Latest Parent Information

It’s been great to have a full week of interrupted learning.  All classes have managed to get back into the swing of things and are looking forward to a busy term ahead.

Please see our weekly update below.

P5 – Work on Skye Event and Lucky2BeHere Training

Our P5 class were invited to attend the ‘Work on Skye’ launch event at the Community Centre on Tuesday.  They were able to browse the various stalls at the event and were also fortunate to receive some training from Lucky2BeHere.  The class really enjoyed participating and conducted themselves very well throughout their visit.  Any parents at the school gate on Wednesday afternoon may have been wondering why so many kids came out with bandaged heads – there weren’t any real head injuries I’m glad to say!

Science Skills Workshops

Both Primary 6 and Primary 7 classes will attend a full day science skills workshop on Monday (P6) and Tuesday (P7) next week.  This will take place at the Community Centre and will be on the theme of robotics and mathematics.  These skills workshops have always been very well received by pupils in previous years, and we are very much looking forward to this one.

Makaton

There will be a Makaton level 1 training on Wednesday 5^th and Wednesday 12^th February.  This will be hosted by UHI North, West and Hebrides (Portree) and the workshop will be run by one of our PSAs – Maria Pelletta – who is also a qualified Makaton tutor.  This is at a much-reduced price of £60 for the 2 sessions and includes the £50 Manual. For more information, or to sign-up, follow this link: Makaton Level 1 – Portree Tickets, Wed 5 Feb 2025 at 17:30 | Eventbrite

Active Schools

Please see the message below from Sarah Ross:

ACTIVE SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES FOR 2025

We are looking forward to kicking off the new year with our community activities starting from the 13th of January.

Activities are now on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/ so please ensure that you book onto activities for this new block to guarantee your space.

Due to our senior pupils having prelims coming up then we will not have girls shinty this month, but hope we can run something following the February break

It would be great to be able to add to these activities, so if there is something you would like to see happening across the island and could support in getting it started, then please get in touch to discuss how we can help.

I look forward to seeing all our regular participants back and welcome lots of new ones too for 2025!

If you have any issues getting booked on or would like to discuss any volunteering opportunities, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sarah at sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

Sarah Ross

Active Schools Co-ordinator

High Life Highland

07841677447

01478 614810  (Portree high school) ext 240

E sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

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 20th January	P6 Science Skills Workshop
Tuesday 21st January	P7 Science Skills Workshop
Friday 31st February	Tbc P6 Community Cafe
Saturday 1st February	Soccer 7s – Portree
Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th February	School Closed (February Break on 17th/18th, the staff in-service on 19th)
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival tbc.
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)

On behalf of the staff at the school I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We all very much appreciate the support that you have offered the school over the past year, and look forward to more of the same in 2025.

Please see a very short weekly update, along with some known dates for Term 3.

Christmas Service

The school will attend a Christmas Service at Shepherd’s Way Church today (Friday 20^th December).  Families and members of the community are also invited to attend.  The start time for this service is 10am, and members of the community are invited to stay afterwards for refreshments.  We look forward to seeing some of you there.

Staffing

Today is Tessa Cooper’s last day with us, and we are very sorry to see her go.  Tessa has been working with us as a PSA for the last few months and has quickly established herself as an important member of our team.  Thank you Tessa for all of your hard work, and all the very best!

Festive Walk

Yesterday we took almost the whole school for a festive walk through the village.  It was lovely to see our youngsters interacting with members of the community and wishing them a Merry Christmas.  We stopped in at the Square and enjoyed singing a few Christmas Songs.  Thank you to the parent volunteers who joined us on the walk, and thank you to those who came to listen.

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 6th January	School opens for first day of Term 3
Wednesday 15th January	Parent Council Meeting – 6pm
Wednesday 15th January	P7 Dance Leadership
Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th February	School Closed (February Break on 17th/18th, the staff in-service on 19th)
Tuesday 11th March	Basketball Festival tbc.
w/c 24th March	Parents’ Evenings
Friday 4th April	Last day of Term 3 (school re-opens Tuesday 22nd April)

Christmas Show

It was great to see such a healthy turnout for our Christmas Show on Monday night.  Our pupils did themselves proud as always with their determination and effort, despite some technical issues including a lack of stage and no working curtains. There were some tired faces in the school on Tuesday morning – pupils and staff!

A sum of over £200 was raised through donations towards our school fund, and over £500 was raised in the raffle for Parent Council funds.  Thank you all for your generosity.

Christmas Parties

Next week each class will have their Christmas Party.  They will have music, games and party food in the gym hall, and we are also expecting a special visit from Santa Claus on Tuesday afternoon!

Pupils will each receive a small gift which has generously been paid for by the Parent Council.

Canteen Christmas Lunch

Please note that the canteen lunch menu next Thursday 19^th December will be Christmas Lunch – turkey with trimmings.

Home Farm & Tigh na Drochaid Visits

Pupils in P2/3 and P5 visited Home Farm on Tuesday this week to entertain residents.  They were in fine voice, singing a selection of Christmas songs.

On Thursday this week the P2/3 and P3/4 classes visited Tigh na Drochaid to entertain service users.  Again, they performed brilliantly.

It’s always lovely to take the talent and charm of our pupils out into the community – the children always give it their all.

Dance Festival

P6 and P7 took part in the Dance Festival at Portree High School on Tuesday.  It was a great opportunity to meet and mix with children from schools across Skye, and to put their recent social dancing lessons to good use.

Christmas Service

The school will attend a Christmas Service at Shepherd’s Way Church on the last day of term (Friday 20^th December).  Families and members of the community are also invited to attend.  Time tbc.

If you would prefer that your child did not attend, please let the school know.  Children who do not attend the service will remain at the school to do Christmas crafts.

Late coming

A request for parents to ensure that their children arrive to school on time.  The school day starts at 9.06am, and we expect that pupils are on time.  Arriving on time is important for morning routines, and to ensure children are set-up for the day and ready to learn.  I appreciate your support with this.

Last Call for Lost Property

Last call for lost property – please check in this week as we have lots of unlabelled lost property which has been sitting for some time.  Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of term.

Community Christmas Event at Shepherd’s Way Church

Please see flyer below about the upcoming community Christmas event taking place at Shepherd’s Way Church on 14^th December.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Friday 13th December	Christmas Jumper Day.
Tuesday 17th December	Dance Festival at Portree High School (P5 attending)
Thursday 19th December	Canteen Christmas Lunch.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2 and Christmas Service at Shepherd’s Way Church.

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

We look forward to seeing you there.

It has been a very busy week with parents’ evenings and Christmas Show preparation.

Christmas Show

Our school Christmas Show will take place on Monday 9^th December at 6.30pm at The Venue at Portree High School.  We would be grateful if pupils could arrive no later than 6.15pm, to allow us enough time to get them organised before the start of the show.  We look forward to seeing you all there.

Pupils will be attending the Venue this morning and again on Monday morning for rehearsals.  Stagecoach are very kindly providing a bus to transport pupils in P1 and P2/3, while the other classes will walk.

Our Parent Council will be holding a raffle on the night of the show (see poster below).  If you are not able to attend, but would like to buy raffle tickets, then please contact them by email on portree.primary@highlandpc.co.uk

Christmas Jumper Day

Friday 13^th December will be our Christmas Jumper Day, in aid of Save the Children.  Pupils will be encouraged to wear a Christmas Jumper and if possible, make a donation of £1.

If you have any Christmas Jumpers which are no longer required (too small, etc.) you would be welcome drop these off at the school for others to use.

Christmas Service

The school will attend a Christmas Service at Shepherd’s Way Church on the last day of term (Friday 20^th December).  Families and members of the community are also invited to attend.  Time tbc.

If you would prefer that your child did not attend, please let the school know.  Children who do not attend the service will remain at the school to do Christmas crafts.

Soccer 7s

Soccer 7s takes place tomorrow (Saturday 7^th December) at 11.30 a.m  in Plockton.  An information letter has gone home today to children involved.

Lost Property and Second-hand Uniform

We still have lots of unlabelled lost property in the school including jackets, hats, gloves, and everything else!  Please visit the school office for a look.  We do not have the storage space for this and will be donating any unclaimed lost property to charity shops at the end of term.

We also have a large number of very good quality second hand school uniform available.  Please visit the school to have a look and take what you need.

X-Programme

Please see message below and leaflet attached regarding the X-Programme, this may be of interest to some parents.

Hello,

Please find some information attached about the X-Programme.  This is an NHS programme which offers support with health, weight and wellbeing for families and children of all ages.  It is a family focused lifestyle change programme which motivates and supports participants and their families to feel positive about making sustainable lifestyle changes to support their health and wellbeing.

For more information please visit www.thexprogramme.scot.nhs.uk or contact Connie at c.spouge@calachildcare.co.uk. 

Community Christmas Event at Shepherd’s Way Church

Please see flyer below about the upcoming community Christmas event taking place at Shepherd’s Way Church on 14^th December.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Friday 6th December	Christmas Show Rehearsal 1 at The Venue – 9.30am
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am. 11.30am
Monday 9th December	Christmas Show Rehearsal 2 at The Venue – 9.30am
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Tuesday 10th December	Dance Festival at Portree High School (P6 & P7 attending)
Friday 13th December	Christmas Jumper Day.
Tuesday 17th December	Dance Festival at Portree High School (P5 attending)
Thursday 19th December	Canteen Christmas Lunch.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2 and Christmas Service at Shepherd’s Way Church.

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

Open Morning Friday 29^th November

All parents and carers are invited to attend our Open Morning today (Friday 29^th November from) 11.30am.

This is a chance to visit your child’s class and spend some time looking over their classwork and pupil profile with them.

Please note that if you wish to take your child home slightly early that Friday after your visit you may do so, however you must ensure their teacher knows!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Parents’ Evening

A final reminder that appointment bookings for Parents’ evening is currently open (link and instructions below) but will close on Monday, ahead of appointments taking place on Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th December.

To login you will need to enter your name and your child’s name ([First Name] [Last Name]) and date of birth. The login details you enter must match those we have on record for you.  Please follow this link to login:  https://parents-booking.co.uk/portreeprimary

The booking system is very easy to use, but if you do encounter any difficulties then please let us know and we can help you. 

Homework

A reminder that our school homework policy relaxes during the month of December.  This helps to relieve pressure on pupils at a very busy time of year.

Update to school closure protocols

Highland Council have recently updated guidance on school closure protocols.  I have attached the latest guidance for parents to this email, but in summary:

• The school closure 0800 telephone line has now been withdrawn and should no longer be used.
• Parents should use the school closures website for information on closures: School closures | The Highland Council (this website used to only be updated from 8am, however it will now be automatically updated as soon as the school is closed – regardless of time).
• In addition, I will continue to advise parents of school closures by email and Facebook updates.

Light-Up Portree

Thank you to all pupils who represented the school by singing at the light-up Portree event on Wednesday.  They braved a freezing cold night, but sang brilliantly.  The group did not have as much rehearsal time as planned due to school closure last week, but they did us all proud.  Well done!

Tigh na Drochaid

P2/3 class visited Tigh na Drochaid on Tuesday this week to perform a dance routine for service users there.  It was fantastic to hear how well the class did and how positively they were received.  All classes in the school get dance tuition from Skyedance once per week, and it’s great to see the hard work in their lessons paying off.

Shinty

Children in P2-5 enjoyed a shinty coaching session delivered by Katie Drain (Shinty Development Officer) on Tuesday this week – great fun was had by all.  Thank you Katie for visiting the school.

Well done as well to the children who represented the school last night at the Jenny MacKenzie indoor shinty tournament in Kyleakin, and thank you to our dedicated volunteer coaches for helping prepare our players for this tournament.

Parent Council Update

Parent Council have been busy fundraising over the last several weeks and have raised just under £600 from Halloween Disco and their stall at the reindeer parade.  The Parent Council use funds raised to support various initiatives in the school (for example providing funding for Christmas gifts for children), and we are very grateful for their support.

Soccer 7s and P1-3 Football Festival

The next Soccer 7s event will take place on Saturday 7^th December in Plockton at 11.30am.  Permission slips have gone out today to interested pupils, please return these by Tuesday 3^rd December, as this is my deadline for submitting teams.  Alternatively parents may complete the permission slip online at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/h6hRBEHTYF

There will also be a P1-3 football festival the same day from 12-1pm in the games hall in Plockton High School.  We do not have to register players or teams for this, but the organiser would like an idea of numbers from each school.  If you plan to take your child to this, could you complete the form at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/sZeicREN0N

Christmas Show

Our school Christmas Show will take place on Monday 9^th December at 6.30pm at The Venue at Portree High School.  Tickets for this should have gone home to parents yesterday (possibly today for some).  Apologies for the delay as we had hoped for these to have gone home last week.

If you know that you will not be attending, then please return your tickets to the school so that we can re-allocate them.

Please note that we will be taking pupils to Portree High School next Friday (6^th) morning for a rehearsal, then again on the morning of Monday 9^th for final rehearsal.  We will all be walking to and from the High School on those days.

Community Christmas Event at Shepherd’s Way Church

Please see flyer below about the upcoming community Christmas event taking place at Shepherd’s Way Church on 14^th December.

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
Friday 6th December	Christmas Show Rehearsal 1 at The Venue – 9.30am
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am. 11.30am
Monday 9th December	Christmas Show Rehearsal 2 at The Venue – 9.30am
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Staffing

Today is Ms Korri Henderson’s last day with us.  Korri has been covering PSA maternity leave for the past year, and has become an invaluable member of our school team.  We thank Korri for her flexibility and hard work, and wish her all the very best for the future.

We welcome Mrs Sarah Nisbet back to work next week and very much look forward to having her back with us.

Children in Need

I was so proud last week to see the school come together to fundraise for Children in Need.  The school was awash with yellow, and there was some amazing crazy hair (I dare say some parents may still be scrubbing hair colouring off kid’s heads!). 

A total of just over £580 was raised – an absolutely brilliant amount which will help do a lot of good for children across the country.

The Primary 6 class must take the lion’s share of credit for all the effort that they put into organising the day.  They took their duties very seriously and acted with incredible maturity to ensure everything went smoothly.  Well done P6!

Thank you to all families who supported us by contributing items for raffle, jumble sale and the bake-off, or by sending your child in with cash for donations.  It was all very much appreciated.

Parents’ Evening

A reminder that appointment bookings for Parents’ evening is currently open (link and instructions below).  Over 60% of parents have already booked their appointment, but there is still plenty of time to do this before they take place on Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th December.

To login you will need to enter your name and your child’s name ([First Name] [Last Name]) and date of birth. The login details you enter must match those we have on record for you.  Please follow this link to login:  https://parents-booking.co.uk/portreeprimary

The booking system is very easy to use, but if you do encounter any difficulties then please let us know and we can help you. 

Open Morning Friday 29^th November

All parents and carers are invited to attend our Open Morning on Friday 29^th November from 11.30am.

This is a chance to visit your child’s class and spend some time looking over their classwork and pupil profile with them.

Please note that if you wish to take your child home slightly early that Friday after your visit you may do so, however you must ensure their teacher knows!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Light-Up Portree and Reindeer Parade

Please note a change to the plans for the Light-Up Portree event and Reindeer parade tomorrow.  Due to poor weather forecast the organisers have decided that the Light-up event will now take place on Wednesday night 5-6pm.  The children who have signed up to sing for this should therefore not attend tomorrow night, but should attend on Wednesday if they are able to.

Also, the reindeer parade will be going ahead, however pupils will not be able to join in the parade (though of course they can still watch).

Shinty

There will be no shinty practice this Tuesday 26^th November as our volunteers will be on a coaching course that day.

The Jenny MacKenzie indoor shinty tournament will take place next Thursday 28^th November.  We will be sending two teams to this – permission slips have gone home to those taking part.  Please return these by Tuesday 26^th November.  Best of luck to everyone involved.

Skyedance Showcase

Last Saturday’s Skyedance Showcase has received rave reviews from many in attendance.  Congratulations to everyone of our pupils who took part.  I know how much determination and effort went in to practicing their routines, and I am so delighted to hear how it went so well on the night.

Thank you to Allison at Skyedance for being so supportive of our dancers and helping to get them performance ready.

Christmas Show

Our school Christmas Show will take place on Monday 9^th December at 6.30pm at The Venue at Portree High School.  All families will receive two tickets for this which will go home with children today.  If you require additional tickets, then please contact the school office to join the waitlist and we will do what we can to accommodate you.  The seating capacity of The Venue limits how many tickets we can give away.

If you know that you will not be attending then please return your tickets to the school so that we can re-allocate them.

Asda Cashpots

The school is now signed up to Asda Cashpots.  This is a reward scheme which means Asda will donate a percentage of any shopping you do with them to the school.  To get involved you need to download the Asda rewards app and select the school.  Information about how to do this can be found here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Saturday 23rd November	Light-up Portree and Reindeer Parade.
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am.
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Kind regards,

David MacLean

Acting Head Teacher

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks

Sarah Ross

Active Schools Co-ordinator

High Life Highland

Staffing

We were delighted to welcome Ms. Hajar Moujib to the school on Wednesday.  Hajar joins us as a second year student teacher with the UHI and will be working alongside Ms. Deplano on a Wednesday and myself on a Thursday teaching Primary 6.  We’re all looking forward to working with her.

Children in Need

It was a pleasure to work with the Primary 6 class yesterday as they put the final touches on preparation for today’s Children in Need fundraiser.  They have been busy preparing over the last couple of weeks and have put so much thought, effort and hard work into the day.  We’re all really excited for the day ahead.

Thank you to all families who have contributed prizes for raffle, cakes for bake-off, and all of the other bits and pieces which have been donated.  Your generosity is much appreciated.

Parents’ Evening

We are looking forward to inviting you to our parents’ evening appointments on Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th December.  Parents will receive an email later today with instructions on how to access our online booking system, and I have copied the link you will need below.  Bookings open at 4pm today.

To login you will need to enter your name and your child’s name ([First Name] [Last Name]) and date of birth. The login details you enter must match those we have on record for you.  Please follow this link to login:  https://parents-booking.co.uk/portreeprimary

The booking system is very easy to use, but if you do encounter any difficulties then please let us know and we can help you. 

Light-Up Portree and Reindeer Parade

Our P5-7 pupils have been invited to take part in Light-up Portree event on Saturday 23^rd November.  Interested pupils have taken a permission slip which must be returned ASAP.  The children will perform ‘It Was On a Starry Night’ and ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’.  They should meet Mrs Templeman in the Square at 4.45pm.

We are also invited to join the Reindeer Parade the same day – any pupils who would like to join the parade should meet at the Royal Bank at 1.35pm wearing school jumper if possible and any additional festive clothing they would like to.

Soccer 7s

Well done to all who participated in Soccer 7s last Saturday, and a big thank you to all parent helpers. 

The next Soccer 7s will take place in Plockton on Saturday 7^th December.

Remembrance Parade

A thank you to Zander (P7) for representing the school during the Remembrance Parade last Sunday, and for laying the Portree Primary School wreath.  He did an excellent job.

Active Schools Football

Please see message from Sarah Ross:

Hi All

We will be starting our P2-4 Saturday football sessions again from tomorrow 16^th of November at the Fingal Centre.
We are excited to let you know that we will also have our P1 session starting from 9.30am-10.15am open to all boys and girls in P1. If you have any little budding footballers that would like to join us for some fun football games, then please get booked on through our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/
Places will be limited, so please book soon!
If you have any difficulties getting booked on, then please get in touch with Sarah at sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

Please see poster for more information

Thanks

Sarah

Asda Cashpots

The school is now signed up to Asda Cashpots.  This is a reward scheme which means Asda will donate a percentage of any shopping you do with them to the school.  To get involved you need to download the Asda rewards app and select the school.  Information about how to do this can be found here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Friday 15th November	Children in Need Fundraising.
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am.
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Kind regards,

David MacLean

Acting Head Teacher

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks

Sarah Ross

Active Schools Co-ordinator

High Life Highland

Halloween Party

It was brilliant to see so many pupils dressed up for our Halloween parties on Friday last week.  The events were well attended, and great fun was had by all.

A big thank you to the Parent Council for all of their efforts in organising the event, and to all those who gave up part of their Friday evening to lend a helping hand.  I know how enjoyable and valuable these experiences are for our youngsters, and we can’t do them without lots of effort and good will.  Thank you!

Visit to Tigh na Drochaid

On Tuesday morning a group of pupils from P5-7 visited Tigh na Drochaid to engage with and entertain the service users there as part of their 30^th anniversary celebrations.  We had 24 pupils take part, and I was delighted with how well they did.  The group sang two songs: ‘Coulter’s Candy (Ally Bally)’ and ‘World in Our Hands’.  They sounded very good, despite only having a couple of rehearsals.  We also had some keen musicians play instrumentals too.  Well done to the following:

• Hamish (P5) for his chanter rendition of ‘Highland Laddie’
• Zander and Cahal (P5) for their drum set
• Ceitlin (P6) for her performance of ‘Violin Concerto’ on the viola
• Lily (P6) for her performance of ‘The Skye Boat Song’ on fiddle.

Each of the instrumentalists and singers did themselves and the school proud.

Soccer 7s – 9^th November

A reminder for those signed up that the next Soccer 7s event takes place tomorrow (Saturday 9^th November) at 10.30am in Portree.  Information letters with fixtures have gone out to pupils involved.

Children in Need

Primary 6 are busy preparing for their Children in Need fundraising on Friday 15^th November.   They have asked that I share the following message with you:

P6 will be selling raffle tickets from next Monday to raise money for Children in Need. Each ticket will cost 50p. There will be lots of great prizes to be won.

Please note that next Friday will be a non-uniform day, and pupils are invited to wear their own clothes with the theme of wearing yellow and crazy hair.  £1 donations are invited for wearing own clothes.

The P6 class are organising a morning of events for the whole school to be involved in such as Guess the Teddy’s name, Arts and crafts, Bake Off, Nail Salon, Guess the number of sweets in a jar, and lots more.  Some events will be free, and others will require a small donation, so children should bring some pocket money if they would like to.

Parents’ Evening

We are looking forward to inviting you to our parents’ evening appointments on Tuesday 3^rd and Wednesday 4^th December.  We will be using a new booking system this time which should give you greater choice and flexibility in booking an appointment with your child’s teacher.  Nearer the time you will be sent an email with a link and details on how to access the online booking system.  You will then be able to see all available appointments and book one to suit you.

You will be able to book your appointment from Friday 15^th November at 4pm.

The system is very user friendly and easy to use, however should you have any difficulties with it then please be in touch with the school office and we can assist.

Remembrance Parade

A couple of our Primary 7 pupils will be taking part in the Remembrance Parade this Sunday (10^th).  They will be marching from the Gathering Hall to the Square at 10.30am and will lay Portree Primary School’s wreath on the war memorial.

Asda Cashpots

The school is now signed up to Asda Cashpots.  This is a reward scheme which means Asda will donate a percentage of any shopping you do with them to the school.  To get involved you need to download the Asda rewards app and select the school.  Information about how to do this can be found here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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 2

Date	Event
Saturday 9th November	Soccer 7s in Portree at 10.30am.
Sunday 10th November	Remembrance Parade.  10.30am.
Friday 15th November	Children in Need Fundraising.
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am.
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Active Schools Activities

Please see message below from Sarah Ross regarding current Active Schools activities. 

All activities are required to be booked on our online booking system at https://booking.highlifehighland.com/. You do not need to be a member to come along, but you will require to create a pay as you go account to create an account for booking.

As always, our activities only go ahead with the support from our parent volunteers. If you would be interested in supporting any of our current activities or could help to set up something different in your local school or community then please get in touch and I can provide the support and help to do this.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Wear It Pink

Over £200 was raised just before the October holidays through donations received from ‘wearing it pink’.  Thank you to all who contributed, and to the Primary 7 class for co-ordinating this fundraising effort.

Halloween Party

We are all excited for this evening’s Halloween Parties.  There will be two parties at the following times:

P1-3: 5.30-6.30pm 

P4-7: 7.00-8.00pm

These events have been organised by the Parent Council.  A suggested donation of £2 per child would be much appreciated.

Shinty

Please note that our usual Tuesday Shinty coaching session will not be on week (Tuesday 5^th November).

Soccer 7s – 9^th November

The next Soccer 7s event will take place in Portree on Saturday 9^th November at 10.30am.  Permissions slips went to interested pupils in P4-7 on Tuesday.  The deadline for return of these is Tuesday 5^th November.  Permission slips can also be completed online at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/jcXap5P2dL

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal

A last call for full shoeboxes for the Blythswood appeal –   be with us by Thursday 7^th November.

Remembrance and Poppy Appeal

The school will be supporting the poppy appeal with the sale of poppies next week, led by our Primary 7s.

Asda Cashpots

The school is now signed up to Asda Cashpots.  This is a reward scheme which means Asda will donate a percentage of any shopping you do with them to the school.  To get involved you need to download the Asda rewards app and select the school.  Information about how to do this can be found here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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

Data Consent Forms

Please remember to complete and return the data consent form for your child.  It is important for us to have accurate information on whether or not you consent to your child being photographed, using google classroom, going on local walks, etc.

The forms were originally issued in August.  If you have misplaced the form or are unsure about whether you have returned it or not, then please contact the school office.

Key Dates for Term 2

Date	Event
Friday 1st November	Halloween parties.
Wednesday 6th November	Parent Council meeting 6-7pm.  All welcome.
Saturday 9th November	Soccer 7s in Portree at 10.30am.
Friday 15th November	Children in Need Fundraising.
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
Saturday 7th December	Soccer 7s in Plockton at 10.30am.
Monday 9th December	School Christmas Show at 6.30pm.
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Dear parents/carers,

As we round up the first term of this school session, I would like to wish all pupils and families a very happy October Holiday.

I have been delighted with all of the hard work and effort made by the children this term, and hope that they enjoy a well-earned break.

Wear It Pink

It was great to see so many children wearing pink today in aid of breast cancer awareness.  Donations received will be put towards this worthwhile cause.

School Photos

Wednesday was a busy and exciting day as we had the school photographer in.  All pupils went home with a form with details on how to view and order photos.  It is expected that you will be able to view and order photos online from Monday or Tuesday next week using either the QR code on the form or by going to https://locheil.gotphoto.co.uk/kunden/login and entering your personal access code (this is also on your child’s form).

The photographer, Al, has been a friend of the school for many years, and has taken the photos of several generations of Portree families.  It is always great to have these photos done, and I hope you enjoy them.

If you encounter any issues with ordering photos, please contact Al directly using the contact form on the weblink above.

Halloween Disco

The Parent Council are hoping to organise a Halloween disco due to take place on Friday 1^st November.  More detail to follow.

Soccer 7s

We fielded two teams at last Saturday’s Soccer 7s event in Portree.  Both teams performed very well, and I was proud to see how well they demonstrated the values of our school.  Well done everyone!

My thanks also to the parent volunteers who supported our teams by coaching on the day – we can’t field teams at events like this without parent help – so thank you!

Parents’ Evening

Advance notice that Parents’ Evening will take place w/c 2^nd December.  We will be using a new parent booking system which I hope will make the process of booking an appointment much easier for everyone.  The system will send you a link by email which will allow you to see available appointment slots and to book one to suit you.  More information on this will follow in November.

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal

A reminder that our P2/3 class are currently organising the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal.  Please see full details in the letter and checklist below, but please note the following information:

Donations can begin to come in now but need to be in school at the latest for Friday 1st of November,  and full shoeboxes must be with us by Thursday the 7th of  November.

Childsmile Fluoride Varnishing

The Childsmile team were in the school this week applying fluoride varnishing on the children’s teeth.  There is a letter from the team below with information about aftercare.

Asda Cashpots

The school is now signed up to Asda Cashpots.  This is a reward scheme which means Asda will donate a percentage of any shopping you do with them to the school.  To get involved you need to download the Asda rewards app and select the school.  Information about how to do this can be found here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools

Mountain Warehouse Discount Code

You may remember that in May this year Mountain Warehouse offered all in our school community 20% off across their range.  They have kindly agreed to run this discount 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

Active Schools October Holiday Activities

See poster below for details of the Active Schools activities taking place in the holidays.

Data Consent Forms

Please remember to complete and return the data consent form for your child.  It is important for us to have accurate information on whether or not you consent to your child being photographed, using google classroom, going on local walks, etc.

The forms were originally issued in August.  If you have misplaced the form or are unsure about whether you have returned it or not, then please contact the school office.

Key Dates for Term 2

Date	Event
Monday 28th October	School Open for start of term 2.
Friday 1st November	Halloween Disco (organised by Parent Council).
Wednesday 6th November	Parent Council meeting 6-7pm.  All welcome.
Friday 29th November	Parent Open Morning (all parents welcome into school to view their child’s work).
Tuesday/Wednesday 3rd/4th December	Parents’ evening appointments.
w/c 16th December	School Christmas Show (details tbc)
Friday 20th December	Last day of term 2.

Kind regards,

David MacLean

Acting Head Teacher