I hope this update finds you well. As your new Head Teacher, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support and kindness as I have navigated this period of transition. I want to share what’s been happening in school this week and what’s coming up.
Highlights of the Week
- Learning Focus: This week, pupils have been focusing on rehearsals for the school show. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and creativity and I’m sure you will all be incredibly proud watching them on the stage on Monday evening. A huge thankyou to all staff for working so hard in the lead up to the show. So much work goes into organising, rehearsing and performing a whole school show and its testament to the hard work of our fantastic staff and pupils.
- Celebrating Success: A big well done to our Primary 6 pupils who attended the dance festival with other pupils from the ASG on Tuesday. They conducted themselves beautifully and had a great time. Thank you also to all pupils for their support in taking part in Christmas Jumper Day 2025 and for the kind donations.
A huge congratulations to Joni in Primary 7, who came second in the West Highland Free Press colouring competition. We are all very proud of her!
- Community Spirit: Our Primary 4 and Primary 5 pupils attended the community pantomime yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cast commended the behaviour of our pupils and the encouragement they gave to our own pupils and staff taking part. A huge thankyou to our Parent Council, who supported with the funding for this. There are still shows tonight and tomorrow afternoon if anyone would like to go along. Tickets can be purchased at www.portreeandbraes.org/events/
I love hearing all about our pupil’s good news and achievements and like to share this at assembly. If your child has anything that they would like to share, please send me an e-mail and I will celebrate this at our weekly assembly. Thanks.
Looking Ahead
- Mon 15th Dec: Christmas Show Rehearsal (9:30am, The Venue, Portree High School)
- Mon 15th Dec: Christmas Show (6pm, The Venue)
- Tue 16th Dec: P7 Dance Festival (10am–12pm), P1–3 Christmas Party (PM)
- Wed 17th Dec: P4 & P5 Christmas Party (PM)
- Thu 18th Dec: Christmas Lunch, P6 & P7 Christmas Party (PM)
- Tue 23rd Dec: Last day of term – Christmas Service at Shepherds Way Church
- Tue 23rd Dec: Last day of term – Festive Walk (Children can wear Christmas jumpers on this day)
Reminders
Christmas Show
Our Christmas Show will take place from 6pm on Monday 15th November. Can pupils please arrive no earlier than 5:45pm to allow staff time to set up. Tickets for this were sent home on Monday. A reminded that if you do not wish to attend, please return your tickets to the school. If you require more than two tickets, please contact the school office. The Parent Council will be selling raffle tickets before the show and there are 3 fantastic hampers to be won. Winners will be announced on Monday evening. We will also have some donation buckets on show night and will be accepting donations to go towards our school funds.
Christmas Parties
Our Christmas parties take place next week and we are so excited to see the pupils dressed up and enjoying some festive fun. As parties take place in the afternoon, pupils should bring party clothes to school, and they can get changed at lunchtime.
Term 2 After School Clubs
After School clubs will not run until the New Year. We will let pupils know which clubs are available and how pupils can sign up. I’d like to thank all of our fantastic club organisers for giving up their time to provide these opportunities for pupils.
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 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/
A Personal Note
It’s been a privilege to meet so many of you already. I’m committed to working closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, happy, and ready to learn. If you have any questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
portreeprimaryschool.com 