Crawford Primary School
September 2016 Newsletter
Dear Parents/ Carers – We have come to the end of our first full month of the new session which has been
very busy. Staff and pupils have settled well into their new surroundings and according to the feedback
from visitors after our informal open afternoon, parents are also happy with the new learning environment.
We are still looking forward to our new building which should start by the end of October. If we have a
reasonable winter weather wise we could be preparing to move into our new building this time next year.
Crawford Bowling Club: Our P5-7 pupils have enjoyed learning to play lawn bowls
courtesy of Crawford Bowling Club and some of our children attended the bowling
club throughout the summer season. This is an example of good community
partnership and we plan to work together again in the summer term. On behalf of
the school I would like to thank the bowling club members for giving of their time
and experience in this venture.
Theatre Show: On 31st August our pupils and staff walked up the hill to Abington Primary school to see a
show called ‘The Little Princess’ which was about friendships and bullying. Staff and pupils from Leadhills
Primary school came also. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show and we have booked for the theatre
company to come again next year.
Maths Parents Evening: Thank you to all parents who were able to attend one of the
three nights on offer across the Biggar learning Community. I am sure you will agree
Tom Renwick spoke well and gave us an insight into games and strategies we can use
at home to support our children. He stressed how parents had an important role to play
to reinforce and practise the work done in class. The feedback sheets were very
positive too. The children thoroughly enjoyed his workshops in school and are really enjoying the new
resources. Our pupils believe that these new strategies and resources are helping them with numeracy.
Science Focus: Maria Montiero, came into school to work with both classes looking at cells. She brought
with her a microscope that could be used with our C-Touch screens. She gave staff and pupils a
presentation about cells before giving the children a chance to investigate what cells looked like
by putting items such as onion skin and cheek scrapings onto slides to look at through the
microscope. It was a fascinating day which was enjoyed by all the children. We are indebted to
Maria for her hard work with the children not forgetting all the freebies that she gave to the
children from her firm Leica. This was a fascinating insight into the work of a scientist for the children to
witness first hand. Many thanks Maria.
Staffing: We are fortunate to have Mrs Bailie with us in Crawford Primary School on Fridays in Mrs Wood’s
class. Mrs Bailie used to work with us a number of years ago and we are delighted to welcome her back
meantime. We now have Mrs K Johnson working with us on Mondays to cover CCC time. She will work
with both classes. At the moment we are still short of a teacher for ½ day to cover Mrs Wood’s
management time. SLC are currently working to address this vacancy but there are significant challenges
across the council. This will not affect children’s learning..
Forest Schools: Staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed a day in Fairy Gate Wood on
Monday 12th September. This was the first time for our two new P1 girls and they
thoroughly enjoyed it. The children enjoyed whittling and weaving and made
dream catchers, bracelets, bands and pointers. As usual the children enjoyed a
‘Thot Spot’ and some free time to play in the woods. Mrs Nunes was in charge of
the campfire as usual so children and staff could have hot drinks throughout the day. Thanks must go to
Mrs Wales for her organisation of the event as well as Mrs Wood and Mrs Nunes for their assistance. Our
older pupils too should be mentioned as they completed a risk assessment and made the areas safe for
younger pupils and took care of them throughout the day.
Open Afternoon: Many thanks to all who were able to attend our informal open afternoon on Thursday 15th
September. The purpose of this event was to let parents see the new learning environment of their children
and see what they had been learning in school. The feedback from both parents and pupils showed that it
was a successful event and enjoyed by all. Thank you too to Mary Renwick and Michelle Aitchison for
serving teas at this event.
Handball: Active Schools Coordinator Leah Wilson in conjunction with April Forrest is
currently doing handball sessions at lunch time on Mondays in the Muga at Abington
Primary School. All of our P4-7 pupils are able to go to these sessions at lunchtime if they
wish. Those who choose to go are supervised when travelling to and from the Muga.
Oral Health Team: Last week the children were given a talk and demonstration on the
importance of tooth brushing and cutting down on sugars and food stuffs that damage teeth.
The talk was delivered by our local oral health nurse and was very informative. It is amazing how much
sugar is contained in some foods. Our monitors Zak and Finlay continue to supervise daily tooth brushing
after lunch.
Staff Training: As part of our work on numeracy attainment four members of staff were away on
specialised support training on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Thank you to all staff who
remained in school and who covered playtime and lunchtime supervision. Our pupils continued to work
hard with their learning during this week. Well done all!
Harvest Thanksgiving Service: On Thursday 29th September we had a joint Harvest Service
with Abington Primary School in the Gym Hall. Each school had to make a cow both of which
were on display and were a focal for part of our service as we learned the importance of a
harvest in Africa. We learned about a charity called ‘Send a Cow’ started by British farmers.
Pupils also brought in dry goods and tinned foods that are destined for Clydesdale Food Bank. The children
learned too that it was not just in Africa that food was scarce. Thank you to all who contributed to this
service. I would like to thank Rev Nikki Macdonald for supporting staff with this harvest festival. The cows
will be in display at the church for their Harvest Thanksgiving service on Sunday.
Diary Dates: October
Mon 3rd Oct: handball in Muga
Tues 4th Oct – meeting in Abington PS re Dance club
Thurs 6thOct – P1 Health Checks
Mon 10th Oct – Rugby Tag Festival (P5-7)
Tues 11th Oct – Arts Net Meeting ( Parents 9.30 a.m.)
Mon17th – Fri 21st Oct. – Holiday
Librarian Visit P1/4
Tues 25th Oct – BHS meeting for P7s and parents
November:
Mon 14th Nov – Forest school day
Tues 22nd Nov – Parents appointments
December:
Mon 12th Dec Panto Visit a.m.
Tues 20th Dec – Church Service 11 a.m.
Wed 21st Dec- Nativity in Crawford Hall 2 p.m.
Wed 22nd Dec- school closes 2.30 p.m.
Please feel free to comment on any items in the newsletter below and return to the school office.
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