Welcome To Strathesk Primary School We warmly welcome

Welcome To Strathesk Primary School We warmly welcome you to our school!

Primary 1 We understand this is a big step for many of our youngsters and parents. Many of you will be feeling delighted, others a little anxious. Our P 1 teachers are really experienced and experts at adapting and responding to your children’s needs.

Interviews are in place for a permanent Head Teacher Mrs Mc. Connachie is our Acting HT

The Management Team Mrs Mandy Mc. Connachie Miss Leigh Henderson Miss Emily Reynolds Miss Nicola Sloan Mr Ian Armstrong

Our lovely P 1 Teachers P 1 a Mrs Joanne Stevens and Miss Henderson P 1/2 Mrs Karen Burns Our lovely Learning Assistants Mrs Elaine O’Brien Mrs Gail Griffin

Learning Through Play ‘Play encompasses children’s behaviour which is freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated. It is performed for no external goal or reward and is a fundamental and integral part of healthy development- not only for individual children but for society. ’ (Scotland’s Play Strategy, 2013)

What is play? • Play promotes children’s development, learning, imagination and creativity. • Play helps children learn about themselves; their abilities and interests. • Play is therapeutic and can help children deal with stress, difficulties and emotional concerns • Play is an important way of initiating, building and maintaining important relationships.

Outdoor At Strathesk we aim to provide safe and stimulating outdoor experiences for all children. Children are given regular access to outdoor spaces as well as times within natural environments such as local woodland walks. This gives the children freedom to develop skills needed to assess and manage risk. We aim to create classrooms which mirror the natural environment outside.

Values S T A R R uccessful olerant mbitious espectful esponsible

Presumption of Mainstream Scottish education has an inclusive ethos. We are working towards a single, clear vision for Scottish education – excellence and equity for every child and young person in Scotland.

• An inclusive approach affords all children and young people the opportunity to be a part of a community, boosting their emotional wellbeing and aiding the development of social skills. Scotland's inclusive approach celebrates diversity and allows all children and young people to develop an understanding and recognition of differences, contributing to the development of an increasingly inclusive, empathetic and more just society.

Relationships- Positive Behaviour Management Better Relationships = Better Behaviour = Better Learning A positive whole school approach to behaviour management

Restorative Approach Pupils are listened to and supported to reflect on incidents. All behaviours are communication We respond using the framework to ensure consistency throughout the school

Things to get ready! • School uniform – purple sweatshirt/cardigan white or purple polo shirt black or grey skirt/trousers • School bag (it’s handy to have a spare change of clothes) • Gym kit – black shorts, white T-shirt, socks. No football strips please • Please label all clothing, schoolbag and packed lunch box

The School will provide • All equipment for learning • Free fruit once a week • Free school meals (P 1 -3)

School meals, packed lunches, snack and school milk Please note, this might look different next session • Morning break 10: 30 - 10: 45 am: Please provide a small healthy snack or children can purchase fruit at tuck shop (20 p) • Water – We encourage the drinking of water, please only send juice with a packed lunch • Milk can be purchased (see office forms) • Lunch 12. 05 pm – 12. 50 pm. School meals are currently free for all children in P 1 to P 3 • We have a breakfast club 8. 30 -8. 50 am costing 70 p

School Security • Line up and pick up at classroom door, unless snowy and icy • If late, drop off at school office – please do not try and enter at classroom door once the bell has gone • Children are closely supervised in the playground also indoor breaks when it is very wet or very windy • All Primary 1 s must be collected from school and will be dismissed by their Class Teacher to a known collector/ adult. Please inform the school immediately of any changes to your normal arrangements • Children going to After School Club will be collected from the school office – please inform us if this is the case. Parents are responsible for communicating this with the school

Absence from school • If your child is absent from school, please telephone the school office before 9: 15 am on the first day of absence • If you do not contact the school staff will text/call you to check reasons for absence

Bikes & scooters • Your child is welcome to ride their bike or scooter to school • These are kept in bike racks in playground • Please dismount and walk with bike or scooter when in school grounds • Helmets should also be worn for their safety

Parental Involvement We welcome parent support, not just for trips and outings but for a range of activities in school. Please let the class teacher know if you are able to help. Each year we will have opportunities for children to share their learning with an adult.

School times We will send you more information on this when it is confirmed.

Finally……. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our school!