Please see our weekly update below.
Shinty
Very well done to our school shinty team who took part in the Shinty World Cup tournament at Bught Park in Inverness on Tuesday. The team performed very strongly, narrowly missing out on semi-finals.
It was a long day for everyone – leaving at 7.30am, and returning 12 hours later – but it was great to see everyone back in school the next day to hear about their exploits.
Thank you to the small team of parent volunteers who supported us with transport and supervision – we can’t make these kind of things happen without this support.
P6 & P7 STEM Event
P6 and P7s classes visited the Venue at Portree High School this week for a STEM roadshow which explored the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), internet safety, and robotics. A great time was had by all, with a demonstration of an autonomous robotic dog being a particular hit!
P6 School Trip
Our P6 class are looking forward to a field trip to Waternish Farm next Monday (6th). The class will have guided activities on the topics of biodiversity, conservation, and tree management. This trip ties in nicely to the P6 class science topic, and also fits one of our school priorities for this year – outdoor learning.
Soccer 7s
Well done to all P4-7 children who took part in last week’s Soccer 7s. I was really impressed with the conduct and effort of all participants. It was particularly pleasing to see the confidence of our girls team (Portree Leopards), which has grown steadily over the last few tournaments. A well done to all of our new P4 players as well – the first one is often a daunting experience!
Finally, a special mention to our P6 team (Portree Pumas) who went undefeated on the day – well done!
Open Afternoon/Meet the Teacher
Thank you to all parents and families who visited the school on Tuesday this week for our Open Afternoon. Your children really value the opportunity to show you their hard work, and I hope it was a positive experience for you.
Wet weather clothing and footwear
If possible could you send your children with a change of footwear and clothing for wet weather? Wellies are really helpful as our playground accumulates lots of puddles. Our pupils all have ‘cubbies’ in the cloakroom so spare shoes/wellies can be safely stored in school.
We try to encourage outdoor play at break and lunchtimes where possible, and would only keep kids in during the very worst weather.
Job Vacancies in the school
We still have vacancies in the school kitchen and on school transport. See details below.
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
Term 2 Parents’ Evening
Advance notice that our parents’ evening will take place on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November. Appointments with teachers can be booked through our online booking system which will open for bookings on Tuesday 28th October. More information on this will be sent just before bookings open.
Current After school clubs
Next week will be the last week for Computer Club and Running Club. We do not intend to run these in Term 2. There will be a new music group which will take place after school on a Thursday. More details of this to follow.
| 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 |
| Monday 6th October | P6 School Trip to Waternish Farm |
| 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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