Author: portreeprimary

As another busy week comes to an end at Portree Primary School, there are only one or two items to bring to your attention.

Emergency Contact Details

A reminder to parents to notify the school of changes to contact numbers.  It is very important we have the correct emergency contact information in the event we need to contact parents during the school day. 

Absence Reporting

Absences and the reason for the absence should be reported to the school by telephone call or email by 9.30am each morning.  It is very helpful to have this information promptly as we continue to manage the impact of COVID 19.

Makaton

The Makaton signs for this week are how, feel and poorly/ill.

Red Nose Day

P4 will be hosting activities for Red Nose Day which this year takes place on Friday 18^th March.  Further information will be shared next week.

Thank you,

Iain

As we come to the end of another busy month at Portree Primary, we have a few things we wish to share with you.

Winter Weather

With the unpredictable winter weather continuing, a reminder of our arrangements for Adverse Weather are detailed below. 

Adverse Weather Arrangements

It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.  The council encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather condition the safety of pupil is much more important. 

Parents and pupils are often concerned about content that may be missed, but this should not over-ride good judgement.

Communication

Every effort will be made to keep parents informed of details of school closures, early closures etc. brought about by adverse weather.

When the school is not going to open, this will be communicated by the school Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/portreeprimary/ on the Highland Council Website www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures and on the schools telephone information service line, which is available by dialling 0800 564 2272 and entering the school’s PIN 042810

Outdoor Clothing and Footwear

A reminder all pupils should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.  Pupils benefit from having time outside in the playground and as a school we encourage pupils to spend time outdoors.  It is important pupils have suitable jackets and footwear for outside play.  It is also recommended that pupils carry a spare pair of socks with them to change into if required.

Highland Council Position Statement

In light of the recent changes to the restrictions that have been made by the Scottish Government in their response to Covid-19, Highland Council have issued an updated Position Statement to all schools.  We will take time to look at the changes and how they can be applied within our own setting.  Any changes that we make will be communicated in due course

World Book Day

We will celebrate World Book Day on Friday 4^th March.  Pupils are allowed to come dressed in pyjamas for a big bedtime read which they will take part in within their own classrooms. They are asked to bring either their favourite book or a book they would like to read for the day. Individual classes will be involved in lots of different activities to celebrate reading and support reading for fun. No donation is required for this event.  We look forward to a relaxed, fun and enjoyable morning of reading activities.  Further details of activities will follow next week.

P7 Raasay Trip Payment Reminder

The second instalment for the P7 Trip to Raasay is due today.  Can all parents of the pupils attending please ensure payments are sent in to the school as soon as possible, thank you.

Nut Free School

A reminder that Portree Primary School is a nut free school.  There are members of our school community who have nut allergies and it is important to ensure all packed lunches and snacks do not contain nuts.  Your co-operation with this is appreciated.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you,

Iain

As we approach our half term break, there are a few updates to bring to your attention.

Menu Change – Thursday 24^th February

There will be a change to the menu for school meals on Thursday.  The choices will be beef burger and potato wedges or soup and a cheese sandwich.

P7 Raasay Trip

A reminder to P7 parents, the next instalment for the P7 Raasay Trip is due on Friday 25^th February.   All payments should be sent to the school by next Friday.

World Book Day

World Book Day takes place on Thursday 3^rd March.  Book tokens have been distributed to pupils this week and further information will follow next week.

Makaton

The Makaton signs for this week are orange, purple and blue.

COVID 19

Thank you to all parents who continue to wear face coverings and  follow the guidance at pick up and drop off times at the school.  Your support is greatly appreciated during what has been a very challenging time for everyone.

Half Term Break

A reminder the school will be close at 12.45pm today for half term break. Pupils will return on Thursday 24^th February.

Wishing you all a lovely break!

Iain

Dear Parents and Carers,

COVID 19

Following the completion of the Risk Assessment with the Health Protection Team the Primary 3 Class will later today be issued with a Step Down Letter to communicate to each family when their child can return to school/normal activities.  Thank you for your continued patience and understanding at this time. 

A reminder that the most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell

However, people with COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting. 

If anyone in the household develops symptoms, the current national guidance for testing and isolation should be followed.

Highland Online Primary School – HOPS

Please see the link for the Highland Online Primary School (HOPS), which has been launched by Highland Council to support children that may be required to isolate or classes that may require to work from home.  Whilst this resource is aimed primarily at P4-7, extensive guidance for other stages can be accessed through the Digital Hub.

https://sites.google.com/millburnacademy.org.uk/highlanddigitalschoolshub/digital-learning

Please get in touch with the school if you require support to access this resource. 

Makaton

The Makaton signs we have been learning this week are learn, colours and red.

Thank you,

Iain

As January draws to a close, there are a few updates to bring to your attention.

COVID 19

Following the completion of the Risk Assessment with the Health Protection Team the Primary 5 Class will later today be issued with a Step Down Letter to communicate to each family when their child can return to school/normal activities. 

I appreciate that over the past week with increasing news of positive cases that there are many questions about how we respond to this.  As we have been throughout the pandemic, we continue to be guided by the Highland Council and the Health Protection Team.  Any information that we share is directed by them.  I appreciate the frustration that information has not been quicker in coming, however, it is an ever changing situation and as soon as information is sent to us, we will share it with you.

A reminder that the most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature
• a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell

However, people with COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including headache, sore muscles and joints, tiredness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms and diarrhoea and vomiting. 

If anyone in the household develops symptoms, the current national guidance for testing and isolation should be followed.

Half Term Break

The School will close for half term break at 12.45pm on Friday 18^th of February and reopen to pupils again on Thursday 24^th February .

Makaton

The Makaton signs that we have been learning this week are today, tomorrow and yesterday.

Head lice

A reminder to parents as well that pupils should be checked regularly at home for head lice.  We are no longer permitted to share when cases arise but just ask that everyone continues to check as a matter of routine.

Thank you,

Iain

Dear Parents and Carers,

Robert Burns Day – Tuesday 25^th January

To mark Robert Burns Day on Tuesday 25^th January, pupils are invited to wear tartan either as an addition to or in place of their school uniforms.  The school will not be asking for a donation on this occasion.  The children have been exploring the use of Scots language through songs, poems and quizzes.  This will also be the focus of our first Values Assembly of 2022 which takes place next week.

Childsmile

The Childsmile team will be at the school on Monday 24^th January to complete the fluoride varnishing with P1-4.

Makaton

The Makaton signs that we have been learning this week are Mum, Dad and more.

Thank you,

Iain

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of a busy week, there are a few updates to bring to your attention.

With the recent rise in Covid cases, I would like to reassure all parents/guardians that in the event of possible class or school transmission, the Health Protection Team are contacted and investigations are carried out and facilitated by myself.  As we have been throughout the pandemic, we continue to be guided by the Highland Council and the Health Protection Team.  Please see the following key points from our current guidance:    

If children or staff have Covid symptoms they should book a PCR test, irrespective of the results of an LFD test.

Positive Cases (regardless of vaccination status)

1. Positive cases

• must isolate for 10 days unless

• LFD tests negative on day 6 and day 7 (taken at least 24 hours apart, with the first test no earlier than day 6) they may leave isolation if they have no symptoms after their day 7 test.

High Risk Contacts who are Fully Vaccinated Adult Contacts (3 doses)

High Risk Contacts who are aged under 18 years and 4 months

2. take 7 daily LFD tests and report results instead of isolating

3. no requirement for a PCR test to be released from self-isolation.

4. children aged under 5 are encouraged, but not required, to take LFD tests

High Risk Contacts who are Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated Adult Contacts (less than 3 doses)

5. must take a PCR test and isolate for 10 days.

6. The previous risk-informed approach within schools will continue to apply. That is that, all potential contacts (whether defined as high- or low-risk) will be identified and provided with appropriate, proportionate advice on the action that should be taken in the following ways:

7. Test and Protect will, through the contact tracing system, identify those contacts where there is a higher risk of transmission and ask them to follow the appropriate steps based on NHS guidance (self-isolation and/or daily LFD testing dependent on age and vaccination status)

8. Other low risk contacts will be identified by schools when they are informed of positive cases, and sent information letters that advise them to take certain mitigating actions. These actions do not require self-isolation, but include important advice on LFD testing and other mitigating actions.   

Highland Online Primary School – HOPS

Please see the link for the Highland Online Primary School (HOPS), which has been launched this week by Highland Council to support children that may be required to isolate or classes that may require to work from home.  Whilst this resource is aimed primarily at P4-7, extensive guidance for other stages can be accessed through the Digital Hub.

https://sites.google.com/millburnacademy.org.uk/highlanddigitalschoolshub/digital-learning

The HOPS resource can be used by pupils that require to isolate, in conjunction with the PPS Numeracy and Literacy Grids.

Makaton

Our weekly Makaton signs will be family brother and sister.

School Values Assembly

We held a whole school online assembly at the start of the week to highlight our school values.  Our school values are Determination, Kindness, Friendship, Respect and Enjoyment.  These are things that we would like everyone in our school to show, and things that make a really good school.  Awards will continue to be given out at our assemblies which recognise when these values have been demonstrated by pupils.

Childsmile

Flouride varnishing took place this week for children in on Monday 10^th January. 

Head lice

A reminder to parents as well that pupils should be checked regularly at home for head lice.  We are no longer permitted to share when cases arise but just ask that everyone continues to check as a matter of routine.

Thank you,

Iain

https://portreeprimaryschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/hops-highlands-online-primary-school-january-2022-3.pdf

https://portreeprimaryschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/online-support-for-pupils-young-people-educators-teachers-families-communities-across-highland-schools-1.pdf

I appreciate that over the past week with increasing news of the new COVID variant that there are many questions about how we respond to this.  Earlier today, you will have received a letter from Nicky Grant with an update from the Council.  As we have been throughout the pandemic, we continue to be guided by the Highland Council and the Health Protection Team.  Any information that we share is directed by them.  I appreciate the frustration that information has not been quicker in coming, however, it is an ever changing situation and as soon as information is sent to us, we will share it with you.

With Christmas fast approaching, I would just like to highlight a few of the events taking place next week.  On Wednesday, weather permitting, each class will visit the square to share their Carolling in the Community.  A very draft timetable is below in case you wish to pop by. Please ensure that current guidelines around social distancing etc are adhered to at all times.  As part of our risk assessment, class groups will be kept separate from members of the community.  Radio Skye will broadcast the performance for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own homes as well.  In addition to Wednesdays event, each class will also visit one of the local care home between now and the holidays to perform their carols, outdoors, for residents to enjoy. 

Carolling in the Community – Portree Square Wednesday 15^th December

P1, P2 and P3	10.00 – 10.30 am
P4 and P5	10.30-11am
P6 and P7	11.00- 11.30pm

Class parties will take place starting on Monday and a schedule is below for these.  Pupils are welcome to come to school in their party clothes on the day of their party.   

Primary 1     Monday 13^th December (pm)

Primary 2     Tuesday 14^th December (pm)

Primary 3     Wednesday 15^th December (pm)

Primary 4     Thursday 16^th December (pm)

Primary 5      Friday 17^th December (am)

Primary 6     Monday 20^th December (pm)

Primary 7    Tuesday 21^st December

We will continue to provide updates as they become available and as always, very much appreciate your support.

Regards,

Sara

The weeks continue to fly by and already we find ourselves in December!  Please see below for items that we would like to bring to your attention this week and also the attached schedule of upcoming dates for the remainder of this term.

Christmas Vouchers

Our Parent Council are hoping to donate Amazon vouchers again this year to families nominated by the school community.  This is very generous initiative that was very much appreciated by recipients last year.  If you know of a parent who would benefit from one of these vouchers, either because the extra would help towards Christmas or because they have done something particularly deserving, please get in touch with the Parent Council to make a nomination.  All nominations are handled in complete confidence.  If all nominations could be to the Parent Council Portree.Primary@highlandpc.co.uk by Tuesday, that would be much appreciated.

Key Assessment Tasks

Last Friday, all pupils took home 3 Key Assessment Tasks to share their work with home.  If you have not yet managed, could you please return these to school as soon as possible in order for them to be added to Pupil Profiles.

Children In Need

All money has now been counted and I wish to share with you that we raised an incredible £1385.97 for Children In Need this year.  A huge thank you to everyone for their support and contributions to this great cause and a special thanks for P6 for organising the event!

Makaton

In place of our weekly Makaton signs, our focus this month will be on an Advent Calendar of Makaton signs  which is attached above for your reference.  Pupils will be using some of these as part of their Carolling in the Community initiative.

Homework

As per our school policy, homework is reduced over the month of December.  Some pupils may continue to have reading assigned and words for Christmas carols may also be sent home for learning but all other homework will be limited in the busy run up to Christmas.

Carolling in the Community

Plans and rehearsals are well under way for our Carolling in the Community initiative this year.  Our plan is that on the morning of Wednesday 15^th December, all classes will perform their carols in the square.  A rough timetable will be shared closer to the time in case you wish to stop by.  The carols will be recorded by Radio Skye for later broadcast so that we can reach as many folk in our community as possible.  Each class will also have the opportunity to visit a local care home or the Coop to participate in a “pop up” version of their carolling concert to spread some Christmas cheer around the Community.

Childsmile

Flouride varnishing that was meant to take place in November has now been rescheduled for Monday 10^th and Monday 24^th January.  This is for all pupils in P1-4.

Queens Jubilee additional Holiday

The Council has approved an additional public holiday on Friday 3 June 2022 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  Schools across Highland will be closed for this occasion.

Thank you to all of you who attended Parents Night appointments this week.  In many cases this was the first opportunity for introductions and on behalf of all staff, it is a pleasure to be able to engage with you individually even if not in person.  Any parents who were unable to attend and wish to speak to class teachers are asked to contact the school so that can be arranged.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

Regards,

Sara

We have a briefer update this week than we had had over the past few but still wish to draw your attention to a few items.

Key Assessment Tasks

All pupils will be taking home Key Assessment Tasks today for Literacy, Numeracy and one other curricular area.  On each of these assessments, you will see a section for family voice.  We would ask you to discuss the task with children and to insert a comment. There are some questions attached above which may be useful in chatting to pupils about their work.  If all Key Assessment Tasks could please be returned to school by Monday, they will then be added to pupil profiles.

Parents Night

Just a reminder that Parents Night appointments take place next Tuesday and Wednesday. These will take place virtually using the Parent Booking system.  All bookings are to be made by tonight.

Tartan Day

Next Tuesday we will run our Tartan Day at PPS.  In the absence of our traditional fundraising opportunities at the time of year, we are hoping that this event will generate some funds which will go towards Christmas crafts, parties etc.  Pupils are invited to wear tartan either as an addition to or in place of their school uniforms and to take in a small donation for the privilege.

Makaton

The Makaton signs for this week are attached above.

Please continue to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.

Regards,

Sara