holy Cross, she discussed timetables, routines and the school day.  She clearly explained that secondary school is a continuation of learning from primary due to the close relationship and excellent transition programme Holy Cross has with all of the 9 feeder primary schools.  The broad general education of Curriculum for Excellence continues until third year when pupils choose their own subjects to follow.  Parents and pupils also had the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about their transition to high school.  Throughout the year, pupils will have further opportunity to visit Holy Cross during information evenings, Team Building days and Induction days where they will become familiar with the surroundings of Holy Cross and start to develop friendships with peers from other primary schools.

Room 9a participated in their second session of Curling at Hamilton Ice Rink.  They have thoroughly enjoyed their experience and look forward to watching the professionals in action at Braehead Arena.

Room 5 and Room 6 will be joined every Tuesday and Wednesday by 2 students from the University of the West Scotland.  These students are currently studying childcare and will be working with pupils in both classes to enhance their learning in various subjects.  This is a great example of working professional partnerships that hugely benefit both parties.

Primary 1 had a ‘Spooktacular’ time on Wednesday morning when they were joined by parents for numeracy active learning.  Pupils worked with their mums and dads on various Hallowe’en activities such as weighing pumpkins, measuring broomsticks, counting potions and estimating spells.  The morning was a great example of how we make learning meaningful and fun at St. Mary’s by incorporating it into daily life that the children experience.

We have a very busy term ahead of us and we look forward to sharing all of our learning and activities with you here, on Twitter and on our website.

Best wishes,

Mrs. Elaine Fitzpatrick

It was a very exciting week for our Primary 7 pupils as they went on their week long residential trip to Lockerbie Manor on Monday.  Along with mums and dads we waved goodbye to the pupils, Mrs Cluckie, Mr Rimmer, Miss Graham and Miss Tierney.  We were kept up to date with lots of photographs on Twitter – a great way to see how everyone was getting on.  Throughout the week, the children took part in lots of exciting activities such as fencing, rifle shooting, abseiling, den building, zip wire and trust walks.  They all came back on Friday afternoon, exhausted but full of stories about their adventurous week.  I must admit, it was great to see them all home safe and sound and back in the arms of their mums and dads!

Whilst Primary 7 were away, Primary 6 had a team building week.  On Monday and Tuesday they took part in various outdoor learning activities.  On Wednesday, they  visited Carfin Grotto to pass through the Holy Door during the year of Mercy.  This was a very special visit for Primary 6 as, not only is this their Confirmation year but they will also undertake the Pope Francis Faith Award over the next 2 years.  During the day, they visited the national shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and celebrated mass in St. Francis Xavier’s church.   On Thursday, they had a great time experimenting and looking at optical illusions at Glasgow Science Centre.  Primary 6 finished the week with a US Diner party celebrating food connected with their topics of New York and Spain!  Thank you to our parents for supporting the week, being parent helpers on our trips and donating food from around the world for the party.

Room 9a enjoyed a trip to Hamilton Ice Rink to learn curling this week.  Led by Mr Russell, Room 9a will visit the Ice Rink on one more occasion to allow them to develop new skills and experience a new sport.  This will prepare them for their trip to Braehead Arena in November where they will watch the European Curling Championships 2016.

Our Primary 1 pupils took great delight in being tour guides for their parents at St. Mary’s this week.  They confidently showed their mums and dads all around the school, telling them about the different areas of St. Mary’s.  The tour gave our parents an extra insight into what their children do each day at school.

As always, thanks for reading.  I hope that you all have a great October week!

Mrs. E. Fitzpatrick