Issue 3 January 11th 2018

Happy New YearHope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Best Wishes for 2018. Christmas Concert Many thanks to all who attended the above concerts and helped to make them such a success. The children did very well and enjoyed performing to such an appreciative audience. Many, many thanks to all.

Christmas HampersOnce again the hampers were a great success and were beautiful and the people who were lucky enough to win one were delighted to receive such a lovely box of goodies in time for Christmas. Again thank you for donating so generously. We still have 2 unclaimed prizes. Ticket Nos. 383 (yellow) & 335 (yellow) if you have either of these tickets you can claim your prize from the school office.

Burns NightPrimary 6&7 are beginning to make plans for the Burns Night celebrations which will be held on Thursday 25th at 7.00pm. This event is only open to P6&7 pupils and parents. There will be a crèche on the evening where younger brothers and sisters can go if required.

School and nursery enrolment Enrolment of children starting school in P1 in August 2018 takes place week beginning 29th January. Enrolment can be done online at the Highland Council website of in person at the school during that week.Nursery enrolment is the week beginning 12th

February. Enrolment can be done online at the Highland Council website of in person at the school during that week.

StaffingWe have appointed two new temporary PSAs (Pupil Support Assistants) Natalie Croft and Jodie Niven. They will be working alongside teachers in classes supporting children as well as working with small groups and individuals providing extra support.

E Safety evening - ChromebooksHighland Council is providing every child in P6 & P7 with a Chromebook which initially they will be using in school and then once they are familiar with them they will also be allowed to take them home to assist with homework. It is our intention to hold an e-safety evening for parents, led by Mr Spence, to allow you to familiarise yourselves with the Chromebooks and also to help you to understand more about the safe use of these and other devices. This will take place on Thursday 1st

February in the school.

Lost property We have a vast amount of lost property which remains unclaimed, including 2 mobile phones which were found in the playground. If you or your child is missing anything please try to pop in and have a look through the lost property or contact the office. We will hold on to the lost property items until the end of

January but then sadly we will have to dispose of them as we simply do not have the room to store them. Can we remind you to write your child’s name on all articles of clothing, including footwear, with a permanent marker.

Head LiceHead Lice are a common problem in school aged children. They can’t be prevented, but regular checking ensures early detection and treatment if necessary. Parents and carers should check their children’s head once a week during hair washing. You need your usual shampoo, conditioner, and a detection comb – ask your local pharmacists to recommend a suitable one. Remember that you are looking for living moving lice – the only evidence that your child is infected.If you find a living louse, ask your local pharmacist, school nurse, health visitor or GP for advice regarding treatment.For further information visit:http://www.healthscotland.com/uploads/documents/headlice.pdfhttp://www.nits.net/bugbusting

EventsAs always we have lots of things going on at school this term including;

Indoor Shinty Tournament – Dingwall LC- Friday 19th & 26th January & 2nd February

Cross Country Events -Invergordon 24th January & Dingwall 14th February

Gymnastics Event- 4th February Rotary Quiz P7 – Thursday 15th

February World Book Day – Thursday 1st March Cross Country – Black Isle Showground

Muir of Ord - Friday 2nd March Badminton Tournament – Saturday 24th

February - Alness Academy P1, 2&3/4 Show– 21st March 7pm. Easter bonnet and Egg competition -

28th March(More information on these events nearer the time)

Reminders Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th February -

School closed to children & staff Wednesday 21st school closed to

children – in-service for staff Easter holidays - School closes

Wednesday 28th March at 3.00pm Reopens for all- Monday 16th April. May Day Holiday - Monday 7th May School closes for summer holidays -

Friday 29th June -11.30 (TBC)

Holiday dates 2018-2019I know some people find it useful to know well in advance the term time dates so I have

included session 2018-2019 dates for your information.

Autumn

Autumn term starts - 21 August 2018

Autumn term ends - 12 October 2018

Winter

Winter term starts - 29 October 2018

Winter term ends - 21 December 2018

Spring

Spring term starts - 7 January 2019

Mid-term break - 18 and 19 February 2019

Spring term ends - 05 April 2019

Summer

Summer term begins - 23 April 2019

Summer term ends - 04 July 2019

Public holidays

Good Friday - 19 April 2019

Easter Monday - 22 April 2019

May Day - 6 May 2019

In-service days

20 August 2018

17 September 2018

18 September 2018

20 February 2019

3 June 2019