EPS October Newsletter

ELDERBANK PRIMARY, EARLY OCTOBER 2021
YEARS, NEWSLETTER

SUPPORTED LEARNING AND
ENHANCED DEAF PROVISION

We can hardly believe that Term 1 is already over and we are now looking
forward to Term 2 at Elderbank. Term 1 was very busy and we will hopefully
capture the highlights below.

Primary 7 enjoyed a STEM focus visit to Dumfries
House. This was funded by the school and a STEM
grant we applied for.

Our children, especially in Supported Learning have
been exploring the community out with the school.

We were pleased to welcome the Photographer from the

local newspaper into school to take the new Primary 1

Class Photographs. We will keep parents informed when

the picture is likely to be published.

We were delighted to appoint the new Captains and Vice Captains, who
were photographed and appear on our website. All children who applied
for the posts were excellent and it was a tough choice for their peers and
staff. Each House Group from P4-7 voted on the presentations made by
each child. We are incredibly proud of everyone. The Captains and Vice
Captains are keen to lead initiatives and be great ambassadors for our
school.

On Friday 8th October Miss Drummond and the Rights
Respecting School Committee led the Accreditation Visit
for the Gold Award. Thank you to all the pupils, staff and
parents who participated in the virtual visit. The visit was
a very positive experience and we will await
eagerly the outcome, which is expected in around
4 weeks.

TERM 2 PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Individual photographs of all pupils will be taken on Tuesday
19th October or Wednesday 20th October. The schedule will
be determined by how much time is required with each pupil.
There will be no PE on these days as we know how some
children put themselves back together after a PE lesson. If you wish a family
group, you must text the School or Early Years number by 12p.m. on Monday
18th October at the latest.

Parent Council

We require to establish a new Parent Council as the
Office Bearers stepped down after their term of office as
their children have left or are leaving Elderbank for
secondary school. We are very grateful to all previous
members of the Parent Council who have contributed enthusiastically to
support the pupils. Any member of the Parent Forum can be nominated to
join the Parent Council to a maximum of 20 people. Office Bearers require
to be elected. The Head Teacher is the Advisor to the Parent Council. We
would like to invite all parents and carers to join a virtual get together on
Monday 25th October at 7p.m. We will share all information at this
meeting and we would encourage everyone to come along. The Zoom link
will be shared on Friday 22nd October.

Parent/ Carer and Staff Consultations

There will be an opportunity to speak to your child’s
Teacher or Key Worker the week beginning the 15th
November 2021 to discuss your child’s progress. We
value the importance of home and school, but
unfortunately due to the current mitigations in person
meetings are not permitted. Your child will be issued
with a separate sheet for you to indicate whether you wish a phone call.
Appointments will then be issued. We understand that everyone’s time is
precious and staff will only be able to call at the time set. As always if you
have any queries please do not hesitate to call the school and we will be
happy to assist.

TERM 2 PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Non-Uniform Day—Friday 29th October 2021

Instead of dressing up for Hallowe’en this year,
we will have a non-uniform day on Friday
29th October for Primary 1—7. If pupils choose
to wear a costume, this is their choice. They will require to be able to get
changed for gym independently and there should be no scary masks or
make –up. As Hallowe’en falls in the weekend, this means that children won’t
be wearing their costumes, with the risk of damage before they go guising.
This decision was made based on previous comments and complaints we
received. We are also committed to reducing costs for everyone.

The staff will join in on the non-uniform day. The Early Years are having a
Hallowe’en party as this is easier for them to manage in one area. Separate
information is contained in the Early Years newsletter issued prior to the
October Break.

Pantomime—Aladdin Primary 1 to Primary 7

8th December 2021

We have booked the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock for
the annual pantomime performance. This year it is
Aladdin and the performance will be a BSL signed performance. The pupils
will be accompanied by staff and will travel by coach. There will be no cost
for the tickets. We are however, asking for a donation of £2 per pupil towards
transport (a maximum of £4 per family). This can be sent into school anytime
from Monday 18th October to Monday 6th December. This performance is an
afternoon performance which will mean pupils will not return to school until
approximately 4:15p.m. and all pupils in Primary 1—3 and those who usually
travel by taxi would require to be collected by an adult. More details will be
distributed nearer the time.

We appreciate that the noise and lights may be too much for some pupils
within our Supported Learning and Miss Farrell and class teachers will discuss
this with individuals parents and carers. There will be alternative options if
the pantomime is agreed that it is not the best option.

DATE DESCRIPTION
SCHOOL AND EARLY YEARS RETURN
18TH OCTOBER TEMPEST PHOTOGRAPHER IN SCHOOL
19TH OCTOBER TEMPEST PHOTOGRAPHER IN SCHOOL
20TH OCTOBER PARENT COUNCIL INFORMATION WELCOME
25TH OCTOBER

29TH OCTOBER NON-UNIFORM DAY

29TH OCTOBER EARLY YEARS FANCY DRESS PARTY

15TH—17TH PARENT/CARER AND TEACHER / KEY WORKER
NOVEMBER

18TH NOVEMBER IN-SERVICE DAY (CLOSED FOR PUPILS)

19TH NOVEMBER LOCAL HOLIDAY

22ND NOVEM- LOCAL HOLIDAY
BER
8TH DECEMBER PANTOMIME PERFORMANCE PALACE THEATRE
KILMARNOCK (P.M.—LATE RETURN TO SCHOOL)
15TH DECEMBER
EARLY YEARS SHOW FOR PUPILS

15TH DECEMBER PRIMARY 4 AND 5 CHRISTMAS PARTY

16TH DECEMBER PRIMARY 6 CHRISTMAS PARTY

17TH DECEMBER PRIMARY 7 CHRISTMAS PARTY

20TH DECEMBER PRIMARY 2 AND 3 CHRISTMAS PARTY

21ST DECEMBER EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY 1 CHRISTMAS PARTIES

21ST DECEMBER SUPPORTED LEARNING CHRISTMAS PARTIES

22ND DECEMBER EARLY FINISH FOR PRIMARY 1—7 AT 2:30P.M.

22ND DECEMBER NORMAL SESSION TIMES FOR EARLY YEARS.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Breakfast Club is open each day from 8:10a.m.. The
Breakfast Club can be accessed via the side door across
from the side gate, usually used by P2/3—P5. There is
no cost for Primary 1-4 and a suggested donation of
50p for P5-7 pupils. Breakfast Club is not a childcare

Lunches are free for all pupils in Primary 1-4. We would encourage all children
to use this facility. If any child has a dietary requirement, please request a
form from the Office Staff and complete this. These forms must then be signed
by a medical practitioner. The catering team are always keen to assist and
will liaise with parents and carers to ensure they meet your child’s needs.

All lunches require to be pre-ordered. Please follow the link in the information
sent to you by Facilities Management about the new iPayimpact online
service.

https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-meals/pay-
for-school-meals.aspx

NAC IT Devices

We have distributed a number of iPads to pupils
over the past 18 months to assist with online learning and access to online
resources. We have now contacted the parents and carers of pupils who were
identified and had requested a device. We have a small number of
additional devices available. If your child has no access to a device to assist
with homework, please contact the school Office and a member of the
Leadership Team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Staffing

The first term has been challenging due to a number of staff absences, the im-
pact of Covid-19 and staff suffering bereavements. We have also said farewell
to Mrs Ramsay and Mrs Milne who have moved onto new posts and we are

delighted to be welcoming Mrs Winters, Mrs Dickson and
Miss Wallace as Classroom Assistants in Supported Learning
this term. We are very grateful to all the staff team who
have all worked hard to maintain continuity for the pupils.

GENERAL INFORMATION
NO NUT PRODUCTS

We have pupils and staff who have significant nut allergies. Any
contact with nuts could cause the staff member and pupils to be
seriously ill. Pupils must not bring any nut or nut based products to
school. This includes chocolate spread.

Pupil Equity Fund Update

We have made a few appointments from our
Pupil Equity Fund, to benefit our learners. Mrs
Amy Bryson will be joining us shortly as a Home
School Inclusion Worker. Mr James O’Neil will be
joining the team as a Music Teacher one day per
week starting on Friday 22nd October.

We have also made a few purchases to benefit the pupils. These have
included

 Licenses for SumDog, TigTag Science, Big Club and Wordsmith

 A Polytunnel, which will be installed in November 2021. We have also
applied for additional funding to provide raised beds and equipment for
inside the polytunnel.

 Visits to Dumfries House and associated workshops

 Emotion works HWB resource across the school and Early Years

 Rebound Therapy Refresher Training for staff

 We have advertised for an additional Classroom Assistant for Supported
Learning, which will be interviewed after the October Break.

 GL Assessment package

Medication

If your child requires any medication at school please ensure that you
complete the required consent forms. These can be collected from
the Main Office and the Firs Aider will be happy to assist.

COVID—19

We are continuing to follow all of the Scottish Government guidelines for
schools. We are very grateful to all staff for following these guidelines and
encouraging our pupils to do the same.
We will be continuing with the staggered entry and exit times. These are
assisting with the reduction of people at key times.

Primary 1 and Primary 2 Parents and Carers
At drop off time, the staff member at the gate will invite each class to enter in
the correct order. Once your child has been dropped off please make your
way to the exit immediately following the one way system. Parents should not
wait in the school grounds for other parents and carers. It is essential that
adults move on quickly. We really appreciate your support with this.

Primary 2/3 and Primary 3 Parents and Carers
When entering the school grounds at the Service Gate to collect your child you
must wear a face covering, unless you are medically exempt, as per the
current guidelines. Your support with this is appreciated by all of the staff.

We continue to operate staggered lunches to maintain safe
distances in the communal areas. Our pupils have been very
good at following all of the hand hygiene routines. The staff will
continue to support the children with these.

Unfortunately, visitors to the school are still restricted. We will
continue to have any discussions on the telephone or using
Microsoft TEAMS.

If you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to
contact the school and we will be happy to assist.