Scottish Civic Trust - My Place Photography Competition 2024

The My Place Photography Competition is a Scotland-wide built environment photography competition for school age young people (4-18). The competition aims to inspire young people to explore and experience their local built environment through photography.

This year's theme is My Community

Take a walk around your local area and pay attention to how local communities use and interact with the buildings, places, and spaces around you!

Community a word used to describe a group of people who have things in common. They might live in the same neighbourhood, go to the same school, attend the same place of worship, do the same sport, or have similar cultural backgrounds.

There are lots of interesting and unique communities in Scotland - show us yours!

How to enter:

All young people aged 4-18 in Scotland are eligible to enter. Entries should be made through our My Place website by a teacher on behalf of their young people. 

The deadline for submission is midnight on Sunday 21st January 2024.

Access to ELC & Out of School Club after office hours.

The school office closes at 4.30pm.  If the ELC buzzer at the gate is not answered after this time, please phone the school on 01463 230250, select option 2 and you will be able to speak to someone in the ELC/OOSC who will arrange for the gate to be opened for you.

We appreciate your patience and co-operation.

Staffing from August 2023

Please see below for a list of staff from August 2023 (please note this may still be subject to change).

P1A    Miss S Ross

P1B    Mrs J Quigley & Mrs R Johnstone

P2A    Miss O Melville & Mrs K MacLelland

P2B    Mrs C Ross

P3           Mrs H Fraser & Mrs L Beattie

P3/4   Mrs J Gardiner

P4           Mrs P MacIver

P5A    Mrs A Prentice & Mr J Garden

P5B    Mrs D McQuigg

P6A    Mrs L Francis

P6B    Mrs C Johnstone (DHT) & Mrs M Johnstone (DHT cover)

P7A    Mrs J Scotson (PT)

P7B    Mrs M Murray & Mrs J Munro

CCR PE  Ms S Barclay, Mr J Garden & Mr N Morrison

ASN supply teacher - Mrs K Richardson (2 days per week)

Free School Meals/Clothing Grant

All P1-5 children receive Free School Meals, however, the Clothing Grant entitlement is not automatically allocated unless the relevant paperwork is completed.  All parents/carers (and especially P1-5 parents), should view the criteria and the link below,  and complete the paperwork if you think you are entitled. 

To receive free school meals and assistance with school clothing, your household must be in receipt of any one of the following:

• Income Support

• Universal Credit (where the monthly earned income does not exceed £726).

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

• Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance

• Child Tax Credit, but not in receipt of Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £18,725 (as assessed by the HMRC)

• Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and an income below £8,717 (as assessed by the HMRC)

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit

You can also apply:

• If you are 16 to 18 yrs old and receive any of these benefits in your own right

• If you have no recourse to public funds, normally due to immigration status

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/899/schools_-_grants_and_benefits/10/free_school_meals_and_assistance_with_clothing

If you are on Universal Credit, we require evidence of your current award, showing:

• Name

• Address

• Period Payment covers

• We require to see ALL the elements which make up the award and all the deductions, including any for take home pay

• For all other Benefits we require ALL pages of your current award letter

Current recipients of means tested clothing grant and free school meals only need to reapply if any of the following have occurred since your most recent Clothing Grant Payment

• Change of address

• Change of bank details

• Any new P1 children for August 2023

If you have a child in Secondary School  S5 / 6 who will be returning to school after the summer holidays, you will not receive your clothing grant payment until the school confirm their return to school.  

The School Clothing Grant is £154 for Primary School children and £165 for High School children. Our online application form asks you to provide your bank details to allow us to make payment. If you are unable to provide bank details please contact us by email at clothingandmeals@highland.gov.uk.

If you have questions relating to the Free School Meals and Clothing assistance scheme, please contact us by email at clothingandmeals@highland.gov.uk.

Africa!

WE DID IT!

Thanks to lovely family and friends, the amazing netballers and my fantastic class, we have managed to raise over £1,500! 

First the netball team did a marathon netball match, which killed off any enthusiasm for netball I think...BUT they persevered and they did it! Then we performed Macbeth the Musical and received a load of very kind donations. We are still doing Africa Fun Fun! Week, and we have gone over the total. The cakes for this are making just as much as the entrance fee, so a massive thank you to all the people who made delicious things.

We are going to work out what the excess is, and try to buy some lightweight equipment for the African school, such as pencil sharpeners (which are apparently like hen's teeth) and pencils, if that is alright with everyone. Any ideas for light things I can carry on the plane with me are most welcome.

Thank you again. I really can't thank you all enough. 

Mrs P

Transition Morning - Wednesdsay 20th June 2023

We are looking forward to our transition morning tomorrow, Wednesday 20th June where the pupils will have the opportunity to spend time in their new class for next session.

A letter has been sent home today with pupils in P1-P6 with details of their new class and teacher.

Pupils entering P1 next session will receive an email with the details for their child.

Please be aware that these arrangement may be subject to change as class composition and staffing may change over the summer.

Soccer Aid – Thursday 15th June

On Thursday, each class (and ELC) will have the opportunity to take part in Soccer Aid fun sessions led by some of our young leaders and Caley Thistle coaches. Children can come to school in their football strip or sports clothes and bring a charity donation of £1 (if they wish to). 

By being part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF we are joining one big team – united by play, so that children everywhere can play. Just like all children should.

Each year group will get the opportunity to take part in some fun, practical games and challenges with the young leaders and coaches . The activities will incorporate the theme of  working together to create a shared understanding of compassion, to ensure we are extending it widely to all.

The below films show some of the vital work that UNICEF is doing around the world thanks to donations to Soccer Aid. https://www.socceraid.org.uk/how-your-support-helps/

Please find attached information about a raffle to raise money for 'This me Highland.'

Tickets will be available to buy in the school playground on:

Wednesday 14th of June

Before school:  from 8:40 am

After school: from 2:40 pm

All the money raised from selling raffle tickets will go to: This is Me Highland

For more information about the work of This is me Highland and the fabulous work that it does, please see the attached poster.

Raffle tickets will cost £1 for 1 ticket, £2 for a book of 5 tickets.

Raffle tickets will be sold in the school playground on:

Wednesday 14th of June

Before school:  from 8:40 am

After school, from 2:40 pm

Session 2023-24 - Nursery hours

The allocation of hours for nursery  pupils for  session 2023-24 will be communicated next week. 

Young Person's Free Bus Travel Scheme Survey

Transport Scotland are conducting an evaluation of the Young Person's Free Bus Travel Scheme, with a survey available for parents/carers of children aged 5-23, and young people themselves aged 12-23. Feedback is being sought from both those with experience of using the Young Person's Free Bus Travel, and those that do not use it in order to find out why.

The survey seeks to understand use of the scheme and any benefits or challenges that have been experienced since its introduction. It should take about 10 minutes to complete, and there is the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win up to £250 in One4All vouchers.   

The survey can be accessed here: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Yr1-YPFreeBusTravel

The closing date for all responses is 9th July 2023.

If you have any difficulties in accessing or completing the survey, or any questions about the work, you can contact the project manager at elaine@wellsideresearch.co.uk. 

Elaine Wilson Smith

Director | Wellside Research

E. elaine@wellsideresearch.co.uk

T. 0131 677 5522

School Lunches - Change to choices

There will be a small change to the sandwich option on Tuesday 30/5  & Wednesday 31/5.  Please see the choice below.

Tuesday - chicken

Wednesday - ham.

CYCLING & SCOOTING TO SCHOOL

We have noticed recently some children are not wearing a helmet when cycling/scooting to school.  In the interest of safety, please ensure your child has a helmet and wears it!!  If they are not for any reason, please have them walk. 

Please also remind children to dismount before entering the school premises.

GLEE CLUB - Thursday 25th May - cancelled

There will be no Glee Club on Thursday 25th May, due to a staff meeting being held.

All members can still practise the song "Naughty" at home.

Highlife Highland - Schools Out

Keep checking the Highlife Highland Schools Out page for updates on Summer activities.

https://www.highlifehighland.com/schools-out/ 

REMINDER

LOCHARDIL PARENT COUNCIL COMMUNITY AWARD

We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting the 'Lochardil Parent Council Community Award' at the P7 Leavers Assembly on Wednesday 28th June 2022.

Previous winners have included a neighbour who ran a gardening class, members of the Parent Council who also volunteered for a host of activities, a parent who ran all manner of sports activities, and parents who were heavily involved over many years in Parent Council roles.  If you have anyone you feel is worthy of this award and would like to nominate, then please email Samantha Grant, Secretary of The Parent Council  at Lochardil.Primary@HighlandPC.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

Many Thanks

Lochardil Primary Parent Council

School Uniform Order Forms

Order forms for school uniform have gone home today in pupil school bags.  All orders and payment should be returned to the school office by Wednesday 10th May.

Parents/carers are welcome to view samples of garments  at the school office and these can also be tried on your child before ordering. (We are unable to exchange incorrectly ordered garments!)

We recommend and encourage the wearing of school uniform by all pupils.  We believe it promotes equality, gives a sense of identity and pride in our school and that it is smart and economical.  This adds to the sense of community within the school and reduces the need for unnecessary expenditure by parents.

DID YOU KNOW?  By ordering uniform directly from the school, the small amount of profit made from these sales goes directly to the school fund to support the education and experiences for pupils.

LOCHARDIL PARENT COUNCIL COMMUNITY AWARD

We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting the 'Lochardil Parent Council Community Award' at the P7 Leavers Assembly on Wednesday 28th June 2022.

Previous winners have included a neighbour who ran a gardening class, members of the Parent Council who also volunteered for a host of activities, a parent who ran all manner of sports activities, and parents who were heavily involved over many years in Parent Council roles.  If you have anyone you feel is worthy of this award and would like to nominate, then please email the parent council at Lochardil.Primary@HighlandPC.co.uk by Friday 16th June.

Many Thanks

Lochardil Primary Parent Council

Lunch Menu  - Wednesday 26th April.

Unfortunately there is still an issue with the oven.  The orange lunch choice for  Wednesday 26th April will be Soup & Sandwich, with a choice  of ham, cheese or chicken filling.

The catering  team apologise for having to make these changes and hope that the oven issue will be resolved very soon.

SCOTTISH BALLET

Junior Associate Programme 2023-2024 

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON - DON'T MISS OUT ON APPLYING!

We are looking for youg dancers to audition for the 2023-2024 session of Scottish Ballet's Junior Associate Programme.

Students entering P5, P6 and P7 in August 2023 are eligible to apply.

No previous experience is required at Junior level and every student who applies is automatically offered an audition.  

Annual auditions take place on Saturday 13th/Sunday 14th May at Scottish Ballet's studios in Glasgow.  There is no audition fee.  A limited number of bursaries are available to those who require financial assistance with fees.

Closing date for applications:  Monday 24th April 2023

Just click on the link below to apply. 

https://form.jotform.com/230323771787360?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AssociateProgrammeAuditions2023-2024-IndependentSchools&utm_content=version_A

 If you have any queries please contact anne.stephen@scottishballet.co.uk.

SCHOOL LUNCHES

Unfortunately we are experiencing issues with a temperamental  oven just now! A replacement part to fix the problem has been ordered, but a delivery date is not yet known.

In the meantime we are endeavouring to follow the published menu, but this may be subject to change on the day.  If the oven is not working, an additional soup and sandwich option will be made available, or a meal may be adapted from an oven recipe (e.g. Lasagne changed to spaghetti bolognaise which can be made on the stove top.

The catering department have advised that they are trying to source a temporary replacement oven and if this can not be done they will review the menu for next week so that we can continue to offer a range of hot food choices.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding.

Lochardil Kitchen Staff

MENU CHANGE - Tuesday 18th April.

There will be a change to the lunch menu for Tuesday 18th April.  There will be no hotdog choice, but Macaroni Cheese instead.

PARENT COUNCIL AGM

Parent Council AGM is being held on Wednesday 22nd March at 7pm.  This will be a virtual meeting and the link is available on Google Classrooms.  We would love to see any new members, all are welcome.

This free course aims to give all parents and carers the latest findings from evidence and research to explain what influences the development of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, and why what you do makes such a difference.

Over six two-hour sessions the course will cover the following topics:

·      Promoting Wellbeing- supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.

·      The Developing Brain- how experience’s shapes the brain.

·      Why Love Matters- creating positive relationships and attachment.

·      Staying Connected- listening to understand and developing empathy.

·  Building Resilience-coping with life’s ups and downs.

·      Looking After Ourselves -The importance of parental wellbeing.

For more information or to book your place, please contact:

Jill Gudelis

Jill.gudelis@highland.gov.uk

Tel: 07979234990

This year, we will be supporting Young Carer Action Day on Wednesday 15th March 2023 to celebrate our young carers, show community and

school support and highlight the issues that young carers across Highland face.

 On this day everyone can dress down and donate 50p

to Connecting Young Carers. All monies raised go directly to for respite activities.

We have seen 1st hand the difference these respite activities make to the

health and wellbeing of the young carers in our school. 

From 0915 -0950, on this day, Angelika

Mikula from Connecting Young Carers is hosting a special assembly, in the hall

for P4 – P7 pupils to spread awareness of the support

that Connecting Young Carers can offer. The young carer role and responsibility

comes under the SHANARRI indicators and will be approached this way. 

Thank You 

Public Holiday for King Charles Coronation - Monday 8th May 2023

The council have confirmedthere will be a public holiday on Monday 8 May 2023. Offices and schools will be closed on this day, in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles and is in line with UK Government arrangements.

World Book Day - 2nd March 

World book day is on Thursday 2nd March.  

We will be celebrating and promoting a love of books and reading, across school, on this day. If pupils wish to, they may dress up as a character from their favourite book or story or as their favourite author. However, we are more than happy if pupils would prefer to come in their uniform. There is no pressure to dress up and no donation required. 

World Book Day is about celebrating books and reading all year round. It’s never too early to encourage a love of reading and we hope you find activities and advice on the link below to help you enjoy sharing stories together as a family not just on World Book Day but every day of the year. 

INDUSTRIAL ACTION UPDATE - Tuesday 28th Feb & Wednesday 1st March 2023

Industrial Action - Tuesday 31st January 2023 - School and ELC Closed To Pupils

Free Coaching Opportunity - Handball

“Coaching the Fundamentals of Handball” is designed to enable coaches to deliver handball at a recreational level through small-sided games.

You will learn some of the basic sport specific skills required within handball as well as some of the fundamental movement skills players need to play and develop within the sport.

More importantly it will enable coaches to create an engaging environment where young players can develop their love of handball in a safe, enjoyable, and equitable environment

Course Costs: £100* 

Course Length: 2 Hours

Entry Requirements: Age 16+ 

Course Numbers: Minimum 8 / Maximum 20

Facilities Required: Sports Hall / Outdoor 3G Area

*Please note: We are offering this course free of charge for academic year 2022/2023. In return we look for participants to use this qualification to deliver within the local community. 

For example, delivering a block of 3/4 weeks to local primary schools or within a S1/S2 class or setting up of a extra curricular handball club within your school.

Please email lochardil.primary@highland.gov.uk if you would be interested in this free coaching opportunity.

 REMINDER 

Parent Appointments - Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd February 2023 

The online system for  booking parent appointments closes this Friday at midday. Please check the email sent on Monday 16th January for details on how to access the system.

Please ensure you have booked your appointment before the system closes.

This week, Glee club will be on Wednesday afternoon 3-4 for all that can make it. 

All teaching staff have been asked to attend an ASG meeting on Thursday afternoon this week. Next week, there will be no Glee club due to parent/teacher meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see as many of you as possible on Wednesday, this week

PARENT COUNCIL MEETING - TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY 2023

The Parent Council meeting will now be held VIRTUALLY only, on Tuesday 24th January 2023 at 7pm.  The link to join the meeting will be posted on the google classrooms tomorrow.

Everyone is welcome.

Primary 1 enrolment - Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February 2023 

If your child will be five years of age on or before 29 February 2024, they are eligible to enrol for Primary 1 commencing August 2023. Please use the link below to enrol your child during enrolment week.  

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/887/enrol_your_child_for_school_and_early_learning_and_childcare

For children who currently attend our ELC,we do not need their birth certificate again, however proof of address IS still required.  This should be a current council tax bill detailing your current address.

If you reside outwith the Lochardil Primary catchment area, and wish your child to attend the school a placing request form must also be completed. Please use this link to submit a placing request.

 https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/878/schools/887/enrol_your_child_for_school/2

Paper copies of forms will be available from the school office, but where possible  all applications should be completed on line.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school office on 01463 230250 if you require any assistance.

Lochardil Primary and ELC are open to today, Wednesday 18th January.  Please travel safely.

REMINDER - Photographic & electronic devices

To protect the privacy of all pupils and for the safety of expensive devices, items such as smart watches, mobile phones & cameras etc are not permitted in school.  

If your child needs to have a smart watch or mobile in school, it must be given to the class teacher at the start of the day for safekeeping and collected again at the end of the day.

We appreciate the support of all parents/carers in supporting with this matter and helping to protect the privacy of everyone.

REMINDER

The school and ELC will be closed to all pupils on Tuesday 10th January due to industrial strike action by teachers.

OJ SPORTS  - Christmas Kindness

Christmas Drop N Shop - All info on link below

Where: Green Drive Hall - Lochardil

When: Friday 23rd December

Ages: P1 - P7

Times: 10:00 - 16:00 

            10:00 - 13:00 (morning slot)

            13:00 - 16:00 (afternoon slot)

Activities: Sports, Games, Art and much more with festive music.

*ALL THOSE THAT REGISTER WILL GO INTO A PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A £20 SMYTHS VOUCHER*

LIMITED SPACES!!!

It's that time of year where everyone is rushing around doing what they can to make Christmas as magical as possible for their families. 

To do my bit to try and help parents out I'm offering my annual Christmas Drop N Shop.

Any OJ ATTENDEE that has missed a session in the 2022/23 school year or had a session cancelled is entitled to a £5 discount.

CHRISTMAS KINDNESS: PAY WHAT YOU CAN

*OJ members only

For those OJ ATTENDEES that are struggling just now you can just pay whatever you're able to, if that's nothing that's totally fine, no judgement will be passed and it'll be totally private.

Leave your kids for 6/3 hours of fun in a safe and inclusive setting while you get some time to chill with friends or shop away from curious eyes.

Johnny, 

OJ Sports

https://forms.gle/tnvazBEUPCWNR2Vv5

We are so proud of our P6a and P6b pupils!

 Today, they performed Christmas carols and Christmas songs at Eastgate Shopping Centre to raise money for charity. In total, they raised over £145 for the Highland Hospice and MFR Cash for Kids. 

Well done to you all. You were all fabulous.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to support us and for all the kind donations. It is really appreciated.

There will be no Glee this week, due to the holidays. 

Thank you all to came on Saturday. We are so proud of you! T

hank you to all of you for all your hard work, effort an enthusiasm during practice this term. 

Have a wonderful holiday everyone and we can't wait to see you again in the New Year!

Love from Miss MacDonald. Mrs Gardiner and Mrs McQuigg

Industrial Action - Tuesday 10th January 2023 (School and ELC Closed to Pupils)

 Letter from Nicky Grant.

Parent Council Fundraiser - Thank you.

The Parent Council would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas Community Event on Saturday. Glee Club sang their hearts out, bellies were warmed with hot drinks and mince pies, and the Hamper Raffle was a great success. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, bought tickets or joined in the festivities. I'm delighted to say the event raised £857 for Parent Council Funds which will directly benefit your children at the school!

Merry Christmas!

We are delighted to share Education Scotland’s published report of our recent HMIe inspection at Lochardil Primary School.

We are very proud of everyone in our Lochardil family who continue to work together to ensure our school and education is the best it can be and at the centre of our community.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our strong culture of Global Citizenship and Learning for Sustainability is positively reflected through our report along with our key strengths and development opportunities. 

A huge thank you and well done to all our children, staff, families and wider community – you all play a vital role in our Lochardil learning journey and will continue to support us to improve and progress in the future!

Please find attached a letter from HMIe that summarises their findings, and a link to the full report.

Click here for a link to the published reports

Open Morning - Thursday 8th December 2022 - 9.30 to 10.15am    (P7A 10.00 - 10.30am) 

We look forward to welcoming parents/carers to the open morning tomorrow, Thursday 8th December.  Please see details below for the entry/exit points for the classes

P1A, P5B, P4A & P2  - first door (marked A) in the top playground or by the main reception door.

P1B, P4B, P2/3 & P3 - second door  (marked B) in the top playground or by the main reception door.

P5A, P6A & P6B - around the outside of the dining hall to the top block of outdoor classrooms.

P7A & P7B - around the outside of the dining hall and down the steps to the P7 block.

The back gate will be locked at the normal time of 9.15am.  All parents/carers should use the main playground gate on Lochardil Road.

We have a very large quantity of lost property and hope to have this on display in the shelters in the top playground.  Please come and have a look for anything belonging to your child!!  There will also be the opportunity to purchase, by donation,  some pre-loved uniform items.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Christmas cards, gift tags & wrapping paper (priced 50p or £1)

Parent Council  will be selling raffle tickets for the hampers to be drawn at the Christmas Carols event on Saturday 17th December.

REMINDER

To keep everyone safe, please be reminded if  you are displaying symptoms of Covid, have a temperature or feel unwell, please do not attend the open morning.

Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry and exits points.  If you wish, please feel free to wear a face mask.

PARKING REMINDER

If travelling by car, please remember to park considerately leaving adequate access to driveways and observe the parking regulations in the Highway Code.  Please do not use the spaces at the pharmacy as these are for their customers.  The Lochardil Hotel car park is also closed.

Industrial Action by NASUWT

Dear Parent/Carer,

Industrial Action by NASUWT on Wednesday 7th December

The NASUWT has given Highland Council notice that their members will be taking strike action on Wednesday 7th December.

A decision has been made that all primary schools should remain open to all pupils including ELC on that day.

If there is any change to this position, you will be notified directly by your school.

The Parent Calendar of dates for your diary has been updated (see school news - dates for your diary).  Please especially check at this time of year for dates of Christmas Parties, Christmas Lunch, School Nativities.

Please also note that the open morning is Thursday 8th December at 9.30am for parents/carers of pupils in P1 - P7.

Glee!

Due to staff training this Thursday 1st December this week  Glee will not be on.

We are all really looking forward to seeing you all back next week and, in the meantime, please do practise your Christmas words,

Thank you all for your support,

Miss MacDonald, Mrs Gardiner and Mrs McQuigg

Seasons Greetings,

It is with great pleasure that Parent Council announce the return of our Christmas Carol and Hamper Raffle Community Event this December!  Everyone is welcome to join us for hot drinks and mince pies, festive singing performed by our very own Glee Club and the big Hamper Raffle.  Bring along your friends, families and neighbours.

We are looking for donations for the themed Hampers. Please can children bring these into class before the 13th December.

ELC & P1 - Christmas Eve theme

P2 - Toys and Puzzles

P3 - Beverages (alcoholic drinks need to be brought to the school office by an adult please)

P4 - Tasty Treats

P5 - Christmas Eve Theme

P6 - Pampering

P7 - Night in

Raffle tickets will be on sale at the event itself, at the school open morning on Thursday 8th December and at the P1/2 nativities on the 8th and 9th December.

Alternatively, children can bring the exact money into class in a sealed envelope (name and class written on the envelope).  Please also include a name and contact no. of those buying the tickets, inside the envelope.   

We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Ho Ho Ho!

Amy, 

LPPC Chairperson 

We will also be holding online focus groups to delve deeper into additional support for learning provision in Highland. This is a great opportunity to get involved and help shape services for children, young people and families in Highland.

You can also enter our prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a £50 Gift4All voucher. Please share this post too.

This first set of questions have a broader focus looking at the future of the Scottish education system. We will feed your responses into our Thriving Families' response to the national consultation. The next questions focus on current additional support for learning provision in Highland. We will produce a report for the Highland Council to inform their review of additional support for learning. 

Additional Support - any support provided for a pupil over and above that given to their classmates; that can be anything from support from an assistant in class to giving a child a visual timetable. It can also include support from outside school that is related to a child’s learning, for example occupational therapy providing equipment or advice.

Additional Support Needs (ASN) – where a child needs additional support to benefit from school education. Examples: any kind of disability, being bullied, being particularly able, being young carers, on the child protection register, having emotional difficulties, having experienced a bereavement. This isn’t a comprehensive list, and not all children in those situations will need additional support.

Please note: The terms ASN (Additional Support Needs) and ASL (Additional Support for Learning) are now often used interchangeably. The legislation talks about ASN but in day-to-day practice ASL is generally used.

To find out more about the work of Thriving Families please visit our website (www.thrivingfamilies.org.uk) or our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ThrivingFamilies) . We’re a Highland charity with the objective of being the “go-to” organisation known for supporting and enabling families to improve your lives; by building your confidence, empowering you to recognise your personal expertise and value, know your rights and have your voices heard.

Thank you for your time.

Sarah Fowler

Service Manager

Please note I work part-time. I’ll reply as soon as I can.

Phone: 07514 120288

Email: info@thrivingfamilies.org.uk

Website: www.thrivingfamilies.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thrivingfamilies

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TFHighland

Change to school lunch menu

There will be a change to the lunch menu for tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd November.  The choices will be:-

Orange -  Steak Pie & Tatties

Green - Veggie Noodles & Crusty Bread 

Blue - Homemade Soup & Sliced Chicken Sandwich

`

Just a reminder that Blythswood shoeboxes should all be handed in by Friday 11th November

Thank you very much! 

Blythswood shoebox Appeal!

It is that time of year again!

P6B are organising collections of Blythswood shoeboxes, to be sent to those in need within Eastern Europe in time for Christmas.

Please donate any filled shoeboxes, gifts or donations to school by Friday 11th November.

Please find attached an electronic version of the Blythswood shoebox appeal checklist. Hard copies of the leaflets will be handed out next week.

https://blythswood.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Shoe-Box-Appeal-Checklist-2022.pdf

Thank you for helping to make this Christmas extra special!

Love from P6B 

Please find attached the following information letter about our Children in Need fundraiser. 

REMINDER - Parent Council Meeting

The next Parent Council Meeting will be held in the staff room on Wednesday 16th November at 7pm.  All ELC & School parents/carers are welcome to attend.  Anyone unable to attend in person can still  attend via google classroom.  The link will be posted on all google classrooms on the day.

Blythswood shoebox Appeal!

It is that time of year again!

P6B are organising collections of Blythswood shoeboxes, to be sent to those in need within Eastern Europe in time for Christmas.

Please donate any filled shoeboxes, gifts or donations to school by Friday 11th November.

Please find attached an electronic version of the Blythswood shoebox appeal checklist. Hard copies of the leaflets will be handed out next week.

https://blythswood.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Shoe-Box-Appeal-Checklist-2022.pdf

Thank you for helping to make this Christmas extra special!

Love from P6B 

School Office 28.10.22

The school office will be unmanned for the rest of the day please leave a message if anything is urgent and we will respond as quickly as we can.

Contacting the school.

Unfortunately, we are unable to access the school email box at the moment

Open Afternoon

Primary 1 - 7

After a long time virtually, we are excited to be able to welcome our parents/carers back into the school buildings for our Open Afternoon on Wednesday 5th October 1.30 – 2.15pm.  The focus for learning is Health & Wellbeing, and it is an opportunity to spend time inside your child’s classroom with them.

As a school, for the health & wellbeing of all, we still follow basic prevention procedures for Covid. 

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE OPEN AFTERNOON IF YOU ARE DISPLAYING ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID.

Please enter the school building by the main reception entrance where you will then be directed to the correct classroom.  If you have more than one child, you can then move to the next class during this time also.  

When in the building please observe a reasonable social distance between adults, and sanitise hands frequently, particularly important if you are visiting more than one classroom.  You can wear a face covering if you wish.  Windows will be open in the classrooms to support ventilation.

Please remember to sign the attendance sheet in your child’s classroom and share your feedback with us also.

We look forward to welcoming you, and if you are unable to attend on this occasion, we look forward to seeing you at one of our other opportunities over our future terms.

There will be no Glee Club this Thursday , 6th October due to a staff meeting. Glee club will commence as usual, the first week back after the holidays. 

A message below from our JRSO officers following our recent You Matter, Let's Natter meeting regarding parking at drop-off and pick-up times, outside our school. 

Celebration Event – Friday 30th September 2022

We are very much looking forward to our Celebration event tomorrow (rescheduled from 3rd September) to recognise our many recent successes and achievements.  Our classes will be involved in lots of fun activities and experiences within their classes, and also take part in some drumming workshops or be audience for the performance by the Kakatsitsi drummers who we are welcoming back to our school. 

Our achievements we are celebrating include –

-          UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Re-accreditation of our Gold award

-          School of Sanctuary award status from City of Sanctuary UK, the 1st school in Scotland to achieve this to date

-          Digital Wellbeing award for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety from Digital Schools UK.  We are one of few schools across the country to be recipients of all 3 digital awards.

-          Our recent HMIe inspection, which was a positive experience for us all but also particularly emotional as it was the 1st inspection in Scotland back after Covid times, and also the last inspection as Her Majesty Inspectorate due to the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.  Very poignant.

We have a number of invited guests and some members of our Parent Council joining us also.  Mr Drew Hendry, MP, raised a Motion in Parliament during the summer to recognise our successes and he will be in attendance tomorrow to present us with this accolade.  We look forward to sharing all our photos of our day with you all and continuing our exciting Lochardil learning journey.

                                                      Open Afternoon

Primary 1 - 7

After a long time virtually, we are excited to be able to welcome our parents/carers back into the school buildings for our Open Afternoon on Wednesday 5th October 1.30 – 2.15pm.  The focus for learning is Health & Wellbeing, and it is an opportunity to spend time inside your child’s classroom with them.

As a school, for the health & wellbeing of all, we still follow basic prevention procedures for Covid. 

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE OPEN AFTERNOON IF YOU ARE DISPLAYING ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID.

Please enter the school building by the main reception entrance where you will then be directed to the correct classroom.  If you have more than one child, you can then move to the next class during this time also.  

When in the building please observe a reasonable social distance between adults, and sanitise hands frequently, particularly important if you are visiting more than one classroom.  You can wear a face covering if you wish.  Windows will be open in the classrooms to support ventilation.

Please remember to sign the attendance sheet in your child’s classroom and share your feedback with us also.

We look forward to welcoming you, and if you are unable to attend on this occasion, we look forward to seeing you at one of our other opportunities over our future terms.

URGENT - LOCHARDIL PARENT COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!

Lochardil Primary school are looking for someone to take on the Parent Council Secretary Role.  If this is of interest to you please contact the lochardil school office on 01463 230250 or email lochardil.primary@highland.gov.uk.  Thank you in advance.

Lots of events that may be of interest!

Inverness Young Archaeologist Club 

Come along to the Tarradale open day this coming Saturday, 24th September 2022

 Muir of Ord Village Hall, Village Hall, Seaforth Road, Muir of Ord, IV6 7TA

Saturday 24 September 2022 @ 11:00am - 4:00pm

Free Entry

We will be launching proper sessions in Inverness, starting in October, but here is an opportunity to see the work being done at the Tarradale (Muir of Ord) site by professional archaeologists and previous IYAC teams. There will lots to see and do on the day, including handling objects and possibly some dressing up...

We will have a stall, with our friendly leaders ready to answer questions and show the work we do. Membership forms will be available from the stall.

Follow Inverness YAC on Facebook:

Parent Council Meeting - Tonight - Tuesday 20th September at 7pm

Don't forget to come along to the first Parent Council Meeting of the new school year tonight at 7pm in the school staff room.   Come along in person or join using the link on your child's google classroom.  

Highland Council to Observe Bank Holiday for State Funeral Monday 19th September 2022.

School and ELC will be closed to all on Monday 19th September 2022.  Please see attached link.

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/14802/highland_council_to_observe_bank_holiday_for_state_funeral 

Broomiform - Pre Loved Uniform Sale

We have had a generous amount of pre loved uniform handed into us.  If you would like to purchase some at £1 per item we have a selection of school jumpers, cardi's, polo tops, school trousers and gingham dresses in a variety of sizes.  Please just drop an email to lochardil.primary@highland.gov.uk with your requirements and we can get this organised for you.  

In-Service Reminder

Just a reminder that the school and ELC will be closed to all students on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th September for in-service days.  Enjoy your long weekend and we look forward to welcoming you all back on Wednesday 14th September.

Welcome Letter from Mrs Kellacher. 

Please see the welcome back letter from Mrs Kellacher.  Also please see the instructions on how to download the Safer Schools App. 

ECO FESTIVAL SATURDAY 27th Aug 1-4pm

Just a reminder of the Eco Festival happening on the St Columba Church field, next to Tesco on Dores Road, a week on Saturday.   

This is hosted by Highland Eco Congregations - churches in the city who want to see action on care for creation and sustainable ways of living.  

With input from Velocity Cafe, Incredible Edible Inverness, Holm Grown Community Garden, Home Energy Scotland, Holm Community Council, and a number of local churches. Open to anyone in the area, great for the family.

There will be a kid’s clothing swap stall where people can bring clothes the children have grown out of and look for clothing they can reuse.

With bug hotels, face painting, stone craft, seed planting. Lots of ideas for eco friendly living, composting, reusing and recycling, and so much more.

P1 Transition Session - Wednesday 22nd June.

Please bring your child to the meeting point in the school playground for 9.15am on Wednesday 22nd June.  If you normally drop your child at ELC before 9.15am and wish to do this on the day, the ELC staff will take your child up to P1.

Parent/Carers meeting at 10.30am.  Lunch at 11.30am.

Children who usually attend Lochardil ELC on a Wednesday after 12.00pm will be taken back to the ELC by our staff, unless you have indicated otherwise on the google form.

HighLife Highland Libraries and The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge

Visit the library this summer and sign up for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge. It is a brilliant way to keep the kids entertained over the summer and is completely free to take part in.

All the children have to do is read 6 books before the end of the holidays. Kids will receive a full colour booklet to record their reading and for each book they read they will receive a special sticker. Look out for the special edition smelly ones!

If they complete the challenge they will receive a medal and certificate.

Check out the wonderful Summer Reading Challenge website, brimming with ideas for books to read, activities, games and ideas for fun science experiments https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

For more information visit your local library https://www.highlifehighland.com/libraries/

LOCHARDIL PARENT COUNCIL COMMUNITY AWARD

We are delighted to announce that we will be presenting the 'Lochardil Parent Council Community Award' at the P7 Leavers Assembly on Wednesday 29th June 2022.

Previous winners have included a neighbour who ran a gardening class, the clerk of the PC who also volunteered for a host of activities, a parent who ran all manner of sports activities, and parents who were heavily involved over many years in PC roles.   If you have anyone you feel is worthy of this award and would like to nominate, then please email the parent council at Lochardil.Primary@HighlandPC.co.uk by Sunday 26th June.

Many Thanks

Lochardil Primary Parent Council

Open Afternoon on Google Classrooms

A quick reminder that we have an open afternoon on the google classrooms today (2/6/22).  Please take a look at  your child's classroom and see what they have been learning.

Update from Scottish Government regarding Universal Free School Meals 

We have been informed that the provision of  Universal Free School Meals for pupils in Primary 6 & Primary 7 originally planned for  August 2022 has been put on hold.

We will keep you updated as soon as we have further information.

Information for the match tonight.

Inverness Caley Thistle FC match ticket request form for pupils is now closed.

We are delighted we have a large group of supporters going along to the match tonight with their parents/carers to cheer the team on.  Huge thank you to Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Community Trust for organising and gifting the tickets to us.

For adults still to purchase tickets to go along with their child, tickets will be available to buy up until the game starts tonight and are available from the ticket office at the stadium.  Lochardil Primary have an area in the North Stand Section F and this is where all our child tickets have been allocated across a few rows.  When buying, try to get an adult ticket for this area/section also.  This does mean our children may not sit in the exact seat number their ticket says in order to allow parents/carers and children to sit together.  So as long as we are all within this area the seats are all for us.

I will also be sitting in our Lochardil section tonight and look forward to seeing everyone there.  So if there are any queries over where to sit etc. I can help.

Remember to display our school values at all times!

Also, we are proud to have shared messages of good luck and support for the team as part of our ongoing school and club partnership work.  The children were over the moon to see and hear they have been well received.

Thanks

Audrey Kellacher

Next Session Uniform Orders

 Please look out for uniform order forms coming home in your child's bag this week.  Please complete and return any requests to school by Monday 16th May 2022 with exact money or cheque payment. 

Letter to Parent /Carers from Jason Leitch

Class Group Photographs - Primary 1 to Primary 6

The proofs for the class photos have been emailed today to all the parent/carer main contacts for pupils in Primaries 1 - 6.  The email contains a link for placing orders.  

All orders should be placed on-line directly to Tempest Photographs.  To qualify for free delivery to the school, orders & payment must be made within the next two weeks.  Orders placed with Tempest outwith this time will incur a delivery charge.

If you wish to have your order delivered to your home there will also be a delivery charge made.

Primary 7 & ELC group photographs will be available soon.

Term 4 Menu P1 -P7

Please see below the new term lunch menu for P1 -P7.

Easter Football Highlife Highland

See poster attached for information regarding Easter Football at the IRA.

Notice of Roadworks Outside School.

We have received notice today that the Highland Council will be undertaking work on the road outside the school entrance on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March 2022 to fix the dip in the road.  They apologise for any disruption caused at drop off and pick up times.

REMINDER - PARENT COUNCIL AGM - TONIGHT 16.3.22

The AGM will be held virtually tonight at 7pm.  The link can be found on the google classrooms.

ALL WELCOME