Welcome to the Head Teacher’s blog for Week Beginning 23rd January 2023
Last Week in Woodhead
We have had another great week in Woodhead and our classes continue to be busy with their new learning for Term 2!
On Monday, we had our first assembly of 2023. Mrs Watson, Mrs Keltie and I took time to remind all of our pupils about the ‘Woodhead Way’ and what being ‘Ready, Respectful and Safe’ looks like in classes, around the school, including our Dining Hall, and in our playground. We are looking forward to announcing our first awards during assembly on Monday 23rd January. Everyone has been working hard to demonstrate our values and go ‘Over and Above’. We are also looking forward to sharing more information about the ‘Woodhead Way’ with our parents very soon.
Unfortunately the weather at this time of year remains unpredictable so wet play times and lunches continue to feature. Any updates on arrival and exit from school due to adverse weather will be provided via the normal ways – text message and Twitter updates. Please avoid telephoning the School Office with requests to collect pupils just before or just after 3pm. The Office is a very busy place at 3pm and we all want to ensure your children are safely collected. It will help us all greatly if this can be from the playground or at the service gates in the event of adverse weather. We appreciate your support with these changes due to weather. If, however, you have an emergency, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Staffing Update
Following interviews on Friday 20th January, I am delighted to let you know that Mrs Gillian Mitchell will be our Acting Principal Teacher. Mrs Mitchell will work as part of the Senior Leadership Team alongside Mrs Watson, Mrs Keltie and me. We will be looking at remits for the SLT and I will be in touch with any changes that are made. In the meantime, please continue to link with your Departmental Lead if you have any queries about your child’s learning.
Lockerbie Manor – Primary 7
I will be meeting with our P7 pupils this week to discuss activities for the forthcoming trip. Final decisions on the activities our pupils will participate in will be made by Lockerbie Manor staff however based on weather and staffing.
Please look for an email with some requests for information that will be coming home to you very soon.
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Children normally start school in August if their 5th birthday falls before 1 March of the following year. Enrol online. If your child is due to start school in August 2023, you can enrol your child online from Monday 9 January 2023.
www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
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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 1 of the school and nursery lunch menu from Monday 23rd January 2023.
School Menu: https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200186/primary_school_information/2075/primary_school_lunch_menu_20222023/1
Nursery Menu:
All children in Nursery to P5 are entitled to a free school lunch.
Extra-Curricular Clubs:
Monday 23rd January – Football BOYS
Tuesday 24th January – Netball
Wednesday 25th January – Choir
Upcoming Diary Dates:
- Friday 27th January 2023: Non-uniform Day (Bright Colours Day)
- Friday 3rd February 2023: Planned Industrial Action – School closed to pupils
- Tuesday 7th February 2023: Parent Council and PTA Meeting
- Wednesday 1st March – Friday 3rd March 2023: P7 Residential Trip to Lockerbie Manor
Mrs Claire Fox
Acting Head Teacher
