Well done to all today for completing their sponsored walk.  We had a glorious day for it and a lovely time seeing how the forest had changed after all the work going on it and at a different time of year from our usual walk.  The children had great fun in their European countries and with their greetings in different languages.  Thanks to our parent helpers for help in supervising. Please could families now collect their sponsorship money and hand it in to school before the October break.  Many thanks!

Further to the face-to-face consultations around Additional Support Needs last Thursday, there is a further opportunity to contribute your views through the survey link below. 

Primary parent survey

The questions in the surveys come from various Education Scotland documents and previous inspection questionnaires. They are aimed at eliciting information regarding ASN Highland wide and do not focus on practice in individual schools.  All survey information will be shared in due course without schools being individualised but as a Highland wide picture.

A reminder that our sponsored walk takes place on Monday afternoon.  This year we are tying in with European Day of Language so children can come dressed in colours of a European country if they wish.  Please also ensure your child has appropriate shoes for walking, waterproofs and a drink.  We will leave the school following lunch with the older children going up to Mary’s Rock and the younger children making their way along the lower route to Balmacaan Road.  We appreciate as much support as possible in raising funds for this to help towards school trips, transport, workshops and visiting companies to the school.

A huge well done to Miss Mullin who received confirmation of her Professional Recognition Award in Leading Learning in Languages today.  A lot of hard work, research and efforts are now having a hugely positive impact on the experiences offered to the children in Glenurquhart and also in supporting on-going staff development in the Associated Schools Group and Kilchuimen.  Congratulations!

I’m delighted to announce that I recieved news today that we had been successful in our application for a Community Grant from Scotmid Co-Op and been awarded £400 in Scotmid vouchers. This will be used for various projects throughout the year including; P7 Food Project, baking club, Fairtrade Fortnight, Enterprise work and fundraising opportunities. We’d like to pass on our thanks to Scotmid whom we have an excellent partnership with and have very supportive of the school. We look forward to continuing this throughout this coming year.

Visit the link below to apply to be part of a team led by Young Scot, Children in Scotland and The Scottish Government to take the lead in helping to promote their rights and shape the way Scotland understands and supports the rights of the child.

https://young.scot/get-involved/national/activateyourrights-promoting-the-uncrc-across-scotland?dm_i=LQE,6H9UC,HOR7AW,PPMIU,1

Another fabulous day was had at Kilchuimen today with Glenurquhart finishing having won all their matches and scooping the trophy.  A massive well done for their team spirit and efforts.  I was a very proud Head Teacher!  Big congratulations to Alba also who was nominated ‘Player of the Tournament’ by the other teams there.  Thanks to Mr Thorp for coaching, transporting and supervising also and to Mr Peers and his helpers for organising.

Please see the poster below for information on joining the Highland Council Children’s Panel.

The minimum number of parents required to continue Parent Council are 3 parents holding positions and 4 parents to hold a meeting. Unfortunately, we were unable to go ahead with our AGM last night due to these minimum numbers not being met.

Parent Council within the school is a clear link with parents; an opportunity to give ideas and opinions and support school improvement. Not having a Parent Council means that this link is lost and much of the fundraising and extra events would not go ahead. We have really appreciated the support of parents in previous years and would be very sorry to see this fold. This would also have repercussions on the experiences we could offer the children e.g. not having funding for swimming lessons, productions and workshops in the school or school trips.

We have re-organised a Parent Council AGM and meeting for Monday, 4th November from 6-7pm to tie in with times that the children might be at Brownies. Further information on the roles of Parent Council and how it supports the school will follow from current Parent Council members.

Please be aware of the consultation event below which is open to all parents of pupils with additional needs.