Please see our weekly update below.
Permanent Head Teacher Position
The permanent Head Teacher position at the school was advertised this week with a closing date of 29th September.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Acting Head Teacher, a role that I’ve done since February 2024. However, after giving it a great deal of thought, I have decided that I do not wish to continue in the role on a permanent basis, therefore will not be putting myself forward for consideration.
I will remain in post for the time being until a new HT is appointed, which will be some time after the October holidays.
Scholastic Bookfair
All children have had the chance to visit the bookfair this week, and will be able to purchase books today from 12pm. I hope you have had the chance to discuss your child’s ‘Wishlist’ with them.
Parents may visit the bookfair today from 12pm, if you do visit we will arrange for your child to come out of class so that you can see/buy the books together.
For any books that sell-out, your child can make payment and this will be ordered to arrive at the school next week. Due to the size of our school, we are only sent two copies of each title, so it is not unusual for popular books to sell out.
Communication with School
Could I ask that all communication with the school office or class teachers regarding pupil absences/appointments/travel arrangements/etc. is also Cc’d to our school email address (Portree.primary@highland.gov.uk). This helps us ensure that important messages get to the right place. There have been occasions where emails have been sent only to a specific member of staff, and that member of staff has not been in school, so the message has not been dealt with. The Portree.primary@highland.gov email address is always monitored by either school office or Head Teacher.
Christmas Design Project – Cauliflower Cards
All classes will be taking part in a Christmas design project run by Cauliflower Cards. Please see the invitation letter attached to this email for more details.
Soccer 7s
We’ve had a large number of sign-up’s to soccer 7s meaning that we are expecting to send 4 teams. An information letter with full details will be sent to signed up pupils next week. A reminder that the tournament take place on Friday 26th September – 3.30-6pm in Portree.
Open Afternoon/Meet the Teacher
We would like to invite you to visit your child’s class on Tuesday 30th September (from 2.30pm) for an open afternoon/meet the teacher event. You will have the opportunity to see some of the work your child has been doing this term.
Job Vacancies in the school
School kitchen – is currently recruiting for a cook (10 hours per week). Vacancy details can be found at this link: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/cook-1-10-hpw-fixed-term-until-25-december-2025-portree-primary-school-421128
We would also like to hear from anyone who would like to be added to the ‘bank’ of names for short-term/casual cover in the kitchen. If you would be interested in this then please contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Services Officer (kevin.fraser@highland.gov.uk 07769880364).
Pupil Escort – https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/escort-1-10hpw-fixed-term-until-02-july-2026-portree-primary-school-433113
Current After school clubs
| Club | When | Where | Who |
| Shinty | Tuesdays at 6pm | Fingal Centre | P2-P7 |
| Computer Club | Tuesdays at 3.30-4/30pm | School music room | P1-7 welcome, but more suited to older children |
| Running Club | Thursdays at 3.30-4.15pm | School (running in village) | P5-7 |
Drop-off and Collection of Pupils
A reminder that we have a designated pupil pick-up/drop-off point at the Camanachd Square car park (near Community Centre and Portree Nursery), and a crossing patrol on Home Farm Road to help pupils cross safely. It would be very helpful if families could use this area as much as possible to reduce traffic around the school. Please also respect our neighbours around the school by not blocking driveways, and also be aware that Marsco Place and Glamaig Place are unadopted roads, meaning it is the residents of these streets that are responsible for them rather than Highland Council.
Thank you for your support with this.
Important – Pupils taking bus
A reminder for pupils who take the bus to school:
Pupils who take the bus to school but who are not eligible for free school transport must be in possession of their Young Scot/National Entitlement card.
If you are unsure about whether your child is entitled to free school transport, you can check eligibility at this link: https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/12/school_transport or be in touch with the school and we’ll let you know.
If your child does not have a Young Scot/National Entitlement card you can apply for one at this link: https://young.scot/get-informed/young-persons-free-bus-travel/
Known Important Dates for Term 1 (2025-26)
| Date | Event |
| Wednesday 17th– Friday 19th September | Scholastic Bookfair |
| Wednesday 24th September | UHI Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) workshops |
| Friday 26th September | Soccer 7s – 3.30pm start at Portree High School Astro. |
| Monday 29th September | P6 & P7 at Portree High School for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Roadshow from BAE Systems in partnership with Royal Air Force and Royal Navy |
| Tuesday 30th September | Open afternoon/meet the teacher. 2.30pm |
| Friday 10th October | School closes at 12.45pm for last day of Term 1. Re-opens Monday 27th October. |
portreeprimaryschool.com 