With just a week to go before the Christmas holidays, we are gradually getting through all of the festive events. Please see this week’s update below with information about remaining Christmas dates;
Christmas Concert
Many thanks to all who attended our concert on Tuesday evening. We were very proud of all of our pupils for their performances! We hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did!.
Dance Festivals
All pupils in P5-7 will be taking part in Dance Festivals at Portree High School, organised by Active Schools, next week. The festivals run from approximately 10.30am until noon. Pupils will walk to the High School and will return in time for normal lunches. Pupils are encouraged to wear Christmas party clothes or festive accessories for this event.
P5 & P6 Dance Festival Monday 18th December
P7 Dance Festival Tuesday 19th December
Pupils Travelling by Bus
With a growing number of pupils taking the bus, could you please ensure that you let your child’s class teacher know directly when this is the case, in order that they are dismissed on time. Bus pupils leave class at 3.25 each day to catch the bus, however, recently there have been pupils running late as staff have not been aware that they are taking the bus. Equally, the 3.25 dismissal is only for pupils who are travelling on the bus 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.
The Makaton sign for this week is “holiday” and the graphic for this is attached below.
Holiday
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Parties
Our Christmas parties take place for all pupils next week. Parties will involve Christmas games and party food. We are hopeful that Santa may be able to stop by our P1-3 party! Pupils are welcome to wear their party clothes to school on the day of their party.
Christmas Disco
The Parent Council will be hosting a Christmas Disco on Thursday 21st December from 6-7.30pm for all pupils, here at the school. This will be to raise funds for the Parent Council, who generously pay for Christmas parties, parcels, school trips, leavers hoodies etc. Parent helpers will be required for this event and this is a great way to support the work of the Council. Anyone who is able to help should contact Sarah Kalaher, Parent Council Chair.
Christmas Service
Our Christmas Service is scheduled to take place on Friday 22nd December at 10am. The service will take place at the new Shepherd’s Way Church and will be led by Rev Donnie G MacDonald. All are welcome to join us at the service.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
We look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Concert on Tuesday evening at 6.30pm which will take place in the Venue at Portree High School. The doors to the Venue will not open before 6.15pm and pupils should meet their class teachers at this time, in the café area just outside the venue.
Tickets will be collected at the door and donation buckets will be on hand to support the Christmas activities in the school.
The Parent Council will be holding a raffle on the night with proceeds going towards school funds.
We expect the programme to run about an hour and there will be no interval. At the conclusion of the performance, the parent council will draw the raffle and pupils will be dismissed to parents at the end of the night.
We hope to be able to contact those who have requested additional tickets by next Monday.
Pupils will be visiting the Venue again on Monday to rehearse on the stage. If all instrumentalists participating in Tuesdays performance can please have their instruments and music with them on Monday 11th December, we hope to run through the full program at that time.
Class teachers will be in touch with any costume requirements for the performance.
Dance Festivals
All pupils in P5-7 will be taking part in Dance Festivals, organised by Active Schools during the last week of term. The festivals run from approximately 10.30am until noon. Pupils will walk to the High School and will return in time for lunch. Pupils are encouraged to wear Christmas party clothes or festive accessories for this event.
P5 & P6 Dance Festival Monday 18th December
P7 Dance Festival Tuesday 19th December
Pupils Travelling by Bus
With a growing number of pupils taking the bus, could you please ensure that you let your child’s class teacher know directly when this is the case, in order that they are dismissed on time. Bus pupils leave class at 3.25pm each day to catch the bus, however, recently there have been pupils running late as staff have not been aware that they are taking the bus. Equally, the 3.25 pm dismissal is only for pupils who are travelling on the bus 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.
The Makaton sign for this week is “Reindeer” and the graphic for this is attached below.
Reindeer
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Hampers
For the past few years, Community Helping Hands, have very generously provided hampers to families in the Community at Christmas time. If you are aware of any families who would benefit this year, please contact myself. This can be done anonymously.
Christmas Disco
The Parent Council will be hosting a Christmas Disco on Thursday 21st December from 6-7.30pm for all pupils, here at the school. This will be to raise funds for the Parent Council, who generously pay for Christmas parties, parcels, school trips, leavers hoodies etc. Parent helpers will be required for this event and this is a great way to support the work of the Council. Anyone who is able to help should contact Sarah Kalaher, Parent Council Chair.
Christmas Service
Our Christmas Service is scheduled to take place on Friday 22nd December at 10am. The service will take place at the new Shepherd’s Way Church and will be led by Rev Donnie G MacDonald. All are welcome to join us at the service.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Monday 11th December Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Concert
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
I am not quite sure how it is December already! Please see this week’s update below;
Donation to School Fund
Portree and Bracadale Free Church have met in Portree Primary School for their Sunday services over the past 25 years. As of this week, the Church move into the new building at Shepherd’s Way. At their service last Sunday, they expressed their appreciation to the school with a generous donation which will be used to enhance our PE equipment. We wish then all the very best in their new church building!
P1-3 Games Club
There has been a fantastic response to this and the club is now full for this block which will continue for the next 3 weeks. A huge thank you to Sarah Ross, Active Schools and our volunteers for making this happen!
Shinty
Annual Indoor shinty tournaments are scheduled to take place in January and in order to train and enter teams into these events, we will need to recruit parent volunteers. A Google Form will be sent out, separately, to gather interest.
Parents Appointments
Parents Evening appointments will take place next week. Appointment times have been sent home for this.
Pupils Travelling by Bus
With a growing number of pupils taking the bus, could you please ensure that you let your child’s class teacher know directly when this is the case, in order that they are dismissed on time. Bus pupils leave class at 3.25 pm each day to catch the bus, however, recently there have been pupils running late as staff have not been aware that they are taking the bus. Equally, the 3.25 pm dismissal is only for pupils who are travelling on the bus that day.
Homework
In line with our school homework policy, homework is reduced in the month of December and only reading will be sent home. There may be additional Christmas song words etc that are also sent home to learn.
Christmas Concert Ticket Arrangements
Due to the seating capacity at the Venue, we are required to distribute tickets for our Christmas Concert which will take place on 12th December at 6.30pm. Each family will initially be given two tickets and these will be sent home with the eldest pupil in the family on Monday. If these tickets are not required, we ask that they be returned to the office so that they can be redistributed.
If you require additional concert tickets please contact the school office Portree.primary@highland.gov.uk and these requests will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.
Our concert this year will follow a format of each class performing a song/dance as well as musical interludes from some of our musicians. We expect the program to last around an hour. The Parent Council will be running a raffle at the event and this will be drawn at the end of the performance.
In place of charging for entry tickets, donation buckets will be available at the entrance to the Venue. All money raised will go towards Christmas activities for the children.
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.
The Makaton sign for this week is “Christmas Tree” and the graphic for this is attached below.
Christmas Tree
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Hampers
For the past few years, Community Helping Hands, have very generously provided hampers to families in the Community at Christmas time. If you are aware of any families who would benefit this year, please contact myself. This can be done anonymously.
Christmas Events
Further dates for Christmas events have been added to the list below. Further information about these will be issued as it becomes available.
Christmas Disco
The Parent Council will be hosting a Christmas Disco on Thursday 21st December from 6-7.30pm for all pupils, here at the school. This will be to raise funds for the Parent Council, who generously pay for Christmas parties, parcels, school trips, leavers hoodies etc. Parent helpers will be required for this event and this is a great way to support the work of the Council. Anyone who is able to help should contact Sarah Kalaher, Parent Council Chair.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December Parents Night Appointments
Thursday 7th December Christmas Jumper Day
Canteen Christmas Lunch
Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Monday 11th December Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Concert
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
Please see some new information, particularly about Christmas events, and also updates included in this week’s newsletter below;
P1-3 Games Club
There has been a fantastic response to this and the club is now full for this block which will continue for the next 3 weeks. A huge thank you to Sarah Ross, Active Schools and our volunteers for making this happen!
Singing Club
The last after school session of singing club for this term took place yesterday. We will continue to meet through the school day over the next few weeks to prepare for Christmas events. Those taking part in the Tree Lighting in Portree Square tomorrow have been issued with further information and permission forms.
Shinty
Plans are under way to offer Skye wide shinty training to all Skye pupils on a weekly basis. It is felt by the Skye Schools Camanachd Association that this is the best way forward, ensuring sufficient volunteers to deliver sessions. All schools interested in participating have been asked to put forward names of parents who would be happy to take a turn on a rota basis at these sessions.
A Foundation shinty coaching course is being offered by the Camanachd Association at Portree Primary School on Tuesday 28th November and Tuesday 5th December from 6-9pm for any parents interested in coaching or helping at these sessions. Please get in touch with me directly if you are interested. This would be a great opportunity to get our pupils involved in.
Annual Indoor shinty tournaments are scheduled to take place in January and in order to train and enter teams into these events, we will need to recruit parent volunteers. A Google Form will be sent out, separately, to gather interest.
Parents Appointments
Parents Evening appointments will take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December with some additional daytime slots available on Friday 1st December for our large P7 class and Monday 4th December for our large P5 class. Letters have been sent home and should be returned to school as soon as possible in order for appointments to be made.
Staffing
As you will be aware, from this week, I will be acting in the role of Education Support Officer for the Council from Wednesday through Fridays. During these times, Mrs Templeman will be Acting Head Teacher and P1/2 are being taught by Mrs MacLeod. These arrangements will be in place until Christmas when an update on recruitment will hopefully be available.
Sarah Nisbet, one of our PSA’s, has now gone on maternity leave and we wish her all the very best for her new arrival! Sarah’s post is being covered by existing staff and supply staff while the recruitment process takes place. Korri Henderson is joining the school on a part time, supply basis until then.
Christmas Craft Morning
St Mary’s church in Portree are holding a kids Christmas crafts morning on 2nd December from 11am – 1pm. Children of all ages and parents are welcome. Craft materials will be provided as well as snacks, biscuits and refreshments.
Bus Transport
Local Head Teachers met with Stagecoach recently for a catch up. Due to some concerns around behaviour on the bus, it was decided to revert to the former arrangement where Primary pupils are to sit at the front of the bus and Secondary pupils at the back. This applies to the buses leaving Portree High School. Drivers are aware of this and both Primary and Secondary Prefects have been asked to remind pupils of this arrangement.
Adverse Weather Arrangements
While we hope that this winter will be kinder than last year, a reminder of Adverse Weather Arrangements are attached to this email.
Adverse Weather Arrangements
It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions. The council encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather condition the safety of pupil is much more important.
Parents and pupils are often concerned about content that may be missed, but this should not over-ride good judgement.
Communication
Every effort will be made to keep parents informed of details of school closures, early closures etc. brought about by adverse weather.
Head Teachers in Portree and Stagecoach Managers communicate at 6am with a view to making a final decision by 7am each morning.
When the school is not going to open, this will be communicated by parent email, the school Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/portreeprimary/ on the Highland Council Website www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures and on the schools telephone information service line, which is available by dialling 0800 564 2272 and entering the school’s PIN 042810
Please note the Highland Council Website is not updated before 8.30am
Bus Pupils
Parents should note that the final decision on whether it is safe to operate rests with the driver of the school transport vehicle. Therefore there may be occasions on which a school is open but some routes, or part of routes, are unable to operate.
When weather conditions are poor, parents should ensure that children are met at the “drop off” point, especially where public service transport it used.
In the event of the school closing early due to adverse weather conditions, the three schools in Portree will make a collective decision about whether buses will be called early.
Where this is the case, school staff will make every attempt to contact parents directly to ensure pupils are to get onto school transport. In cases where parents cannot be contacted, pupils will not be put onto busses but will be kept at the school for collection.
All Other Pupils
In the event of the school closing early due to adverse weather conditions, this information will be shared as listed above. We ask parents to share this information widely and to make arrangements to collect pupils from school as soon as possible. All pupils are to be collected via the school reception. Once school transport has been arranged for pupils travelling by bus, and if the telephone lines allow, parents of pupils still at school will be contacted directly to ascertain arrangements for collection. Often adverse weather can also mean a loss of phone lines and in this instance, staff may use mobile phones to contact parents. It is essential that we hold up to date contacts for all pupils Pupils will not be permitted to walk home unless that has clearly been stated by parents.
Please discuss this with pupils so that they are aware of what their plan is if this circumstance were to arrive. For pupils who are permitted to walk home in this situation, class teachers must be given this permission in writing.
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.
The Makaton sign for this week is “glasses” and the graphic for this is attached below.
glasses
Soccer 7’s
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Hampers
For the past few years, Community Helping Hands, have very generously provided hampers to families in the Community at Christmas time. If you are aware of any families who would benefit this year, please contact myself. This can be done anonymously.
Christmas Events
Additional dates for Christmas events have been added to the list below. Further information about these will be issued as it becomes available.
Christmas Disco
The Parent Council will be hosting a Christmas Disco on Thursday 21st December from 6-7.30pm for all pupils, here at the school. This will be to raise funds for the Parent Council, who generously pay for Christmas parties, parcels, school trips, leavers hoodies etc. Parent helpers will be required for this event and this is a great way to support the work of the Council. Anyone who is able to help should contact Sarah Kalaher, Parent Council Chair.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December Parents Night Appointments
Thursday 7th December Christmas Jumper Day
Canteen Christmas Lunch
Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Monday 11th December Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Concert
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
Please see updates and new information included in this week’s newsletter below;
P1-3 Games Club
A huge thanks to parents who have volunteered to lead this activity and attended this week’s training session. Information and a link to sign up has been sent to all P1-3 pupils. It is hoped to start the club this Wednesday for 4 weeks.
Shinty
Plans are under way to offer Skye wide shinty training to all Skye pupils on a weekly basis. It is felt by the Skye Schools Camanachd Association that this is the best way forward, ensuring sufficient volunteers to deliver sessions. All schools interested in participating have been asked to put forward names of parents who would be happy to take a turn on a rota basis at these sessions.
A Foundation shinty coaching course is being offered by the Camanachd Association at Portree Primary School on Tuesday 28th November and Tuesday 5th December from 6-9pm for any parents interested in coaching or helping at these sessions. Please get in touch with me directly if you are interested. This would be a great opportunity to get our pupils involved in.
Open Sessions
Open Sessions will take place on a class by class next week. Families with children in different classes can attend separate events or can view other pupils work at one event, whichever is most suitable. Children can be dismissed with parents/carers following their visit. The dates and times for open sessions are;
Monday 20th November 2.30pm P5 and P2/3
Tuesday 21st November 2.30pm P6
Wednesday 22nd November 2.30pm P4 and P1/2
Friday 24th November 11.45am P7
Parents Appointments
Parents Evening appointments will take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December with some additional daytime slots available on Friday 1st December for our large P7 class and Monday 4th December for our large P5 class. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Christmas Craft Morning
St Mary’s church in Portree are holding a kids Christmas crafts morning on 2nd December from 11am – 1pm. Children of all ages and parents are welcome. Craft materials will be provided as well as snacks, biscuits and refreshments.
Makaton Sign of the Week
The Makaton sign for this week is “how many” and the graphic for this is attached below.
Soccer 7’s
Many thanks again to parent volunteers for coaching our teams last Saturday!
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Events
Several dates for Christmas events have been added to the list below. Further information about these will be issued as it becomes available.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Friday 17th November Children In Need
Monday 20th November P5 and P2/3 open afternoon 2.30pm
Tuesday 21st November P6 open afternoon 2.30pm
Wednesday 22nd November P4 and P2 open afternoon 2.30pm
Friday 24th November P7 Open Morning 11.45am
Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December Parents Night Appointments
Thursday 7th December Christmas Jumper Day
Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Monday 11th December Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Concert
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
Please see updates and new information included in this week’s newsletter below;
Remembrance Sunday
Portree Primary will take part in the Remembrance Parade this Sunday in Somerled Square. Leah Murphy, Zoe Channon, Isla MacLeod and Ben Swinnerton will represent the school at this event with Brooke Cardiff, laying our wreath. The parade and service take place at 10.45 in the Square and will also be broadcast on Radio Skye.
Running Club
Running club dates for this term will be 13th November, 27th November, 4th December and 18th December. These sessions take place from 3.30 – 4.30 and are open for pupils in P4-7.
Singing Club
Singing Club for P3-7 pupils will take place on Thursday 16th November and Thursday23rd November from 3.30 – 4.15pm. We are always happy for more to join! We have been asked to take part in this years Christmas Light switch on in Portree Square and the group will be preparing for that event which is to take place on Saturday 25th November from 5.15 until 5.45.
P1-3 Games Club
Together with Active Schools, we are hoping to run an after school games club for our P1-3 pupils for an initial 4 week block before Christmas. In order to do this, we require parent helpers who would be happy to help out on a rota basis. Sarah Ross, Active Schools Coordinator, is planning a training session for interested parents which will take place on 15th November from 4-6pm. Any interested parents should contact Sarah Ross directly so that we ensure we have enough numbers to run the training session and the pupil sessions.
Playmakers Football for P1-3 girls
The Disney Princess themed football sessions for P1-3 girls continues on Thursdays at 3.30. These sessions take place in the school gym straight after school until 4.15 and are by Sarah Ross of Active Schools and Mrs Martin, our P2/3 Teacher. There is space for more to join. Please get in touch if you require an additional permission forms.
Open Sessions
Open Sessions for this term will take place on a class by class basis during the week of 20th November. Families with children in different classes can attend separate events or can view other pupils work at one event, whichever is most suitable. Children can be dismissed with parents/carers following their visit. The dates and times for open sessions are;
Monday 20th November 2.30pm P5 and P2/3
Tuesday 21st November 2.30pm P6
Wednesday 22nd November 2.30pm P4 and P1/2
Friday 24th November 11.45am P7
Parents Appointments
Parents Evening appointments will take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December with some additional daytime slots available on Friday 1st December for our large P7 class and Monday 4th December for our large P5 class. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Jenny MacKenzie Shinty Tournament
This indoor tournament takes place in Kyleakin Village Hall tonight for our P7 and under team. Pupils involved are to meet Mr Murray at the Hall for 3.45pm. Mr Murray will have strips and sticks. Players should take their shin guards, trainers, water and snacks.
Soccer 7’s
The next Soccer 7’s event takes place tomorrow in Plockton. Further information and strips have been given out to pupils taking part. Many thanks to Ross Hill, Alasdair Campbell and Ovidu Bercea for coaching our teams!
Future Soccer 7s events will take place on;
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Makaton Sign of the Week
This week’s sound is “which”
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
Christmas Events
Several dates for Christmas events have been added to the list below. Further information about these will be issued as it becomes available.
Other Known upcoming dates;
Friday 10th November P1-3 Family Reading Session
Sunday 12th November Remembrance Sunday Parade
Tuesday November 14th P1 Vision Screening
Wednesday 15th November Games Club Training session for P1-3 parents
Friday 17th November Children In Need
Monday 20th November P5 and P2/3 open afternoon 2.30pm
Tuesday 21st November P6 open afternoon 2.30pm
Wednesday 22nd November P4 and P2 open afternoon 2.30pm
Friday 24th November P7 Open Morning 11.45am
Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December Parents Night Appointments
Thursday 7th December Christmas Jumper Day
Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Monday 11th December Concert Rehearsals at PHS
Tuesday 12th December Christmas Concert
Monday 18th December P5 and P6 Dance Festival at PHS
Tuesday 19th December P7 Dance Festival at PHS
P1/2/3 Christmas Party (pm)
Wednesday 20th December P4/5 Christmas Party (pm)
Thursday 21st December P6/7 Christmas Party (pm)
Friday 22nd December Christmas Service and Festive Walk TBC
On Wednesday, we received notification that HM Inspectors will be visiting PPS the week beginning 30th October and we look forward to welcoming them.
Today is the final day to for surveys to be completed by parents and this can be done at Parents / Carers (Primary). Please let us know if you would like to use a device at school to complete these or if we can support in any other way. Your views are very important in this process.
Skyedance will be holding their 20th Anniversary Showcase on Saturday 28th October at 6.30pm. Our pupils will be given the opportunity to perform the piece they have been working on with Skyedance, at the Showcase. Permission forms have been sent out to pupils involved.
School Photographer
The school photographer will visit the school on Tuesday 7th November for individual and family photos. Permission forms will be sent home after the October holidays. Class photos will be taken later in the year.
P1-3 Games Club
Together with Active Schools, we are hoping to run an after school games club for our P1-3 pupils for an initial 4 week block before Christmas. In order to do this, we require parent helpers who would be happy to help out on a rota basis. Sarah Ross, Active Schools Coordinator, is planning a training session for interested parents which will take place on 15th November from 4-6pm. Any interested parents should contact me directly, as we currently do not have enough numbers to run the training session and the pupil sessions.
Disney Playmakers Football for P1-3 girls
Due to a lack of numbers, this session did not go ahead yesterday, as planned. We hope to run this for a block of lessons starting after the October holidays on Thursdays straight after school. The Disney Princess themed sessions are to encourage P1-3 girls into football and the sessions will be run by Sarah Ross of Active Schools and Mrs Martin, our P2/3 Teacher. Further information to follow.
Date for your diary
David Rex of Health Promoting Schools is going to offer a virtual parent workshop, Food, Mood and Behaviour, on Tuesday 6th February in the evening. Anyone who has attended this workshop in the past has been very inspired by Dave’s presentation and we are very grateful that he is able to offer this to our school. Further details to follow.
New Menus
New menus will be in place from the October holidays and these can be found on the link
We have booked he venue at Portree High School for the evening of 12th December for our Christmas Concert and will share further details as they are confirmed.
Our Open Sessions next term will be class by class and will take place on the dates indicated at the bottom of this week’s newsletter. Parents with children across different classes are welcome to visit on one session and we will provide space for you to view more than one child’s work, at the same time.
Parents Evening appointments will take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December with some additional daytime slots available on Monday 4th December for our large P5 class and Friday 1st December for our large P7 class. Further information will be provided next term.
Soccer 7’s
Dates for Future Soccer 7’s events
11/11 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Makaton Sign of the Week
We will introduce the word “when” in the first week back after the holidays
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.
On Wednesday, we received notification that HM Inspectors will be visiting PPS the week beginning 30th October and we look forward to welcoming them. I am aware that the link to further information which was included in the email in not working. If you would like further information please visit Inspection and review documentation
We very much welcome your participation in the inspection process and are grateful to those of you who are able to complete the pre-inspection parent/carer survey that was shared last week. If we can be of any assistance in helping you complete that, either by providing internet and a device in the school to use, please let us know.
Community Café
Our first Community Café of this session will be held next Friday, 6th October at 11am until noon, here in the school gym. The Café will be hosted by our Primary 4 class who will be raising funds to support the preschool at Portree Nursery. Please join us if you are able for talk, food and friends!
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The next Community Café will take place on Friday 3rd November, hosted by P1-3 in support of the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal which they are organising for the school this year.
Information from P1-3 about Blythswood boxes has been sent out separately
Skyedance Showcase
Skyedance will be holding their 25th Anniversary Showcase on Saturday 28th October at 6.30pm. Our pupils will be given the opportunity to perform the piece they have been working on with Skyedance, at the Showcase. Permission forms will be sent out next week.
Kid Experts
We are excited to continue our work with Radio Skye, featuring interviews with “Kid Experts” and hosted by our very own Joni as part of her kids broadcast. Permission forms were given out last week to interested pupils and these should be completed and returned to the school.
P1-3 Games Club
Together with Active Schools, we are hoping to run an after school games club for our P1-3 pupils for an initial 4 week block before Christmas. In order to do this, we require parent helpers who would be happy to help out on a rota basis. Sarah Ross, Active Schools Coordinator, is planning a training session for interested parents which will take place on 15th November from 4-6pm. Any interested parents should contact me directly so that we ensure we have enough numbers to run the training session and the pupil sessions.
Canteen Staff
There continue to be several vacancies within the catering department of the council which is having an effect on the provision of school meals. Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Services Officer, directly on 07769 880364 or 01349 781121, emailkevin.fraser@highland.gov.uk
Dates for Next Term
We have booked the Venue at Portree High School for the evening of 12th December for our Christmas Concert and will share further details as they are confirmed.
Our Open Sessions next term will be class by class and will take place on the following dates;
Monday 20th November at 2.30pm P5 and P2/3
Tuesday 21st November at 2.30pm P6
Wednesday 22nd November at 2.30pm P4 and P1/2
Friday 24th November at 11.45am P7
Parents with children across different classes are welcome to visit on one session and we will provide space for you to view more than one child’s work, at the same time.
Parents Evening appointments will take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th December with some additional daytime slots available on Monday 4th December for our large P5 class and Friday 1st December for our large P7 class. Further information will be provided next term.
Soccer 7’s
Dates for Future Soccer 7’s events
11/11 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Makaton Sign of the Week
Our Makaton sign of the week, beginning on Monday, will be “what”
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.
There are a few new items as well as some reminders for your information this week;
Skyedance Showcase
Skyedance will be holding their 25th Anniversary Showcase on Saturday 28th October at 6.30pm. Our pupils will be given the opportunity to perform the piece they have been working on with Skyedance, at the Showcase. Further information and permission forms will be sent out ahead of the October holidays.
School closures due to industrial action
As you will be aware the school will be closed to pupils next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Daily learning activities will be issued each day on Google Classrooms and further information about this can be found it the attachment above. Please check that you are able to access Google Classroom for your child and get in touch with any issues as soon as possible.
Kid Experts
We are excited to continue our work with Radio Skye, featuring interviews with “Kid Experts” and hosted by our very own Joni as part of her kids broadcast. Permission forms will be given out today to interested pupils and these should be completed and returned to the school, even if once has been filled out previously to ensure we have an updated list of pupils keen to participate.
P1-3 Games Club
Together with Active Schools, we are hoping to run an after school games club for our P1-3 pupils for an initial 4 week block before Christmas. In order to do this, we require parent helpers who would be happy to help out on a rota basis. Sarah Ross, Active Schools Coordinator, is planning a training session for interested parents which will take place on 15th November from 4-6pm. Any interested parents should contact me directly so that we ensure we have enough numbers to run the training session and the pupil sessions.
Canteen Staff
There continue to be several vacancies within the catering department of the council which is having an effect on the provision of school meals. Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Services Officer, directly on 07769 880364 or 01349 781121, email kevin.fraser@highland.gov.uk
Soccer 7’s
The next Soccer 7’s event of this session will take place on Saturday. This event is being run by Active Schools and will follow a festival type format. Pupils wishing to take part, please see information sent out earlier with week with details about how to register online.
Dates for Future Soccer 7’s events
11/11 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Makaton Sign of the Week
Our Makaton sign of the week, beginning on Monday, will be “where”
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.
Each class in the school look forward to hosting a Community Café over the course of the year and we are pleased to let you know that our first Community Café, hosted by Primary 4, will take place on Friday 6th October at 11am, followed by a Community Café hosted by P1-3 on Friday 2nd November. Further information to follow.
Kid Experts
We are excited to continue our work with Radio Skye, featuring interviews with “Kid Experts” and hosted by our very own Joni as part of her kids broadcast. Permission forms will be given out today to interested pupils and these should be completed and returned to the school, even if once has been filled out previously to ensure we have an updated list of pupils keen to participate.
Canteen Staff
There are currently several vacancies within the catering department of the council which is having an effect on the provision of school meals. Please see a list of the current vacancies below. Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Kevin Fraser, Catering Services Officer, directly on 07769 880364 or 01349 781121, emailkevin.fraser@highland.gov.uk
Cook 4 at Portree High School, 32.50 hours per week
Cook 1 at Edinbane Primary, 11 hours per week – this post is due to be advertised shortly.
Cook 1 at Portree Primary, 22 hours per week – this post is due to be advertised shortly.
Soccer 7’s
The next Soccer 7’s event of this session will take place in Portree next Saturday 23rd September. Permission forms have been given out to interested pupils in P4-7 and should be returned by Monday at the latest.
Dates for Future Soccer 7’s events
11/11 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1
2024
10/02 – Portree (Astro) – 10.30-1
02/03 – Plockton (Astro) – 10.30-1 – Run by Danny/Active Schools
27/04 – Portree (Venue TBC) – 10.30-1
28/05 – Kyleakin – 10.30-1 (Please note this date has changed from the initial date of 18/5)
Flu Immunisation
The School Nursing team will visit the school on 19th September to collect any permission forms for immunisations. If all outstanding permission forms could please be returned to the school by then.
Makaton Sign of the Week
From Monday, we will be introducing our Makaton Sign of the Week to all classes. This term we will focus on question words and next week’s sign will be “who”
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.
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