Weekly Update 24th March

Dear Parents and Carers,

As hard as it is to believe, we have just one week remaining in this term. While I’m sure we are all looking forward to the break, there are a few events next week and also some dates for next term included in this week’s update.

This morning at 11am, P1 and P3 will host their Community Café in support of Marie Curie.

Primary 6 Open Morning will take place from 11.30am today.

The P3 Family Reading session originally scheduled for today, will now take place on Friday 31^st March at 12.15pm.

Our Assembly next Friday will be a pupil showcase. Any pupils wishing to take part should speak to their class teachers and come prepared on Friday in order to perform/present at assembly. This can be showing the school something they have made, sharing a talent, reading a story they have written etc.

Parents Evenings

Parents evenings will take place on Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th March. Appointment slips have been sent home to parents that requested these.

Passion for Portree Summit

Our Primary 7 class recently took part in a school based Youth Speaks Competition. Pupils had prepared team speeches which were presented to their classes and judged by school staff. The quality and content of these speeches was excellent and as a result of the passionate presentations, we have asked three of our groups to present again in front of invited members of the Portree and Braes Community Council, Portree and Braes Community Trust, Local Councillors and Highlife Highland at our first ever Passion for Portree Summit. This presentation will take place at 2pm on Thursday 30^th March, here at the school and Primary 7 parents are welcome to join us if they wish.

New Project with Radio Skye

As a way of celebrating the vast amount of knowledge across various interests of our pupils, we are collaborating with Radio Skye to host a weekly knowledge showcase slot for our pupils. Pupils will be given letters and permission forms today, to return if they are interested and each Friday, Mrs Templeman will take a pupil up to Radio Skye where they will prerecord their segment. This will then be broadcast each Saturday. Pupils involved would also be given an opportunity to share their talks with the school at assembly on a Friday, ahead of their visit.

Skyedance visit to Tigh Na Drocaid

Classes that have been working with Skyedance in school this term will have the opportunity to visit Tigh Na Drocaid on 30^th March to share their dance routines with the attendees at the centre. We look forward to be able to share with the community in this way.

Uniform Swap

Our final uniform swap of this term will take place next Friday at 12.15pm. All items of uniform will be available from the corridor outside the gym.

Coding Club

Due to so much disruption on Tuesdays, Coding Club will now take place after the Easter break. The initial block will still be for P6 pupils.

Instrumental Music Club

The instrumental music club started again on Tuesday and new pupils are still welcome to join. The sessions run from 3.30 – 4.15pm in the music room.

Any interested pupils should contact Nan Cleghorn directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com

Gardening Week

In order to prepare our allotment and Polytunnel for Spring, the school will be holding a Gardening Week next week where all classes will be involved in visiting the allotment and taking part in gardening activities. We would be very grateful for donations of any gardening tools that you may have which you no longer use.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached below but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

Soccer 7’s

Remaining tournament dates are listed below. Further information will follow closer to the time. We have not yet heard if the tournament cancelled due to the snow will be rescheduled.

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

There is no assembly today due to the Community Café. As Makaton signs are usually introduced at assembly, we do not have new ones this week but pupils can review those already learned and we will start with new signs after the Easter break.

Basketball Festivals

P6 will now attend on Tuesday 28^th March due to the cancellation last week. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

Fluoride Varnishing

Due to dental staff absences this week, the fluoride varnishing was unable to take place. Varnishing for P5-7 will now take place on Tuesday 28^th March.

School Photographer

The School Photographer will visit the school on Thursday 20^th April to take group photos of each class. These will be available for purchase.

Cross Country

We will hold our school cross country event for P5-7 pupils on Friday 21^st April, 11am at the King George V pitch. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Skye Schools Cross Country Championships on 3^rd May. Should the weather require us to reschedule, our school event will take place on Friday 28^th May.

Parking around the school

Parents are reminded, please, to be aware when collecting pupils to be mindful that local driveways are not blocked on either side of the road. Wherever possible the drop off zone at Portree Community Centre should be used for dropping off and collecting pupils.

The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off

We thank you for your cooperation in this.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Tuesday 28^th March P5-7 Flouride Varnishing

Basketball Festival P6

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Thursday 30^th March Passion for Portree Summit

Friday 31^st March P3 Family Reading Session

Thursday 20^th April School Photographer – Class Photos

Friday 21^st April PPS Cross Country at KGV, rain date Friday 28^th April

Monday 1^st May May Day Holiday

Wednesday 3^rd May Skye Schools Cross Country

Monday 8^th May Public Coronation Holiday

Mar 21

Weekly Update 17th March

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you all for your continued patience and understanding as we have had yet another disruptive week at school. I have never been so grateful for rain!

We continue to have a busy couple of weeks ahead with some events rescheduled due to missed snow days this week.

Open Afternoons

Next week, we will hold our Open Afternoons for all classes. Classrooms will be open on the dates and times below and parents are welcome to come and view children’s work. Pupils may be dismissed with parents after the open sessions if you wish. We are hoping to evaluate our profiling at PPS and will be looking to gather you views on this during Open Sessions and afterwards.

Primary 3 and Primary 5 Open Day Monday 20^th March 2.30pm

Primary 1 and Primary 4 Open Day Tuesday 21^st March 2.30pm

Primary 2 and Primary 7 Open Day Thursday 23^rd March 2.30pm

P6 Open Day Friday 24^th March 11.30am

Parents Evenings

Parents evenings will take place on Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th March. Letters have been sent home asking parents to indicate their preferred date. Please return these to the school as soon as possible in order for appointments to be arranged.

Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Next Tuesday, 21^st March, PPS will take part in the World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Pupils are encouraged to wear odd socks to raise awareness and show support.

Passion for Portree Summit

Our Primary 7 class recently took part in a school based Youth Speaks Competition. Pupils had prepared team speeches which were presented to their classes and judged by school staff. The quality and content of these speeches was excellent and as a result of the passionate presentations, we have asked three of our groups to present again in front of invited member of the Portree and Braes Community Council, Portree and Braes Community Trust, Local Councillors and Highlife Highland at our first ever Passion for Portree Summit. This presentation will take place at 2pm on Thursday 30^th March, here at the school and Primary 7 parents are welcome to join us if they wish.

New Project with Radio Skye

As a way of celebrating the vast amount of knowledge across various interests of our pupils, we are collaborating with Radio Skye to host a weekly knowledge showcase slot for our pupils. Pupils will be given letters and permission forms today, to return if they are interested and each Friday, Mrs Templeman will take a pupil up to Radio Skye where they will pre record their segment. This will then be broadcast each Saturday. Pupils involved would also be given an opportunity to share their talks with the school at assembly on a Friday, ahead of their visit.

Skyedance visit to Tigh Na Drocaid

Classes that have been working with Skyedance in school this term will have the opportunity to visit Tigh Na Drocaid on 27^th and 30^th March to share their dance routines with the attendees at the centre. We look forward to be able to share with the community in this way.

Coding Club

We are delighted to be working with Dr Craig Stewart from Portree High School to start a new lunchtime coding club. This club will be open for P6 pupils over the first block and will take place on Tuesdays from 1-1.30pm. Spaces will be limited and P6 pupils will be given further information about how to sign up for this. Pupils taking part, will require to take a packed lunch on the dates the club is offered 21^st and 28^th March

Instrumental Music Club

We are delighted that Nan Cleghorn is going to be starting up after school group music sessions on Tuesday afternoons, here at PPS. The session will start at 3.30 on Tuesdays in the music room. In the first instance, pupils will be offered the choice of tin whistle or recorder and may then progress onto guitar. If they have their own instrument, they should take this along, however, Nan also has a supply of instruments which can be used by pupils.

We hope to be able to start lesson this coming Tuesday and any interested pupils should contact Nan directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com

Nan has run these music session, with great success, over many years and we are delighted that these will be on offer again.

Raasay Trip

A reminder that the next instalment of £75 for the P7 Raasay trip is due today.

Gardening Week

In order to prepare our allotment and Polytunnel for Spring, the school will be holding a Gardening Week from 27^th March where all classes will be involved in visiting the allotment and taking part in gardening activities. Further information to follow.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

Soccer 7’s

We are awaiting a new date for the tournament which had to be cancelled last week. Remaining tournament dates are listed below;

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

This weeks Makaton signs are please, sorry, next and girl. Graphics are attached to support the use of these.

Basketball Festivals

P7 will attend the basketball festival this Tuesday at Portree High School. P6 will now attend on Tuesday 28^th March due to the cancellation this week. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

Dynamic Earth

P6 and P7 will visit the Dynamic Earth exhibit at Portree High School on Thursday 23^rd March. As the P6 slot will run later in the morning after the class swimming session, P6 are asked to take a packed lunch with them.

Fluoride Varnishing

There has been a change of dates to this and P5-6 Fluoride Varnishing will now take place on Tuesday 21^st March with P7 being completed on Tuesday 27^th March.

Highland Council Holiday for the Coronation

The Council have now approved Monday 8^th of May as a public holiday. Schools will be closed in respect of the Coronation.

Parking around the school

The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off

We thank you for your cooperation in this.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

Fluoride Varnishing P5-6

World Down Syndrome Day

Basketball Festival P7

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

P6 & P7 Dynamic Earth visit PHS

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P1 & P3 Community Cafe

Tuesday 28^th March P7 Fluoride Varnishing

Basketball Festival P6

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Thursday 30^th March Passion for Portree Summit

Current After School Activities

In addition to the After School activities run by Highlife Highland, Skyedance etc. the following activities are taking place for PPS pupils. Please contact the school for further information.

Anyone wishing to help out with offering further activities is also asked to get in touch. These could be activities that just run for 3-4 weeks at a time. We would love to be able to extend these opportunities further.

Monday Running Club 3.30-4.30 Portree Primary School Gym

Tuesday Instrumental Music Club with Nan 3.30 Portree Primary Music Room

Wednesday P1/2 Shinty 5-6pm Portree High School Gym

P3/4 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Gym

P5-7 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Games Hall

Thursday P4-7 Singing Club 3.30-4.15 Portree Primary Music Room

Please be in touch with any queries you may have.

Regards

Sara

Sara Matheson

Head Teacher

Portree Primary School

Blaven Road Portree

Isle of Skye IV51 9PH

01478613130

Mar 07

Weekly Update 3rd March

Dear Parents and Carers,

There are several pieces of information that I wish to bring to your attention this week. We have a very busy few weeks coming up between now and Easter and will endeavour to keep you updated with further information about upcoming events.

Coding Club

Instrumental Music Club

The sessions will start on Tuesday 7^th March and any interested pupils should contact Nan directly by email nancleghorn2@gmail.com

Nan has run these music sessions, with great success, over many years, and we are delighted that these will be on offer again.

Breakfast Club

Due to a very generous community donation, we will be offering breakfast snacks each morning from 6^th March. These snacks will be available from the Cookery room and any pupil wishing to use have these will be able to come in before the bell and take a snack outside with them.

Fun, Exciting Maths Sessions for P4 parents

Primary 4 are inviting their families to their “Fun, Exciting maths session” during the afternoon of Thursday 9^th March. This is a family learning event for pupils to show their parents some of the problem solving maths activities they have been working on in class. Invitations and further information will follow and some pictures of pupils working with the materials are attached above.

Growth Mindset Workshops

These have begun this week for P6 pupils and all P6 pupils will be involved in a 5 week block between now and May. These sessions are led by Maggie Cowie and Julie Maclean from the Childrens Service Worker service.

After School Shinty

Shinty will begin again next week, Wednesday 8^th March, at the new times and locations. Again, any parents able to be an extra pair of hands at these sessions should get in touch with the school.

All shinty sessions will now be held at Portree High School on Wednesday evenings

Primary 1,2 Small Gym 5-6pm

Primary 3,4 Small Gym 6-7pm

Primary 5-7 Games Hall 6-7pm

Family Reading Sessions

These sessions continue today with Primary 1 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 2 families invited next week.

Gardening Week

Bikeability

Primary 7 pupils are asked to take their bikes to school on Monday 6^th March. In preparation for upcoming Bikeability sessions, Andrew Shaw, will talk with pupils on Monday afternoon and check over bikes to ensure they are safe to take part.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

Soccer 7’s

Permission slips have been given to P5-7 pupils who are interested in taking part in the Soccer 7’s event coming up on 11^th March. Once we know the number of pupils interested, we can make further arrangements. The number of pupils able to take part will depend on sufficient adult volunteer to coach the teams on the day. Supervision of pupils at the event will be parental responsibility to enable coaches to just organise and encourage the teams. Any parents who are able to help out with coaching are asked to contact the school as soon as possible.

Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

This weeks Makaton signs are tidy up, time, me and when. Graphics are attached to support the use of these.

Basketball Festivals

Basketball Festival for all P6 and 7 pupils, arranged by Active Schools, will take place in March at Portree High School. Our P6 class will attend on Tuesday 14^th March and our Primary 7 class on Tuesday 21^st March. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

World Book Day

Each child has been gifted with one of the World Book Day titles to take home. We are aware that exchanging the book tokens has not always been easy given our location and we are very grateful to the Highland Book Shop in Fort William who have been able to supply the books this year.

Changes of Dates

Further Industrial Action is scheduled for Wednesday 15^th and Thursday 17^th March. As a result the following changes to dates have been made. These new dates will remain, regardless of strike actions continuing or being cancelled;

P1 & P3 Community Café will now take place on Friday 24^h March from 11am – noon with all proceeds to Marie Curie

The Parent Information Session on composite classes will now take place on Monday 13^th March at 2.45 in the school gym

Our dress down day to raise awareness and funds for Young Carers will now take place on Tuesday 14^th March

Red Nose Day

Friday 17^th March is Red Nose Day in support of Comic Relief and while we appreciate there are a lot of fancy dress days upcoming, pupils are encouraged to wear read and to take in a donation if they wish. The traditional red noses are not available this year.

Composite Class Information Session

While we are still a long way off from knowing our class arrangements for next year, I would like to invite anyone with questions or concerns about composite classes to an open information session on Monday 13^th March at 2.45. This will be held by Mrs Templeman and myself in the gym and will be a very informal chance to hear a bit more about composite classes and to ask any questions you might have.

Flouride Varnishing

There has been a change of dates to this and P5-6 Flouride Varnishing will now take place on Tuesday 21^st March with P7 being completed on Tuesday 27^th March.

Highland Council Holiday for the Coronation

The Council have now approved Monday 8^th of May as a public holiday. Schools will be closed in respect of the Coronation.

Parking around the school

The School Car Park is solely for staff use and should not be used for dropping pupils off

We thank you for your cooperation in this.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 3^rd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Thursday 9^th March P4 Fun Exciting Maths family learning session

Thursday 9^th March Feis Visits to P4-7 classes

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 13^th March Composite class information session 2.45pm

Tuesday 14^th March Basketball Festival P6

Friday 17^th March P1 & P3 Community Cafe

Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

Flouride Varnishing P5-6

World Down Syndrome Day

Basketball Festival P7

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28^th March P7 Flouride Varnishing

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Current After School Activities

In addition to the After School activities run by Highlife Highland, Skyedance etc. the following activities are taking place for PPS pupils. Please contact the school for further information.

Monday Running Club 3.30-4.30 Portree Primary School Gym

Tuesday Instrumental Music Club with Nan 3.30 Portree Primary Music Room

Wednesday P1/2 Shinty 5-6pm Portree High School Gym

P3/4 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Gym

P5-7 Shinty 6-7pm Portree High School Games Hall

Thursday P4-7 Singing Club 3.30-4.15 Portree Primary Music Room

Please be in touch with any queries you may have.

Regards,

Sara

Feb 28

Weekly Update 24th February

Dear Parents and Carers,

Although it has been a short week, there are still a number of pieces of information to bring to your attention;

Uniform Swap

Uniform pieces will be laid out in the corridor outside the gym today from 12.15 next Friday for anyone who requires them.

Coding Club

Singing Club

From Thursday 2^nd March an after school singing club will be offered at the school for pupils in P4-7. Singing club will be led by myself and will take place in the music room from 3.30 – 4.15 each Thursday. Interested pupils have been given a permission form which should be returned at the first session.

Breakfast Club

Fun, Exciting Maths Sessions for P4 parents

Growth Mindset Workshops

All P6 pupils will be involved in a 5 week block of Growth Mindset Workshops as part of our Health and Wellbeing programme at the school. The worskhops will be run in groups of 7-8 pupils and will be led by Julie MacLean and Maggie Cowie, Childrens Service Workers. Further information will follow for P6 parents.

After School Shinty

There will be no shinty for the next two weeks due to the holiday and industrial action. From Wednesday 8^th March, our location and times will change to the following;

All shinty sessions will now be held at Portree High School on Wednesday evenings

Primary 1,2 Small Gym 5-6pm

Primary 3,4 Small Gym 6-7pm

Primary 5-7 Games Hall 6-7pm

Family Reading Sessions

These sessions continue today with Primary 3 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 1 families invited next week.

Gardening Week

Bikeability

Cycling Proficiency for P7 pupils will take place over the coming few weeks and further information will be sent home to parents regarding what is required for these sessions.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these into school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

Soccer 7’s

Please note a change to the date of the second Soccer 7’s date below. The first two dates will be run as festival by Active Schools. Further information was sent out earlier this week for pupils to register online to participate in this weekend’s event.

Saturday 25th February – Plockton (Astro) 12-2pm

Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

Due to the Community Café today, we will not be having our usual Friday assembly where Makaton signs are introduced. For this reason, there are no new signs this week and we will have 3 new ones next week.

Basketball Festivals

Basketball Festival for all P6 and 7 pupils, arranged by Active Schools, will take place in March at Portree High School. Our P6 class will attend on Tuesday 14^th March and our Primary 7 class on Tuesday 21^st March. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

World Book Day

World Book Day takes place on Thursday 2^nd March, however, we will be marking this on Friday 3^rd March to avoid pupils having to worry about changing from costumes into swimming and PE gear. On Friday 3^rd March, pupils are invited to dress as their favourite book character or to wear the jammies to help us mark the day.

We intend to hold a book swap for all classes on Friday 3^rd March as part of our World Book Day celebrations. Pupils are invited to take a book from home that they no longer need and will have the opportunity to choose a book from the book swap.

Instead of the book tokens this year, each child will also be gifted with one of the World Book Day titles to take home. We are aware that exchanging the book tokens has not always been easy given our location and we are very grateful to the Highland Book Shop in Fort William who have been able to supply the books this year.

Young Carers Awareness Day

This will take place on Wednesday 15^th March. Pupils will be invited to pay £1 to dress down for the day to raise money for this very worthwhile cause which benefits many of our pupils.

Red Nose Day

Friday 15^th March is Red Nose Day in support of Comic Relief an while we appreciate there are a lot of fancy dress days upcoming, pupils are encouraged to wear read and to take in a donation if they wish. The traditional red noses are not available this year.

Composite Class Information Session

While we are still a long way off from knowing our class arrangements for next year, I would like to invite anyone with questions or concerns about composite classes to an open information session on Thursday 16^th March at 2.45. This will be held by Mrs Templeman and myself in the gym and will be a very informal chance to hear a bit more about composite classes and to ask any questions you might have.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

February 28 & March 1^st Planned Industrial Action

Friday 3^rd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Thursday 8^th March P4 Fun Exciting Maths family learning session

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 14^th March Basketball Festival P6

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Young Carers Awareness Day

Thursday 16^th March Composite class information session 2.45pm

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Basketball Festival P7

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Please be in touch with any queries you may have.

Regards,

Sara

Feb 28

Weekly Update 17th February

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please find below, several items of news for your attention this week;

Community Café

We very much look forward to running our Community Café again next week. Primary 7 have been busy preparing for this event which will run on Friday 24^th February from 11am until noon. There will be music, a creche, lovely home baking and service with a smile! All are most welcome to join us and all proceeds will go towards the Syria & Turkey Earthquake Appeal.

After School Shinty

There will be no shinty for the next two weeks due to the holiday and industrial action. From Wednesday 8^th March, our location and times will change to the following;

All shinty sessions will now be held at Portree High School on Wednesday evenings

Primary 1,2 Small Gym 5-6pm

Primary 3,4 Small Gym 6-7pm

Primary 5-7 Games Hall 6-7pm

Uniform Swap

Uniform pieces will be laid out in the corridor outside the gym from 12.15 next Friday for anyone who requires them.

Staffing

Following interviews earlier this week, we have appointed Fiona MacDonald to the post of Clerical at Portree Primary School. Fiona will begin with us on 6^th March and joins us with experience from several years as clerical at Portree High School.

Family Reading Sessions

These sessions continue today with Primary 2 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 3 families invited next week.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these in to school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

P7 Raasay Trip

Our P7 Raasay trip has now been confirmed as 13^th – 16^th June. The next instalment of £75, payable to Portree Primary School is due today.

Soccer 7’s

Saturday 25th February – Plockton (Astro) 12-2pm

Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

The Makaton signs for this are please, sorry, next, girl. Graphics for these are attached above.

Basketball Festivals

Basketball Festival for all P6 and 7 pupils, arranged by Active Schools, will take place in March at Portree High School. Our P6 class will attend on Tuesday 14^th March and our Primary 7 class on Tuesday 21^st March. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

World Book Day

Young Carers Awareness Day

This will take place on Wednesday 15^th March. Pupils will be invited to pay £1 to dress down for the day to raise money for this very worthwhile cause which benefits many of our pupils.

Red Nose Day

Composite Class Information Session

While we are still a long way off from knowing our class arrangements for next year, I would like to invite anyone with questions or concerns about composite classes to an open information session on Thursday 16^th March at 2.45. This will be held by Mrs Templeman and myself in the gym and will be a very informal chance to hear a bit more about composite classes and to ask any questions you might have.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

February 28 & March 1^st Planned Industrial Action

Friday 3^rd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 14^th March Basketball Festival P6

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Young Carers Awareness Day

Thursday 16^th March Composite class information session 2.45pm

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Basketball Festival P7

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Just a reminder that the school is closed to pupils next Monday and Tuesday for the holiday and Wednesday for the inset day. We wish you all a lovely long weekend and look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Regards,

Sara

Feb 13

Weekly Update 10th February

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of another busy week at PPS, please see information for your attention below;

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder of our WOW certificate system. In order to recognise wider achievements by pupils and to share successes outside of school, parents are encouraged to complete a WOW certificate and send these in to school. Each certificate is shared with the class, 5 house points are awarded and these are then added to pupil profiles. A template of certificates is attached above but please also feel free to email class teachers with these good news stories!

Family Reading Sessions

These sessions continue today with Primary 1 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 2 families invited next week.

How We Learn Best at PPS

In all classes and through our Pupil Voice Committee, we have been working on reviewing our Teaching and Learning Policy. A copy of the policy is attached above, in poster format which children are becoming familiar with.

P7 Raasay Trip

Our P7 Raasay trip has now been confirmed as 13^th – 16^th June. The next instalment of £75, payable to Portree Primary School is due next Friday 17^th February.

After School Clubs

Sarah Ross, Active Schools Coordinator, has arranged training for anyone wishing to become a Bikeability Scotland Instructor, on Saturday the 4^th of March at Portree High School from 9am- 5.45pm, with Cycling Scotland. The training will allow participants to run both level 1 and 2 within the school setting. To become a BSI you should be a competent rider and must be a minimum of 16 years old or 18 where working independently. I would be willing to support any volunteers following the training if required.

In order to book a place then please follow the link below.

https://www.cyclinghub.scot/class-details/7358

The code for the course is: bike23 people will need this to book on the course

Soccer 7’s

Please note a change to the date of the second Soccer 7’s date below. The first two dates will be run as festival by Active Schools and further information is to follow.

Saturday 25th February – Plockton (Astro) 12-2pm

Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

The Makaton signs for this are good morning, good afternoon, thank you and boy. Graphics for these are attached above.

Basketball Festivals

Basketball Festival for all P6 and 7 pupils, arranged by Active Schools, will take place in March at Portree High School. Our P6 class will attend on Tuesday 14^th March and our Primary 7 class on Tuesday 21^st March. Pupils will require PE kits, water and packed lunches for this event.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 10^th February P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 11^th February P5 and under & girls shinty tournaments TBC

Tuesday 14^th February Shinty Taster Sessions

Wednesday 15^th February Youth Speaks @ LAS Primary 7

Thursday 16^th February Jammin Fitness Visit

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

Thursday 2^nd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 14^th March Basketball Festival P6

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Basketball Festival P7

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

As always, please be in touch with any questions you may have.

Regards,

Sara

Feb 06

Weekly Update 3rd February

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please see below, some important bits of information for you your attention this week.

Family Reading Sessions

These sessions continue today with Primary3 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 1 families invited next week.

Changes of dates

Our visit from Jammin’ Fitness will now take place on 16^th February instead of 28^th February

Primary 6 Parents Evening

Parents appointments for Primary 6 parents will take place through the school day on Friday 10^th February. Sign up slips should be returned as soon as possible.

After School Clubs

Coaches hope to take Running Club pupils down to the Nature Walk for upcoming sessions. Could you please ensure that pupils have shoes that they don’t mind getting muddy.

In order to book a place then please follow the link below.

https://www.cyclinghub.scot/class-details/7358

The code for the course is: bike23 people will need this to book on the course

Soccer 7’s

Please note a change to the date of the second Soccer 7’s date below. The first two dates will be run as festival by Active Schools and further information is to follow.

Saturday 25th February – Plockton (Astro) 12-2pm

Saturday 11th March – Portree (Astro) 11-1pm

Saturday 13th May – Kyleakin/Kyle

Saturday 27th May – Portree (KGV)

Saturday 24th June – Broadford

Makaton Signs

The Makaton signs for this week play, sing, book/story, friend. Graphics for these signs are shown below.

Shinty Taster Sessions

Ruth Gordon, our new Shinty Officer, will visit the school on Tuesday 7^th February and Tuesday 14^th February to deliver shinty taster sessions to all pupils. Each class will have a session on one of these dates and should ensure that they have PE kits with them.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 3^rd February P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 4^th February P7 and under & P3 and under shinty tournament – pupils involved have received permission forms

Tuesday 7^th February Flouride Varnishing P5-7

Wednesday 8^th February P1 Health Check (rescheduled from 30.1.23)

Friday 10^th February P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 11^th February P5 and under & girls shinty tournaments TBC

Wednesday 15^th February Youth Speaks @ LAS Primary 7

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

Tuesday 28^th February Jammin Fitness visit – whole school

Thursday 2^nd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

As always, please be in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.

Regards,

Sara

Jan 30

Weekly Update 27th January 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Just a brief update for you this week with a few items to bring to your attention;

Changes of dates

P1 health checks, originally scheduled for 30^th January have been rescheduled for Wednesday 8^th February
Flouride varnishing took place for P1-4 and some of P5 this week. The dental team will visit again on Tuesday 7^th March to complete the varnishing.

Primary 6 Parents Evening

Parents appointments for Primary 6 parents will take place through the school day on Friday 10^th February. Sign up slips will be sent home at the start of next week.

School Closure

Further to the letter issued by Nicky Grant last week, the school will be closed to pupils on Tuesday 31^st January due to planned industrial action.

Family Reading Sessions

We had a great turn out for the first of this year’s Family reading sessions last week for Primary 1 families. These sessions continue today with Primary 2 families invited to join us at 12.15 and Primary 3 families invited next week.

After School Clubs

Shinty and running clubs resumed this week with great attendance. It is not too late to join either of these clubs and any pupils wishing to start should bring a completed permission form along to their first session.

Makaton Signs

The Makaton signs for this week are finished, lunch, walk and go. Graphics for these signs are attached below.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 27^th January Uniform Swap

P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 31^st January School closed to pupils

Friday 3^rd February P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 4^th February P7 and under & P3 and under shinty tournament TBC

Tuesday 7^th February Flouride Varnishing P5-7

Wednesday 8^th February P1 Health Check (rescheduled from 30.1.23)

Friday 10^th February P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 11^th February P5 and under & girls shinty tournaments TBC

Wednesday 15^th February Youth Speaks @ LAS Primary 7

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

Tuesday 28^th February Jammin Fitness visit – whole school

Thursday 2^nd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

As always, please get in touch with any questions or concerns.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Sara

Jan 23

Weekly Update 20th January 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

At the end of a very unusual week of winter disruptions, we wish to thank you all again for your continued understanding. We don’t underestimate the difficulties that school closures cause and appreciate your patience while we have navigated a difficult week of weather!

Family Reading Sessions

A reminder that Family Reading Sessions begin again today for Primary 1 families at 12.15. Further dates for infant classes are listed below. We look forward to seeing you at these sessions, if you are able to attend.

Staffing

Our school Clerical post is currently advertised with a closing date of 23^rd January. Applications are being accepted through My Job Scotland

https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/clerical-assistant-2-28hpw-portree-primary-school-312553

The supply list for non-teaching staff is also currently open to applications on My Job Scotland

https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/non-teaching-casual-posts-west-area-wester-ross-skye-lochaber-248718

After School Shinty Sessions

A reminder that after school shinty sessions have resumed and a timetable for these is below. Pupils wishing to attend should return their permission forms at their first session.

P1-2 Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm PPS School Gym

P3-4 Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm PPS School Gym

P5-7 Wednesdays 6-7pm PHS Games Hall

Please also see below, a poster from the Camanachd Association regarding upcoming shinty coaching training for anyone that might be interested.

PPS Running Club

We are very grateful to Scott Templeman, Parent Volunteer, who will be leading a running club for our P5-7 pupils starting next Monday. The club will run on Mondays from 3.30 – 4.30. Pupils wishing to take part will require PE kit, warm jacket and water. Permission forms have been distributed to P5-7 pupils and those wishing to attend should take completed forms along with them to the first session.

Science Skills Roadshow

Our Primary 6 class will visit the Science Skills Roadshow and pop up Newton Room at Portree Community Centre on Wednesday 25^th January from 9.30-2.30. Primary 7 will attend on Thursday 26^th January. All P6 and P7 pupils will require packed lunches on these days.

Soccer 7s

We are still in need of volunteers to help coach teams at the upcoming Soccer 7s events as listed below. Parents will be responsible for the supervision of their children at these events and volunteers will only be acting in the capacity of coaching and encouraging players. We have a large number of pupils wishing to take part but this is only going to be possible with enough volunteers. Please get in touch if you are able to help at any of the sessions. There is no requirement to help at all of them, even just one would be a huge help.

Makaton

Our Makaton words this week are; look, help, get up, again. These were introduced at assembly today and graphics for these signs are below for going over at home.

Please note the updated list of known dates for this term as there have been some additions made this week. These are highlighted in red.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Friday 20^th January P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 24^th January Flouride Varnishing

Treoir (Lost Songs Project) to visit P6 (continuing for 4 weeks)

Wednesday 25^th January P7 at Science Skills workshop

Thursday 26^th January P6 at Science Skills Workshop

Friday 27^th January Uniform Swap

P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 30^th January P1 Health Check

Tuesday 31^st January Planned Industrial Action – School closed to pupils

Friday 3^rd February P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 4^th February P7 and under & P3 and under shinty tournament TBC

Friday 10^th February P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 11^th February P5 and under & girls shinty tournaments TBC

Wednesday 15^th February Youth Speaks @ LAS Primary 7

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

Tuesday 28^th February Jammin Fitness visit – whole school

Thursday 2^nd March World Book Day

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

World Down Syndrome Day

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments

Please get in touch with any questions for queries you may have.

Regards,

Sara

Jan 17

Weekly Update 13th January 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we end our first week of the new term, I would like to bring a few items of information to your attention and also to give you a draft outline of dates for this coming term. This is by no means a complete list and dates will be added as further information becomes available.

Family Reading Sessions

We are delighted to be able to offer Family Reading Sessions again this term for Primary 1 – 3. Further information is included in a letter attached to this email. We very much look forward to this starting again!

After School Shinty Sessions

From Tuesday 17^th January, we are delighted to be able of offer PPS indoor shinty training for an initial block of sessions up until the February break. We are very grateful to Mr Iain Murray, who will run the sessions indicated below. Pupils are taking home permission slips today and we ask that those are completed and taken along to the first session for those wishing to take part.

P1-2 Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm PPS School Gym

P3-4 Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm PPS School Gym

P5-7 Wednesdays 6-7pm PHS Games Hall

Staffing

As intimated earlier in the week the Clerical post has now been advertised with a closing date of 23^rd January.

Parent Survey Results

Thank you to those of you who were able to complete our parental survey in December. Attached to this email you will see collated responses and the Action Plans discussed with staff in follow up to the survey. Please be in touch with any questions you may have about this.

https://portreeprimary.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/parent-update-of-survey-results-and-action-plan-2022-2023.docx

Soccer 7s

We are still in need of volunteers to help coach teams at the upcoming Soccer 7s events as listed below. Parents will be responsible for the supervision of their children at these events and volunteers will only be acting in the capacity of coaching and encouraging players. We have a large number of pupils wishing to take part but this is only going to be possible with enough volunteers. Please get in touch if you are able to help at any of the sessions. There is no requirement to help at all of them, even just one would be a huge help.

School Photographs

School photos ordered before Christmas have now arrived and will be sent home with pupils today. Please have a look in school bags for these.

Makaton

From next week, we will hold our weekly whole school assemblies each Friday morning. These assemblies involve sharing successes, singing, discussion of current school events etc. Each week we will continue to focus on 3 Makaton signs as part of our assemblies and these will be shared with parents in our weekly updates.

Known dates for this term (further dates TBC)

Monday 16^th of January Feis visits to P5 (continuing for 5 weeks)

Tuesday 17and 24^th January Flouride Varnishing

Friday 20^th January P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 24^th January Treoir (Lost Songs Project) to visit P6 (continuing for 4 weeks)

Wednesday 25^th January P6 at Science Skills workshop

Thursday 26^th January P7 at Science Skills Workshop

Friday 27^th January Uniform Swap

P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 30^th January P1 Health Check

Friday 3^rd February P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 4^th February P7 and under & P3 and under shinty tournament TBC

Friday 10^th February P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Saturday 11^th February P5 and under & girls shinty tournaments TBC

Friday 17^th February P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Monday 20^thFebruary Mid term holiday

Tuesday 21^st February Mid term holiday

Wednesday 22^nd February Inset Day

Friday 24^th February P7 Community Café

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Uniform Swap

Tuesday 28^th February Jammin Fitness visit – whole school

Friday 3^rd March P1 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Friday 10^th March P2 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Wednesday 15^th March P1 & P3 Community Café

Friday 17^th March Comic Relief

Monday 20^th March P3 & P5 Open Afternoon

Tuesday 21^st March P1 & P4 Open Afternoon

Thursday 23^rd March P2 & P7 Open Afternoon

Friday 24^th March P6 Open Morning

P3 Family Reading session 12.15pm

Tuesday 28 & 29^th March Parents Evening Appointments