I am writing to you at the end of my first week as Acting Head Teacher. It has been lovely getting to know the children a bit better, and I’ve really enjoyed some of the kind visits to my office – particularly some of the P1s who have shared some of their amazing artwork with me!
I would be delighted to hear from you and ask that you feel free to contact me via the school office on 01478 613130, or by direct email: David.Maclean@highland.gov.uk
Last week was a farewell to Mrs Matheson – we wish her all the very best in her new role as Education Support Officer. During her time as Head Teacher at Portree Primary School, Sara has been a great support to staff and pupils alike. We will really miss her presence in the school, but look forward to collaborating with her in her new capacity.
Education Scotland Inspection Report
A team from Education Scotland visited our school in October last year. We were proud to showcase all the excellent teaching and learning that goes on in our school.
The final inspection report was released this week and can be accessed at https://education.gov.scot/inspection-and-review/find-an-inspection-report/find-an-inspection-report/details?id=4106
The inspection team recognised that our learners were proud of their school, confident, happy and keen to learn. They also noted some other key strengths such as our good team working, effective community partnerships and strong leadership.
As a school we will continue to build on these strengths and will look at ways of taking recommendations on board for suggested areas of improvement.
Community Café
Our community café takes place today (Friday 26th January) from 11am till 12 noon. The Primary 6 class have been busy preparing this week and look forward to welcoming in as many members of our community as possible. All welcome! A selection of teas, coffees and baking will be on offer as well as a creche, supervised by our pupils.
Makaton sign of the week
Returning to one we’ve done before:
Extracurricular activities
- P6/7 basketball Thursdays 3.30pm-4.30pm
- Nan’s band – Tuesdays after school
- Skyedance – timetables have been published.
- P1-3 Disney playmakers football – hoped to resume after February break (more details to follow)
Shinty
Well done to our P7 boys who took part in the shinty tournament last weekend. Ben, Grant, Iain, Logan, Max and Roidh (joined by Calum from Raasay) did the school proud with their effort and performance. Great job in reaching the semi-finals! A special mention as well to Ben, who spoke about the tournament in front of the school at our assembly on Monday. Amazing to see and hear his confidence in public speaking. Thank you also to Mr Murray for supporting the pupils at this event.
Please note the following shinty tournaments taking place at Portree High School on Saturday 3rd February. We would love to have as many pupils involved as possible:
- Girls (mixed age)
- P5 and under (boys and girls)
Any pupils interested should let Mr Murray know. Bring PE kit to school on Monday 29th for a practice.
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on:
| Date | Time | Location |
| 10th February 2024 | 10.30am-1pm | Portree (Astro) |
| 2nd March 2024 | 10.30am-1pm | Plockton (Astro) |
| 27th April 2024 | 10.30am-1pm | Potree (tbc) |
| 28th May 2024 **please note change of date from 18/05/24** | 10.30am-1pm | Kyleakin |
Known Dates for this term
Please see below our school diary of events for this term. PPS is always a busy place and there will likely be more events to be added:
| Date | Time | Event |
| Friday 2nd February | 11.15am | P4 Reading session with pre-school |
| Sat 3rd February 2024 | 10am | P5 & under shinty tournament at Portree High School |
| Sat 3rd February 2024 | 1pm | Girls shinty tournament at Portree High School |
| Tue 6th February 2024 | 10.30am-2.30pm | P5-7 Girls Football Festival (Active Schools) |
| Tue 6th February 2024 | 6pm | Evening Parent Workshop with David Rex “Food, Mood and Behaviour” |
| Mon/Tue 19th and 20th February | / | Mid-term break. School closed. |
| Wednesday 21st February | / | In-service day. School closed to pupils. |
| Mon 26th February | / | Primary 6 Science Skills Workshop |
| Tuesday 27th February | / | Primary 7 Science Skills Workshop |
| Friday 1st March | 11.15am | Whole school open morning. |
| Tue/Wed 19th and 20th March | / | Parents’ Evening |
| Wednesday 20th March | tbc | Whole School Spring Herring Project workshops. More details to follow. |
| Friday 29th March 2024 | / | Good Friday. School closed for first day of Easter Holidays. Pupils return on Monday 15th April. |
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.
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/bugbusting http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk – search on head lice.
Kind regards,
David MacLean
Acting Head Teacher
portreeprimaryschool.com 