Please see a short weekly update below. The school will be closed for the next two weeks for our October Holidays. I hope you all have a restful break, and look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday 27th October.
Fluoride Varnishing
Our fluoride varnishing was cancelled this week due to staff absence in the Childsmile Team. Rescheduled dates are Wednesday 29th October, and Thursday 6th November.
School Photographer
The school photographer will visit on Wednesday 5th November for individual photos.
P6 Field Trip
The Primary 6 class were lucky enough to visit Waternish Farm this week to explore a rare section of Atlantic Rainforest, and to learn about habitats and tree conservation. The class enjoyed spending a good chunk of the day learning outdoors, despite the very wet weather.
Thank you to Lucy at Waternish Farm for leading this really interesting session. Parents can find more information about the farm at: https://www.waternishfarm.com/
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. https://parents-booking.co.uk/portreeprimary
Parents will be sent an email with a link and instructions on how to book appointments. These emails are auto-generated based on the details we hold for you. Please inform the school office if your email address has changed.
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 After School Clubs
| Club | When | Where | Who |
| Shinty | Tuesdays at 6pm | Fingal Centre | P2-P7 |
| Music Group | Thursdays at 3.30-4.15pm | School | P5-7 who can play an instrument |
| Cookery Club | Tbc Fridays at 1.15pm. First session Fri 7th Nov. | School | P5-7 (limited numbers) |
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 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 |
| Thursday 30th October | Parent Council Halloween Disco (evening) |
| Wednesday 5th November | Photographer in for school photos |
| Wednesday 6th November | Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing |
| Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th November | Parents’ Evening |
| Wednesday 12th November | Lucy Downie STEM sessions with P6 and P7. |
| Friday 14th November | Children in Need fundraising |
| Friday 14th November | Skyedance Autumn Show (evening) |
| Friday 12th December | Christmas Jumper Day |
| Tuesday 16th December | P1-3 School Christmas Party (PM) |
| Wednesday 17th December | P4 & P5 School Christmas Party (PM) |
| Thursday 18th December | P6 & P7 School Christmas Party (PM) |
| Tuesday 23rd December | Last day of Term 3. Festive Walk. |
portreeprimaryschool.com 