Dear Parent/Carer

It was very encouraging to see so many parents at parent’s night. The children were all keen to know what was going to be said about them and I hope there were no surprises when parents discussed what the outcomes were. Every child, it is hoped, will know how they are progressing in their learning and be able to discuss the targets they have set themselves in conjunction with their teachers. It is extremely important that children know what the next steps in their learning are to enable them to challenge themselves and make progress. It is also very encouraging to know that some pupils have gained a bronze award in their personal achievements through the I-Achieve process. It is equally important that as well as attainment in school outside achievements are recognised, please encourage your children to record these and be recognised for them.

Primary 6 and Primary 7 children had a very successful residential to Loch Inch with many children overcoming fears and reservations to take part in skiing lessons and sailing activities. Every member of staff, with the children, said how proud they were that everyone demonstrated a ‘have a go’ attitude. Well done to all the children who gave of their very best.

The children across all stages  are presently looking at Mid Calder as their IDL and it is with great anticipation I look forward to the open afternoon to not only share your child’s learning but to celebrate 40 years of Mid Calder Primary School. We look forward to welcoming you into school on the 22^nd of November from 1.30pm. Specific details will be sent out nearer the time but it is hoped you will put this date in your diary.

Please look on our school blog for our diary dates for the rest of this term.

Mary McKenzie

November newsletter

November newsletter page 2 

Dates For Your Diary – parents

Dear Parent/Carer,

February and March have been very busy months in the nursery. Most of the children participated in a nature walk to the wildlife area adjacent to the school field. They learned about molehills, moss and studied the birds living there. They collected sticks and used these to create stick models such as wind chimes.

A group of morning children visited the lovely Park View café to prepare for our pop in and play visits. We looked closely at the menus, the table decorations and the buntings around the walls. Some of the afternoon children visited the local Post Office to post invitations to our Pop In and Play sessions. The resulting Pop In and Play sessions were very well attended. Thank you very much to all who visited us and spent time playing with their children.

Thank you to all parents/carers who attended our Maths Curriculum Evening. You can find our presentation on how you can develop early maths skills on the school blog.

Our children are blogging about their learning on a weekly basis with Mrs Findlay. This allows your children to reflect on their learning and consider the skills and knowledge they have been developing as well as thinking about their next steps in their learning.  You can read their posts on: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/mcps/category/learning-stories/nursery-am/

As you know we had our Care Inspectorate inspection in January 2016 and the report has now been published. You can find a copy in the nursery entrance or on the Care Inspectorate website. The nursery was assessed against four care indicators:

• Quality of care and support – Very good
• Quality of environment – Good
• Quality of staffing – Very good
• Quality of Management and Leadership – Very good

The report recognised that staff worked hard to improve the aesthetics and create a pleasant environment in the nursery and that there are plans in place to build a new nursery building. On that note I have received an update that work on  our nursery building will start at the summer.

Fiona Barber

Nursery Teacher

March 2016 newsletter