Embarking on the journey of starting school is an incredibly exciting time for both you and your child. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with you and your child as they commence their educational adventure here at Kemnay Primary School. Our hope is that this upcoming phase in your child's life is filled with positive experiences!
At Kemnay PS, we embrace a play-based approach to Primary 1, encouraging children to explore, be curious, unleash their creativity, and most importantly, to have fun.
A heartfelt welcome to the Kemnay Family to you all! Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email or contact the school directly.
On your child's inaugural school day, kindly bring them to the primary 1 front playground area by 9:00 am. Your teacher will be eagerly waiting to give you a warm welcome. Once the little ones are ready to venture inside, the teacher will guide each child to their designated peg and show them where to stow their belongings.
Ensure you're back at the Primary 1 door area by 12:30pm (FIRST WEEK ONLY - 3.15pm after that) to pick up your child. If any children seem a bit jittery, we're here to collaborate with you and offer support during this crucial transition.
We kindly request that students come dressed in our school uniform, which consists of:
- The school blue school sweatshirt
- A yellow or white shirt, blouse, or school polo shirt
- Trousers or skirt/pinafore in classic black or grey (you can find the school tartan on our website or grab some from our swap shop!)
- Shoes or trainers, preferably in black or grey
You can conveniently order schoolwear from "Kemnay" – Schoolwear Made Easy. Additionally, our swap shop offers good quality, pre-loved uniforms year-round.
In addition to their uniform, students should bring warm, waterproof clothing to school every day, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Outdoor play is a key part of our daily curriculum, rain or shine! We believe in the importance of fresh air and outdoor playtime for children's development. However, in severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, wind, or extreme cold, students will remain indoors for their safety.
Please note that in P1, the school uniform will also serve as play clothes. Students will be encouraged to fully engage in all learning activities, so be prepared for some messy fun!
Please ensure that all of your child’s belongings are labelled with their name. Identifying the owner of a stray black gym shoe can be quite the challenge!
Here's a breakdown of what your child should bring to school:
- **SCHOOL BAG:** It should be easy for your child to open and close.
- **PENCIL CASE:** Your child may bring colouring pencils and a writing pencil to school, although we have plenty of resources available here.
- **GYM KIT IN DRAWSTRING/TIDY BAG:** This should include shorts (blue, black, or white), a t-shirt (white or in their house colour), and gym shoes. If your child is wearing tights, they should also bring socks. Please ensure that earrings and jewellery are removed, and long hair is tied back. Gym t-shirts can be ordered through the school office.
- **WATER BOTTLE:** Children are encouraged to have a water bottle in class for hydration. It must have a sports top and only contain water—no juice, please.
- **PLAYPIECE:** Your child may bring something to eat during the morning interval. We promote healthy eating habits, and remember, playtime is only 15 minutes long! Nuts are not allowed in school, and juice should be brought in a carton or plastic bottle—no cans or glass bottles, please. To prevent leakage or damage to belongings, please ensure that juice containers are securely wrapped.
- **A BOX OF TISSUES:** One box a year should be enough to see the whole class though the worst of the early years sniffles.
Lastly, please refrain from encouraging your children to bring special items or toys from home. Precious items can easily get lost and cause unnecessary upset.
Don't forget to pack a small snack for your child to enjoy during break times.
Since the children will be outdoors, make sure they're dressed warmly with labelled clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor play.
Our Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) are on duty during both playtime and lunchtime. They're here to assist children in their play and problem-solving, provide first aid, and serve as a friendly presence for the children during break and lunch times.
In case of an incident, we will notify you or the individual you've designated as the emergency contact.
Please ensure your child has fully recovered before returning them to school. If your child requires medication during school hours, you'll need to fill out the medication form, which can be obtained from your child's class teacher. We strictly administer only prescribed medication from a doctor.
If your child has been physically sick or has diahorrea they must remain absent for 48hrs from their last bout.
If your child falls ill, kindly inform the school by phone. It's crucial for us to keep track of all children, and we will reach out to you if we haven't received any information and your child is absent from school.
We understand that scheduling appointments after school isn't always feasible. If you have a daytime appointment, kindly inform us in advance and pick up your child from the main door, as teachers are not permitted to release children unaccompanied during school hours. Your cooperation ensures a smooth process and the safety of all students.
Vital announcements will be communicated through letters or group text messages via Group-Call. School newsletters, containing information and updates on exciting events, are regularly emailed. You can contribute by sharing your child's achievements via email.
For holiday dates and school uniform orders, check the Parents section on the website. Stay connected through our school Facebook page, linked at the bottom of the website. Ensure we have your current mobile number for important text updates.
If you need to contact the school, feel free to reach out via email or give us a call. We're here to assist!
CAN I HELP IN SCHOOL?
We absolutely cherish having volunteers in our school. To adhere to local authority guidelines, a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check is required before you can join us in the school setting.
If you're interested in volunteering, we encourage you to reach out to us. Your willingness to contribute is greatly appreciated, and we'll provide guidance on the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and safe volunteering experience.
Depending on the work being undertaken it may be necessary to complete a Voluntary Agreement and a Confidentiality Agreement Form. A member of the senior management team will be able to advise accordingly.