Dear Parent/Carer,

I can’t quite believe that we are nearly half way through the month of  May!  As we head into another holiday weekend, I wanted to update you all on a few things :

• We are missing your children very much and want to thank you all for your support with helping your children to learn at home whilst we are closed. We understand that it is not easy and appreciate how hard you are all trying.
• As it is a holiday weekend, staff will not be online on Monday and learning for next week will be shared on Tuesday.
• Sumdog is an online resource that helps children personally develop their Numeracy, Spelling and Grammar skills in a fun way. At Harrysmuir (Primary 3 – 7) the majority of children have used this resource in class as well as at home. Teachers will set work for pupils to complete and assessments to see their progress. Children can also compete against their friends as well as other children at Harrysmuir. Sumdog can be accessed through the internet and downloaded as an app. Many of the pupils will know their username and password but if they have any difficulties you can contact the school to help them get logged on.
• Whilst P4-7 pupils can communicate with their teachers through TEAMS, we are very aware that our younger children have no real way of sharing how they are getting on with their learning. Because of this, we are looking at how best to sort this and we will let you know very soon about our plans!
• You will have heard a great deal on the news about the re-opening of schools. Whilst no decision has been made in Scotland about this, staff are working hard behind the scenes to look at how we can bring back children and staff  to school safely and we will let you know once we have any firm plans.

Please remember that we have staff in the school office from 8am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any help.  Amy McBrierty, our Family Support Worker, is also available through the school office.

Have a lovely weekend and stay safe.

Tim Wallace
Head Teacher
tim.wallace@westlothian.org.uk

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