Term 3 Letter

We finished term 2 off on a really positive note. The year group performed brilliantly in their Christmas concerts; and they displayed excellent dancing at both the Millburn and IRA ceilidhs and their P7 Christmas party. They all seemed to have had a lovely holiday and are refreshed for all the hard work that term 3 involves.

In Literacy we are looking at personal writing e.g. diary entries, reflections. We will also be looking at other functional pieces, e.g. newspaper reports and posters. This will link very well with our cross cutting themes – Conflicts. The children are already very enthusiastic about this topic, particularly World War II! Reading will continue three times a week, part of which we will learn about how speech is punctuated. Library visits are on a Tuesday.

In maths the children are continuing to study number, with a focus on fractions, decimals and percentages. We will also be learning about bearings (outdoor learning), time and expressions and equations. We continue to work on number for three days each week, as we feel that this is a high priority. It would be appreciated if the children could revise tables and mental calculations at home regularly.

French is still taught weekly in both classrooms. Over the next six weeks, both classes will also have the opportunity to be taught French by one of the Millburn staff. Gaelic has been introduced, and will be continued. Soon your child will be asked to choose which language (French or Gaelic) they would like to study in first year at secondary school.

Over the next six weeks, both classes are also going to have the opportunity to work with members of the Technology Department from Millburn. The children will be set a challenge and have to work as a group to solve it.

In science light and sound and chemical reactions will be studied. The children are looking forward to this. We will be learning about Scientific terminology and how to carry out investigations correctly (fair testing).

In RME the children will continue to work in groups to develop an understanding of significant figures and what makes a hero.

The classes will continue with PE on a Tuesday and on a Wednesday (P7B). P7A complete their swimming block on Friday 31^st January, and after that both classes will have PE on a Wednesday. Mr Douglas is starting the term with fitness. Although the weather is fairly unpredictable, where possible, we will continue with Healthy Hearts. It would be helpful if children have their P.E. kit in school every day.

Homework will continue to be issued on a Monday and is to be returned on a Thursday and it will link to what we are learning in class; as always homework is the children’s responsibility and they are encouraged to seek support if they require it. Maths website links will be posted in each classroom, for the children to decide themselves what they need to practise that week.

Secondary education is approaching very quickly and there is a meeting for parents of children wishing to attend the IRA on Thursday 30^th January at 7.00 pm. The first transition event for children attending Culloden Academy is on Friday 31^st January. A separate letter will be issued about this. Our third transition event for Millburn takes place on the morning of 12th March 2020, starting at 9.40 am. Pupil will participate in various workshops throughout the morning. The event will finish at 1.15 pm.

It should also be emphasised that if you do not live in the catchment area for your chosen secondary school, and you wish your child to attend then you must submit a placing request. (Please note that placing requests are not always granted). The placing request forms have to be returned to Care and Learning, Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness by 16^th March 2020. Any questions about this please contact the school office.

World Book Day is on Thursday 5^th March and the P7s have decided to take the lead in order to raise money for their trip to Abernethy. They will plan a day of activities for the whole school to participate in and are looking forward to taking on this big responsibility.

Also, please ensure children have an appropriate jacket and footwear for the weather. Children should also bring in their own water bottles, which must only contain water.

If you have any worries or are in need of any information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mr B MacDonald & Mrs M McCloskey

P7 class teachers