Category: Uncategorized

Dear parents/carers,

Please our weekly update below.

Feedback Request

We are currently evaluating our School Improvement Plan, and planning next steps for session 2025-26.  I would very much appreciate your feedback on this year’s plan, as well as your comments on what you think we are doing well, and what we could be doing better.

Could you please complete the survey at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/7h0072Q7H5

This should only take around 5 minutes to complete.

Soccer 7s/Football Festival – Cancelled

Please note that the planned Soccer 7s/Football Festival event due to take place tomorrow has been cancelled due to low numbers.  See a message below from organiser:

Unfortunately we have had to postpone Saturdays football festival.  We only had 40 booked on across all ages (9, 15 and 16) were the numbers which are all at least half the required number to run a festival at each group.

I am aware many might have turned up on the day but with volunteers and set-up required we needed to be certain it would go ahead.  It highlights the importance of using our booking system as this also registers folk and has emergency contact info and medical which are required (turning up on the day doesn’t allow this).

Hopefully we can run this again in the near future as I am very keen to have festivals which are inclusive to all- if anyone ever has issues booking please reach out to Sarah or myself.

Thanks again to those who supported it and apologies its cancelled (I have my own little man very disappointed in missing his first festival).

Kind Regards,

Danny

Daniel Steele
Active Schools Co-Ordinator

Class Photos

A reminder that class photos are available to view and purchase online using the details sent home with your child.

The school receives a commission for photos sold which goes towards our school fund for things like playground equipment, trips, etc.

Pupil Reports

You should have received your child’s end of year report this week.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading each report and seeing how much excellent progress our learners have made.  Please celebrate your child’s success with them and speak to them about any areas of improvement which their teacher has suggested. 

If you have any comments to make on your child’s report then please complete the parent comment sheet which came with it.

Open Afternoon

I would like to invite families to an Open Afternoon on Thursday 12^th June at 2.30pm.  The purpose of this event is to give you a chance to review your child’s profile with them.  You will also be able to see your child’s writing and numeracy jotters.  All other jotters will be coming home at the end of session for you to review with your child then.

P7 Raasay Trip

The school has been a bit quieter than usual this week with most P7s away for their trip on Raasay.  We’ve missed the important roles that P7s take on around the school such as prefects and playground organisers.

I know the group have had a brilliant time on Raasay, and I look forward to hearing all about it on Monday. 

Parents should collect their child from Sconser today at 1.50pm.

Trophies Return

Could I ask that if your child received a trophy at prizegiving last year that these are returned to the school over the next few weeks?

If you would like to get the trophy engraved with your child’s name, I would recommend either SharpEngraving (Kensaleyre) or Misty Isle Makes (Portree).

Important – Pupils taking bus

Our school transport provider Stagecoach has asked me to share the following information with you:

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/

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Known Dates for Term 4

Date	Event
Tuesday 3rd-Friday 6th June	P7 Raasay Trip.
Thursday 12th June	Open Afternoon at 2.30pm
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th June	P7 at High School for transition days.
Thursday 19th (afternoon) and Friday 20th June	School transitions – pupils spending time in new classes.
Wednesday 2nd July	Prize Giving and Leavers Assembly
Thursday 3rd July	School closes at 12pm for Summer Holiday.

Please our weekly update below.  A reminder that the school is closed on Monday next week for staff in-service day.

Skye Week Gala Day Parade Saturday 31^st May

Pupils should wear their school jumper and arrive at the Gathering Hall by 12.15pm. where they will be met by Mr MacLean.

Our school will be involved in the parade for the Skye Week Gala Day on Saturday 31^st May.  The parade will depart the Royal Bank of Scotland at 12.30pm and will walk to the Community Centre.  All of our pupils are invited to join the parade.  Parents, could you please complete this 30 second online form if your child will be joining the parade: https://forms.office.com/e/LFU9DkeR70

Photographer

The school photographer was in on Wednesday to take class photos.  Your child should have brought home a sheet with details on how to view proofs and purchase online.  These should be available online from this afternoon.  If you have not received the information on how to view and purchase photographs then please let us know.

Pupil Reports

All pupils will be issued with their end of year report on Tuesday 3^rd June.  I would encourage you to speak to your child about their report and celebrate their successes.  Along with their report, your child will have their Learner’s Statement – which is all about their own views of their learning.  There is also a parental comment sheet which you may use to note your views, please return this to the school in your child’s homework diary.

Soccer 7s

The next soccer 7s event will take place in Kyleakin on Saturday 7^th June.  This is a football festival style event, so we do not send our own teams.  Children interested in attending should sign-up through Highlife Highland – see details below.  Please note that there will be events for ages 4 and up.

High Life Highland Activities

ACT002920
Skye & Lochalsh Soccer 7s Event (N4-P7)
Kyleakin Community Hall, Kyleakin

A day of Football for all. Nursery (4 year olds +) up to P7 are invited to come along and be put in teams on the day for a football festival.

Pitches will be set out for different ages- N4-P1/2 together, 1 hr session

P3/4/ together- 1.5 hr session

Then P5/6/7- 2hr session

(there will be flexibility to move children between age groups where they are more comfortable)

Kind Regards,

Danny

Daniel Steele
Active Schools Co-Ordinator

High Life Highland

Plockton High School

IV52 8TU

T: 07788387486

E: daniel.steele@highlifehighland.com

P2 Swimming ‘Taster’ sessions

Children in Primary 2 will be invited to take part in some swimming taster sessions on the following three Thursdays:

• 5^th June
• 12^th June
• 19^th June

P2 pupils should remember to bring their swim kit those days.

P7 Raasay Trip

Wishing the P7 class all the best for their residential trip to Raasay, which begins on Tuesday next week – I’m sure they will all have a great time.  Pupils should be dropped off at Sconser by 9am on Tuesday morning, and will return on Friday at 1.50pm.

Trophies Return

Could I ask that if your child received a trophy at prizegiving last year that these are returned to the school over the next few weeks?

If you would like to get the trophy engraved with your child’s name, I would recommend either SharpEngraving (Kensaleyre) or Misty Isle Makes (Portree).

Important – Pupils taking bus

Our school transport provider Stagecoach has asked me to share the following information with you:

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/

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Known Dates for Term 4

Date	Event
Saturday 31st May	Skye Week Gala Parade 12.30pm
Monday 2nd June	School closed for in-service day.
Tuesday 3rd-Friday 6th June	P7 Raasay Trip.
Thursday 12th June	Open Afternoon at 2.30pm
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th June	P7 at High School for transition days.
Thursday 19th (afternoon) and Friday 20th June	School transitions – pupils spending time in new classes.
Wednesday 2nd July	Prize Giving and Leavers Assembly
Thursday 3rd July	School closes at 12pm for Summer Holiday.

It was great to see everyone back after the Easter break, settled in to classes and ready for learning.  We’re looking forward to a busy and fun Term 4.

Please see our weekly update below.

Soccer 7s

Please note that the next Soccer 7s event will take place on Saturday 3^rd May in Portree.  This is a change of venue as it was originally meant to be in Kyleakin.  Consent forms have gone home to interested pupils.  Parents may complete the consent form on paper on online at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/f4MbHZSB3u. Completed consents must be received by Tuesday 29^th April as this is my deadline for submitting teams.

P3/4 and P5 School Trip

The Primary 3/4 and 5 classes are gearing up for their school trip next week to the Storr and the Museum of Island Life.  This will take place on Wednesday 30^th April, consent forms have gone home with pupils and must be returned by Tuesday 29^th April.

Cross Country P4-7

We will be holding our school cross country event on Tuesday 29^th April at 1.45pm.  Parents are very welcome to come and watch the event at the King George.  Pupils in P4-7 will be competing in the event, and younger children will be there to cheer them on.

The best runners at our school event will qualify for the Skye Schools Cross Country Championships which is due to take place on Wednesday 7^th May.

RSHP (Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood)

This term children in P5-7 will be learning about the topic of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) in their classes.  Parents are invited to visit the school on Wednesday 7^th May at 3pm if they wish to view the learning resources which will be used and to ask any questions they may have.

Shinty Coaching

Please note that shinty coaching will resume next Tuesday 29^th April at the High School.  This will be at 6pm-7pm (not a 5pm start as indicated in last update) and will be outdoors.  A reminder that shin pads should be worn by players and they should bring their own stick if they have one.

Computer Club

Computer club continues to take place at 3.30-4.30pm on Tuesdays.  All welcome.

After School Football Training

We expect to be offering after school football training in the coming weeks.  This is not finalised yet, but we are expecting to have:

Wednesday at 3.45-4.30pm (P4-7 boys and girls football)

Thursday at 3.45-4.30pm (P4-7 girls only football).

We will be unlikely to have these up-and-running next week, but I will confirm when they are due to start.

Important – Pupils taking bus

Our school transport provider Stagecoach has asked me to share the following information with you:

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/

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Known Dates for Term 4

Date	Event
Tuesday 22nd April	Start of Term 4.
Tuesday 29th April	School Cross Country.  1.45pm at King George.
Wednesday 30th April	P3/4 and P5 School trip.
Thursday 1st May	Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing 1.
Saturday 3rd May	Soccer 7s in Portree. 11.30am.
Monday 5th May	School closed for May Day holiday.
Wednesday 7th May	Skye Schools Cross Country Championship.
Wednesday 7th May	Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing 2.
Thursday 8th May	Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing 3.
Friday 23rd May	Sports Day at 10am
Monday 2nd June	School closed for in-service day.
Tuesday 3rd-Friday 6th June	P7 Raasay Trip.
Wednesday 11th June	School Picnic
Thursday 12th June	Open Afternoon at 2.30pm
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th June	P7 at High Scholl for transition days.
Thursday 19th (afternoon) and Friday 20th June	School transitions – pupils spending time in new classes.
Wednesday 2nd July	Prize Giving and Leavers Assembly
Thursday 3rd July	School closes at 12pm for Summer Holiday.

Red Nose Day

I am delighted to say that our Red Nose Day fundraising efforts raised an incredible total of over £1700 – what an absolutely fantastic effort by everyone involved!

A very well done in particular to the P3/4 class who worked so hard to prepare the fundraising events.

Tigh na Drochaid Visit

P3/4 class visited Tigh Na Drochaid this week to perform a dance routine.  It was great to hear how well they did, and to see their hard work in Skyedance lessons paying off.  Well done everyone!

Science Workshops

We were visited by Lucy Downie from UHI this Wednesday for some science workshops.  P1 class tried their hand at coding a robot called ‘Botley’.  P2/3 and P3/4 classes learned the science of their senses, and P6 had the chance to code some ‘Sphero’ devices.  These sessions were very much enjoyed by pupils, and a valuable science learning experience.

Lucy will be visiting again next week to give the P5s a chance at coding, and to re-visit some classes.

P7 Easter Coffee Morning Event and Extravaganza

The Primary 7 class will be hosting an Easter Coffee Morning event next Wednesday 2^nd April from 10.30-11.30am.  Everyone is welcome, and donations will go to Alzheimer’s Scotland.  We look forward to seeing you there!

In the afternoon, P7 will run an Easter extravaganza, where pupils can buy some baking, participate in an Easter Scavenger Hunt, craft table and competitions.  

They are also going to run a best Easter bonnet or decorated egg competition, which will be displayed during the Coffee Morning.

Easter Service – Last day of term

Please note that our school will attend an Easter Service on Friday 4^th April at Shepherd’s Way Church.  The service will be at 10am – all welcome to attend.

If you would prefer that your child does not attend, please let the school office know so that alternative arrangements can be made.  For further information on Scottish Government guidance on Religious Observance in schools, please see this link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/curriculum-for-excellence-religious-observance/

Parent Council Easter Fun Day

Important – Pupils taking bus

Our school transport provider Stagecoach has asked me to share the following information with you:

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.  This rule has not previously been enforced, but Stagecoach will be enforcing this after the Easter Holidays.

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/

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Tuesday 1st April	P1 and P2/3 School Trip to Armadale
Wednesday 2nd April	P6 School Trip to Culloden
Wednesday 2nd April	P7 Easter Coffee Morning 10.30-11.30am Easter Extravaganza (afternoon)
Wednesday 2nd April	P3/4 and P5 School Trip to North Skye (tbc) *Rescheduled – expected to be Wednesday 30th April*
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April) Easter Service at Shepherd’s Way Church – 10am
Saturday 12th April	Easter Fun Day 10am-1pm

It’s been a lovely week in the school with children taking advantage of the nice weather.

Please see this week’s update below.

Important – Pupils taking bus

Our school transport provider Stagecoach has asked me to share the following information with you:

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.  This rule has not previously been enforced, but Stagecoach will be enforcing this after the Easter Holidays.

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/

Open Afternoon

Thank you to everyone who made it in to school on Wednesday afternoon for our Open Afternoon.  I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to see your child’s work and the fantastic progress they have been making with their learning.

Parents’ Evening

A final reminder that Parents’ Evening will take place next week on Tuesday 25^th March/Wednesday 26^th March.  Please book an appointment using our online booking system at https://parents-booking.co.uk/

If you have any problems making a booking, then please let me know.

Red Nose Day

Thank you for all of your contributions towards Red Nose Day.  The fundraising activities which took place yesterday were enjoyed by all, and lots of money was raised.

Today we are really looking forward to our whole school sponsored walk to Scorrybreac.

A very well done to everyone in P3/4 class who have worked so hard over the past few weeks organising our school’s fundraising.  They have done an incredible job!

School Trips – Update

Consent forms have gone home to children in P1-3 and P6 for their school trips taking place in less than two weeks.  Please return these by the deadline noted on the letter.

Please note that I did not mention spending money on the letter for P1-3.  Children may bring some spending money for the gift shop, but I would ask that this is a maximum of £10.

• P1-3 trip to Armadale Castle/Gardens/Museum on Tuesday 1^st April
• P6 trip to Culloden Battlefield on Wednesday 2^nd April

• P3/4 and P5 trip to North Skye (Storr and Museum of Island Life) is now confirmed and will take place on Wednesday 30^th April.  Consent and information for this will follow soon.

Gaelic Drama Workshops

We were delighted to welcome Artair Donald to the school this week to deliver Gaelic drama workshops to pupils in P4-7.  Pupils had a lovely time practicing their Gaelic in a fun and active way.  Mòran taing Artair!

P7 Community Café

The Primary 7 class will be hosting a Community Café on Wednesday 2^nd April from 10.30-11.30am.  All money raised will be for Alzheimer’s Scotland. 

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website:

https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at:

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Friday 21st March	Red Nose Day
Tuesday 25th March and Wednesday 26th March	Parents’ Evenings P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P7
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Thursday 27th March	P1 and P7 Dental Screening
Tuesday 1st April	P1 and P2/3 School Trip to Armadale
Wednesday 2nd April	P6 School Trip to Culloden
Wednesday 2nd April	P7 Community Café 10.30am
Wednesday 2nd April	P3/4 and P5 School Trip to North Skye (tbc) *Rescheduled – expected to be Wednesday 30th April*
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

Open Afternoon

All parents are invited to join us in school next Wednesday 19^th March at 2.30pm for our Open Afternoon.  This is an opportunity for you to view your child’s classwork and their pupil profile.  We look forward to seeing you then!

Parents’ Evening

A reminder that parents’ evening will take place on Tuesday 25^th March/Wednesday 26^th March (or Thursday 20^th March for P5s).  Please book an appointment using our online booking system at https://parents-booking.co.uk/

If you have any problems making a booking, then please let me know.

Red Nose Day

We are very much looking forward to our Red Nose Day activities next week.  On Thursday 20^th all classes will be able to take part in a variety of fundraising activities, then on Friday 21^st we will invite all children to wear red.  We will also be going for a whole school sponsored walk that day.

Please see the letter attached for full details on everything that is going on next week.

School Trips

We are busy making preparations for our upcoming school trips.  There have been some date adjustments to our initial plans, but at the moment we are looking at the following:

• P1-3 trip to Armadale Castle/Gardens/Museum on Tuesday 1^st April
• P6 trip to Culloden Battlefield on Wednesday 2^nd April
• P3/4 and P5 trip to North Skye (Storr and Museum of Island Life) is unlikely to take place before Easter holidays.  We are now looking at this visit taking place on Wednesday 30^th April (still tbc)
• P7 have their Raasay trip to look forward to later in the year, and will likely have another excursion near the end of term 4.

Parent information and consent forms will be coming out to you with full details soon.

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Tuesday 18th March	Gaelic Drama sessions for P4-7
Wednesday 19th March	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P5
Wednesday 19th March	Parent Open Afternoon 2.30pm
Friday 21st March	Red Nose Day
Tuesday 25th March and Wednesday 26th March	Parents’ Evenings P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P7
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Thursday 27th March	P1 and P7 Dental Screening
Tuesday 1st April	P1 and P2/3 School Trip to Armadale
Wednesday 2nd April	P6 School Trip to Culloden
Wednesday 2nd April	P3/4 and P5 School Trip to North Skye (tbc) *Rescheduled – expected to be Wednesday 30th April*
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

World Book Day 06/03/25

It was great to see so many pupils dressed up or in their PJs to mark World Book Day yesterday.  Lots of fun was had throughout the day, and lots of reading was done!  All pupils should have received a book and a book token.  The book token can be redeemed at Carmina Gadelica who have the following available:

• Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s The Wolf Trials
• Pokémon: The Epic Pocket Guide
• Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s Who’s in Acorn Wood?
• The Adventures of Paddington: Farm Escape!

Soccer 7s

The next Soccer 7s tournament will take place tomorrow (Saturday 8^th March) in Portree from 11.30am onwards.

All participants have received an information letter.  We are delighted with how many pupils are taking part, as we will be able to field 3 teams for the first time in the 2024/25 season.

Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers will be hosting a fund-raising café while the tournament is going on.  This will be open from 10am-1pm and will be in the small kitchen in the high school reception area.  Please pop in to support this café.

Portree Nursery Survey

Portree Nursery are currently assessing the need for out of school care services at the nursery, and have created a survey to gather feedback from families in order to better understand the demand for this within the community.

The nursery have asked me to share this survey with you and ask that you please spare a couple of minutes to complete it.  it covers areas such preferred hours, types of activities, and cost expectations.  All responses are confidential.

Survey can be accessed at this link:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GFNM6GL

Girls Shinty

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding Girls Shinty:

Active Schools will be restarting girls shinty on a Wednesday evening from 5-6pm at the Fingal Centre, Portree.

These sessions will be open to any girls P2-P7, running up until the Easter holidays.

If you have any pupils who would be interested in  m attending, then please pass this on.

Booking is essential, so make sure you get booked on through our online booking system at High Life Highland Activities under General Activities.  You do not need to be a highlife member to get booked on, but you will need to have a pay as you go account to be able to book. If you have any issues getting booked on then please get in touch with sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

A big thanks goes to coaches Sadie and Catherine and our Young leaders for getting this session running again.

We hope to see some new faces along this term.

Thanks

Sarah 😊

Sarah Ross

Active Schools Co-ordinator

High Life Highland

07841677447

01478 614810  (Portree high school) ext 240

E sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

P1 & P7 Dental Screening

Pupils in P1 and P7 will have received a letter about dental screening.  This will take place in school on the 27^th of March.

Parents’ Evening

We will have our next parents’ evening on Tuesday 25^th and Wednesday 26^th March.  We will again be using our online booking system to allow you to choose a convenient day and time.  Bookings open at 5pm on Monday 10^th March.  You may book an appointment at: https://parentsbooking.co.uk/portreeprimary

If you have any problems making a booking, then please let me know.

Primary 5 parents please note that due to an unavoidable calendar clash, your parents evening will take place on a different day – Thursday 20th March.  My apologies if this causes inconvenience to families with children in other clashes.

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival P7 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Wednesday 19th March	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P5
Wednesday 19th March	Parent Open Afternoon 2.30pm
Friday 21st March	Red Nose Day
Tuesday 25th March and Wednesday 26th March	Parents’ Evenings P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P7
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Thursday 27th March	P1 and P7 Dental Screening
Monday 31st March	P1 and P2/3 School Trip to Armadale (tbc)
Tuesday 1st April	P6 School Trip to Culloden (tbc)
Wednesday 2nd April	P3/4 and P5 School Trip to North Skye (tbc)
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

Sporting Success – Shinty

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in recent shinty tournaments including the P5 & under team, and the girls team.  All who participated represented the school in an exemplary way.  I have had numerous comments from spectators about how well our teams did, both in terms of performance and attitude.  Our P5 & under team finished as runners-up – this was a fantastic achievement which we are all very proud of.  Well done!

World Book Day 06/03/25

World Book Day takes place on Thursday 6^th March.  To mark the day, we are encouraging pupils to come to school dressed either as their favourite character from a book, or in their pyjamas.  We will be encouraging reading throughout the day, and will also be holding a school-wide ‘big read’ event. 

I have spoken to local bookshop Carmina Gadelica who have advised that they have stock of some titles for World Book Day.  Pupils will receive a book token which they can redeem for a book in the shop.  The titles available are:

• Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s The Wolf Trials
• Pokémon: The Epic Pocket Guide
• Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s Who’s in Acorn Wood?
• The Adventures of Paddington: Farm Escape!

In addition, Highland Bookshop in Fort William have supplied every pupil in the school with one of the World Book Day titles.  We will distribute these to children next week.

Parents’ Evening

We will have our next parents’ evening on Tuesday 25^th and Wednesday 26^th March.  We will again be using our online booking system to allow you to choose a convenient day and time.  Details of how to access this will follow shortly.

Primary 5 parents please note that due to an unavoidable calendar clash, your parents evening will take place on a different day – Thursday 20th March.  My apologies if this causes inconvenience to families with children in other clashes.

Open Morning Change of Date/time

Please note a change of date for our Open Morning in March.  We had originally scheduled this to take place on Friday 21^st March, however due to a clash with our planned Red Nose Day activities that day, we will have to change this.  Instead, we will have an Open Afternoon on Wednesday 19^th March at 2.30pm.  Parents may take their child home slightly early after this if they wish, please just inform the teacher that you are doing so.

Soccer 7s

The next Soccer 7s tournament will take place on Saturday 8^th March in Portree.  Permission slips were issued to interested pupils on Wednesday this week and must either be returned or completed online by Tuesday 4^th March.  Online permission slips can be accessed at: https://forms.office.com/e/Q0y1nXZjqN

Gaelic Survey

Please see survey at the following link regarding attitudes towards Gaelic in education: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/parent-questionnaire-24-phs-duplicate

This survey will support PHD research undertaken by Sheena Amos, who has recently been visiting schools in the area to gather information on pupil attitudes to Gaelic.

For Attention of P6 and P7 Parents – Free School Meals

Please see letter attached to this email regarding free school meals.  “The Scottish Government have advised that from February universal free school meal provision applies to Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils whose parents are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.”

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Monday 3rd March	P6 Basketball Training at PHS – 11.40am.
Thursday 6th March	World Book Day.  Pupils may come dressed as favourite character from a book or in their pyjamas.
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival P7 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Wednesday 19th March	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P5
Wednesday 19th March	Parent Open Afternoon 2.30pm
Friday 21st March	Red Nose Day
Friday 21st March	Open Morning 11.30am
Tuesday 25th March and Wednesday 26th March	Parents’ Evenings P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P7
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Monday 31st March	P1 and P2/3 School Trip to Armadale (tbc)
Tuesday 1st April	P6 School Trip to Culloden (tbc)
Wednesday 2nd April	P3/4 and P5 School Trip to North Skye (tbc)
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

Dear parents/carers,

Please note that the school will be closed on Monday-Wednesday next week for the February break.  We look forward to welcoming pupils back for a short week next Thursday 20^th February.  I hope you all enjoy a well-earned break.

Please see this week’s update below.

Staffing

It was with great sadness that we had to bid farewell to Mrs Janice MacDonald this week.  Janice had worked in the school as a PSA for the past 15 years, but has decided to move on to pastures new.  We really value the skill and years of experience that Janice has brought to her role – she has made such a difference to the lives of many of our learners over the years, and we will miss her greatly.  All the very best Janice!

We do now have a vacancy in our PSA team which has been advertised with a closing date of Monday 17^th February.  Please see the following link if interested in applying: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/pupil-support-assistant-1-17-hpw-fixed-term-until-03-july-2025-portree-primary-school-411518

P1 Health Assessments

Primary 1 parents/carers please note that the health team will be visiting the school on Thursday 20^th to carry out the P1 routine health review.  Information on what this is for can be found at this link: https://publichealthscotland.scot/population-health/early-years-and-young-people/child-health-data-and-intelligence/child-weight-and-growth/routine-health-review/

Indoor Shinty

Well done to those youngsters who represented the school in last weekend’s indoor shinty competition.  I have received several comments about how well they did, and I am very proud of all of them.

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th February	School Closed (February Break on 17th/18th, the staff in-service on 19th)
Wednesday 26th February	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P6
Monday 3rd March	P6 Basketball Training at PHS – 11.40am.
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival P7 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Wednesday 19th March	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P5
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Friday 21st March	Open Morning 11.30am
w/c 24th March	Parents’ Evenings
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

Kind regards,

David MacLean

Acting Head Teacher

Dear parents/carers,

My apologies that I didn’t manage to send a parent update last week as I was caught up in the excitement of our Community Cafe!

Please see this week’s update below.

Community Cafe

Thank you so much to everyone who made it to last Friday’s Community Cafe.  There was a strong turnout and over £300 raised through donations, with a further sum of £240 raised by the Parent Council through their raffle.  We had earmarked any donations for our school fund and will take suggestions from our pupils and staff on how they would like to see this spent.

Well done to pupils in Primary 6, I was so impressed with their maturity and determination to make the event a success. 

Unfortunately our Community Cafe’s are becoming more difficult for us to deliver – this is due to the staffing capacity in the school being squeezed.  We will endeavour to continue these events where possible as they are great learning experiences, however they may not always be possible.  Parent volunteer support with future events will be much appreciated.

P6 and P7 Basketball

The Primary 7 class enjoyed a basketball training session at Portree High School yesterday and will be back next week for another one.  Primary 6 will have a session next Monday (10^th February) and again on Monday 3^rd March.  Pupils in P6 should come to school on Monday with (or wearing) their PE kit – including suitable footwear for indoor basketball.

The basketball Festival will take place later on in March for our pupils in P6 and P7.

Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’

Pupils in P5-P7 will have the chance to participate in sessions on engineering over the next few weeks.  These sessions are run by Balfour Beatty as part of their ‘Big School Visit’ project and will take place in the school.

Pupil Success – P6 Creative Writing

Our P6 class took part in a creative writing competition in December.  The task was write a mini saga (less than 100 words) using the prompt of a magical map as inspiration.  This week I have received notice that many of our pupils have had their work selected to be published in a book, The Magical Map – Worlds of Wonder.  Well done to everyone who had their work selected – it is a great achievement that so many of our pupils will be able to call themselves published authors!

A letter has gone home to selected pupils as parents must give permission for children’s work to be published by 16/02/25.  Please follow instructions in the letter to give your permission as soon as possible.

Indoor Shinty Qualifiers

Good luck to our pupils who will be representing the school in tomorrow’s indoor shinty qualifiers at Portree High School.

School Clubs and Activities

Computer Club –This is a weekly club from 3.30-4.30pm.  This session will be run by some P6 pupils and supervised by a member of staff.  All welcome.

Shinty training for P1-3 – Last session will be next Thursday 13^th February.

Young Leaders in P6 and P7 are also running a variety of clubs at lunchtimes/breaktimes including sport/dance/games/chess/art/crochet.

Breakfast Boogie – A short weekly dance session before the start of school (8.50am) every Monday.  Again this, will be run by young leaders.  This will run as a trial until at least until the February break.

Toy donations

If you are having a clear-out of old toys and games, would you consider donating them to the school for the P3/4 class to sell in their toy stall during Red Nose Day?  Although this will not take place until March, we will start collecting donations now – these can be left at school reception.  Thank you!

School Uniform Offer

One of our school uniform providers Andrew Hyde, currently have 10% off across their website: https://ahyde.co.uk/collections/portree-primary.  

Use code: AHUNIFORM10 at checkout.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

20% off for our school community at Mountain Warehouse until June 2025.

If you would like to take advantage of this, the promo code is: CC202473.  This can be used at: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com

Key Dates for Term 3

Date	Event
Monday 10th February	P6 Basketball Training at PHS – 11.40am.
Wednesday 12th February	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P7
Thursday 13th February	P7 Basketball Training at PHS – 1.45pm.
Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th February	School Closed (February Break on 17th/18th, the staff in-service on 19th)
Wednesday 26th February	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P6
Monday 3rd March	P6 Basketball Training at PHS – 11.40am.
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival P7 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Wednesday 19th March	Balfour Beatty ‘Big School Visit’ – Engineering sessions for P5
Tuesday 25th March	Basketball Festival P6 – 10.30am-2.30pm
Friday 21st March	Open Morning 11.30am
w/c 24th March	Parents’ Evenings
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)