Weekly Update 26th May

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Dear Parents/Carers,

Please find this week’s update below;

Makaton

This week’s sign is ‘brother’

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.

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.

Weekly update 19th May

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Dear Parents/Carers,

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.

Dates for this term

Friday 19th May               Dewar Shield Shinty Event

Thursday 25th May           Skye Sixes Shinty Event – 5pm – Kyleakin

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.

Regards,

Sara

Weekly Update 12th May

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Dear Parents/Carers,

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.

We are actively looking for PSA supply until the end of session and while we are required to fill hours from the supply list, this list is currently open for anyone wishing to be added. Anyone interested in being added to list is encouraged to apply through My Job Scotland at https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/non-teaching-casual-posts-west-area-wester-ross-skye-lochaber-248718

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

Monday, 15 May · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kij-yqkg-ysm

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 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

Thursday 18th May           Parent Coffee Drop In 3-4pm

Thursday 25th May           Skye Sixes Shinty Event – 5pm – Kyleakin

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

21st – 23rd June               P7 Transition days at Portree High School

Wednesday 28th June      Prizegiving

Thursday 29th June         Last Day of Term 11.50am finish

Update 5th May

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Makaton

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.

Highland Council hold a list of relief staff for non teaching roles within the council; PSA’s, clericals, crossing patrollers, etc and we are required to fill our hours from people already registered on this list.  Currently there are very few people on there and anyone interested in being added to list is encouraged to apply through My Job Scotland at https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/non-teaching-casual-posts-west-area-wester-ross-skye-lochaber-248718

Recent Successes

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

Monday, 15 May · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kij-yqkg-ysm

Head Lice

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

Weekly update 28th April

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Dear Parents/Carers,

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

Monday, 15 May · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kij-yqkg-ysm

Triathlon

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.

Regards,

Sara

Sara Matheson

Head Teacher

Portree Primary School

Blaven Road Portree

Isle of Skye IV51 9PH

01478613130

Weekly Update 21st April

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Dear Parents/Carers,

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

Monday, 15 May · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kij-yqkg-ysm

Profile and Open Afternoon Feedback

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.

Regards,

Sara

Sara Matheson

Head Teacher

Portree Primary School

Blaven Road Portree

Isle of Skye IV51 9PH

01478613130

Weekly Update 31st March

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Dear Parents/Carers,

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.

Regards,

Sara

Sara Matheson

Head Teacher

Portree Primary School

Blaven Road Portree

Isle of Skye IV51 9PH

01478613130

Weekly Update 24th March

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Dear Parents and Carers,

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

Monday 1st May                           May Day Holiday

Wednesday 3rd May                     Skye Schools Cross Country

Monday 8th May                           Public Coronation Holiday

Weekly Update 17th March

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Dear Parents and Carers,

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

Please be in touch with any queries you may have.

Regards

Sara

Sara Matheson

Head Teacher

Portree Primary School

Blaven Road Portree

Isle of Skye IV51 9PH

01478613130

Weekly Update 3rd March

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Dear Parents and Carers,

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

Please be in touch with any queries you may have.

Regards,

Sara