I'm sure you'll agree, it's good to get underway again and it's been a great start for all.
Our pupils are looking so smart and they've quickly settled into our school rhythm, with our new P.1s doing splendidly.
We are also pleased to welcome our new staff this year, Ms Joanne Rose P.7b and our newly qualified teachers Miss Nikki Palmer P.3a and Miss Michelle Dunnion P.6b, also quickly into their stride.
Great start well done to all.
At our first whole school assembly I reminded our children that at Paradykes we want them to learn to:
take care of themselves (look after their belongings, organise themselves); take care of each other (never hurt others, show each other respect and be polite and pay compliments); and always aim to do p.b. – personal bests mark improvement.
I also reminded the children that this year we will begin to see some significant changes with their learning as we begin to more fully implement “The Curriculum for Excellence.” This thoughtfully designed curriculum looks at providing children from 3-18 years with the best possible learning experiences and fully prepare them for their futures. (Please see attached guide.)
Most immediately, we move away from levels A B C D E which we’ve used to mark our children’s learning progress.
This in turn means we’ll no longer be reporting or assessing with reference to levels A to E. There will also be some further shift in what and how our children learn with Health and Well being becoming a major learning focus along with literacy and numeracy.
At Paradykes this year we will also re-emphasise science learning and begin to develop whole school learning events, the first of which will be our Scotland work in November.
Unfortunately as things currently stand with our budget this year we are unable to offer Modern Language Specialist teaching below P.6.
Certainly these changes promise to prove challenging and exciting in equal measure. To help address our budgetary constraints and implement our curriculum for excellence we will look to your and our parent council’s increased involvement and support.
Some dates and events to note.
Weds 2nd Sept. 7pm Parent Council A.G.M. (school hall.)
Tues 8th Sept 6.30 – 7.30 Meet the Teacher (info. to follow.)
Among Paradykes many achievements last session I’m pleased to report that we achieved our ‘cycle friendly school’ award and would encourage parents and P5,6 and 7 pupils, who have attended our Ready Steady Bike course or cycling proficiency course, to cycle to school.
“Swine” – Flu HINI – It’s good to note in the latest advice to schools, that the vast majority of people with this virus are experiencing relatively mild symptoms. The important message we are giving our children is to carefully observe personal hygiene practices, catch it – bin it – kill it and a personal supply of paper hankies for each child is needed, as well as constant reminders to make hand washing a habit.
Please further note that a decision about pupil vaccination has not yet been taken by NHS and also that the current policy is that school closure would only happen if Midlothian were unable to staff schools appropriately.
So busy year ahead, lots to be done and lots of help needed. I’m looking forward to us all working together to get the best for our children. As always please remember to contact me and parent council with any concerns you have or ideas for Paradykes improvement.
