Newsletter Feb 2010
- 1. Laurieston Primary School Newsletter February 2010 Dear Parent/Carer I would like your opinion on a recent development in the process of introducing the new Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish Schools. It is very important that while we are changing the way we teach, we keep a close eye on keeping up standards of performance for every pupil. This means that the whole process of ASSESSMENT needs to be reviewed in all Scottish schools. To allow for this to take place the Scottish Government has instructed each Local Authority to close schools down for a day in 2010. Falkirk Council have proposed two dates for this closure; Mon. 17th May or Wed. 18th Aug. (extending the summer holidays by a further day.) and have asked Headteachers for feedback by next week. Please let me know what you think about the alternatives on offer by sending me the reply slip I have attached to the end of this letter. Text for absence Previously when we contacted you by text to confirm a reason for absence the Groupcall name would appear on your mobile. As our supplier has now changed only a mobile number will be displayed. Please check this as your response is essential. Traffic Problems We continue in our attempts to target driving which endangers the children of LPS. Police have recently stepped up their interest in illegal parking on School Road and I have been informed that some offenders have recently been booked. Irresponsible parking is a matter highlighted by myself, the Parent Council and the pupils through their Pupil Council and I have recently been made aware of dangers resulting from the speed of traffic in the congested roads around the school. Please note that Road Crossing Patrols (lollipop men/women) report any concerns directly to Police. Work Home Folders We got a very positive response to the first issue of our Work Home Folders. Parents expressed real interest in seeing how their children are performing and pupils liked the attention their work received. We will set this up to happen twice a term. Parent Workshop – Parents in Class Our P1 Parents turned out in (the expected) large numbers to experience learning and teaching in the classroom. Their comments show that they were really impressed with new active learning techniques which help to keep children actively involved in the learning process. “Its so much better than how we used to learn,” was a common statement. It’s nice to hear so many positive comments about our teachers too! School Brochure An updated LPS Brochure is now available from the school office. Parent Council - The Parent Council met on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 at 7pm. Among the topics discussed at this meeting were cars parking outside the school, dog fouling, religious observance within the school, allocation of specialist teachers, P1 enrolment, LPS within the community. The minutes from this meeting will shortly be published on the school website and on the notice board within the school. If there are any issues you wish the Parent Council to put forward on your behalf please do so via the link on the school website or via the box outside the main doors of the school building.
- 2. Book Sale - We intend to hold a book sale on Thursday 4 March 2010, time to be confirmed, to raise funds for the school library. We would be grateful for donations of both childrens and adults books, in reasonable condition please!!! Burns Celebrations at Laurieston On the 29th January P7 held their annual Burns Supper. Each child invited one guest. A few honoured guests were also invited .Former P6 teacher Miss Hogan, Mrs Jay, our quality improvement officer, Mr Duncan, depute rector of Graeme High, the two lollipop people and even Provost Reid came to listen to our Scottish poems and songs.. The haggis was piped in by Colin Flynn and then addressed by Connor Kerr. Liam Oliver and Elena McNinch toasted the lassies and lads. The class sang songs such as Ye Banks and Braes, Red Yo-Yo, Flower of Scotland and to finish Auld Lang Syne. They recited “Laurieston Rovers”, “Embdy lost a Jaiket” “Social Dancing” and “A Dug, A Dug.” The country dancers performed “Welcome to Callum”. At the end P7 were all rewarded with a Robert Burns diary from the Provost. The Burns Supper was a great success. Written by Connor Kerr and Daniel Wong P7 School Closures in February In-Service Closures - Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th Spring Holiday - Friday 12th & Monday 15th Open Evening We invite you to tour the school on Wednesday 17th February from 6.00 - 8.00 pm. With your child as a guide you will be able to see classrooms and displays around the school. Yours sincerely, M. Cowie Headteacher ASSESSMENT CLOSURE DAY Please tick your preferred option Monday 17th May Wednesday 18th Aug Comments/Reasons for choice: Name: _____________________________