As Autumn slowly creeps up on us remember to have a jumper and jacket for your child as we will still be planning outdoor learning each day. If you find your child’s jacket seems to have gone missing we have a very fine collection in ‘lost property’! Please do ask your child to check…
The Family Team has organised another walk for parents and carers this Friday but this time, the plan is to drive and then walk. Fresh air, good company and getting away from the house for a while…what better way to start your weekend? Please let Lorraine know if you are planning to come so we can make sure there are enough lifts to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
Staff worked hard Monday and Tuesday but it’s not the same without the children and young people so it was good to welcome them back on Wednesday. The Star Award winners are showing they can use the school values in whatever they do – delighted with the way people continue to learn from their mistakes, show to be good examples towards others and develop caring attitudes to the whole school community.
We have a Health Development Officer working with us this year and I’m delighted that Andrew Kyle has taken on responsibility to create a club in the early evening on a Friday for P7s. We’re hoping that this will be extended so that next year, when they are S1 that they will still come back and also be joined by the new P7 group. They will play games, enjoy sport, bake and cook as well as other activities that they choose. We want to encourage all our young people to find good use of their free time and to enjoy each other’s company in a positive way.
Parent contact sessions are due in a fortnight’s time – look out for information next week as, unfortunately, we will still have to meet virtually.
Thank you to all parents for your patience around changes in staff with your children and also keeping your children at home while waiting for tests. We all remain concerned and anxious at some levels around COVID-19. We are trying to reassure the children and young people all the time about what we can control (wash hands, keep them away from your face and trying to keep your distance!) and what to leave to adults and the medics to help us. As we head into autumn and winter don’t hesitate to contact me if you remain anxious or need a chat.
Some great photos showing their ‘hands on’ learning…naturally exploring symmetry and learning to listen well while taking turns as well as using digital devices to practise handwriting. It is such a privilege to work alongside your children and to be part of their growth every day. Look out for the Learning Council photo where the reps from P3-7 will be taking their ideas from the class discussions and feeding into school improvements. Nursery and P1-2 will be sharing their views, too, but in a more meaningful way for them.
In service days on Monday and Tuesday mean that the children will be at home but the staff will be working hard. We will be focusing on the curriculum as well as how we are meeting the needs of every child.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday morning. Stay safe and continue to look out for each other.
We are not allowed to communicate with you about COVID unless it is a direct quote from the Highland Council so apologies for not being able to keep you more updated.
Here is the quote from Highland Council:
“Children who are sick should not attend school and where a child has symptoms that could be from COVID they should stay at home and have a PCR test booked. Once well and with a negative PCR test, they can return to school.
If a case of COVID arises in a member of staff or student at a school, letters will be issued to those who have been in contact with the case which will explain what action needs to be taken. There will be no need for school contacts to self-isolate unless they are contacted by Test and Protect. In the event of further cases in the school, additional action will be taken and in the event of a significant outbreak advice will be sought from the Health Protection Team and actions undertaken depending on the specific circumstances.”
Further information for families is available on the NHS Inform website at www.nhsinform.scot
If you are trying to phone in there is a problem at the moment – engineers are on their way. Apologies! please email smithton.primary@highland.gov.uk if you can.
Apologies – having trouble with photos up the right way – they seem to have a mind of their own when they are uploaded!
We have one class isolating and individual children in other classes. Keep washing your hands, giving each other space and avoid touching your face. Keep washing your children’s clothes and packed lunch boxes, etc. It’s really tricky just now with summer colds and sniffles, isn’t it? We don’t know what are symptoms and what are just common cold symptoms! If in doubt – please keep your child off and just let us know via the office. Mrs Cornish is doing a fantastic job each morning as you can imagine there are lots of people phoning to either report an absence or ask for advice.
If your child is absent either waiting for results or recovering unfortunately the class teacher can’t set work for your child specifically unless it is something that is already going onto the google classroom stream. As you can imagine, the teacher may have 29 children in the class as well. There may be opportunities such as class novel time, when the teacher can offer a google meet to your child to ‘join in’ with the class. If your child is looking for things to do have a look at what the council has provided by clicking here.
If your child is to self isolate please encourage following the rules. I cannot enforce the rules but as a community I hope we will be there for each other and reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread by keeping to them. I appreciate it can be frustrating when you really want to go somewhere or you have childcare issues but I urge you to take advice if you are not sure or just follow the rules.
On a nicer note – the class Pupil Learning Council reps have been chosen in each class! When P6/7 comes back on Friday we’ll take a photo of them then but until then here are the names:
P2-3 Jess Davidson P3- Quinn MacPherson
P4 LM- Seoras MacKenzie P4 CN- Max Young
P5LM- Evan Iwaszkiewicz P5 RJ- Emma Turbuk
P6 DR- Kacper Jagodzinski P6 EO- Robyn MacDonald
P6-7 – Lauren Harrison P7- Alfie Stevenson
P1 and P2 will be represented in other ways until Christmas (using house captains, class teachers, in groups, etc.) when they will be more ready to take part fully. It’s a responsible role as they are representing everyone in their classes and taking views and class discussions to the Learning Council. I value their ideas and opinions and have made improvements to the school based on their ideas at times. Despite COVID, children are learning, getting settled and overall, are a credit to you. have a good week!
Good morning. As mentioned on Friday, NHS needs to treat each individual case separately so you may hear things from one person and then get confused as it’s dealt with totally differently with the next person. We need to trust the process and trust those who are leading us through this (never ending!) period of the pandemic. Highland Council has provided these links for our use and understanding. Continue being careful about washing, standing at least 1m away from adults and trying not to touch your face. With staff absences and pupil absences it is very difficult for us to provide continuity and routine but can I thank various supply staff who have been covering and trying to stick to class routines – we couldn’t do without you! As parents and young people can we continue to give a warm welcome to any supply staff and to wish our own staff a speedy recovery. At the start of a new year it’s always tricky for young people to come back after an absence as the class is not fully established but hopefully things will settle down soon.
Please take care, everyone.
Aileen Mackay, HT
ParentClub is aimed at parents but explains how covid and testing can be explained to children, helpful links:
Children and young people settling well with class reps for the Pupil Learning Council underway and House Captain applications coming in from P7s. Nursery children smiling, learning and laughing together – so good to see all over the school and nursery that staff and young people are enjoying their time together and making the most of every day.
We continue to spend our time learning outdoors, learning together in pairs and groups and using digital technology throughout the day so there is a variety for all. Staff are planning new learning alongside their classes and support staff are targeting children’s needs at all levels to ensure all are being stretched.
COVID-19 is still an ever present threat. Thank you to all parents and carers who are wearing masks and remaining at least 1m away from adults. Please remain vigilant and not complacent. It’s all rather tricky to navigate the restrictions and rules as each case has to be investigated by NHS which sometimes comes up with different outcomes for different people. Please don’t feel alone – if you are worried do call us and if we don’t know the answer we can find out. We’re happy to help. Just keep safe.
There are a few after school club news items below. Please read and see if any are of interest at the moment:
Girls Football P3-P7 Culloden Pitches
Parent volunteer Rory Black is continuing to offer girls football every Friday this term 3.30-4.30pm providing we have additional parents available to support with the sessions. Please book on to the High Life booking system using code 04117CULL at https://booking.highlifehighland.com These sessions are all about developing basic footwork, ball skills and working together as a team. Lots of fun games and activities to develop communication and coordination by playing football. No experience of playing football is required so give it a go! All girls P3-P7 welcome. Do not come to the session if you are unwell, have experienced any covid-19 symptoms in the previous 7 days, or are in Covid related quarantine or self-isolation. Anyone in the higher categories/shielding should be aware that attending places them at increased risk. Parents must be present to sign your child in and out of sessions. All risk assessments are in place with a safe environment for your child to participate. Open to all girls P3-P7 whether HLH member or not. Contact Lynne Fraser, Active Schools Coordinator Mob: 07795825603 if you are able to help with these sessions.
Shinty P2 – P7 Culloden Pitches
Parent volunteer Steven Grant is continuing to offer shinty every Monday this term 4.15-5.15pm providing we have additional parents available to support with the sessions. Please book on to the High Life booking system using code 004120CULL at https://booking.highlifehighland.com A great opportunity to learn basics skills of the game by playing lots of fun games and activities. Please wear suitable clothing and bring a waterproof jacket. Bring a water bottle. Toilet facilities will not be available at this venue, so please go before arrival. Do not come to the session if you are unwell, have experienced any covid-19 symptoms in the previous 7 days, or are in Covid related quarantine or self isolation. Anyone in the higher categories/shielding should be aware that attending places them at increased risk. We require parent helpers with this activity. Please be in touch with lynne.fraser@highlifehighland.com if you are available to help as we need extra adults to support this club.
Running Club parent volunteers
Running clubs are becoming extremely popular in the Culloden ASG either as an after school club or in the community. I would like to start a club in the Smithton/Cradlehall and Balloch areas and currently seeking any parents in the cluster who would be interested in getting involved. Absolutely no experience is required and you certainly do not need to be a runner. All that is required is a sense of humour, enthusiasm, organisation and a passion for working with youngsters. The day and time of the club can be your choice and does not need to be after school or a week day. If weekends suit then that is when you can run the club. Active Schools can provide lots of support to any parent who is keen to support a club along with funding for courses. If you are interested and have some spare time to devote to establishing a running club please be in touch with Lynne Fraser, Active Schools Coordinator Lynne.Fraser@highlifehighland.com or Mob: 07795825603
The 1st Culloden Boys Brigade are now recruiting for Session 21/22. If your child is aged 6 years old or over then they are eligible to join the company. Anchor boys is for boys in Primary 2 & 3 and is held from 5pm to 6pm every Thursday night in the Barn Church, Culloden. Every week the boys take part in a variety of activities and learn new skills. They have great opportunities to make friends and have lots of fun whilst also learning about Christian beliefs. Our new session will commence on Thursday 2nd September. For further information please contact Neil MacKenzie on 07919850671 or send an email to Neilandlouise7@aol.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to the company if your child wishes to join us.
Enjoy the following photos. Please look at the words that the children came up with in assembly today about leadership qualities that they aspire to. You have amazing children.
Well done, everyone. We’ve made it to the end of the first week. Routines are back in place, bikes and scooters are in the sheds, learning is happening and teachers are happy! What more could we want? Here are a few photos to give you a flavour of how our week has gone.
Looking forward to a full week next week and seeing all our new staff and young people settled in. Have a great weekend, everyone.
