Latest Parent Information

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

Dear parents/carers,

I was sorry to have to close the school today due to the power cut. 

Please see below the weekly update that was due to go out this morning, with a couple of amendments/additions:

We are rapidly approaching the end of Term 1 and many of our children are already on the countdown to the October holidays.  The last week of term will be typically busy – please see below for our weekly update.

School Closure Procedures

Having had an unexpected closure today, it is worth reminding you of the procedures for the closing of the school.

School closures/late openings/etc. are communicated in the following ways:

• Social media update (Facebook)
• Email to all parents
• Highland Council school closure website – https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures
• School Information Line – call 0800 564 2272 and enter school PIN 042810

Shinty Tournament Kyleakin 04/10/24

The shinty tournament in Kyleakin today will be going ahead as planned.  Sticks and helmets will be available for those who require them, please see Mr Murray for them when you get there.

Soccer 7s

We are looking forward to the Soccer 7s event taking place tomorrow (Saturday 5^th October) in Portree.  Information letters have gone home to players today.  Information letter below.  Please arrive by 10.15am for a 10.30am start. The event will take place on the Astroturf at the Fingal Centre.  Pupils will be issued with their kits on the day (they will wear their own socks and shorts, but will be given a school top).

Community Café

Unfortunately today’s Community Café has been cancelled.  We will let you know if we manage to re-arrange this.

The Primary 5 class will be hosting a Community Café at the school today (Friday 4^th October) at 11am.  This will be fundraising to support the Skye & Lochalsh branch of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

As always, everyone is welcome to come along for a tea/coffee and some lovely home baking.  We look forward to seeing you there.

School Photos

The school photographer will be visiting on the morning of Wednesday 9^th October.  Family photos will take place first thing in the morning.  If you would like a family photo taken involving children from other schools, then please make arrangements for them to visit PPS for the photo.  Could you please let us know that you would like your children to have a family photo taken by filling in this form? https://forms.office.com/e/szW1pnNn7w

Individual photos will be taken afterwards, and all pupils will receive a slip with details on how to view proofs and purchase.

This is a good fundraising opportunity for the school as the photographer makes a generous donation to school funds based on photograph sales.

Parent Council AGM

The Parent Council will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 8^th October at 6pm in the school.  The Parent Council play an important role in the life of the school and would value input from a wide range of parents.

All welcome to attend.

Active Schools Parents Meeting Monday 7^th October

Please see information below from Sarah Ross, Active Schools Co-ordinator.  She will be holding a meeting/information session for parents this coming Monday (3pm) at the school:

My name is Sarah Ross and I am the Active Schools Co-ordinator for Skye, covering Portree High and the 11 cluster primary schools on the island.
A major part of my job is to develop new ways to get children participating in regular, fun and safe physical activities at lunch times, after school and into the wider community. Being able to achieve this relies heavily on the goodwill of parents and community members.
Looking to next term, Active schools is looking to recruit parent volunteers in the hope that we can set up some new extra -curricular activities for the pupils specifically from Portree Primary.  You don’t have to possess knowledge of a specific sport or even hold a coaching qualification. All that is required from you is a couple hours of your time, your motivation and enthusiasm to work with local children as I can support you with training and basic lesson ideas to get you started.

I will be holding a meeting on Monday 7th of October at Portree primary from 3pm and it would be great if you can make it if you are keen to find out more about how you can help and to discuss some potential activities.

If you are able to join us, then please complete the google form below by Monday 7^th by 9.30am.  If you are interested but cannot attend, then please indicate an interest also.

If you have any questions then please contact me by email at sarah.ross@highlifehighland.com

Thanking you in advance for your support!

Kind Regards

Sarah

ACTIVITIES AT PORTREE PRIMARY – PARENTS MEETING – Google Forms

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 this term

Date	Event
Friday 4th October	P5 Community Café 11am.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Portree, 10.30am.
Monday 7th October	Parent Information Session from Sarah Ross (Active Schools Co-ordinator) about extra-curricular activities. 3pm.
Tuesday 8th October	Parent Council AGM 6pm, at the school.
Wednesday 9th October	School Photos.  Family photos will take place beginning at 9.15am.
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.

Kind regards,

David MacLean

Acting Head Teacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

Please see our weekly update below as well as some documents attached to this email:

1. Soccer 7s Permission Slip
2. Blythswood Appeal Letter from P2/3 class
3. Blythswood Appeal Checklist

Soccer 7s

The next Soccer 7s event takes place in Portree on Saturday 5^th October at 10.30am.  Permission slips have gone home today to interested pupils (and also attached to this email) and these must be returned by Tuesday 1^st October.  Parents may complete this permission slip on paper in the traditional way, or online if they prefer through this link.

Please note that I must submit teams to the organiser by 5pm on Tuesday 1^st, therefore any late permission slips will not be accepted.

Scholastic Bookfair

Bookfair orders arrived in the school this week and were passed on to pupils today.  I hope everyone enjoys their new books!

Thank you everyone for your support with the bookfair.  I was delighted with the interest it generated, and the high level of sales achieved.  The school earned a high commission on sales which means we will be able to buy over £500 worth of books for our classrooms and library.

Community Café

The Primary 5 class will be hosting a Community Café at the school on Friday 4^th October at 11am.  This will be fundraising to support the Skye & Lochalsh branch of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

As always, everyone is welcome to come along for a tea/coffee and some lovely home baking.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal

Our P2/3 class are currently organising the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal.  Please see full details in the letter and checklist attached to this email, 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.

Kids Clothing and Toy Swap – Broadford

Nut Allergy Alert

Please see information below from Highland Council Catering Service:

The Food Standards Agency is advising people who have a peanut allergy to avoid consuming foods that contain or may contain mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour because they may have been contaminated with peanuts.

Catering services have consulted our suppliers, Brakes.  Although they are not supplied by the company at the centre of this issue, they are taking the extra precaution of checking the products they supply for possible contamination.

Catering services have alerted all our cooks to the products in question and they have been advised to ensure none of these products are used in any items provided to the pupils we have registered with a nut allergy until further notice.  Where possible alternative products have been advised.

Key Dates for this term

Date	Event
Tuesday 1st October	Visit from Andy McKechnie ‘Readers are Leaders’ workshops.
Friday 5th October	P5 Community Café 11am.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Portree, 10.30am.
Wednesday 9th October	School Photos
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.

Flu Immunisation

The School Nursing team will visit the school on Thursday 26^th September to administer flu immunisations to our pupils. Prior to that visit a member of the nursing team will be visiting the school to collect any permission forms.  If all outstanding permission forms could please be returned to the school by Friday 20^th.

Changes to Swimming next weekDue to the swimming pool being short staffed next week, they are unable to open before noon on Thursday which means school swimming lessons will not take place that day.

Information about Head Lice

Head Lice are a common problem in school aged children. They can’t be prevented, but regular checking ensures early detection and treatment if necessary. Parents and carers should check their children’s head once a week during hair washing. You need your usual shampoo, conditioner, and a detection comb – ask your local pharmacist to recommend a suitable one. Remember that you are looking for living moving lice, the only evidence that your child is infected. If you find a living louse, ask your local pharmacist, school nurse, health visitor or GP for advice regarding treatment.

For further information see: http://www.nits.net/bugbustinghttp://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk – search on head lice.

WOW Certificates

Just a reminder that we love to hear what pupils are getting up to outside of school!  A WOW certificate template is attached above for parents to complete to let us know of accomplishments, achievements and great news from home.  These are kept as part of pupils profiles and new certificates received will be recognised in class.

Key Dates for this term

Date	Event
Saturday 14th September	Soccer 7s festival 1.  Venue, date and time all tbc.
Monday and Tuesday 16th and 17th September	School closed to pupils.  Staff in-service.
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th September	Bookfair.
Thursday 26th September	Flu immunisations will be administered to pupils in the morning
Tuesday 1st October	Visit from Andy McKechnie ‘Readers are Leaders’ workshops.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Venue, date and time all tbc.
Wednesday 9th October Change of Date	School photographer
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.

Kind regards,

Jessie Templeman

(Principal Teacher)

It’s been lovely to see the sun again this week – we’ve managed to get many of our pupils outside for a bit of extra outdoor learning and play.  Making the most of the weather while we can!

Please find below a short update after a short school week.

Scholastic Bookfair

Pupils have enjoyed visiting the bookfair in school this week.  The bookfair will be open until this afternoon.  You are most welcome to attend and browse/buy with your child at 12.45pm today.

We have had some titles go out of stock.  These have been ordered and are due to arrive next week – we will pass these on to pupils as soon as possible.  If your child has paid and not received their book it is because it is on order.

Dyslexia Masterclass for Parents

Dyslexia Scotland will be running a Masterclass for parents/carers of children with dyslexia on Thursday 26^th September 6 – 7.30pm at Portree High School.  This is a free event, delivered by Sharon Hall of Dyslexia Scotland.  It looks at what we know about dyslexia and what parents might see at home, also some of the barriers that can be experienced inside the classroom.  Sharon discusses the processes to identify dyslexia in schools and looks at support at home, giving tips and ideas of things that can help. 

Please see poster at the end of this update for more information.

School Photos

Please note an error in last week’s update which had school photos listed in the key dates section on the wrong date.  School photos will take place on Wednesday 9^th October.

Parking Around the School

Parents and carers are reminded that the pick-up/drop-off point for pupils is in the car park at the Community Centre/Portree Nursery, not directly outside the school.  We have a crossing patroller in place on Home Farm Road to help children cross safely.

At the moment there is a large amount of traffic in the areas around the school at the start and end of the day, and this has safety implications for children crossing roads, etc.

I would ask also that you keep in mind neighbours of the school.  The road surfaces at Glamaig and Marsco Place are maintained by residents, not Highland Council, so any wear and tear or damage must be dealt with by homeowners.  As a school community we absolutely should not be contributing to extra wear on these roads.  I know also that some residents have noticed school traffic using private driveways to turn their vehicles – again this is not acceptable.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation with this.

Key Dates for this term

Date	Event
Thursday 26th September	Dyslexia Masterclass for parents at Portree High School. 6.30pm.
Tuesday 1st October	Visit from Andy McKechnie ‘Readers are Leaders’ workshops.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Venue and time tbc.
Wednesday 9th October	School Photos
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are now roughly halfway through term 1, and things are getting into full swing.  I’ve been delighted this week to see how well settled in to their ‘new’ classes pupils are and how much progress in learning is being made.  Please see our weekly update below.

Soccer 7s – Postponed

Please note that the Soccer 7s event due to take place this Saturday has been postponed due to an unplayable pitch and forecast of very poor weather.

In-Service

Next week will be a shorter one for pupils as the school is closed to children on Monday (16^th) and Tuesday (17^th) for in-service.  During this time school staff will be undertaking training and will be working towards our School Improvement Plan priorities.

School Improvement Plan and Standards & Qualities Report

Our new School Improvement Plan (SIP) can be found on our website.  This plan sets out the school’s priorities for improvement during 2024-25 and was created taking account of the views of staff, pupils and families.  Our three improvement priorities for this year are:

1. Literacy: Raising attainment through embedding writing training and ensuring consistent approach to phonics and spelling instruction.  Also improving our approach to supporting learners with persistent literacy difficulties/dyslexia.
2. Assessment & Moderation: improving staff confidence and increasing consistency in judgements of CfE levels.
3. Health & Wellbeing and Learning for Sustainability: Implementation of new Relationships Sexual Health and Parenthood project, and continuing eco action.

The SIP can be downloaded from the following link: https://portreeprimary.wordpress.com/our-school/school-improvement/

Scholastic Bookfair

We are excited to be running a bookfair in our school next week.  Pupils will have the opportunity to browse and buy books during school time on Wednesday-Friday.  Please see the following link for some of the ‘highlights’ of the available books: scholastic-primary-invitation-autumn-2024-2270926.pdf

If you would like to attend the Bookfair with your child, then you would be welcome to attend at the end of the school day on Friday (12.45pm).  You can make payments by cash, or online via a QR code displayed at the bookfair.

You may also purchase vouchers for your child online so that they do not have to take cash to school.  You can do this by following this link: Book Fair Gift Vouchers – Scholastic Book Fairs.

We have one £5 gift voucher to give away for each class, so all classes will be running a competition to determine the lucky winner.

Meet the Teacher

We would like to invite parents in for an informal ‘Meet the Teacher’ session on Wednesday 18^th September between 3.30pm and 4.15pm.  This is an opportunity for you to see your child’s new class and say hello to their new teacher.

Pupil Success

Well done to Alisha in P6 who undertook a sponsored walk during the summer holidays.  Alisha’s efforts raised well over £2000, which has been very kindly donated to the school’s Parent Council.  Fantastic effort Alisha.

Well done also to Freya in P7 who recently competed in the Staffin triathlon and finished first girl in her category and second overall – a great achievement!

Dyslexia Masterclass for Parents

Dyslexia Scotland will be running a Masterclass for parents/carers of children with dyslexia on Thursday 26^th September 6 – 7.30pm at Portree High School.  This is a free event, delivered by Sharon Hall of Dyslexia Scotland.  It looks at what we know about dyslexia and what parents might see at home, also some of the barriers that can be experienced inside the classroom.  Sharon discusses the processes to identify dyslexia in schools and looks at support at home, giving tips and ideas of things that can help. 

Please see poster at the end of this update for more information.

Late Arrivals

I would like to remind parents of the importance of their child arriving on time to school.  The school day starts at 9.06pm, with pupils lining up in the playground at this time.  Those pupils who arrive late may miss out on important morning routines and learning.  Thank you for your support with this matter.

Behavioural reminders

I have spoken to pupils this week in assembly about some minor behavioural issues which have cropped up and would ask that parents and families reinforce these where relevant:

• Noise on bus – we have had complaints about the very high noise level on the bus.
• Football kits in school – we ask that pupils do not wear club football kits for PE, though they may wear national team kits.

Key Dates for this term

Date	Event
Saturday 14th September	Soccer 7s festival 1.  Broadford, 10.30am. Postponed due to weather.
Monday and Tuesday 16th and 17th September	School closed to pupils.  Staff in-service.
Wednesday 18th September	Meet the Teacher 3.30-4.15pm.
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th September	Bookfair.
Wednesday 25th September	School Photos.
Thursday 26th September	Dyslexia Masterclass for parents at Portree High School. 6.30pm.
Tuesday 1st October	Visit from Andy McKechnie ‘Readers are Leaders’ workshops.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Venue and time tbc.
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.

Please see some reminders and new pieces of information for your attention this week;

Clothing for wet weather

Having had a spell of really wet weather, it is essential that all children have appropriate jackets and footwear with them each day. It is helpful if the younger pupils have a change of clothes to change into should they get wet.

General clothing request

Could you please remember to label your child’s school jumpers and hoodies as our lost property has already accumulated a lot of these items

Attendance

Please remember to inform the school first thing each morning if your child is going to be absent.  This can be done by email, either to class teachers directly or to portree.primary@highland.gov.uk

We are required to identify the reason for each absence and to follow up on unexplained absences.

Parent Correspondence

Permission forms for Flu Immunisations have been sent home this week as well as our annual data check.  If you have not already, please check school bags and return these items to the school as soon as possible. 

Cycling to School

Pupils who are cycling to school are reminded that once the enter the school car park, they must walk their bikes to the bike shelter at the back, rather than cycling through the school car park which can be busy with vehicles at that time. 

Pupils on Bus

If your child uses bus transport could you please ensure that you let the school know if there are any changes to transport arrangements?  We know that some pupils get the bus some days and not others – please let us know if there is a change to the usual routine.  The best way to do this is to email both the class teacher and the school office (Portree.primary@highland.gov.uk).  Emailing both office and teacher is important as class teachers may not always pick emails up on time – particularly if you are informing us on the day about a change.

Our bus pupils leave 5 minutes early at 3.25pm, so we have to know exactly who is meant to be travelling by bus so that they can be dismissed on time.

Key Dates for this term

Date	Event
Thursday 5th September	Visit from Blythswood Scotland and presentation for all pupils about Shoebox appeal.
Saturday 14th September	Soccer 7s festival 1.  Venue, date and time all tbc.
Monday and Tuesday 16th and 17th September	School closed to pupils.  Staff in-service.
Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th September	Bookfair.
Wednesday 25th September	School Photos.
Thursday 26th September	Flu immunisations
Tuesday 1st October	Visit from Andy McKechnie ‘Readers are Leaders’ workshops.
Saturday 5th October	Soccer 7s festival 2.  Venue, date and time all tbc.
Friday 11th October	Last Day of Term 1.  School closed from 14th October, re-opening Monday 28th October.