Welcome to the Head Teacher’s blog for Week Beginning 9th January 2023
A Warm Welcome Back
A warm welcome back to everyone in our Woodhead community! We all hope you have had a lovely break over the Christmas holidays and we are looking forward to the new term in 2023!
I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone for their support and kind words as I move from my role of DHT to Acting HT in this term. I am very much looking forward to continuing with all of our plans for Woodhead alongside Mrs Watson and Mrs Keltie.
Planned Industrial Action Letter
A letter was issued to parents/carers before the holidays about possible industrial action scheduled to take place on Tuesday 10th January 2023 . It can be viewed by clicking the link below:
I will provide an update on this as we return on Monday 9th January 2023.
Staffing Update
With the changes that have arisen with Mr Clark leaving to take up his new post, Mrs Keltie will begin a spell of Acting DHT. Mrs Watson, Mrs Keltie and I work closely as a Senior Leadership Team and will continue to support our families in a very similar way.
We welcome Mr Stephen Williamson to Woodhead. Mr Williamson will be teaching across the school, taking over Mrs Martin’s NCCT timetable. Our pupils will continue to focus on Science, Art and PE during these teaching blocks.
We also welcome back Supply Teacher, Mrs Lisa Hannah. Mrs Hannah has been in the school a number of times this session. Mrs Hannah will be providing cover for our Acting Principal Teacher post as Mrs Keltie begins her Acting DHT role. I will be in touch in the next couple of weeks with an update on this post.
Support during the winter break
Winter can be an expensive time of year. We know this will be hard financially for some of our families. Please find below some of the options available for support:
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment Applications are open for children aged under 16.
People can apply for the payment of £100 every 4 weeks if they:
- get Universal Credit, Tax Credits or other qualifying benefits.
- have a child or children aged under 16.
Apply at https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment. This should take around 10-20 minutes.
There is no limit to the number of children you can apply for and receiving Scottish Child Payment will not affect your tax or other benefits.
If you cannot apply online, you can apply by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
Warm Welcome
With the cost of living rising, SLC have established ‘Warm Welcome’ locations across South Lanarkshire. Venues including libraries, leisure facilities and community spaces can be accessed throughout the winter months, where a range of support, facilities and activities can be found.
Anyone who is looking for a ‘Warm Welcome’ can find local venues by using a new interactive map and postcode checker found at the following website: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/WarmWelcome
Money Matters
Money Matters Advice Service is an energy and benefit advice service that offers specialist help and assistance, including helping you negotiate with your energy provider. The service can help access energy hardship funds, make referrals for emergency prepayment top up vouchers or help discuss debt and provide you with help.
You can access this help by calling Money Matters on 0300 029 0041 or fill in a form requesting a call back at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/MMAS
Youth, Family and Community Learning Officer (YfCL)
Please contact our YfCL Officer, Caroline Stewart, if you think she could offer some support or advice, all of which will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Caroline works in Woodhead on a Monday and Tuesday.
School Lunch Menu
It is Week 2 of the school and nursery lunch menu from Monday 9th January 2023.
School Menu: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/2075/primary_school_lunch_menu_20222023/2
Nursery Menu:
All children in Nursery to P5 are entitled to a free school lunch.
School Milk – 9th January 2023
Due to the schedule of deliveries, there will be no milk available for pupils on Monday 9th January 2023.
P7 Bikeability
The final session of P7 Bikeability has been rescheduled for Friday 13th January 2023. All children involved should bring their bike and helmet to school that day.
Extra-Curricular Clubs:
There will be no extra-curricular clubs this week and I will be in touch with dates for our clubs returning.
Upcoming Diary Dates:
- Tuesday 10th January 2023: Planned Industrial Action by Teaching Staff.
- Friday 27th January 2023: Non-uniform Day (Bright Colours Day)
- Parent Council and PTA Meeting: Tuesday 7th February 2023
Mrs Claire Fox
Acting Head Teacher
