Please see our weekly update below.
Scholastic Bookfair
Thank you to all families for their support with our bookfair. It was a very successful event, and with sales in excess of £1200 we have made a very health commission which will be used to improve the quality and quantity of reading materials across the school.
Some children unfortunately missed out on their book of choice, however these have now arrived in the school and should be going home with your child today. Please let me know if there are any issues with your child’s order.
A very small number of books were not available from Scholastic due to being out of stock in their warehouse. I will arrange a refund or an alternative for these.
STEM Workshops – UHI
This week our P4-7 classes enjoyed a visit from Lucy Downie of UHI, who led various Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) sessions.
P4 and P5 enjoyed ‘plant labs’ – a session on how plants survive and grow.
P6 had ‘marine labs’ – a session on habitats of marine life and how marine life adapts to survive.
P7 thoroughly enjoyed their session on electricity – looking at electrical circuits and building batteries.
Flu Vaccinations
Parents please note that flu vaccinations will take place next week (Thursday 2nd October). These were due to take place in November, however we have been asked to bring these forward to next week.
Swimming Lessons P3-7
You may have noticed some disruption to planned swimming lessons over the past few weeks. This is due to availability of staff at the pool, and in the case of P3 yesterday, due to a technical issue at the pool. I know that this causes disruption to routines, but could I ask that you keep sending your children in with their swimming kit on their assigned swimming day? It is better to have a kit and not need it, than to not have one when they do need it!
I understand that the swimming pool are hopeful of recruiting new staff soon, so future disruption to our lessons should be minimal.
Finally, I would also ask that if your child is not swimming, please let the teacher know. The swimming lessons are an important part of our Health & Wellbeing curriculum, and our expectation is that pupils will be participating – unless there is a medical reason for not doing so.
Case of Threadworms in the school
We have a known case of a threadworm infection in the school. This is an easily spread infection, so I would ask parents to be on the lookout for symptoms in their child, and to remind children of good hygiene principles such as handwashing.
We will continue to encourage good hygiene in school – including handwashing after using toilet and before eating.
More information on this can be found at this link: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/threadworms/
Blythswood Shoebox Appeal
Our school will once again be taking part in Blythswood’s Shoebox Appeal. Please see attached a letter from the P2/3 class, who will be leading this.
Soccer 7s
A reminder that Soccer 7s takes place today (Friday 26th) from 3.30pm onwards (4pm start). All pupils who signed up were sent an information letter yesterday.
Open Afternoon/Meet the Teacher
A reminder that we will host an open afternoon/meet the teacher event next Tuesday 30th September (from 2.30pm). This is a good opportunity to see some of the work your child has been doing this term.
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.
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 |
| 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 |
| Thursday 2nd October | Flu Vaccinations |
| Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th September | Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing |
| Friday 10th October | School closes at 12.45pm for last day of Term 1. Re-opens Monday 27th October. |
Known Important Dates for Term 2 (2025-26)
| Date | Event |
| Monday 27th October | School opens for first day of Term 2. |
| Wednesday 29th October | Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing |
| Wednesday 5th November | Photographer in for school photos |
| Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November | Parents’ Evening |
| Wednesday 12th November | Lucy Downie STEM sessions with P6 and P7 |
| Tuesday 23rd December | Last day of Term 3. |
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