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Dear Families,
We are now almost exactly halfway through the term, and it has been a great start! It has been wonderful to welcome our returning pupils back to school, and see them settle in back into classes with their new teachers and, in some cases, new classmates. We have just about dried our tears after the P7 exit, and we are so happy to see our new Primary 1 and Nursery pupils settling in.
This year we are very much focussing on re-launching our school values and bringing these to life in our interactions, our curriculum and our communications. This newsletter is part of a larger website currently being built which we hope to share with you soon.
As ever, please contact the school office if you have any queries regarding the information contained in the newsletter.
Our Expectations
Our Expectations
Ready, Respectful, Safe
We have been working hard in each class on our new school charter, centred around 3 simple expectations which apply to all members of our school team (adults and children) in all places within the school grounds:
Ready to learn
Respectful of everyone
Safe in all parts of school
Primary 7 are working on a display which explains and exemplifies the expectations for pupils of all ages
Seesaw
Seesaw
We are delighted that Seesaw has returned. We are very fortunate that our Parent Council have agreed to fund our purchase of Seesaw this year, as it is a wonderful tool for communicating learning between home and school. You should now have access to the messaging feature on Seesaw so that you can contact your child's teacher/nursery practitioner.
Please allow up to 48 hours for a response from your child's teacher.
Please note that for any absence reporting or concerns we would ask that you contact the school office in the first instance.
Phone: 01569 690485
Foodbank Fridays!
Foodbank Fridays!
Foodbank Fridays have returned! We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Storehouse foodbank in Stonehaven, which does a fantastic job supporting local communities. We have sent an email detailing the Foodbank Friday dates, with 2 classes being designated each week. Please give as you can - there is no pressure to donate. We kicked off proceeding with a whole school collection today, and as you can see our school community gave SO generously. Thank you for your kindness!
Items from Home
Items from Home
We are finding that increasing numbers of children are bringing items from home into school (fidget toys, magnets, balls, teddies). Please can we request that unless agreed with your child's teacher in advance that your child does not bring personal items to school (pencil cases and water bottles are fine). We have fidget toys in school for those children who need them and benefit from them, but items from home can cause unnecessary distraction and upset if they get lost/broken. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Settling-in Parent Meetings - Book here!
Settling-in Parent Meetings - Book here!
We will be holding virtual Parent Meetings where your child's teacher will report how they are settling in to the school year. Please click on the link below to let us know to book a video conference appointment. We will allocate time slots and send these out by Friday 24th September. Please note, you are required to fill out a form for each child individually (this does not apply to nursery pupils).
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
All classes have been reading a book by Charlie Mackesy called The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. Here are some of the responses from P5 and P6 below. Wonderful artwork and some very profound statements! P2's Elmer display thrown in for good measure as it is fabulous!
Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
The pandemic has been difficult for many families. Children may be feeling anxious about leaving their parents after a long summer. The attached video is a lovely story to share with your child to remind them that they are never alone, even when they are away from their loved ones. Activities to support the child can be found at the following link:
Hot Chocolate Friday
Hot Chocolate Friday
It has been a pleasure to herald the return of Hot Chocolate Friday - recognising pupils who are consistently 'living' the school values or going above and beyond in school. One pupil from each class joins Mr Murray for a Hot Chocolate on a Friday afternoon and we have a great chat about their week, what they are enjoying about school, what they are finding challenging, and the reasons they have been nominated.
Parent Council
Parent Council
The Parent Council AGM took place on Wednesday 8th September and was well attended - thank you to all who came along. Minutes of the meeting will be sent to all parents soon.
It is with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that we bid farewell to 3 of our Parent Council committee. A sincere and heartfelt thanks to Shona, Tanya and Kate, our outgoing Chair, Treasurer and Correspondence secretary respectively. Your positivity, endless sense of endeavour and the culture you have created in welcoming others to the meetings has been wonderful.
Fortunately, lots of people have come forward to offer their services as new members. The Committee roles should soon be allocated, and all parents will be informed in due course.
The school is hugely grateful to the Parent Council for their support. We drew up a focused spending wishlist totalling approximately £9000 which the Parent Council have agreed to fund fully. This will make a huge difference for all pupils in school and nursery - thank you!
More details will be coming soon about how the Parent Council will be putting the FUN into fundraising during the coming year.
Aberdeenshire Anti-Bullying Policy and Guidance - Parent Consultation - Wednesday 22nd September at 6pm
Aberdeenshire Council is looking for the opportunity to consult with Parents on the updated Aberdeenshire Anti-Bullying Policy and Guidance. The views of Parents/ Carers is fundamental in ensuring the Policy and Guidance meets the needs of all who are using the Policy and Guidance within Aberdeenshire. Consultation has already taken place with Education staff and their views have been incorporated into the documentation. Aberdeenshire Council is obliged to meet the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010 as well as align to national policy: Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People 2017; which is emphasised in the updated Aberdeenshire Policy and Guidance for Anti-Bullying.
Please share this consultation opportunity with other members of your Parent Council and your Parent Forum.
If you would be interested in participating in this important consultation please email Christine McLennan at christine.mclennan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk who will send you the Teams link for you to join the meeting.
Rotary Shoebox Appeal
Rotary Shoebox Appeal
We have signed up to the Rotary Shoebox Appeal this year, which aims to provide charity to families in Eastern Europe. We will soon be taking delivery of enough boxes so that we can distribute a box to each family. Further details to follow!
Safety Matters
Safety Matters
As we are sure you will appreciate, due to our rising school roll (175 currently, more pupils than we have ever had!) the car park continues to be very busy at drop-off and pick-up.
Please help us by:
Driving very slowly and carefully in the car park
Reversing into a space
Only parking in designated spaces
Using the drop off point (on to the grass at the front entrance) for P4-7 pupils where possible
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