1 Dec 2007 - St John's Newsletter

Dear Parents, School Security

Over the course of the past few weeks it has become more apparent that many more parents are entering the school building without signing in and collecting a visitor’s badge. No parent or visitor should be in the building for any reason without our knowledge for health, safety and security reasons.

This includes parents who are following the children into school in the lines. All parents must enter the school building by the main entrance, sign in and collect a visitors badge. Parents should not make their way to a classroom and approach a teacher directly. From 8.50am – 3.20pm teachers have responsibility for their class and are not able to deal with specific requests. We are always more than happy to meet with parents but this should be done through an appointment. If you write a note to your child’s teacher requesting an appointment with them, the teacher will then phone you to arrange a suitable time. If it is something that needs to be dealt with immediately a member of the management team is always available to deal with emergencies.

Parents and pupils also open the main door for others. The doors should only be opened by St John’s Staff.  I would ask you to please co-operate with all of these procedures for all of our pupils’ safety. We would not want a repeat of the Dunblane tragedy.

Parking

Yet again, there has been a steady increase in double parking in Hamilton Terrace. This matter is taken very seriously by many parents and I have received recent communications detailing concerns over parents being inconsiderate and fears over the pupils’ safety.

I wish to appeal to those parents who continue to double park and ask you to refrain from doing this as you are compromising the children.

SQIP

A flyer has been sent to all parents detailing our strengths in our Standards & Quality report and our priorities for this session. Should any parent with a copy of the full report, this is available from the school office.

St John’s Parish Night Out

St John’s Parish night out on the 15^th January is a sit down 3 course meal. If you are coming along please arrive at 7.30pm for your complimentary drink. We will sit down at 8.00pm for the meal.

If you are interested in coming along there are a few tickets left, cost is £20.00 per ticket. Please call Angela Watson on 661-9590.

Christmas Post

Pupils can begin to bring Christmas Cards to school and these will be delivered by our P7 ‘Posties’. Please ensure that the pupils name and class are clearly marked on the envelope!

First Communion & Confirmation

A reminder for those families with children in P4 looking to celebrate First Communion and Confirmation next year. The Service of Light is on Monday 4^th December at 7.00pm in the Church. This service is for both the child and their parents.

Please direct any questions you may have to Julie Collins on 669-8089.

Charley Gallagher – Karate Kid……….

Charley Gallagher in P5b has had a great time at Karate and holds a Scottish title for her category.

In 2005 Charley won 2^nd place in the junior individual championships, 3^rd place in the team championships, 3^rd place in the team championships, 3^rd place in the Kata championships.

In 2006 Charley won 1^st place in SKF team championships

2^nd place in the individual and 2^nd place in the team

Nursery News…………

The morning nursery children have been very busy rehearsing for their Nativity entitled ‘Pictures of the Nativity’ which will be performed for family and friends on Wednesday 6^th December.

The children have been learning about ‘Night and Day’. This has branched off to themes on dark, light, stars, moon and planets. The children have also been introduced to Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Starry Night’ and some lovely artwork has been produced in response to this stimulus. Happy Birthday to Joe Kerr, Klaudia Warszewska and Laura Crolla who are now five years old.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Advent Mass

Primary 7 will prepare a mass on December 8^th for the whole school. The mass will be held at 9.00am on Friday 8^th in St John’s Church. Pupils should make their way directly to church and they will walk up to school with the staff, following the mass.

Dress Down Day

A dress down day will be held on December 15^th. Children can come to school in casual clothes and bring a donation to go towards Oxfam Christmas Appeal.

Work Experience

4 Former pupils will participate in work experience during the week commencing December 11^th.

Students

Our 3 students, Wayne, Fiona and Katy will complete their placements today. We wish them luck int heir future placements.

Many thanks for your continued support and

 co-operation.   

              Ms Barbara A Service, Head Teacher