Allan Craig, our Drumming Tutor, expects to have some spaces come available in August for drumming tuition at school. Allan will offer a come and try session during school time on 14th June for anyone P3 and up who may be interested.
Soccer 7’s
The next Soccer 7’s event takes place this Saturday 27th May at the KGV pitch in Portree. Pupils involved have taken home letters and strips and are asked to be at the pitch for 10.45am tomorrow. All strips should be returned to the school on Monday. Many thanks for Julie MacDonald, Pasha Cazacu and Misha Constant for their help in coaching on Saturday.
School Trips
Class teachers are currently organizing end of year trips for all classes and will be in touch with further details. These trips are made possible through generous donations from the Parent Council and would not be able to happen otherwise.
Volunteer Disclosures
New Highland Council policy states that only parents who hold a current Highland Council PVG are able to volunteer for school activities; trips, helping in classrooms, helping with swimming etc. In order to facilitate this, we are in a position to arrange PVGs for any parents who wish to have them. The process is free and quite easy and we will hold a register of parents who hold PVGs when seeking volunteers for school activities. If you are interested in completing the PVG process, please contact me directly and I can get the process started for you.
Dates for this term
Friday 26th May P2 & P6 Community Café
P3 Family Reading Session
Uniform Swap
Saturday 27th May Soccer 7’s Portree
Friday 2nd June P2 Family Reading Session
Monday 5th June In Service Day
Wednesday 7th June P4 Viking Day
Friday 9th June Whole School Open Morning 11.15am
12th & 20th June P7 Sailing Sessions
Friday 16th June P4 & P5 Community Cafe
13th – 16th June P7 Raasay Residential Trip
Tuesday 20th June School Picnic
21st – 23rd June P7 Transition days at Portree High School
22nd and 23rd June PPS Transition Days
Wednesday 28th June Prizegiving
Thursday 29th June Last Day of Term 11.50am finish
Please be in touch with any questions you may have.
Please find this week’s update below with information and dates about upcoming events.
Makaton
This week’s sign is ‘family’ and the graphic for this is below;
Staffing
Sharon Fenlon finishes at PPS today and we wish her all the very best in her new role at Young Carers. We are very grateful for all her contributions to our school during her time with us.
The Council are actively recruiting canteen staff and anyone interested in these positions should contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Service Officer 01349 781121
Drumming Tuition
Allan Craig, our Drumming Tutor, expects to have some spaces come available in August for drumming tuition at school. Allan will offer a come and try session during school time on 14th June for anyone P3 and up who may be interested.
School Meals
Please note that the school canteen are very restricted on alternative options that they can offer on any given day. For example, where cheese sandwich is noted on the menu, that is the only sandwich option. Similarly where a pasta dish such as chow mein is offered, these are not able to be made without sauce. Please have a look at the menus with pupils and if there is not a published option that they will have, a packed lunch is suggested.
After School Activities
There are two upcoming shinty events; The Dewar Shield (Girls Indoor Tournament) takes place tonight at 4.30pm at the Kyleakin Community Centre and the Skye Sixes tournament will take place on Thursday 25th May in Kyleakin. Pupils involved in these will receive further information as it becomes available. The Tongadale League, which was cancelled on Wednesday due to the weather, has been rescheduled for 21st June.
Instrumental Lessons with Nan will take place on the following dates for the remainder of this term;
6th June, 13th June and 20th June. Please note there will be no session on the 30th May.
Singing Club is now finished for this session.
Soccer 7’s
The next Soccer 7’s event takes place on Saturday 27th May in Portree. Pupils who have taken in permission forms will be issued with further information ahead of the event. The final Soccer 7s of this term will take place on Saturday 24th June in Broadford.
School Trips
Class teachers are currently organizing end of year trips for all classes and will be in touch with further details. These trips are made possible through generous donations from the Parent Council and would not be able to happen otherwise.
Volunteer Disclosures
New Highland Council policy states that only parents who hold a current Highland Council PVG are able to volunteer for school activities; trips, helping in classrooms, helping with swimming etc. In order to facilitate this, we are in a position to arrange PVGs for any parents who wish to have them. The process is free and quite easy and we will hold a register of parents who hold PVGs when seeking volunteers for school activities. If you are interested in completing the PVG process, please contact me directly and I can get the process started for you.
Please find this week’s update below with information and dates about upcoming events.
Makaton
This week’s sign is sad and the graphic for this is below;
Staffing
From Monday, Korri Henderson will be joining us as part time PSA and we look forward to having her at PPS.
Fiona Robertson, one of our PSA’s will be moving to Inverness next month and will finish at PPS on 5th June. We will miss Fiona greatly here at PPS but wish her and her family well in their next chapter.
Please get in touch with me at the school with any questions.
The Council are actively recruiting canteen staff and anyone interested in these positions should contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Service Officer 01349781121
After School Activities
P5-7 shinty continues this week from 4- 5.15pm on the KGV. Pupils attending are required to take their outdoor stick, helmet and shin guards along to training. There are two upcoming shinty events; The Tongadale League takes place on Wednesday at the Skye Camanachd Clubhouse at 5pm and the Skye Sixes tournament will take place on Thursday 25th May in Kyleakin. Pupils involved in these will receive further information as it becomes available.
Instrumental Lessons with Nan will take place on the following dates for the remainder of this term;
30th May, 6th June, 13th June and 20th June.
Singing Club is now finished for this session.
Soccer 7’s
Soccer 7’s takes place this Saturday in Kyleakin and we are very grateful to Ross Hill and Ronan Taylor for helping out with this event. A reminder that transportation and supervision of pupils at this event is parental responsibility. All pupils who are playing on Saturday have been issued a letter and a strip today. Future events will take place on;
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Internet Safety
Robert Quigley, who heads up the Highland Council’s digital literacy team will be host a virtual presentation for parents on Monday 15th May at 6.30pm around Internet Safety. Robert has a wealth of information and is always up to date with the latest guidance as this changes daily. This will be a very worthwhile session for all parents and the code for joining is below.
Online Safety Presentation for Parents with Robert Quiqley
Class teachers are currently organizing end of year trips for all classes and will be in touch with further details. These trips are made possible through generous donations from the Parent Council and would not be able to happen otherwise.
Parent Coffee Drop In
Further to the email sent out last week, just a reminder that current Parent Council Office Bearers, Mrs Templeman and myself, welcome you to drop in for a coffee and cake on Thursday 18th May to chat very informally about your ideas for moving forward with Parent Voice at the school. We home to change the traditional Parent Council role to one that involved a more representative group of families to move forward school initiatives. We would really appreciate hearing from all families at this event. The event runs from 3-4 pm to allow for those who wish to attend during school hours and those who wish to attend after school. Our Young Leaders will supervise outdoor games on the MUGA from 3.30 – 4pm for pupils whose parents wish to attend after school. There will be no formal agenda just an opportunity for a coffee and a chat.
Dates for this term
Friday 12th May Sports Day 10am – Noon KGV
Saturday 13th May Soccer 7’s Kyleakin
Monday 15th May Online Safety presentation for parents via GoogleMeets 6.30pm
Tuesday 16th May Additional Transition Day P7 to PHS
Fluoride Varnishing
Wednesday 17th May Tongadale Shinty League event – 5pm – Skye Camanachd Clubhouse
This week’s sign is ‘happy’ and the graphic for this is below;
Coronation
A reminder that school will be closed on Monday 8th May for the Coronation National Holiday.
Staffing
There are currently a few changes to our support staff to make you aware of;
We are delighted that Dawn Ingall has joined us a PSA on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Sharon Fenlon, PSA is moving to a new job at Young Carers mid May and while we will very much miss her at PPS, we know that she will be a great asset to Young Carers.
Sharon Richardson will be joining us as a supply PSA from the end of May
We are currently in the process of trying to fill these hours, as well as some hours currently missing due to medical and maternity leave with supply staff on a temporary basis and will keep you updated as and when these changes are in place.
It is a very busy term at school and already our pupils have taken part in various activities representing PPS. A few achievements to make you aware of;
At the recent Lochalsh Leisure Centre Triathlon, Caron MacDonald P7 placed second in the girls event and Roidh Coull P5, both placed second in their respective categories, completing all three elements of the triathlon on their own!
Yesterday our school cross country teams competed in the Skye Schools Cross Country Championships. The school won both the girls and boys team events and Eilidh Murray P7 and Saul El Deeb P7 both finished second in their races.
Yesterday we received word that our P5 class were winners of the Coronation Art Project run by the Lord Lieutenant for all schools in our area
We continue to work in partnership each week with Radio Skye, choosing a kid expert to take part in Joni’s radio show each week. Our pupils have been brilliant showcasing their wealth of knowledge and have been very ably hosted by Joni. If you haven’t had a chance yet, tune into RadioSkye each Tuesday to listen to the broadcast. You are sure to be impressed!
After School Activities
P5-7 shinty resumed this week and will continue from 4- 5.15pm on the KGV. Pupils attending are required to take their outdoor stick, helmet and shin guards along to training.
Instrumental Lessons with Nan will take place on the following dates for the remainder of this term;
9th May, 30th May, 6th June, 13th June and 20th June
The final singing club session of this term will take place next Thursday 11th May from 3.30 – 4.15pm
Soccer 7’s
Please see the remaining dates for the upcoming Soccer 7’s tournaments this session. Permission have been given out to interested pupils, however, our participation in this event will only be possible if parents are able to volunteer to coach a team on the day.
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Internet Safety
Robert Quigley, who heads up the Highland Council’s digital literacy team will be host a virtual presentation for parents on Monday 15th May at 6.30pm around Internet Safety. Robert has a wealth of information and is always up to date with the latest guidance as this changes daily. This will be a very worthwhile session for all parents and the code for joining is below.
Online Safety Presentation for Parents with Robert Quiqley
We are not in a position currently to inform parents when cases of chickenpox, headlice etc that arise in the school.
Could we please ask that all parents check regularly for head lice in order that this can be treated quickly.
School Trips
Class teachers are currently organizing end of year trips for all classes and will be in touch with further details. These trips are made possible through generous donations from the Parent Council and would not be able to happen otherwise.
Parent Coffee Drop In
Further to the email sent out last week, just a reminder that current Parent Council Office Bearers, Mrs Templeman and myself, welcome you to drop in for a coffee and cake on Thursday 18th May to chat very informally about your ideas for moving forward with Parent Voice at the school. We home to change the traditional Parent Council role to one that involved a more representative group of families to move forward school initiatives. We would really appreciate hearing from all families at this event. The event runs from 3-4 pm to allow for those who wish to attend during school hours and those who wish to attend after school. Our Young Leaders will supervise outdoor games on the MUGA from 3.30 – 4pm for pupils whose parents wish to attend after school. There will be no formal agenda just an opportunity for a coffee and a chat.
Dates for this term
Friday 5th May Coronation Walk and Party
Monday 8th May Coronation Holiday
Tuesday 9th May Flouride Varnishing catch up
Friday 12th May Sports Day 10am – Noon KGV
Monday 15th May Online Safety presentation for parents via GoogleMeets 6.30pm
Tuesday 16th May Additional Transition Day P7 to PHS
Thursday 18th May Parent Coffee Drop In 3-4pm
Friday 19th May Sports Day (Raindate)
Friday 26th May P2 & P6 Community Café
P3 Family Reading Session
Uniform Swap
Friday 2nd June P2 Family Reading Session
Monday 5th June In Service Day
Wednesday 7th June P4 Viking Day
Friday 9th June Whole School Open Morning 11.15am
12th & 20th June P7 Sailing Sessions
Friday 16th June P4 & P5 Community Cafe
13th – 16th June P7 Raasay Residential Trip
21st – 23rd June P7 Transition days at Portree High School
Wednesday 28th June Prizegiving
Thursday 29th June Last Day of Term 11.50am finish
I am not sure how another week has passed already but here we are again with a few items of information for your attention;
Makaton
Over the course of this term we will be learning one Makaton sign each week. This week’s sign is who and the graphic for this is below;
Coronation
A reminder that school will be closed on Monday 8th May for the Coronation National Holiday. We will mark the occasion of the Coronation in school on Friday 5th May with a village walk, followed by dancing and ice cream. Pupils will be involved in activities through the week; designing crowns, bunting etc. for the event. Pupils are invited to wear their party clothes that day.
Soccer 7’s
Please see the remaining dates for the upcoming Soccer 7’s tournaments this session. Permission forms will be given out ahead of each event, to pupils who wish to take part.
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Internet Safety
Robert Quigley, who heads up the Highland Council’s digital literacy team will be delivering an online assembly to our P5-7 pupils on Tuesday 2nd May and will also host a virtual presentation for parents on Monday 15th May at 6.30pm around Internet Safety. Robert has a wealth of information and is always up to date with the latest guidance as this changes daily. This will be a very worthwhile session for all parents and the code for joining is below.
Online Safety Presentation for Parents with Robert Quiqley
Just a reminder to those taking part in the Lochalsh Leisure Centre Triathlon event on Saturday that registration will begin at 9.00am at the Leisure Centre with the swimming element of the event starting immediately after registration. Parents will be asked to help marshal for the running and cycling portions of the event. Best of luck to all competitors!
Cross Country
Well done again to our pupils who participated in the Cross Country run last Friday. Those selected to represent the school have been informed and will take part in the Skye Schools Cross Country Event on Wednesday 3rd May at the KGV at 11am. Pupils taking part require their running gear, water and a packed lunch. PPS strips will be given out the day before.
School Trips
Class teacher are currently organizing end of year trips for all classes and will be in touch with further details. These trips are made possible through generous donations from the Parent Council and would not be able to happen otherwise.
Parent Coffee Drop In
Further to the email sent out yesterday just a reminder that current Parent Council Office Bearers, Mrs Templeman and myself, welcome you to drop in for a coffee an cake on Thursday 18th May to chat very informally about your ideas for moving forward with Parent Voice at the school. We home to change the traditional Parent Council role to one that involved a more representative group of families to move forward school initiatives. We would really appreciate hearing from all families at this event. The event runs from 3-4 pm to allow for those who wish to attend during school hours and those who wish to attend after school. Our Young Leaders will supervise outdoor games on the MUGA from 3.30 – 4pm for pupils whose parents wish to attend after school. There will be no formal agenda just an opportunity for a coffee and a chat.
Dates for this term
Friday 28th April P1 Family Reading Session 12.15pm
Uniform Swap 12.15pm
Saturday 29th April Lochalsh Leisure Centre Triathlon (pupils who have registered)
Monday 1st May May Day Holiday
Tuesday 2nd May Online Safety Presentation for P5-7
Wednesday 3rd May Skye Schools Cross Country Championships
Friday 5th May Coronation Walk and Party
Monday 8th May Coronation Holiday
Friday 12th May Sports Day 10am – Noon KGV
Monday 15th May Online Safety presentation for parents via GoogleMeets 6.30pm
Tuesday 16th May Flouride Varnishing
Thursday 18th May Parent Drop In Coffee Session 3-4pm
Friday 19th May Sports Day (Raindate)
Tuesday 23rd May Fluoride Varnishing
Friday 26th May P2 & P6 Community Café
P3 Family Reading Session
Uniform Swap
Friday 2nd June P2 Family Reading Session
Monday 5th June In Service Day
Friday 9th June Whole School Open Morning 11.15am
12th & 20th June P7 Sailing Sessions
Friday 16th June P4 & P5 Community Cafe
13th – 16th June P7 Raasay Residential Trip
21st – 23rd June P7 Transition days at Portree High School
Wednesday 28th June Prizegiving
Thursday 29th June Last Day of Term 11.50am finish
Please be in touch with any questions you may have.
I hope you have all settled back into routines after the Easter break and that you have managed to enjoy some of the beautiful weather this week! As always, this is a very busy term at school with several events taking place. While there is a list of dates below, there are several items that will be added to this as they are confirmed.
Homework
A reminder that in accordance with our homework policy, homework is reduced during the summer term to enable pupils to take advantage of the better weather and brighter evenings to get outside and active as much as possible, outside of school.
Makaton
The Makaton signs for this week are; tidy up, time, me, when. Please see graphics for these attached.
Coronation
A reminder that school will be closed on Monday 8th May for the Coronation National Holiday. We will mark the occasion of the Coronation in school on Friday 5th May with a village walk, followed by dancing and ice cream. Pupils will be involved in activities through the week; designing crowns, bunting etc. for the event. Pupils are invited to wear their party clothes that day.
Soccer 7’s
Please see the remaining dates for the upcoming Soccer 7’s tournaments this session. Permission forms will be given out ahead of each event, to pupils who wish to take part.
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Internet Safety
We continue to have concerns and questions about internet safety as the use of social media and online gaming continues to increase in the lives of our young people. There have been some very concerning incidents recently and as a result, Robert Quigley, who heads up the Highland Council’s digital literacy team will be delivering an online assembly to our P5-7 pupils on Tuesday 2nd May and will also host a virtual presentation for parents on Monday 15th May at 6.30pm. Robert has a wealth of information and is always up to date with the latest guidance as this changes daily. This will be a very worthwhile session for all parents and the code for joining is below.
Online Safety Presentation for Parents with Robert Quiqley
Many thanks to those of you who completed our feedback form around open afternoons and profiling, In response to the feedback, there are a few changes to be made;
There was 53/47 split in preference to having a single open event for the whole school each term or different days for different classes. As a result, we will alternate between the two. This term’s open session will take place on Friday 9th June at 11.15am for all classes. We will have designated spaces in the school for parents to take more than one pupil at a time to view class work if they wish to do so. The 11.15 start will provide a longer session than our usual hour, in order to provide time for families with more than one pupil.
In regards to profiles, this term profile items will include; one piece of numeracy, chosen by the pupil as their best work, one Quality Assessment Task showing a block of learning applied in a wider context and a Learners Statement prepared by each pupil. All other pieces of literacy and numeracy will be in jotters.
In place of having to comment on several individual pieces of work, there will be one comment sheet at the start of the profile which we would ask you to comment on, each time you visit for an Open Event. We will also have stickers available and ask you to select a piece of work that you particularly enjoyed looking at.
Dates for this term
Saturday 29th April Lochalsh Leisure Centre Triathlon (pupils who have registered)
Monday 1st May May Day Holiday
Tuesday 2nd May Online Safety Presentation for P5-7
Wednesday 3rd May Skye Schools Cross Country Championships
Friday 5th May Coronation Walk and Party
Monday 8th May Coronation Holiday
Friday 12th May Sports Day 10am – Noon KGV
Monday 15th May Online Safety presentation for parents via Google Meets 6.30pm
Tuesday 16th May Fluoride Varnishing
Friday 19th May Sports Day (Raindate)
Tuesday 23rd May Fluoride Varnishing
Friday 26th May P2 & P6 Community Café
P3 Family Reading Session
Uniform Swap
Friday 2nd June P2 Family Reading Session
Monday 5th June In Service Day
Friday 9th June Whole School Open Morning 11.15am
12th & 20th June P7 Sailing Sessions
Friday 16th June P4 & P5 Community Cafe
13th – 16th June P7 Raasay Residential Trip
21st – 23rd June P7 Transition days at Portree High School
Thursday 29th June Last Day of Term 11.50am finish
Please be in touch with any questions you may have.
As we come to the end of a very busy term, there are a few items to be aware of and some known dates for next term. As per usual in the final term, there will be additions to this as further events are confirmed.
Family Reading Session and Uniform Swap
The final Family Reading session for P3 takes place today at 12.15pm
Our Uniform Swap will also be set up from 12.15pm in the corridor outside of the gym.
Passion for Portree Summit
I was extremely proud of our Primary 7s who hosted visitors and delivered their Youth Speaks yesterday to a variety of community organisations at our Passion for Portree Summit. The event was recorded by Radio Skye and will be broadcast on Monday at 11am.
PPS Cross Country
The school cross country event will take place on Friday 21st April at 11am, with a rain date of Friday 28th April. The event will take place at the KGV and will be open to all pupils in P4-7 (please note this is a correction to last weeks’ notice that P5-7 were involved). This will serve as the qualifying event for the Skye Schools Cross Country Championship which is scheduled for 3rd May.
Thursday 20th April School Photographer – Class Photos
Friday 21st April PPS Cross Country at KGV, rain date Friday 28th April
Monday 1st May May Day Holiday
Wednesday 3rd May Skye Schools Cross Country
Monday 8th May Public Coronation Holiday
Saturday 13th May Soccer 7’s Kyleakin/Kyle
Tuesday 16th & 23rd May Fluoride Varnishing
23rd & 25th May Live Music Scotland visits
Monday 5th June In Service Day
8th and 12th June P7 Sailing Taster Sessions (TBC)
13th – 16th June P7 Raasay Trip
21st – 23rd June P7 Transition Days – Portree High School
Saturday 27th May Soccer 7’s Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June Soccer 7’s Broadford
Thursday 29th June Last Day of Term – 11.50am finish
Wishing you all a great Easter break and we look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday 17th April.
As hard as it is to believe, we have just one week remaining in this term. While I’m sure we are all looking forward to the break, there are a few events next week and also some dates for next term included in this week’s update.
This morning at 11am, P1 and P3 will host their Community Café in support of Marie Curie.
Primary 6 Open Morning will take place from 11.30am today.
The P3 Family Reading session originally scheduled for today, will now take place on Friday 31st March at 12.15pm.
Our Assembly next Friday will be a pupil showcase. Any pupils wishing to take part should speak to their class teachers and come prepared on Friday in order to perform/present at assembly. This can be showing the school something they have made, sharing a talent, reading a story they have written etc.
Parents Evenings
Parents evenings will take place on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th March. Appointment slips have been sent home to parents that requested these.
Passion for Portree Summit
Our Primary 7 class recently took part in a school based Youth Speaks Competition. Pupils had prepared team speeches which were presented to their classes and judged by school staff. The quality and content of these speeches was excellent and as a result of the passionate presentations, we have asked three of our groups to present again in front of invited members of the Portree and Braes Community Council, Portree and Braes Community Trust, Local Councillors and Highlife Highland at our first ever Passion for Portree Summit. This presentation will take place at 2pm on Thursday 30th March, here at the school and Primary 7 parents are welcome to join us if they wish.
New Project with Radio Skye
As a way of celebrating the vast amount of knowledge across various interests of our pupils, we are collaborating with Radio Skye to host a weekly knowledge showcase slot for our pupils. Pupils will be given letters and permission forms today, to return if they are interested and each Friday, Mrs Templeman will take a pupil up to Radio Skye where they will prerecord their segment. This will then be broadcast each Saturday. Pupils involved would also be given an opportunity to share their talks with the school at assembly on a Friday, ahead of their visit.
Skyedance visit to Tigh Na Drocaid
Classes that have been working with Skyedance in school this term will have the opportunity to visit Tigh Na Drocaid on 30th March to share their dance routines with the attendees at the centre. We look forward to be able to share with the community in this way.
Uniform Swap
Our final uniform swap of this term will take place next Friday at 12.15pm. All items of uniform will be available from the corridor outside the gym.
Coding Club
Due to so much disruption on Tuesdays, Coding Club will now take place after the Easter break. The initial block will still be for P6 pupils.
Instrumental Music Club
The instrumental music club started again on Tuesday and new pupils are still welcome to join. The sessions run from 3.30 – 4.15pm in the music room.
Any interested pupils should contact Nan Cleghorn directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com
Gardening Week
In order to prepare our allotment and Polytunnel for Spring, the school will be holding a Gardening Week next week where all classes will be involved in visiting the allotment and taking part in gardening activities. We would be very grateful for donations of any gardening tools that you may have which you no longer use.
WOW Certificates
Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached below but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!
Soccer 7’s
Remaining tournament dates are listed below. Further information will follow closer to the time. We have not yet heard if the tournament cancelled due to the snow will be rescheduled.
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Makaton Signs
There is no assembly today due to the Community Café. As Makaton signs are usually introduced at assembly, we do not have new ones this week but pupils can review those already learned and we will start with new signs after the Easter break.
Basketball Festivals
P6 will now attend on Tuesday 28th March due to the cancellation last week. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.
Fluoride Varnishing
Due to dental staff absences this week, the fluoride varnishing was unable to take place. Varnishing for P5-7 will now take place on Tuesday 28th March.
School Photographer
The School Photographer will visit the school on Thursday 20th April to take group photos of each class. These will be available for purchase.
Cross Country
We will hold our school cross country event for P5-7 pupils on Friday 21st April, 11am at the King George V pitch. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Skye Schools Cross Country Championships on 3rd May. Should the weather require us to reschedule, our school event will take place on Friday 28th May.
Parking around the school
Parents are reminded, please, to be aware when collecting pupils to be mindful that local driveways are not blocked on either side of the road. Wherever possible the drop off zone at Portree Community Centre should be used for dropping off and collecting pupils.
The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off
We thank you for your cooperation in this.
Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)
Tuesday 28th March P5-7 Flouride Varnishing
Basketball Festival P6
Tuesday 28 & 29th March Parents Evening Appointments
Thursday 30th March Passion for Portree Summit
Friday 31st March P3 Family Reading Session
Thursday 20th April School Photographer – Class Photos
Friday 21st April PPS Cross Country at KGV, rain date Friday 28th April
Thank you all for your continued patience and understanding as we have had yet another disruptive week at school. I have never been so grateful for rain!
We continue to have a busy couple of weeks ahead with some events rescheduled due to missed snow days this week.
Open Afternoons
Next week, we will hold our Open Afternoons for all classes. Classrooms will be open on the dates and times below and parents are welcome to come and view children’s work. Pupils may be dismissed with parents after the open sessions if you wish. We are hoping to evaluate our profiling at PPS and will be looking to gather you views on this during Open Sessions and afterwards.
Primary 3 and Primary 5 Open Day Monday 20th March 2.30pm
Primary 1 and Primary 4 Open Day Tuesday 21st March 2.30pm
Primary 2 and Primary 7 Open Day Thursday 23rd March 2.30pm
P6 Open Day Friday 24th March 11.30am
Parents Evenings
Parents evenings will take place on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th March. Letters have been sent home asking parents to indicate their preferred date. Please return these to the school as soon as possible in order for appointments to be arranged.
Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Next Tuesday, 21st March, PPS will take part in the World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Pupils are encouraged to wear odd socks to raise awareness and show support.
Passion for Portree Summit
Our Primary 7 class recently took part in a school based Youth Speaks Competition. Pupils had prepared team speeches which were presented to their classes and judged by school staff. The quality and content of these speeches was excellent and as a result of the passionate presentations, we have asked three of our groups to present again in front of invited member of the Portree and Braes Community Council, Portree and Braes Community Trust, Local Councillors and Highlife Highland at our first ever Passion for Portree Summit. This presentation will take place at 2pm on Thursday 30th March, here at the school and Primary 7 parents are welcome to join us if they wish.
New Project with Radio Skye
As a way of celebrating the vast amount of knowledge across various interests of our pupils, we are collaborating with Radio Skye to host a weekly knowledge showcase slot for our pupils. Pupils will be given letters and permission forms today, to return if they are interested and each Friday, Mrs Templeman will take a pupil up to Radio Skye where they will pre record their segment. This will then be broadcast each Saturday. Pupils involved would also be given an opportunity to share their talks with the school at assembly on a Friday, ahead of their visit.
Skyedance visit to Tigh Na Drocaid
Classes that have been working with Skyedance in school this term will have the opportunity to visit Tigh Na Drocaid on 27th and 30th March to share their dance routines with the attendees at the centre. We look forward to be able to share with the community in this way.
Coding Club
We are delighted to be working with Dr Craig Stewart from Portree High School to start a new lunchtime coding club. This club will be open for P6 pupils over the first block and will take place on Tuesdays from 1-1.30pm. Spaces will be limited and P6 pupils will be given further information about how to sign up for this. Pupils taking part, will require to take a packed lunch on the dates the club is offered 21st and 28th March
Instrumental Music Club
We are delighted that Nan Cleghorn is going to be starting up after school group music sessions on Tuesday afternoons, here at PPS. The session will start at 3.30 on Tuesdays in the music room. In the first instance, pupils will be offered the choice of tin whistle or recorder and may then progress onto guitar. If they have their own instrument, they should take this along, however, Nan also has a supply of instruments which can be used by pupils.
We hope to be able to start lesson this coming Tuesday and any interested pupils should contact Nan directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com
Nan has run these music session, with great success, over many years and we are delighted that these will be on offer again.
Raasay Trip
A reminder that the next instalment of £75 for the P7 Raasay trip is due today.
Gardening Week
In order to prepare our allotment and Polytunnel for Spring, the school will be holding a Gardening Week from 27th March where all classes will be involved in visiting the allotment and taking part in gardening activities. Further information to follow.
WOW Certificates
Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!
Soccer 7’s
We are awaiting a new date for the tournament which had to be cancelled last week. Remaining tournament dates are listed below;
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Makaton Signs
This weeks Makaton signs are please, sorry, next and girl. Graphics are attached to support the use of these.
Basketball Festivals
P7 will attend the basketball festival this Tuesday at Portree High School. P6 will now attend on Tuesday 28th March due to the cancellation this week. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.
Dynamic Earth
P6 and P7 will visit the Dynamic Earth exhibit at Portree High School on Thursday 23rd March. As the P6 slot will run later in the morning after the class swimming session, P6 are asked to take a packed lunch with them.
Fluoride Varnishing
There has been a change of dates to this and P5-6 Fluoride Varnishing will now take place on Tuesday 21st March with P7 being completed on Tuesday 27th March.
Highland Council Holiday for the Coronation
The Council have now approved Monday 8th of May as a public holiday. Schools will be closed in respect of the Coronation.
Parking around the school
Parents are reminded, please, to be aware when collecting pupils to be mindful that local driveways are not blocked on either side of the road. Wherever possible the drop off zone at Portree Community Centre should be used for dropping off and collecting pupils.
The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off
We thank you for your cooperation in this.
Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)
Friday 17th March Comic Relief
Monday 20th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon
Tuesday 21st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon
Fluoride Varnishing P5-6
World Down Syndrome Day
Basketball Festival P7
Thursday 23rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon
P6 & P7 Dynamic Earth visit PHS
Friday 24th March P6 Open Morning
P1 & P3 Community Cafe
Tuesday 28th March P7 Fluoride Varnishing
Basketball Festival P6
Tuesday 28 & 29th March Parents Evening Appointments
Thursday 30th March Passion for Portree Summit
Current After School Activities
In addition to the After School activities run by Highlife Highland, Skyedance etc. the following activities are taking place for PPS pupils. Please contact the school for further information.
Anyone wishing to help out with offering further activities is also asked to get in touch. These could be activities that just run for 3-4 weeks at a time. We would love to be able to extend these opportunities further.
Monday Running Club 3.30-4.30 Portree Primary School Gym
Tuesday Instrumental Music Club with Nan 3.30 Portree Primary Music Room
Wednesday P1/2 Shinty 5-6pm Portree High School Gym
P3/4 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Gym
P5-7 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Games Hall
Thursday P4-7 Singing Club 3.30-4.15 Portree Primary Music Room
There are several pieces of information that I wish to bring to your attention this week. We have a very busy few weeks coming up between now and Easter and will endeavour to keep you updated with further information about upcoming events.
Coding Club
We are delighted to be working with Dr Craig Stewart from Portree High School to start a new lunchtime coding club. This club will be open for P6 pupils over the first block and will take place on Tuesdays from 1-1.30pm. Spaces will be limited and P6 pupils will be given further information about how to sign up for this. Pupils taking part, will require to take a packed lunch on the dates the club is offered; 7th, 21st and 28th March
Instrumental Music Club
We are delighted that Nan Cleghorn is going to be starting up after school group music sessions on Tuesday afternoons, here at PPS. The session will start at 3.30 on Tuesdays in the music room. In the first instance, pupils will be offered the choice of tin whistle or recorder and may then progress onto guitar. If they have their own instrument, they should take this along, however, Nan also has a supply of instruments which can be used by pupils.
The sessions will start on Tuesday 7th March and any interested pupils should contact Nan directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com
Nan has run these music sessions, with great success, over many years, and we are delighted that these will be on offer again.
Breakfast Club
Due to a very generous community donation, we will be offering breakfast snacks each morning from 6th March. These snacks will be available from the Cookery room and any pupil wishing to use have these will be able to come in before the bell and take a snack outside with them.
Fun, Exciting Maths Sessions for P4 parents
Primary 4 are inviting their families to their “Fun, Exciting maths session” during the afternoon of Thursday 9th March. This is a family learning event for pupils to show their parents some of the problem solving maths activities they have been working on in class. Invitations and further information will follow and some pictures of pupils working with the materials are attached above.
Growth Mindset Workshops
These have begun this week for P6 pupils and all P6 pupils will be involved in a 5 week block between now and May. These sessions are led by Maggie Cowie and Julie Maclean from the Childrens Service Worker service.
After School Shinty
Shinty will begin again next week, Wednesday 8th March, at the new times and locations. Again, any parents able to be an extra pair of hands at these sessions should get in touch with the school.
All shinty sessions will now be held at Portree High School on Wednesday evenings
Primary 1,2 Small Gym 5-6pm
Primary 3,4 Small Gym 6-7pm
Primary 5-7 Games Hall 6-7pm
Family Reading Sessions
These sessions continue today with Primary 1 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 2 families invited next week.
Gardening Week
In order to prepare our allotment and Polytunnel for Spring, the school will be holding a Gardening Week from 27th March where all classes will be involved in visiting the allotment and taking part in gardening activities. Further information to follow.
Bikeability
Primary 7 pupils are asked to take their bikes to school on Monday 6th March. In preparation for upcoming Bikeability sessions, Andrew Shaw, will talk with pupils on Monday afternoon and check over bikes to ensure they are safe to take part.
WOW Certificates
Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!
Soccer 7’s
Permission slips have been given to P5-7 pupils who are interested in taking part in the Soccer 7’s event coming up on 11th March. Once we know the number of pupils interested, we can make further arrangements. The number of pupils able to take part will depend on sufficient adult volunteer to coach the teams on the day. Supervision of pupils at the event will be parental responsibility to enable coaches to just organise and encourage the teams. Any parents who are able to help out with coaching are asked to contact the school as soon as possible.
Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm
Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle
Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)
Saturday 24th June – Broadford
Makaton Signs
This weeks Makaton signs are tidy up, time, me and when. Graphics are attached to support the use of these.
Basketball Festivals
Basketball Festival for all P6 and 7 pupils, arranged by Active Schools, will take place in March at Portree High School. Our P6 class will attend on Tuesday 14th March and our Primary 7 class on Tuesday 21st March. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.
World Book Day
Each child has been gifted with one of the World Book Day titles to take home. We are aware that exchanging the book tokens has not always been easy given our location and we are very grateful to the Highland Book Shop in Fort William who have been able to supply the books this year.
Changes of Dates
Further Industrial Action is scheduled for Wednesday 15th and Thursday 17th March. As a result the following changes to dates have been made. These new dates will remain, regardless of strike actions continuing or being cancelled;
P1 & P3 Community Café will now take place on Friday 24h March from 11am – noon with all proceeds to Marie Curie
The Parent Information Session on composite classes will now take place on Monday 13th March at 2.45 in the school gym
Our dress down day to raise awareness and funds for Young Carers will now take place on Tuesday 14th March
Red Nose Day
Friday 17th March is Red Nose Day in support of Comic Relief and while we appreciate there are a lot of fancy dress days upcoming, pupils are encouraged to wear read and to take in a donation if they wish. The traditional red noses are not available this year.
Composite Class Information Session
While we are still a long way off from knowing our class arrangements for next year, I would like to invite anyone with questions or concerns about composite classes to an open information session on Monday 13th March at 2.45. This will be held by Mrs Templeman and myself in the gym and will be a very informal chance to hear a bit more about composite classes and to ask any questions you might have.
Flouride Varnishing
There has been a change of dates to this and P5-6 Flouride Varnishing will now take place on Tuesday 21st March with P7 being completed on Tuesday 27th March.
Highland Council Holiday for the Coronation
The Council have now approved Monday 8th of May as a public holiday. Schools will be closed in respect of the Coronation.
Parking around the school
Parents are reminded, please, to be aware when collecting pupils to be mindful that local driveways are not blocked on either side of the road. Wherever possible the drop off zone at Portree Community Centre should be used for dropping off and collecting pupils.
The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off
We thank you for your cooperation in this.
Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)
Friday 3rd March World Book Day
Friday 3rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm
Thursday 9th March P4 Fun Exciting Maths family learning session
Thursday 9th March Feis Visits to P4-7 classes
Friday 10th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm
Monday 13th March Composite class information session 2.45pm
Tuesday 14th March Basketball Festival P6
Friday 17th March P1 & P3 Community Cafe
Comic Relief
Monday 20th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon
Tuesday 21st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon
Flouride Varnishing P5-6
World Down Syndrome Day
Basketball Festival P7
Thursday 23rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon
Friday 24th March P6 Open Morning
P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm
Tuesday 28th March P7 Flouride Varnishing
Tuesday 28 & 29th March Parents Evening Appointments
Current After School Activities
In addition to the After School activities run by Highlife Highland, Skyedance etc. the following activities are taking place for PPS pupils. Please contact the school for further information.
Anyone wishing to help out with offering further activities is also asked to get in touch. These could be activities that just run for 3-4 weeks at a time. We would love to be able to extend these opportunities further.
Monday Running Club 3.30-4.30 Portree Primary School Gym
Tuesday Instrumental Music Club with Nan 3.30 Portree Primary Music Room
Wednesday P1/2 Shinty 5-6pm Portree High School Gym
P3/4 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Gym
P5-7 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Games Hall
Thursday P4-7 Singing Club 3.30-4.15 Portree Primary Music Room
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