Glassary Primary School

Week beginning 18th December

15.12.23 062ed

What a fabulous, busy week we have had in school this week! It was lovely to see so many of you joining us in school and celebrating the achievements and talents of our children.

P1 to 4 UNICEF Fundraiser – French Breakfast

Many thanks indeed to all of you who supported this event, either by attending in person or through a donation. We understand that this time of year is not easy with lots of conflicting demands on your purses. We were therefore amazed and very grateful when the total donated to UNICEF (from online donations and donations on Monday) came to £143! This is just incredible for a school community of our size.

THANK YOU ALL!

Also, huge thanks to Mrs Flett. Miss Mahmood and Mrs Speechley for all of their organisation and the P1 to 4 pupils for serving so beautifully and showing off their French skills.

We are very proud of the P1 to 4 class for planning this event and continuing to consider the children for whom December will not be a festive month.

You can see some photos of the event here: https://www.glassary.argyll-bute.sch.uk/french-breakfast-for-unicef/

Staff training – Children’s Rights

The event on Monday linked beautifully with our joint training session with Tayvallich staff on Wednesday after school this week. Staff came together to explore how we incorporate Children’s Rights in everything we do as adults in our school community, both in relation to our own children and children around the world. There is a lot happening in the world just now that means that it is harder to protect the rights of all children, particularly children who are affected by war, poverty or pressures on their families. We know, however, that it is crucial that all the adults in a child’s life work together in the child’s best interests when making decisions that affect them.

We can’t solve all the problems of the world straight away but we can start where we are and do what we can.

Remember that you can find out more about Children’s Rights via this link on our school website: https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/

Christmas Lunch

It was an absolute joy to have Christmas Lunch in Glassary on Wednesday. The children and staff really enjoyed the delicious food cooked in the Resource Centre by Margaret MacKinnon and her team and served up with a smile by Judy Campbell. Their table manners were fantastic too!  You can see some photos here:  https://www.glassary.argyll-bute.sch.uk/christmas-lunch/

P1 to 4 Classroom Unexpected Elf and Safety Issue

Following my update last week, I can confirm that Felix the Elf has continued to work both mischief and magic in the classroom. He seems to have been feeling some jealousy which resulted in some chaos on Thursday morning. It was only on Friday when we saw that he had organised his own Christmas Show that we realised he was sad and jealous at not having been invited to ours. Miss Mahmood is going to see what she can do next week to help him feel more loved and included by us. You can see some more photos here: https://www.glassary.argyll-bute.sch.uk/more-elf-antics/

Christmas Showcase

Your children never cease to amaze me and Friday’s showcase was no exception. My heart was bursting with joy at the amazing teamwork, acting, singing and playing and it was fantastic that so many of you could come along to watch.

There are a few photos here: https://www.glassary.argyll-bute.sch.uk/christmas-showcase/

More photos will follow.

We also made a video for those of you who could not attend and we will share this once it is ready and we have ensured that all of you are happy for it to be shared for its intended use.

Consultation on the Argyll and Bute Education Vision and Strategy:

The Authority is currently undertaking and review and consultation on our Education vision and values strategy, Our Children, Their Future. You can see an overview of this process Argyll and Bute Education and Vision Consultation. I will liaise with the Parent Council about how we can be involved in the consultations and discussions in January.

Change to the timings of the school day

Following extensive consultation with all families and other partners, our Education Heads of Service have agreed our proposal to change the timings of the school day as per below. This will take effect on our return from the February holiday on Monday 19th February (Staff Inset)/ Tuesday 20th February (for pupils).

9am to 10.30 – in class

10.30 to 10.45 – morning break

10.45 to 12 – in class

12 until 12.45 – lunch break

12.45 until 2pm – in class

2pm until 2.15– afternoon break

2.15 until 3.15 – in class

The week ahead

This week sees a calm descent into the holidays, with the exception of Wednesday when have the excitement of the Parent Council Christmas Party which takes place in school from 6.30 to 8pm.

School breaks up for the winter holiday on Thursday at 2.30pm and we all return to school at 9am on Thursday 4th January.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our events calendar so that you can keep up with all the events planned in the New Year: https://www.glassary.argyll-bute.sch.uk/events/

I wish you all the very best for a relaxed and joyful lead up to the break and a safe and peaceful holiday, however you are spending it and whether you are celebrating Christmas or another festival.

Have a great week and you know where I am, if you need anything.

Lena