Dear Parents/Carers,
We hope you have all been enjoying the winter weather this week and thank you for your understanding of the disruption this has brought. While the snow causes excitement and enthusiasm at first, I appreciate that the novelty wears off and the logistics of school being closed are not easy to navigate!
Staffing
As you will be aware, David MacLean will take up the post of Acting Head Teacher from Monday. I would like to take this opportunity to wish David all the very best in his new post!
Community Café
Primary 6 will host the Community Café next Friday 26th January at the school in support of Mary’s Meals. The Café will run from 11am until noon and everyone is welcome to join us for our first Community Café of the New Year. Further Community Café dates will be issued once they are confirmed. As always, a selection of teas, coffees and baking will be on offer as well as a creche, supervised by our pupils. We look forward to seeing you there!
Makaton Sign of the Week
Our Makaton sign for this week is “snow”
Pupils Travelling by Bus
With a growing number of pupils taking the bus, could you please ensure that you let your child’s class teacher know directly when this is the case, in order that they are dismissed on time. Bus pupils leave class at 3.25 p.m. each day to catch the bus, however, recently there have been pupils running late as staff have not been aware that they are taking the bus. Equally, the 3.25 p.m. dismissal is only for pupils who are travelling on the bus that day.
After School Activities
Activities run by Active Schools have started back, including a P5-7 shinty session run between Active School and Skye Camanachd on Friday afternoons. Further information was shared on our Facebook page this week and pupils interested in taking part should register online.
Skyedance Timetables have also been published for this term and have been shared on our Facebook page.
Nan’s band have resumed this week and there is still space for more to join. Please get in touch if you require further details.
Mrs Irene Deplano will run a 4 week block of basketball sessions for our P6 & P7 classes starting next Thursday from 3.30 – 4.30pm in the gym. Interested pupils will be given permission forms on Monday. Due to a limited number of participants, permission forms will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
It is hoped that a new block of Disney Playmakers Football for P1-3 girls will be offered following the February break.
Soft Play in Portree
The Portree and Braes Community Trust are currently gathering local views and interest in a soft play facility for Portree. Please see, attached to this email, some further information and a link to a survey which they would appreciate input on.
Indoor Shinty Tournaments
We are entering a team into this Saturday’s P7 and under shinty tournament. Players taking part have been notified. The tournament takes place at Portree High School at 10am and Players are asked to arrive for 9.45am. Refreshments will be available to purchase in support of the Portree High school girls shinty who are fundraising for their trip to America.
Information about Head Lice
Head Lice are a common problem in school aged children. They can’t be prevented, but regular checking ensures early detection and treatment if necessary. Parents and carers should check their children’s head once a week during hair washing. You need your usual shampoo, conditioner, and a detection comb – ask your local pharmacist to recommend a suitable one. Remember that you are looking for living moving lice, the only evidence that your child is infected. If you find a living louse, ask your local pharmacist, school nurse, health visitor or GP for advice regarding treatment.
For further information see: http://www.nits.net/bugbustinghttp://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk – search on head lice.
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Known Dates for this term
Thursday 25th January Jammin Fitness visit – whole school session followed by P7 workshop
Saturday 3rd February P5 and under and girls indoor shinty tournament (TBC)
Tuesday 6th February Evening Parent Workshop with David Rex “Food, Mood and Behaviour”
19th and 20th February Mid Term Holiday
Wednesday 21st February In service Day
Monday 26th February Science Skills Workshop – Primary 6
Tuesday 27th February Science Skills Workshop – Primary 7
Friday 1st March Whole School Open morning 11.15am
19th and 20th March Parents Night Appointments
As this will be my last weekly newsletter as your Head Teacher until at least May 2025, I would like to thank you all of your continued support during my time in leadership. While there have been significant changes since I first joined Portree Primary in 1999, the last 5 years have been unprecedented. We seemed to go straight from the school split to covid to strikes to inspection and everything in between, however, all of the challenges have been outweighed by the pleasure. The support of the entire school community, the dedication of our staff and the positive enthusiasm of our young people has made this job an absolute privilege, throughout it all!
I look forward to continuing to work with Portree Primary in my new capacity and say “see you soon” in the knowledge that PPS will continue to grow and thrive under new leadership! 16 months will pass very quickly and I look forward to hearing about all of the wonderful things that continue to take place. Wishing each and every one of you all the very best over the coming months, with heartfelt thanks for all that you are!
portreeprimaryschool.com 