Good afternoon everyone, finally some sun after a windy few days. We would like to let you know that Mr Young is busy making us some new cool outdoor things but he hasn’t got any outdoor paint, if anyone has any that they wish to give (any colour) please email your key worker to let them know.
Have a lovely week, see you on the classroom!
Here is Flora, in her chill out space, reminding us that we have the right to have our voice heard and to be listened to so remember to share your concerns or worries with someone you trust. This will help us to stay calm and happy.
21 May 2020
For immediate release
Highland Council prepares for phased return to new normal
Highland Council’s Recovery Board Chair, Cllr Alasdair Christie has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s road map phasing the way out of lockdown, which was published earlier today.
The First Minister revealed that Phase 1 of the Government’s new four phase plan, could come into effect on 28 May, however the advice remains stay home, protect the NHS and save lives for now.
Cllr Alasdair Christie, Chair of the Highland Council’s Recovery Board, said: “Highland Council is assessing and planning for all the implications of the First Minister’s announcements made today about the first stage relaxation of lockdown, including her statement on teachers and other staff returning during June to prepare for the return to school in August.
“The Recovery Board has already begun developing our own Highland Council route map which is focusing on how we prepare for a safe return to work, return to school and restarting key services, such as reopening recycling centres at the start of June.
“Today’s announcement will I am sure be welcomed by communities here in Highland, who have been adhering to the lockdown measures and ensuring they help protect the NHS and save lives.
“However, we are also acutely aware of the impact the lockdown has had on our economy and on every aspect of people’s lives and mental health.
“We are working hard to map out the best way forward for Highland, so that we can start to get people back to work and school, but to ensure this is done safely and in line with science and the Scottish Government’s guidance.”
He added: “Since the outbreak we have learned a lot of lessons and we’ve seen a tremendous demonstration of agility, innovation and hard work from staff across the organisation. I am delighted to say that as a result of everyone’s hard work and commitment we are now in a position to pave the way forward and start getting back to what will be a new normal for all of us.”
Schools will return on 11 August, one week earlier than planned for most pupils, while Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings will open over the summer.
An agreement reached between councils, professional associations and parent representatives means:
The Scottish Government road map can be found here
Kind Regards
Clare Mackenzie
Reopening of schools and Early Learning and Childcare settings – FAQ
This has been a super busy week and well done for all your hard work, thank you! We started off by discussing and showing how to be kind, from dropping off flowers to friends to making special video calls to Grannies and Grandads. Next we created our own obstacle courses showing fantastic balancing skills! We then explored tea bag painting, making our own pirate maps and finding treasure. Then we enjoyed going on a scavenger hunt outside, finding feathers, sticks and acorns. Lastly you have been making lovely healthy snacks and exploring mental health songs and quotes from Miss Allardice.
Have a lovely weekend, stay safe x
Tomorrow morning we will be hosting a LIVE quiz for all of our pupils. This is an optional,fun activity. Pupils should log into google meet (link on google classroom) at the appropriate time. ELC -P3 1030 and P4-P7 1130 .
The Questions will be shared on a live screen on the google meet and children will input their answers using www.kahoot.it. It will work best if pupils have a mobile device/ 2nd device with www.kahoot.it open to input their answers and they will be able to see the questions on the google meet at the same time. If only one device available, pupils can simply go between the two tabs.
We are hoping as many pupils as possible can take part and join in the fun.
Reminder: Please mute your mics when joining the google meet to ensure best connectivity for everyone.
Today, Olivia, our playground champion talks about emotion words, triggers and tips and tricks she uses to stay happy.
Childs mile scotland are doing terrific Tuesday and Thursday toothbrushes. If you’d like to take part, go and follow on twitter or have a look on the Childsmile website.
Friday 29th May – Wear Yellow Day in support of Highland Hospice – more details to follow
Monday 1st June – In Service Day
We are on day 3 of The Playground Champion’s project to help you BE KIND TO YOUR MIND. Here is Lilly, one of our playground champions sharing her advice about how we can recognise our emotions through body sensations and regulate our emotions using regulation strategies. Lilly talks about when we may feel sad, angry or stressed and what we could do to help.
Here is Layla, one of our playground champions with her advice on how to ensure you can switch off and relax.
EXCITING NEWS On Wed at 9.30am, the fabulous Amy Gallagher from High life Highland will be streaming LIVE across Highland with her “Wake-Up and Shake” dance session!
Any child with a Highland Google account can join this amazing event! To join, click the google meet link below, just before 0930 on Wednesday.
We may not have a playground at the moment but our playground champions have been creative in thinking of new ways to support our school. This week, some of our playground champions have put together some ideas to support our mental health and wellbeing whilst we are at home. We will share these throughout the week.
The playground champions have been using the Emotion Works cogs as inspiration and guidance.
Well done for completing another busy week. We have been creating our own libraries and role playing a librarian, stamping books and giving out cards. You all created fantastic coloured patterns with different objects at home, confidently knowing what colour came next to complete your patterns. We have also been sharing what makes us feel proud, from being able to ride our bikes independently to wearing big pants, well done you should all feel proud for your achievements during this time. It looked like you all had fun exploring different recipes for making playdough, some raspberry smelling ones, green ones and even gliterry ones. Lastly you all showed fantastic drawings and paintings skills when making family pictures!
Have a lovely weekend, stay safe x
To report an absence or if you have a query please contact the school office.
Mobile 07788 387590
or email
lochardil.primary@highland.gov.uk
That was a quick week, well done to everyone who engaged with the fun activities this week! We have been very creative, making wiggly worms, pop up gardens, musical instruments and using our imagination to make things out of loose parts. Great work everyone!
Have a lovely long weekend, stay safe 🙂
This is a reminder that today is the final day for you to complete the Continuing Learning at Home parent / carer questionnaire. Your voice is important to us and we value your opinion to help us build on and improve home learning opportunities. To complete the questionnaire, click on the link below. Thank you for your time.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV2NNRIG7CGxkBRoA5_XkOW99HSgylByDC_2EuG9H_BzBUzQ/viewform
Reminder that tomorrow Friday 8th May is the May bank holiday that coincides with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, VE Day.
Please note that the Just Ask Enquiry Line will now be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm .
This enquiry line is for our parents, carers, children, young people, and those who work with them. Staff usually available are-
Dietitians, Educational Psychologists, Preschool Home Visiting Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Primary Mental Health Workers, Speech and Language therapists, School nurses, Autism Practitioner, Community Learning Disability Nurses.
Number: 07785477686
Your voice is important to us! As mentioned in today’s parent/carer letter, this is an opportunity for us to capture your views as a parent/carer during this time of school closure, and help us to build on and improve the experience of our online learning provision to continue to support you with your child’s learning at home. Please click on the link below to complete our online survey. Thank you for your time.
Please find below a link to a letter for parents and carers from Mrs Kellacher.
Another busy week done! Great engagement everyone! This week we have created our own shadow pictures, sharing what we would like to be when we grow up, sending special messages to The Mackenzie Center, showing us drawings and pictures of how tall you have grown, and explored differed emations through Bsl and different facial expressions. It has also been great to see how caring and kind you have been at home being super choar champions! Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Well done for completing another busy week. We have been busy ordering, creating our own cafes and picnics, investigating pouring and messy pay and lastly exoring different books. Great work everyone! Have a lovely weekend!
Please be aware Highland Council have taken the decision to disable G-mail (e-mails) for pupils in Primary School, with immediate effect to support online safety. Pupil’s work should be submitted on Google Classroom where they will be able to contact the class teacher as well as on Google Hangouts. Please continue to use our communication channels that we have been using to date. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Tomorrow is Earth Day, but the children at Lochardil are loving the outdoors every day at the moment. These great outdoor messages were created as part of our Big Thank You videos.
You can view the videos using the links below. How are you getting outside this Earth Day?
Thank you to our P6B parent for sharing this with us. Please let your child join in with this if you have a Facebook account:
LIVE Mini First Aid Kid’s Workshop
?When:Thursday 23 April at 11am
?Where:Mini First Aid Facebook LIVEhttps://www.facebook.com/minifirstaid
?What’s it all about:What to do if you find someone unconscious.
Your child will need a willing helper (adult or sibling)or a soft toy to practice on, the bigger the better!
This session is aimed at primary school children and shares important life skills
We are working on adapting our Eco-Schools and wider programmes so that pupils can continue working on environmental topics from home, and wanted to let you know about two activities that are online on our Eco-Schools At Home page.
The Pop-up Pocket Garden is a gardening project that can be done at home in a small space outdoors, or indoors on a windowsill. It provides a great opportunity for children and young people aged 3 – 18 years to design and grow a small garden. There are themes to inspire you and a design brief to guide practical building and growing. We are looking for exciting and unusual designs that use edible plants, plants that attract wildlife and will reuse something which would otherwise have been thrown away. The best Pop-up Pocket Gardens will be featured on the Keep Scotland Beautiful website to celebrate your ideas and skills and inspire others.
For children aged 8-25 years old, Young Reporters Scotland is a perfect opportunity to investigate and report on an environmental or sustainability issue which matters to them. The competition is designed to give young people a platform to express their opinions and solutions for environmental issues in addition to providing an opportunity to develop their own journalistic skills.
Please send pictures to key worker email, or post on our stream.
Friday already! A great first week back after the Easter break. It has been lovely hearing and seeing what you have been up to during the Easter break, fun outside and birthdays. Well done for super engagement on the Google classroom, from learning about floating and sinking to, creating you own small world and using your imagination to make something out of junk. Great work everyone! Have a lovely weekend!
As yet we have had no further information with regards to Loch Insh. Loch Insh had shared possible options but no return of funds at present.
Mrs Kellacher will virtually meet with other Head Teachers to discuss further this week and we will up date in due course.
Pupils did take a copy of this home but here is a digital version for your reference. I hope Everyone is keeping safe and well.
Miss MacDonald
Well done to P6s who submitted poems to Miss MacDonald to contribute to the Book Creator project. Book Creator have asked If they can publish the book on their website. Well done everyone !
Please click on the link below to access a collection of thoughts, opinions and feelings put together from some of our P6’s work this week.
Public urged to keep eyes and ears open for children at risk during COVID-19 With the closure of schools and nurseries during the COVID-19 crisis, a national child protection group is urging everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for children who may be at risk during this time. Child Protection Committees Scotland, a national grouping of child protection professionals, supports all efforts by the Scottish Government, local authorities and the third sector to keep children safe from harm during the enforced break in normal routine. Highland Child Protection Committee recognises the impact a significant change in day-to-day life may have on vulnerable children. “Schools and nurseries in Highland play a central role in contributing to the safety of all local children, especially those who may be at risk of abuse and neglect. When children are not at school we lose the ability to monitor their wellbeing on a daily basis, and we are making every effort possible to support those children and families who may need it during these demanding times.” However, Highland Council stresses the need for the public to join efforts to protect potentially vulnerable children during the Coronavirus outbreak. Chief Social Work Officer, Karen Ralston urges everyone to play a part to keep local children safe: “The onus of care has now shifted from schools to local communities, and we’re asking everyone to keep their eyes and ears open. Local people always provide a significant protective factor for children and that’s even more important at a time when families may be under significant additional stress. If you’re at all worried about a child’s welfare, it’s much better to say something than do nothing.” Highland Child Protection Committee urges everyone to take action if they’re concerned about a child or young person. If you’re worried don’t hesitate to seek help. Full contact details for social work and other professionals are available on the website www.hcpc.scot. If you are worried a child or young person may be at immediate risk of harm, please phone 999.
Highland Trading standards advice and guidance on COVID-19 and scams The Highland Council’s Trading Standards is providing advice and guidance to businesses and consumers affected by COVID-19 at www.highland.gov.uk/tradingstandards David MacKenzie Trading Standards Manager said: “We are currently providing information for consumers and businesses on cancelled bookings for accommodation and services; hand sanitiser products; and financial protection for small businesses at present. We will add to our website as more intelligence and information becomes available to us.” Cancelled bookings for accommodation and services Many Highland tourist businesses face the problem of cancelled bookings. Consumers are unable to travel due to the COVID-19 restrictions and many businesses are forced to temporarily close. These are uniquely difficult times for Highland businesses, and we want to ensure that they are aware of all the options available to assist in these situations. We think that it is reasonable for businesses to make their customers aware of these options. For example: • If the consumer has paid using a credit card and the amount is over £100, they may be able to claim their money back from their card provider under “Section 75” equal liability rules. • If the payment was by debit card, the consumer may be able to make a claim from their card provider under the banking system’s “Chargeback” provisions. • The consumer may be able to make a claim on holiday insurance, e.g. an annual policy, more information is available from the Financial Conduct Authority • Any dispute that a consumer has with a financial company over insurance, credit cards or debit cards can be raised with the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is a free-to-use and highly regarded dispute resolution system. • It may suit both consumer and business to arrange a rebooking for a later date. • Detailed information for tourist businesses can be accessed from VisitScotland. Hand sanitiser products (not soap-based etc.) • Hand sanitiser products are in huge demand and some products are no longer available. Demand has led to some businesses (e.g. spirit distillers) diversifying into producing hand sanitising products. Products which are manufactured with the final intention of “destroying, deterring, rendering harmless, preventing the action of, or otherwise exerting a controlling effect on, any harmful organism” are currently controlled under the European Biocidal Products Regulations 2012 under a category defined as Product-type 1: Human hygiene. Biocidal products in this group are used for human hygiene purposes, applied on or in contact with human skin or scalps for the primary purpose of disinfecting the skin or scalp. • Trading Standards enforce these regulations in shops, but the current rules surrounding the manufacture and approval of these products need to be checked with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) • Hand sanitisers made for your own personal use are excluded from the Regulation, however if it is supplied to third-parties then the law applies, and advice should be sought from the HSE. • Soap-based or hand softener gels and creams with an antibacterial effect are regulated under cosmetic regulations. • Advice from the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association. Financial protection for small businesses • Individuals buying goods or services over £100 and less than £30,000 using a credit card are given additional protection if there has been a breach of contract under “Section 75” equal liability rules. Businesses who use ordinary (non-business) credit cards facilities may also benefit from the same protections even if it is in relation to items or services bought for the business. Card users should speak to their provider if they wish to make a claim. If a business has a right to make a claim and this is not honoured by the card provider, small businesses may be able to raise this matter with the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Scottish Government has also issued general advice to businesses, visit: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice
Highland Council to launch e-vouchers for free school meals Highland Council will be providing e-vouchers to families to support access to free school meals from week commencing 30 March 2020. This innovative and easy-to-use service will ensure over 4,000 school children will continue to receive support for school meals while schools are closed. For the majority of pupils, this will be delivered digitally through e-vouchers for food in local supermarkets. Enabling choice will provide flexibility and also help to reduce waste, as food can be purchased according to need or preference in the household. Some restrictions do apply as the e-vouchers cannot be used to purchase age restricted products such as tobacco, alcohol, lottery tickets and fuel. The impact of Coronavirus has caused many vulnerable families additional hardship and this process will ensure that the most vulnerable children can get food. Highland Council continues to investigate other ways of providing food across the Highlands for vulnerable groups within the rapidly changing environment. This includes working closely with High Life Highland, Eden Court and our many partners including the Third Sector. Further information will be provided in due course. Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Education Committee, said: “The provision of school meals is a priority service that we are committed to delivering including during when schools are closed in the current times. I applaud the Highland Council staff who are working hard to implement this service as quickly as possible and for e-vouchers to be issued next week”. A helpline number has been set up for anyone who is struggling and needing urgent help during this crisis. The single line number – 0300 303 1362 – will connect callers to relevant Council specialist teams and will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. All calls are free.
That’s our first week of online learning done! You have all done amazing in completing our activities and engaging with the posts.
We have loved looking at the pictures and videos that you have posted, making all the teachers super proud. You all look like you have been super busy, creating your rainbow pictures, doing your daily exercise, completing jigsaws and being great choar champions.
Keep up the good work and we will be back in 2 weeks to do some more fun activities. Thank you and keep safe!
Good morning/afternoon Please ignore this email if it does not concern you The ELC DD will be collected next week as normal and then suspended until further notice. If you are a voucher payer please do not transfer any further funds at this time we will be in touch in due course.
Well done to all our families who took part in the round of applause for our NHS tonight. Please share your photos and videos on our twitter page @LochardilPS using #lochardillove #clapforourcarers #goal3goodhealthandwellbeing
If/ when any of our pupils are allocated a place at the Key Worker Hubs being set up within Highland, can you please ensure they take along their learning pack provided by us, device (if possible) and materials to write with. We also ask children to continue to register as they have been doing on their Google Classroom each day. Parents/ carers can you please email the school on Lochardil.Primary@highland.gov.uk to let us know if/ when your child is allocated a place for our information.
Thanks to every one of you for supporting us with helping to provide continuity for your child’s education and ensure their safety.
Google Classrooms
You should by now have received communication from your child’s key worker with login details for Google Classroom. If you have not received an email, please let us know and email clare.mackenzie@highland.gov.uk as it may have been noted down incorrectly or it could be in your junk mail.
A big thanks to those of you that have engaged with our online learning so far, the teachers have loved seeing your posts.
Following the information we received from the First Minister last night 23.03.2020, all free meals will be cancelled from today (Tuesday). We will be in touch soon with further guidance and information.
Following the information we received from the First Minister last night 23.03.2020, all free meals will be cancelled from today (Tuesday). We will be in touch soon with further guidance and information.
If your child is unable to register daily online, please report the absence by email lochardil.primary@highland.gov.uk or phone the school mobile on 07788 387590.
Reminder regarding free school meals for next week for any of our pupils entitled to this provision.
This is the extract from the letter posted on our blog on Friday. Please share.
Free School Meals
For the week beginning Monday 23rd March, a takeaway ‘Grab & Go’ option will be available for all young people who are entitled to a free school meal. This includes all P1-P3 pupils and all other pupils from P4 and above who are already entitled to this. These will be available from the local Secondary School for your Associated Schools Group (i.e. Inverness Royal Academy for our area) and can be collected between 11am and 2pm.
The plans for how this will look after the Easter break will be communicated to you separately, once further arrangements are in place.
There is no need to reapply but for new applications please see the link -www.highland.gov.uk/info/899/schoolsgrants_and_benefits/10/free_school_meals_and_assistance_with_clothing.
Please see the link below for information on managing care for children of key workers.
Please see a copy of the letter that was sent home today through school bag mail.
With the announcement of school closures from today, Friday 20th March, our commitment at Lochardil Primary School continues to be the education and safeguarding of all our pupils, and to sustain strong links with our learners, parents/ carers, and local community during this time.
We have worked to provide a system which will support continuity of education, and in line with Highland Council provision to support this.
Thank you everyone for your continued support for our Lochardil family, keep in touch & stat safe!
Please see the digital version of our learning overview for term 4. Paper copies went home in your child’s home learning pack yesterday.
Thursday, 19 March 2020
Highland Schools will close at end of school day on Friday 20 March
As communicated by the First Minister yesterday, we can confirm that all schools in The Highland Council region will close at the end of the school day on Friday 20th March. Pupils should not return to school on Monday 23rd March.
The Chief Executive of The Highland Council, Donna Manson said:
“Having received a letter from the Scottish Government at 2:45pm today, immediate and extensive work will be required to make sure that we can assess the implications of the Government’s requirements in terms of the provision of learning and care for the children of key worker groups. It is hoped that these arrangements will be in place from Friday 27th March.
“Further information will be communicated as the Council engages with a range of partners to ensure that we support the Highland effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus and the work of the emergency services as set out in the Civil Contingencies Act.
“Another key piece of work will be the continued and adapted provision of food, care, support and protection to our vulnerable children.
“With regards to the week beginning Monday 23 March, I am confident that our education staff across the Highlands are in a position to provide families with an education package for all our children at home, during this first week of school closures in these exceptional circumstances.
“Schools have been in contact with parents and the Council has set up access to online resources via the educational improvement team at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/digitalschoolshub .”
“Any parent or carer enquiries should be directed to schools on Friday 20 March. From Monday 23 March Highland Council Education Helpline details will be communicated publicly in helping parents and carers with enquiries.
“Your support in these unprecedented times is greatly appreciated.”
Please find attached a digital copy of our Term 4 Learning Overview. A paper copy went home today in the learning packs.
With the recent announcement of school closures from Friday our commitment at Lochardil Primary School continues to be the safeguarding and education of our pupils, and sustain communication with our learners, parents/ carers, and local community. Home learning packs have been sent home today with each pupil. The contents within each pack will support your child to continue to learn during this school closure period. A letter to fully explain how we plan to provide and support our learners with their education through these packs and our digital Google Classrooms for every class from ELC – P7, will be shared tomorrow when we can include the support also provided from Highland Council. Our online classrooms will commence from Monday 23rd March – Friday 27th March. We will enjoy a break during our school holidays as planned then re-open online from Tuesday 14th April until further notice. A parent/ carer or nominated contact of any pupil that has been absent from school can collect their pack between 2pm-2.30pm or arrange for this to go home with a friend to collect from. Please email Lochardil.Primary@highland.gov.uk if you need support with this. Please check the blog tomorrow for updates. Thank you for your strength, support and understanding at this time.
Please find attached a suggested home learning grid to support the work of the P3/4 Google Classroom. Details will be issued with pupils later.
Please find attached information for next term. All further communication will be through our Google P3/4 Classroom.
18 March 2020 For immediate release Highland Council focuses on delivering statutory services The Highland Council is planning for greatly increased staff absence levels over the coming days and weeks. National modelling estimates that councils will see absences of at least 50% over the months ahead. We are no longer operating under business as usual, in order to focus on priority and statutory services. Today (18 March 2020) a number of Highland Council staff who are at a higher risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), have been advised to follow self-isolation measures, in line with current government advice. This group of people include those who are pregnant or have a specific underlying health condition. Anyone with any of the coronavirus symptoms is also advised to stay at home for 7 days and their other family members for 14 days. In addition to this group, many Council staff are also parents and staff will have additional child care responsibilities, due to the national decision to close all schools and nurseries from the end of this week. All these factors will significantly impact on the Council’s and our partners’ capacity to carry out our core functions and we ask that everyone is patient and understands that we have urgent priorities in resilience. The Council will continue to focus on our statutory duties under the Civil Contingencies Act. To enable this, the Council is suspending responses to enquiries or complaints about our current service provision and will instead be focusing our efforts to prioritise our statutory services, caring for the vulnerable, cooperating with our Resilience Partners and supporting economic recovery. We are aware that many people are keen to do what they can to support communities, within the constraints of the complex and unprecedented situation we are in. We are awaiting further national community resilience guidance and will ensure this is promoted to communities so that people are clear where to get help and how they can help themselves. In the meantime, Highland Council, along with partners and the voluntary sector, are engaging with community councils and other groups to assist the coordination of support to vulnerable people within Highland communities.
Regarding all children who attend Out of School Club, and Nursery after 3pm.
Lochardil Primary School will close on Friday 20th March at 3pm. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The First Minster has just made an announcement closing schools after Friday this week. Donna Manson, Chief Executive of The Highland Council said: “Highland Council will need time to assess the impact of this announcement on our workforce, and our communities as well as on the provision of support for our young people. “Further information will be forthcoming tomorrow, and please be assured that our central education team have been working extensively on providing learning materials for use at home. “More detail will be given to parents and carers and pupils from the Council later this week. “As was intimated by the First Minister, details about free school meals will again be forthcoming in the days ahead. “Thank you for your understanding on this matter. “We are expecting further information from the Scottish Government on what will be happening for older pupils regarding exams and the Council will provide further updates as they come. “Thank you for your understanding on this matter.” Regards Donna Manson Chief Executive The Highland Council
Cancelled Loch Insh trip – Please know we await an update on further information on this with regards to payments/ refunds/ rescheduling of dates. There are a number of schools in a similar situation due to the current situation, so we will update parents/ carers as soon as we find out the information. Thanks for your understanding at this time.
Latest Update from Highland Council It has been announced by the UK/Scottish Government that as of 16 March anyone developing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, however mild, should stay at home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms as per existing advice. In addition, it is now recommended that anyone living in the same household as a symptomatic person should self-isolate for 14 days. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of new continuous cough and/or high temperature. Information for the public on COVID-19, including stay at home advice for people who are self-isolating, can be found on NHS Inform. Further, people are advised to take social distancing measures to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. In particular, this is strongly advised for people aged 70 or over, people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Further advice on these measures will be available on NHS Inform shortly. The Highland Council, local education authority and Highland Schools are following national government and public health guidance. For further information please refer to the national guidance: www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ For school closures in Highland please refer to the schools closures website at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures
We received our Aldi Sports Kit today. It included bibs, cones, balls, beanbags, relay batons, finish line and “eggs” with spoons!
Thank you to everyone who donated tokens for this collection. Looking forward to sunny weather to enjoy this bag of goodies!
In line with the latest guidance from The Highland Council as a precaution all parents evenings and afternoons have been postponed until further notice, as have school trips, including off-site lessons such as swimming.
For us at Lochardil School this means that for the foreseeable future our clubs that are held after school will be cancelled:
OJ Sports
Glee
Cross Country
Gymnastics
Highland Youth Theatre (performance due to be held 20.03.20 also cancelled)
Netball
Football coaching
Lion King Trip to Edinburgh
P3 UHI trip
McRobert Cup & Baillie Cup Sporting Events
Loch Insh Residential Trip
We are now unable to go on our trip to Brodie Castle. Any trip money already paid will be refunded from the school office.
As we are unable to watch the Lion King on Stage we plan to watch it on the big screen. On Wednesday we we watch the movie on the big screen in our hall. Pupils can take a cushion and blanket (not bedding) along with some individually wrapped snacks. They can also bring a game or toy to school on Wednesday. We have been looking forward to our day out for a while so we are converting it to an Day in, instead. #positivity The film is a PG. if you would prefer your child not to watch it please get in touch with the class teacher.
Apologies but due to the current restrictions in place in light of the coronavirus outbreak we are CANCELLING the Parent Council meeting on Thursday 19th March. We hope to go ahead with the next meeting as planned on Wednesday 13th May. Many thanks for your understanding. The Parent Council Committee
Rodger from Scottish Opera came to complete a singing masterclass with us all. He taught us how to improve our timing and dictation. The children have worked so hard to learn the words and tunes of the songs and they have done a fabulous job! Well done everyone!
Just to let you know that the class trip, to the Stem Hub at UHI, on Friday is postponed. We will update when we have another date. Thank you to everyone who offered to accompany us.
Please see the current guidance from the Highland Council which we are now following . Thank you for your support. It is much appreciated at this time.
The pupils of P5 have had lots of fabulous success outside of school these last couple of weeks. Lily achieved her skiing Yeti 1 award, Katie was awarded 1st place at her squash tournament, Erin was awarded first place and Grand Champion for her duet at her cheerleading competition and she won a medal for her solo too. Alana and Lillie M won first place for their Hip Hop group dance and Alana won awards for her cheerleading group dance and her Pom Pom group dance. Well done everyone! Please let me know if there are any other achievements that I am yet unaware of ?
Congratulations to Lewis, who was our Star of the Week last week for his fabulous maths work. Well done Lewis!
Seeing as we have had to cancel our trip to see the Lion King in Edinburgh, we will be showing the new Lion King film in school on Wednesday. It is a PG so please let us know if you have any concerns.
Coronavirus Update! Please note that the following will NOT go ahead for the foreseeable future: Ach an Eas visits Mackenzie Centre visits Easter Eggstravaganza – Numeracy session (Thursday 26th March) Easter Singalong (Friday 27th March) Tooth brushing (daily) Forest Sessions will be continuing as normal. Drop off and Pick up: We appreciate your co-operation so far with handwashing, however due to new guidance we will be asking parents to remain outside at drop off and pick up. Staff will sign in and out on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation. ?
Well done P6A in presenting to their fellow peers on their “Earthquake proof-buildings.” last Friday. I must confess that we may have a few natural architects in the class.
This week, as well as our usual activities, we have been working on some cards for Mother’s Day! (No photos, we don’t want to ruin the surprise!)
We have also been enjoying the sunshine outside (when we can!)
Just a reminder to everyone collecting children from the Out of School Club to wash their hands on arrival. Thank you very much
This week at Ach an Eas the children and residents participated in making their own play dough. They helped to add the ingredients, mixing them together. The children and residents explored the play dough using cutters, stamps and their imagination to create different objects. The children kindly made some of their creations for the residents. We finished off the session by singing some of our Easter songs in the lounge.
we have our Easter Number Extravaganza coming up on Thursday 26th of March. A letter with all the information you need has been put in each child’s tray, children who don’t attend on a Thursday are invited in and a time is highlighted on their letter. If you have any questions please ask the ELC team.
We have had a busy week looking at where do we buy food. Most children discussed that we get food from Tesco and other shops and some were able to share that “you get meat from a butchers” Teddy. Therefor next week we are going to continue to look at shops and we would appreciate if you are out shopping at any shop, bakery or butcher to please send us a picture. samantha.mcneil@highland.gov.uk. We have also been busy at developing our ball control skills at gym this week and looking at money. Also we would be grateful if you could please donate some tissues to us as we are running low.
Please see below information recieved this afternoon.
POSTPONEMENT OF MCROBERT CUP CROSS COUNTRY EVENT 2020 You will be aware the First Minister announced that the Scottish Government is advising that as of next week, gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled. High Life Highland is aware that the Scottish Government will be issuing further guidance over the weekend, however having given the matter serious consideration a decision has been made that the McRobert Cup will be postponed until a future date. This decision has not been easily reached; however HLH is of the view that to leave the decision until the start of next week, pending the additional information from the Scottish Government would not be fair to those participating; family members; supporters and helpers. We hope you will appreciate at this stage we are unable to give any indication as to when any rescheduled event will be held but we will be back in touch once we have a clearer understanding of when business-as-usual is re-established and we can look to put the event back in the calendar. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to you, your family or organisation but hope you will understand that in the current climate circumstances are very much out with our control.
Mrs Fisher is performing at Eden Court next week. Good luck Mrs Fisher!
Thank you to everyone who came along and support our science evening. It was great to see everyone so engaged mums, dads, and siblings. We discovered lots of fun things and seen how fun and simple science can be. A huge thank you to Donnie for coming along and supporting us in learning even more and sharing his enthusiasm of science. We look forward to seeing how your cress grow and your homework.
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Friday) pupils can bring £1 and dress in sports wear or as their favour sports person to raise money for Sport Relief. Mrs Fisher will be leading a Zumbathon at lunchtime for anyone who wants to join in .
On Friday, the school will be raising money for Sports Relief. Children are welcome to come to school in sports clothes for a donation of £1. A Zumbathon will also be taking place on Friday lunchtime with Mrs Fisher!
ELC Science Family Learning Session We look forward to seeing you today for the ELC family learning session focused on Science. This will take place at 16:00hrs in the school canteen. We would like remind parents to comply with the NHS guidelines on hand washing. ELC Science Family Learning Session
We had an amazing workshop programming robotic cats with Vince from the SSPCA
A reminder that our Science event is today 4pm-5:30pm please pop along between this time to try out our science activities and learn the importance of science within the early years.
We enjoyed a walk around our local area yesterday and we looked at many different styles of houses. Lochardil House Hotel was very interesting and we were able to work out how old it is. We passed many of our own houses and ones where other members of our family live. Fortunately we missed the rain showers!
Today we enjoyed taking part in some relaxation, yoga and movement .
As part of British Science week we have been learning a bit about ? DNA and Genes. We learnt that genes play an important role in determining how we look and lots of other stuff about us. They carry information that makes you who you are and what you look like: curly or straight hair, long or short legs, even how you might smile or laugh. Many of these things are passed from one generation to the next in a family by genes.
We had a look at our ears to see if our ear lobes were “attached” or “loose”. It’s highly likely that one of our parents has the same. This is just one trait controlled by our genes.
All spaces requested for coming along to support us at our Scottish Opera Performance, on Tuesday, have been granted. Seats will be on a first come first served basis (no reservations). Our performance will begin at 2:15pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your support.
The open morning scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday 11th March, has been postponed. A new date will be advised in due course. We look forward to welcoming you to the classrooms soon.
Open Morning – our school open morning, which was due to take place tomorrow, has been postponed.
Sports Relief – on Friday the school will be raising money for Sports Relief. Children are welcome to come to school in sports clothes for a donation of £1. A Zumbathon will also be taking place on Friday lunchtime with Mrs Fisher!Learning Pathways – all learning pathways are due to be returned by Wednesday 11th March.
Miss C MacDonald
Open Morning – our school open morning, which was due to take place tomorrow, has been postponed.
Sports Relief – on Friday the school will be raising money for Sports Relief. Children are welcome to come to school in sports clothes for a donation of £1. A Zumbathon will also be taking place on Friday lunchtime with Mrs Fisher!
Learning Pathways – all learning pathways are due to be returned by Wednesday 11th March.
Thank you for your continued support. Mrs MacLelland.
Open Morning – our open morning, which was due to take place tomorrow, has been postponed. We will let you know when a new date and time has been decided.
Sports Relief – on Friday the school will be raising money for Sports Relief. Children are welcome to come to school in sports clothes for a donation of £1. A Zumbathon will also be taking place on Friday lunchtime with Mrs Fisher!
Show and Tell – it will be the turn of the Clever Clogs!
Learning Pathways – all learning pathways are due to be returned by Wednesday 11th March.
Does anyone have any spare Ikea (or similar) bags they could donate to the school please. All donations can be dropped at the school office.
Good morning,
Just a reminder that we are hosting our open morning on Wednesday 11th March from 9.15 – 10.00am.
The focus for this is reading, so if you are free we’d love you to pop along and share in some reading activities with your child.
Staff, students and pupils who have returned from Category 1 risk areas for COVID-19 within the last 14 days should self-isolate, and NOT attend education or work for 14 days, even if they feel well.
You can find information about affected areas on the HPS website: www.bit.ly/HPS-coronavirus
Staff, students and pupils who think they have been in contact with someone infected with coronavirus should NOT attend education even if they are well, but should first contact their GP or NHS24 (111) for further assessment and advice. See www.bit.ly/NHSinform-coronavirus
We are planning our own story maps to help us write a villain story.
You are invited to come in to school on Wednesday 11th March 09.20 – 10.00 to have a look around your child’s classroom.
We will have a second hand uniform stall in the reception area where you can purchase uniform items at rock bottom prices!
What a busy week we had last week! All the children have been practising their times tables before we move on to division. Some of the boys and girls have been using even bigger numbers than we have been learning!
We also visited the book fair and some of us got a new book. Here is Luke with his Lego book.
On Friday, PC Grant visited us to tell us about his job as a police officer. He spoke to us about road safety and we even got to sit in the back of the police van!
Also a quick reminder that our community walk is happening tomorrow (10/03). At the moment the forecast is looking good but please ensure your child comes to school with suitable footwear and a waterproof jacket due to the unpredictable Scottish weather!
Miss Cockburn 🙂
Tomorrow, Monday 9th March, pupils will be given the opportunity to go to the Book Fair and buy a new book, if they would like to. Pupils should take any money in a sealed envelope with their name on it to prevent any money being lost and not being able to be returned.
We’ve had another busy week in primary 2A. On Thursday, it was World Book Day and the children enjoyed visiting the other classes where they got to do lots of fun, book related activities.
PC Grant visited our class today and he gave us some excellent advice about how to stay safe when we’re out and about. The boys and girls thoroughly enjoyed getting to see inside the back of his police van. The siren was very loud!
Finally a big well done to this week’s Star Writers.
Mrs Beattie
Weather was really nice this week so we used this opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Children had lots of fun playing outside – running about, playing hide and seek; just enjoying the sunshine.
As every week children enjoyed our usual activities like drawing, colouring in, playing with dolls and cars. We also made some tasty shortbread.
Measure
Orchid is swimming 270m in a loch soon. We measured 270m with a trundle wheel to see what it would look like. It was 18 and 1/2 times our playground width (where we line up).Good luck to Orchid with her swim!
Book Fair
We were excited to shop at the Book Fair together. Tom Gates was popular with the class. Ioan bought a joke book and entertained us before we went home.
World Book Day
We played Who am I? using book characters, then the class went around other classes enjoying book related activities.
Some children dressed up – here they are – fabulous costumes again this year.
Just a reminder that the Open Morning is on Wednesday 11th March from 9.20 to 10.00 am and we look forward to seeing you. Also, as part of our topic we have arranged a school trip to Brodie Castle on Tuesday 24th March. A letter will be sent home soon with further details.
On Thursday the children looked wonderful in all their different outfits. There were beautiful princesses, magical animals and famous superheroes . They had great fun moving around classes taking part in the different activities including ‘Guess the Title of the Book’.
The children have been investigating magnetic materials this week in their Science lesson. They made some good predictions on which ones were attracted to a magnet and discovered that not all metals are magnetic.
It’s the end of another busy week in P6B. This week saw learning in: music and performance with Rodger from Scottish Opera coming into school to give us a master class, on Wednesday; BSL and French practice; world book day where we enjoyed a range of activities across the school; Fairtrade Fortnight where we explored societies attitude to producers and consumers and we researched a number of controversial issues as part of our topic on China. We look forward to seeing those of you who can make it along to the open morning at 0915 on Wednesday.
P1A have had two visitors this week to talk to us about how they help us. On Wednesday we had a talk from Michelle who works as a physiotherapist. She told us how physiotherapists help mend the parts of our body that move, like our wrists and knees.
Today, we had a visit from PC Grant, our community police officer. He told us how police officers help people in our community and gave us some super advice on how to keep ourselves safe. We also got to have a seat in the back of the police van!
Learning Pathways – our learning pathways for reading have gone home today. Please return these by next Wednesday.
Gym Shoes/Gym Kits – this afternoon we tidied out our cloakroom so we have sent home gym kits and gym shoes.
