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