Lochardil Primary School
Lochardil Road, Inverness, IV2 4LBTel. 01463 230250
Acting Head Teacher:
Mrs M MacDonald
www.lochardilprimary.org.uk /
Newsletter 8 – May 2015
Dear Parents/Carers,
Term 4 can you believe it? Our littlest learners have all grown up quite suddenly and our fabulous P7s are preparing for their next steps. Here’s to a happy, hard-working term.
Mrs Miriam MacDonald
Acting Head Teacher
Accessing the newsletter online
Thank you to the very many of you who are able to support our move towards being a paper-less school by agreeing to access the newsletter on our website. This will helps us maintain our high standards for our Eco status.
Staffing
Another newsletter, another change in staffing, but for the positive this time!
Mrs Arlene Beattie has been appointed as Acting Principal Teacher from now until the end of term. She is a very welcome addition to the management team.
Mrs Alison Fraser is back in her role as clerical assistant and we are delighted to have her back. My thanks go to Mrs Malina Fraser (IRA), Mrs Karen Urquhart (Central) and Mrs Carol Robb (Daviot), and their Head Teachers, who gave so much support to us as a school.
Mrs Laura Crawford is doing a fantastic job at a student professional in P5/6/7 and has fitted into the staff like magic!
Parking - Our Responsibilities to Pupil and Residents
I would like to reinforce previous statements in the newsletter and emphasise that Lochardil Hotel car park IS NOT available to parents. I trust you will accord the same respect to the school’s request NOT to use the car park and NOT to park dangerously, being considerate towards other parents, children and residents at all times.
Thank you.
Rock Challenge
I was blinded by tears of pride at the recent event at Eden Court. The staff have given your children a never-to-be-forgotten experience and Bill Alexander, Director of Health and Social Care, emailed me to let me know how much Lochardil impressed him. Our pupils won the prestigious award of “Pupil Leadership” which shows that they exemplified the principles of Curriculum for Excellence in action.
Caley Thistle
A historic day approaches as a local team head to Hampden to play in the final. To commemorate this massive event, we would like to see a sea of red white and blue on 29th May, our “Thank Caley it’s Fr-ICT-day!” I have spoken to County fans at the school and they have their own reasons to be supporting a Caley win!
Loyal Highlanders together! A donation may be brought to show appreciation of the role The Red Cross play in football events.
Leadership Programme
As part of our Leadership Programme, a P7 pupil, supported by his peers, organised an Autism Awareness Day on Thurs 1st April. We all had a brilliant time and culminated in a whole school Wobbly Onesie Walk/Conga around the playground! The AMAZING sum of £580 was raised.
Parent Helpers
A parent has offered to co-ordinate staff requests for parent helpers. Tasks such as photocopying, cutting out, making displays, labelling jotters are time consuming for staff and this will free them up to spend more time planning exciting teaching and learning. Thank you for your support of the staff. It is very much appreciated.
Class Trips
P4 and P4/5 enjoyed a visit to Highland Folk Museum recently. Class excursions are learning-based events and not all require the class to be away for a full day, or the use of a bus. We really appreciate your support of your child’s learning. If you have any questions about a planned excursion, please approach the class teacher.
P7 Residential Trip to Craggan
Please not a change in return time. Please collect your child at 230 on Friday 15th May
Science Festival -Body Works
P3-P5 will be enjoying this event on Friday 8th with visitors presenting fun events in the hall.
Scottish Parliament Outreach Service Tues 12th May
We are very privileged to have been selected for a visit from representatives of the Scottish Parliament. Pupils will have opportunities to take part in voting through hand-held devices which is a taste of things to come, I suspect! Pupils from Farr and Daviot will be joining us on this day.
National Youth Choir of Scotland
P3 and P3/4 are enjoying their singing sessions on a Monday. Can your child teach you any of the songs?
Election Day
Pupils stay at home for this day. The staff will be working on maths development, auditing our progress with the school improvement plan, as well as having training from the Area Education Office.
Dates for the diary
May 4th School Closed for holiday
May 7th School closed for General Election Polling Station
May 11th P7 leave for their residential trip to Craggan Outdoor Centre
May 14th P3 go to Glachbeg Farm for a learning experience
May15th Scottish Opera singing workshops for upper school
May 15th Visitors from Scandinavia to share their musical skills with us
May 18th WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK
May20th Photographer in for class photos
May 20th Weekly masterclasses start for pupils
May21st P5-7 at CCC for Scottish Opera whole day workshop
May 28th P1B and P2B at Aigas Field Centre
P3 at Tesco for Learning Experiences
May 29th Thank Caley it’s Fr-ICT-day!
June 1st School closed for IN service training
June 8th P4-7 school sports at IRA (am)
P1-3 school sports at IRA (pm)
June 10th School Meals Summer Picnic
June 16-18th P7 transition to IRA
June 11th Sports day as above if Monday does not go ahead
PHEW- what a busy time!!
School Uniform
An order form will be issued soon to allow you to order uniform for next session. This will be the final uniform order before the summer. We have high expectations of our pupils’ presentation. Please ensure that your child wears uniform at all times. We have a large selection on pre-loved uniform in good condition, should you wish to make a donation for some.
Any concerns/ queries
Please be reminded that your first port of call if you have any queries or concerns regarding your child’s education is to contact the class teacher.
Miriam MacDonald
Acting Head Teacher