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NEWSLETTER MAY 2010

In-Service – Monday 31st May 2010
A reminder that the school will be closed to pupils on Monday 31st May 2010 for in-service training.

It has come to our notice that a rumour is doing the rounds that (a) the nursery will be closed next session and (b) that the whole school will also be closed next session.  I would like to take this opportunity to inform parents and the wider community that the school and the nursery will definitely be open for business as usual in August 2010.

Primary 7 ‘Choices for Life’ and ‘Safe Highlanders’
Our Primary 7’s have had 2 successful visits to attend ‘Choices for Life’ at Bught Leisure Centre and ‘Safe Highlanders’ at Cameron Barracks.

Sports Day
Sports Day will be on Monday 14th June.  Fingers crossed for some dry weather.

End of Term Concert
The end of term concert will take place at the Boat of Garten Community Hall on the evening of Thursday 1st July.  Further details will follow.

 Edinburgh Zoo Trip
The children are all getting excited about the forthcoming trip to Edinburgh Zoo next Thursday.  Thank you to those who have returned the permission slip and please could all outstanding slips be returned to the school office by Tuesday 1st June 2010.  Thank you.

Head Lice
May I remind parents that the responsibility for the checking and treatment of head lice lies with parents.  If anyone wishes more information or advice at any time about the treatment of head lice, please contact the School Nurse, Jan Johnson on 01479 813403.

Parents Information Evening
Another parent’s information evening is being held on Thursday 17th June at 7.30pm. This meeting will be based on ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ and we hope you will all be able to attend.

Mrs Gordon
Unfortunately, I have to inform the school community that Mrs. Gordon will be leaving her post as Clerical Assistant on Thursday 10 June. Shareon has been at Deshar for six years and we are all very sad to see her go. She has been a great asset to the school and I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing her all the best in her new post at the Grantown Dental Practice.

BHF – Ultimate Dodgeball Competition
This week our P4-7 classes were involved in a dodgeball competition held at Abernethy Primary School.  The children had a great time and so far have raised approximately £500 for the British Heart Foundation.  Well done!  Anyone still to take their sponsor money in please do so as soon as possible.

P7 Edinburgh Trip

Lucy Garrow
It was a good journey to Edinburgh on the train but the worst thing was you had to walk everywhere.  My best place was Dynamic Earth but I liked everything.
At the Botanic Gardens I found out that the Venus Fly Trap leaves the skeleton of its food behind.   It sucks out the innards.
The Youth Hostel was good and the food was ok.

Ryan McFarlane
I think the trip was good because you got to go to a lot of places.
At the Botanic Gardens we found out about a cactus that can shoot you with spikes.
It was good to see MSP’s at the Parliament.
I liked Dynamic Earth because the iceberg was really cold.
I liked Carlton Hill because the view is amazing.

Jared Baker
At the Botanic Gardens I found out that bamboo can grow 1 metre a day. 
The best bit of the Witchery Tour was our Guide because he was so funny.
Room inspection was good at the hostel.  Our room did well with 17 ¾ out of 20.
I liked the room because you got a view in the morning.

Alasdair Forsyth
I liked the Witchery Tour best because it was really funny.  I also enjoyed Dynamic Earth because I didn’t know most of the facts they told us. 
The castle was great and there was a changing of the guards which was exciting.
The Botanic Gardens were brilliant as well.  We got to taste silver birch syrup, papaya and cocoa.
Edinburgh was good.  I liked spotting nice cars.  I give it 9/10.

                                                                    
Jessica Anderson
I thought Edinburgh was fabdabbydozy but I hated that breakfast was at 8 o’clock but it was scrumptious.
I made friends with all the Nethy girls and boys.
My favourite part was Dynamic Earth because I loved the iceberg.  At Dynamic Earth I found out that there are microscopic things called plankton.
I didn’t like all the walking.

Liam Douglas
I liked the trip because we did lots of activities.  I’m happy I came.  My favourites were Dynamic Earth and the Witchery Tour.  The Parliament was boring because I didn’t know what they were talking about.
At Dynamic Earth I found out that the Quetzalcoatl us was the largest flying reptile.
I liked spotting all the cars in Edinburgh.

Louise Blair
I loved being in Edinburgh because I have made lots more friends.  The Youth Hostel was really nice but sometimes it was a bit too hot.  I really liked all the places.  It was a factual trip and a fun trip.  I would mark the trip 10/10 because I loved it.
The Witchery Tour was funny and weird and that’s good.
I found out that I was very good at leaving the room with Elspeth and forgetting my door card.

The Nursery Class visited the Highland Wildlife Park on Monday 10 May.

This is a Scottish Wlidcat, Boat Bugs have adopted one of these.

NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2010

Disability Awareness
On Tuesday 20th April pupils from P4/5 went to the Boat of Garten Community Hall to attend a Disability Awareness workshop.

We got to do lots of fun activities that showed us what it was like to be disabled. It showed us how hard it can be but we also saw how people who are disabled can still ski. We had to push one another in wheel chairs. We went around a course in the wheel chair. One man had his teddy bear there and we we’re told to be careful and not run it over.  We used crutches and jumped on to a platform with one leg. We had to pick things up and it was hard. It was an interesting visit.
Report by Euan Gregson and Emmi Tomlinson P4.

Swimming P4/5
Swimming for P4/5 pupils will start again on Tuesday 27th April and run for approximately 8 weeks.  A separate permission slip will follow.

Safe Highlander
This is the start of a very busy term for P7 and they will be travelling to Inverness on 14th May to visit the Safe Highlanders exhibition.  Demonstrations and workshops are being provided by the Emergency Services.  Permission slips to follow.

Choices for Life
The P7 pupils will also travel to Inverness for the Choices for Life event on Monday 17th May.  This is an annual drug awareness presentation which is funded by Highland Council.  Permission slips to follow.

Body Currents
P1 to P4 are receiving dance workshops this term from Bodycurrents dance teacher Fiona Fyfe.  There is also a possibility that they will be involved in a performance in May at the Badenoch Centre in Kingussie.  Details of this will follow in due course.

SSPCA
On Friday 21 May an officer from the SSPCA will be visiting the school to give pupils a talk on Wildlife Welfare.

Edinburgh Trip
P7 pupils will be meeting up P7 from Abernethy on Friday 30th April to put the finishing touches to the programme for this session’s residential trip to Edinburgh. Pupils will be travelling to Edinburgh on Tuesday 18th May for a 3 night stay at Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.

Butterfly and Bumblebee Sanctuary
Our Eco Action Plan for this year has the target of creating an area attractive to butterflies and bumblebees. HC Ranger Saranne Bish was in school on Wednesday 21 April to plant seeds with all the classes. Hopefully we can plant these flowers later this term.

Generation Science
The school is looking forward to a visit from the Generation Science team from Edinburgh on Tuesday 11 May. The subject is ‘On the Wild Side’ and having enjoyed previous workshops with the team we are hoping to have a lot of fun.

Dodge Ball – Heart Foundation
Primary 5, 6 and 7 are holding a fund raising event for the British Heart Foundation on Wednesday 26th May. They are holding this event in the Abernethy gym hall and have invited P5, 6 and 7 from Abernethy to take part.

Zoo Trip
Pupils from P1 to P7 will be travelling to Edinburgh Zoo on Friday 4 June. The Nursery class are visiting the Highland Wildlife Park on Monday 10th June.

Parents Evening
The school’s open evening will be held on Tuesday 25 May from 5.00 – 7.00 p.m. Parents are invited to come along and look at their children’s work and see what has been happening in all the classrooms. A parent’s information evening is being held on Thursday 17th June. The subject will be a Curriculum for Excellence.

Assemblies

Parents are invited to attend the following assemblies:
P5-7 Wednesday 12 May at 9.00 a.m.
P1-4 Wednesday 9 June at 9.00 a.m.

Dates for your diary

Deshar Primary School Parents Forum Annual General Meeting will take place at the school on Tuesday 4th May at 7pm.  All parents welcome.

A date has now been confirmed for the Summer Fete and Silent Auction.  This will take place on Saturday 25th September at the Community Hall.

Rag Bag
The next Rag Bag collection will be on Friday 28th May.  Bags will be issued in due course.

Tesco Vouchers
Please keep sending in those Tesco vouchers.  They really help to supplement our ICT and Sports/Playground equipment.

Holiday and In-Service Days
A reminder that the school will be closed next Monday 3rd May.  The school will also be closed on Monday 31st May for staff training.

Walk to School Week
This year walk to school week will be from May 17th to May 21st.  Please encourage your child/ren to walk or cycle to school during this week.

Staffing Update
We would like to wish Lorna our school cook a speedy recovery and welcome Eilidh Urquhart who is going to cover Lorna until she returns to work.

TUCKSHOP PRICE LIST    -      

Toast – 15p 
Milkshake (glass) – 30p
Milk (glass) 15p
Carton Milkshake – 25p  
Carton Fruit Juice – 25p           
Fruit – 15p

Skiing March 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

SNOWSPORTS PROGRAMME
Once again, we are fortunate that funding has been obtained to help with our P6/7 pupils taking part in 4 skiing or snowboarding sessions starting on Friday 26th February. Unfortunately, this was cancelled due to too much snow! Weather permitting the last Friday of term will become the fourth day.  With the ongoing frosty weather we are hoping for fantastic conditions for the children.  Thank you to all those involved in obtaining funds and making it possible for the programme to continue.

CAIRNGORM EVENT - FUNDRAISING FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
CairnGorm Mountain are planning a world record attempt on Saturday 6h March at 11.00am, for the number of kilted skiers and snowboarders skiing down a piste at once.  The proceeds raised will be split between Maggie's Highland and the Badenoch & Strathspey Schools Programme.

Full details and registration forms can be seen on the Cairngorm Mountain website www.cairngormmountain.co.uk

ROTARY QUIZ
Primary 7 pupils once again took part in the annual Rotary Club Quiz in Kingussie on Tuesday 24th February.  They performed extremely well, coming fourth with 50 points. Three schools tied for first place with 51 points.  Abernethy won the tie-breaker with Grantown second and Alvie third. Jessica Anderson said that she really enjoyed it.  “We found the music section quite hard,” said Alasdair Forsyth.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Advance notice from the Parent Council of a fun day including a Silent Auction, Pet Show and Car Boot Sale – 29th May 2010.

RAG BAG
Our next Rag Bag collection is now booked for Friday 28th May 2010. Due to the lack of storage space we would appreciate bags not being left at school until Thursday 27th at the earliest.

WORLD BOOK DAY
World Book Day is on Wednesday 3rd March. All pupils will have received a token worth £1 which is valid until 28th March. Pupils are asked to wear some clothing with words on and to bring a book about nature to school. Saranne Bish, Highland Council Countryside Ranger, will also be in school to read to classes and start work on the creation of a butterfly and bumblebee sanctuary.

SWIMMING
The P4/5 classes have been enjoying swimming sessions this term at the Craig MacLean Centre in Grantown-on-Spey. There is a possibility that these sessions could continue next term. Any parents who could help with transport should contact the office.

EDINBURGH TRIP
Once again the P7 pupils are planning a 3 night residential trip to Edinburgh in May.  This will take place from the 18 to the 21 May. Once again Mrs. Black and Mrs. MacEwan will be accompanying the group.
Primary 7 pupils will be meeting up with P7 pupils from Abernethy on 25 March to listen to a presentation from the Scottish Parliament Education Team. This is in preparation for a visit to the Parliament in May. Trips to Dynamic Earth and the Royal Botanic Gardens have already been booked.

CELTIC GAMES
P5/6/7 will be attending the Celtic Games at Nairn Academy on Thursday 4th March along with pupils from Carr-Bridge and Nairn.  Pupils will participate in golf, rugby and shinty activities. 

INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE
Pupils in Primary 1-3 will be travelling to Abernethy on Friday afternoons to take part in movement sessions with coaches from Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.  Separate permission slips have been issued.

NURSERY ENROLMENT
The enrolment of children for the Nursery Class will take place on Wednesday 3 March.

Eco Committee Meeting
The school’s Eco School Committee will be meeting on Thursday 11 March at 9.00 a.m. to finalise this year’s Eco Action Plan.

Bring and Buy Sale
The school’s Pupil Council will be holding a Bring and Buy Sale on Wednesday 17th march at 1.30 p.m. in the canteen. The MPCs have decided to raise funds for the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Fund. Parents and pupils are invited to bring along toys, games, books, DVDs, CDs, bric-a-brac and home baking.

Assembly
Parents are invited to attend an assembly in the canteen on Wednesday 24 march at 9.00 a.m. The assembly will be lead by Nursery and Primary 1-4.

Health Education
Fiona Bing from NHS will be visiting school on Tuesday 16th March to speak to P1-4 pupils about choosing healthy snacks. As part of their lifestyles topic she will be talking to P5-7 about tobacco.
I shall put in my box
on the great high-rolling waves of the wild Atlantic,
then wash ashore on a sandy beach
the colour of the sun.

January 2010

Dear Parents, 
A very Happy New Year and welcome back to everyone.  Apologies for the disruption to school at the end of last term and the start of this new one.

Emergency Closure due to Severe Weather

Unfortunately, the school was unable to open for the first day of this term as the car park and school grounds were blocked with snow. It would have been very dangerous for pupils to have been dropped off on the road!

If there has been a snow fall over night and you have any doubts about the school opening please make use of the following:

• Parents are asked to use the Highland Council telephone message service on 0870 0546999 to hear the latest news from the school. (pin number: 041860)
• Parents who have access to the internet can check the winter weather website on:- www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk
• Parents are asked to listen to Moray Firth Radio or Radio Highland if in any doubt about the school opening.

Parents are advised to use the telephone message service first as this is the first to be updated.

I will endeavour to make an early decision on closure if possible.

It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.  The Education Authority encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important.

SHELTER COFFEE MORNING
Just before we broke up for the Christmas holidays we held a coffee morning fundraiser for ‘Shelter’.  We would like to thank everyone who donated, helped and supported us for this event and are pleased to confirm that we raised a grand total of £112.29.   A cheque has been sent to the charity.  We still have a large tray in the office and if anyone is missing a tray please let us know.  We also have a parent who has lost a cream Poole Pottery plate.  If anyone has seen this or taken it home by mistake please return it to the school office.

SWIMMING
Swimming lessons for pupils in P4/5 will take place this term at the Craig MacLean Leisure Centre in Grantown-on-Spey.  Unfortunately there is no transport funding for this and therefore we are relying on parental and staff volunteers to get the children there and back. 

BASKET BALL COMPETITION
Also prior to the festive break our older pupils took part in a Basketball Competition in Grantown.  This was thoroughly enjoyed by all children involved and we would once again like to thank the parents who transported and supported the children.  This was another great opportunity for the children to mix with the other cluster schools.

WINTER WEATHER
It is extremely important during the winter months that children have spare shoes for wearing indoors as well as their outdoor gear.  It is also a good idea to keep their PE kit in school and this can double up as indoor footwear.  PE kit consists of shorts, t-shirt and trainers or gym shoes.

YELLOW MOON
We would like to thank everyone who has been purchasing goods via the Yellow Moon catalogue/website.  We received a commission cheque today for £26.

ASSEMBLY
Parents are invited to attend the P5-7 assembly on Wednesday 10 February at 9.00 a.m.

ABSENT CHILDREN
If your child/ren are to be absent from school for any reason please ensure that the school office is informed no later than 9.30am on the day of absence.  Thank you

TROPHIES
Please could any children who have a trophy at home bring it to the school office by the end of next week to enable the prizes to be engraved.  Thank you.

LOST PROPERTY
We have a considerable amount of lost property and we would appreciate if parents would come and check the box.  If these items are not claimed we will put them to the next Rag Bag collection.

BODYCURRENT DANCE
The whole school are having dance work shops with Fiona Fyfe from Body Currents this term.  The children had their first session on Tuesday and really enjoyed themselves.  There will be an opportunity for pupils from P4-7 to take part in an after school dance club the first 4 Wednesdays in March.  Further information will be issued nearer the time.

MID TERM BREAK
A reminder that school will be closed for pupils on Friday 12th, Monday 15th,
Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th February.
P1 ENROLEMENT
Enrolment for Primary 1 will take place the week beginning 1st February 2010.  Separate details will be issued with an exact date for parents to meet with Mr Edge.

CALEY THISTLE MOVEMENT SESSIONS
P1,2 and 3 pupils have been invited to take part in  Caley Thistle movement sessions starting on Friday 26th February for 4 weeks at Abernethy Primary School.  The children will travel by minibus to and from Abernethy.  A separate permission slip will be issued.

SECOND GREEN FLAG
The school was awarded its Second Green Flag Award at the end of November 2009. This was a fantastic achievement and the pupils and staff should be congratulated for all their hard work. The Eco Assessment Team had this to say about Eco School work at Deshar:

• We feel that eco activities are very much a part of everyday life at Deshar. Everyone we spoke to have a real understanding of the importance of their eco work.
• The school’s curricular planning is very thorough and a range of environmental topics has been studied by every class in the school. We particularly enjoyed seeing pupils in the nursery class learning about robins and other bird life.
• We were particularly impressed by the development of the school grounds and opportunities pupils had for outdoor learning through developing your wildlife and gardening areas. Pupils were so excited about how the pond will develop over the next year and what wildlife might be found during pond dipping sessions.
• We are so impressed with the progress you have made to reduce litter.

Minutes from Latest Eco School Meeting Monday 18 January 2010

1. It was agreed that the committee needs a member from P2 and a new P3 member as Carenza has now left the school.
2. We were pleased that the electricity use had reduced in December compared to the number of units used in November. We will use these readings to try and encourage energy saving.
3. We looked at the action plan for 2009 and noted that the following targets had not been met and would be carried forward to the 2010 plan:
• Reduce water flow in taps in toilets.
• Plant wildflowers and shrubs.
• Erection of new sheds and shelter for pupils.

4. The Action Plan for 2010 will contain these ideas and projects:

• Reduce litter
• Measure school’s global footprint
• Record birds visiting school
• Make raised beds for growing vegetables
• Continue to monitor energy use and attempt to reduce use
• Promote car sharing, walking and cycling to school

5. The Action Plan will be finalised at the next meeting when adult members will be present.  Next meeting Monday 8 February at 2.00 p.m. 

THE MAGIC BOX

I will put in the box

the swish of a silk sari on a dark night,
fire from the nostrils of a Chinese dragon,
the tip of a tongue touching a spark.

I will put in the box
a snowman with a rumbling belly,
a sparkle of the bluest water from Lake Lucerne,
a leaping spark from a flying fish.
I will put in the box
three great wishes spoken in a deep voice,
the last joke of an funny uncle
and the first smile of a baby.

I will put in the box
a dark season and a black sun,
a cowboy on a gold horse
and a witch on a white broom.

My box is styled from bronze and gold and platinum
with sparkles on the lid and spikes in the corners.
Its hinges are the toe joints
of humans..

I shall swim in my box
on the great high-rolling sea of the wild Atlantic,
then wash ashore on a sandy beach
the colour of the sun.

David Bootle and Tom O’Connell

The Magic Box

I will put in my box
The coldness of a snowy day
A hot raindrop from a blue sky
The excited feeling on Christmas Day.

I will put in my box
A dog’s smile
A raindrop from a money shower
A talking dog and a barking man

I will put in my box
One dark wish whispered on a light day
The first joke of an ancient cow
And the last joke of a young man.

My box is made of dynamite and gold and bones
With crystals in the corners
A magic on the outside.

I shall surf on my box
Across the blue sea
Then wash ashore on a sandy beach
The colour of dark yellow.

By Jake Smith

Highland Council have asked all schools to inform parents about the validated self evaluation project.

Introduction
Highland Council wants to know what we do well for our learners – whatever their age.  We also need to know where we have to work harder to make things better so that all our learners develop their “personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.”
To help us be better at evaluating how well we’re doing, Highland Council has volunteered to be part of a new national process known as Validated Self-evaluation (VSE).

What is VSE?
We will be working alongside Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HMIe) to evaluate how well we meet our learners’ needs.  A wide range of other people (including you!) will be involved in February 2010.
The process helps us look closely at a number of important measures.  We will look at how well our learners do in examinations and at how well they achieve, for example in citizenship, enterprise, literacy and numeracy.  We will also consider how good an education our schools and other parts of the Education, Culture & Sport Service provide for all our learners.  This includes those who learn outside the normal classroom.
In addition, we have agreed a number of themes with HMIe which will be explored by groups of people made up from head teachers, other staff, elected members (councillors), HMIe colleagues, parents/carers and young people. 
Each theme group will be asked to look at existing evidence and evaluations, talk with those who help provide a broad education, and also speak to groups of learners and their families.  Each theme group will then draft evaluative statements which will help us know what works well and what we need to develop further.

What will VSE look like in Highland?
Highland Council has decided that we will have a special focus on improving outcomes for those children and young people who are vulnerable and/or underachieving. 
What do we mean by that?  Most children and young people in Highland do well, but a number need extra support to make sure they can be “the best they can be”.  A large number of people work for, or with, Highland Council to help ensure that these learners get the help they need.
We will be having a closer look at how we help them to be better at:

• reading, writing, listening and talking
• keeping healthy and well right into adulthood
• staying safe and getting the help they need, and
• Finding ways of doing well so that they can make good choices about education or work when they leave school.

The people in each theme group will get some help and training to make sure that they know what questions to ask!  The inspectors will help them evaluate what people are telling them or what they have seen to work out whether our work is making a difference.

When will this happen?
HMIe will work with us throughout the week beginning 1 February 2010.  During this time, the groups will look at existing evidence and speak to a number of providers and learners to evaluate the impact of what we do to improve outcomes for learners.  This will include visits to see what work is going on. Members from each group will talk to a range of people.   By the end of this week, each group will have drafted an evaluation of impact for their focus area.
The same HMIe team will revisit us during the week beginning 15 March 2010.  In between these visits, the groups will finish their talks and visits.  The inspectors will look at what they say and will make some visits of their own and talk to people too.At the end of this week, HMIe will tell us how they think we have got on.After that we will write a report which will be published for everyone to read.  This will focus on which improvements would make life better for our learners and will include a plan for future action.  It helps the Council plan for what it needs to work on next. 

DECEMBER 2009

SHELTER COFFEE AND CAROLS
This session the Pupil Council have chosen to support the Shelter charity. All funds raised will go to help Shelter look after homeless and badly housed families in the UK. Parents and members of the community are invited to come along for coffee and cakes between 10.00 and 11.00 a.m. and from 2.00 to 3.00 in the afternoon. Pupils will be singing some carols to create a special Christmas atmosphere. Donations of baking would be very much appreciated.

Pupil Achievement

Aaron MacKenzie P6 posed for a photograph for the Achievement Wall with the Golf Hole he designed for a competition he won at the end of last session. He finally received his prize of £40 this week! Well done Aaron!

Jake Smith brought his Go-Kart trophy in to school this week. Jake received this for coming second in Boynde Challenge Series. Well done Jake!

Website
The school’s website is now back in action after having undergone a change of software. Please note that newsletters, school information and Parent Council minutes can be found on the website. The website also features a Pupil Blog where examples of good work and effort are published each week. Visit: www.deshar.highland.sch.uk

BAD WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSURE REMINDER

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Emergency Closure Information
As winter fast approaches it is important that parents make themselves familiar with the school’s procedures for emergency closure due to adverse weather.

• Parents are asked to listen to Moray Firth Radio or Radio Highland if in any doubt about the school opening.
• Parents are asked to use the Highland Council telephone message service on 0870 0546999 to hear the latest news from the school. (pin number: 041860)
• Parents who have access to the internet can check the winter weather website on:- www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk.

If the school closes during the day parents or emergency contacts will be notified and asked to transport children home.  No pupils will be sent home until contact has been made with parents or emergency numbers.

It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.  The Education Authority encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important.

CHRISTMAS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

November 2009

Bonfire/Fireworks
Well done to all involved with the bonfire night.  Once again a very successful and fun night was had by all.  A huge amount of preparation is required for this event and we greatly appreciate all the hard work involved. 

Halloween
A big thank you to Mr & Mrs Ireland who donated some fantastic Halloween decorations to the school last week.  These were used at school and also for the Halloween party in the village hall. 

Parents’ Evening
Parents evening will be held on Wednesday 25th November. Separate notes will follow.

Trophies
Could any children who still have trophies at home please return them to school for engraving.  Thank you.

Online Book Club
A reminder that we now have an online book club which have some great deals on for Christmas.  The link is myschoolbookclub.co.uk. 20% commission is received by the school.

Rag Bag Collection
Our next rag bag collection will be on Friday 27th November.  Bags will be given out this week and should be dropped off in the morning of Friday 27th November.  A great chance to have a clear out before Christmas.

Yellow Moon
Last week we gave out Yellow Moon catalogues.  Orders can be done online and we receive 25% commission from all orders. 

Uniform Reminder
Just a little reminder that school uniform should be worn by all pupils and consists of school sweatshirt with logo, white polo shirt and grey, navy or black trousers, shorts or skirt.

PE KIT REMINDER
It is extremely important that children have a PE kit consisting of shorts, t-shirt and change of shoes.   The PE teacher has stated that any children without a full PE kit will be unable to take part in the lesson. PE kit can be left in school at all times to avoid anyone forgetting.   With the winter weather ahead a change of footwear is a must. 

Peanut Allergy
Thank you to those who have given the school peanuts for our bird feeders.  Please ensure these are delivered directly to the office. Peanuts must not be taken to school for snack or lunch as we do have a pupil with the peanut allergy.

GOLDEN RULES
Thank you to all parents who have signed and returned the Golden Rules Slip.  Could anyone who has not returned this slip, please do so as soon as possible.

BAD WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSURE

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Emergency Closure Information
As winter fast approaches it is important that parents make themselves familiar with the school’s procedures for emergency closure due to adverse weather.

• Parents are asked to listen to Moray Firth Radio or Radio Highland if in any doubt about the school opening.
• Parents are asked to use the Highland Council telephone message service on 0870 0546999 to hear the latest news from the school. (pin number: 041860)
• Parents who have access to the internet can check the winter weather website on:- www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk.

If the school closes during the day parents or emergency contacts will be notified and asked to transport children home.  No pupils will be sent home until contact has been made with parents or emergency numbers.

It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.  The Education Authority encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important.

Parentzone website – http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/parentzone

Parentzone is fully funded by the Scottish Government and aims to provide:-

• Information on how parents can support their child’s learning
• Examples of parental involvement from around Scotland
• Information for Parent Councils
• The latest information on education in Scotland

Sponsored Cycle Funds
We are delighted to inform you that the Sponsored cycle/walk has a grand new total of £539.  Well done everyone.

Assembly
Parents of pupils in P1 to P4 are invited to an assembly in the canteen on Wednesday 2 December at 9.00 a.m.

Free School Meals
Free school meals can be claimed if you are receiving certain benefits for example, Income support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance plus many more.  Please contact the school office for further details.

POPPIES BY P5/6/7
People with poppies on
People remembering the Pilots and Soldiers who gave their lives for you.

By Ryan McFarlane

********

People wear poppies on the 11th November
Poppies are pretty
Wear on every year in November

By Peadar Baker

********

Poppies are our pretty flowers
Worn to remember the poor soldiers
Young and old who died

By Michael Grant

********

People buy poppies to help
Our soldiers who risked their lives
They sell poppies because they died in Flanders Field where poppies grow
I wear a poppy with pride every remembrance Sunday

By Megan Hearne

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

OCTOBER 2009

KINDROGAN
                                                                                         
Primary 6 pupils joined up with their friends from Abernethy for a residential trip to Kindrogan Field Studies Centre in Perthshire from 14th – 16th September. See pictures on Kindrogan Page

Kindrogan pupil reports
I liked the mountain walk. It was hard but it was good exercise.
Crate climbing was good. Tom beat the record.
The food was good.
By Peadar Baker

 I liked the crate climb because I got the Kindrogan record.
The Kindrogan record is 19 and I climbed 20. It was probably the most fun thing for me. When it was Megan’s turn it fell down at 8 crates and landed on me.

By Tom O’Connell

Assembly
There will be an assembly on Wednesday 4th November at 9.10am about the Primary 6 trip to Kindrogan.  Parents of P5 to P7 pupils are invited as this class will be leading the assembly.

Shannon’s Speyside Adventure
We would like to thank Shannon Spencer, her family and friends for raising £850 for Deshar Primary School Funds by canoeing down Speyside Way.  Shannon raised a grand total of £1000.  The balance of the monies went to Shannon’s favourite animals the rabbits.

Well done Shannon!

ECO WEEK

MONDAY – Paul Kendal came to talk to us about birds.  By Carenza Pinn
TUESDAY – We went to eco drama, it was fun.  By Emily Garrow
WEDNESDAY – I went for a cycle with the school.  By James Blair
THURSDAY – I went on a fun run. By Jack Starrs
FRIDAY – I cycled to school and back again. By Lana Gregson

Last Monday Deshar Primary had an Eco week.  Deshar Primary has an Eco week every year because they won an eco flag and are hoping to win another later on in the year.

On Monday Paul Kendal came and did a presentation on capercailles and all the children thought it was very interesting.  Paul is from RSPB.  He got the children up and put signs over them and gave them props to go with the sign. Later in the afternoon a lady called Lorraine came to Deshar to do drama and the children and Lorraine were talking about water.  They did drama on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and a big performance on Friday.

On Tuesday just after break a lady called Anne from Knex Generation Science came to Deshar School.  She made wind turbines out of Knex and got the pupils to do some problem solving.  They had to make a ball get onto the table as fast as possible and they had to figure out how to make it spin using paper.  The children really enjoyed it.  After that a lady called Mrs Johnson came to talk about hand hygiene.  Mrs Johnson talked about how not to get swine flu.  All the children got fake germs on their hands and went to the bathroom to try to get all the fake germs off.  When they went back in the classroom they got their hands scanned to see if they still had any germs on them.

On Wednesday just after lunch Mr Edge, Headteacher took some pupils to do solar energy.  They went outside and powered lights and other things.  After the other people got on their cycle helmets and prepared for the sponsored cycle.  Pupils cycled to Loch Vaa which was around three miles. It started at 1pm and finished at2.30pm.  All the children enjoyed it.

On Thursday morning after break the children designed a logo for the Badenoch and Strathspey Music Festival. In the afternoon it was the Fun Run and they ran to the squirrel point and back.  All the pupils did 2 laps and got 2 stickers.

On Friday a group did mountain biking.  They had to challenge themselves.  A p6 girl, Chelsea MacKenzie said, “I really enjoyed it although it was quite hard, but I learnt a lot of things.  I hope he comes back.”  The teacher’s name was Hammy and all the pupils hope he comes back next year.

By Chelsea Mackenzie P6

SAVE THE ALBATROSS
We have been collecting stamps for the RSPB to help save the endangered albatross.  This photograph shows the real size of the albatross.   

Sponsored Cycle
Thank you to everyone who took part in our sponsored cycle/walk.  So far we have raised approximately £365 for our school fund.  Please could all sponsor money is in school by the last day of term.  Thank you.

Uniform Reminder
Please ensure that your child/ren support our school policy by wearing school uniform.  This consists of navy or black trousers, skirt or shorts along with a white polo shirt and navy school sweatshirt.  School sweatshirts can be purchased from ‘Yo’, High Street, Grantown-on-Spey.

Rag Bag
Our next Rag Bag collection will be on Friday 27 November 2009.  A reminder will be issued along with bags nearer the collection date.

The Times – Books for Schools
A reminder that we are collecting the tokens from The Times newspaper for their Books for Schools scheme.

Education, Culture & Sport
The Highland Council Education, Culture and Sport department issue a newsletter which can be accessed via the following link:

http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/yourservices/educationcultureandsport/bulletinboard/default.htm

Halloween Party
The Parent Council are organising a Village Halloween Party on Saturday 31st October and would appreciate any donations for their raffle to be run at the party. 

EMAIL ADDRESSES
Once again we are updating our email address lists and are hoping to eventually send newsletters via email to save ink and paper costs etc.  These would have to be sent without the photographs due to the size of the documents or alternatively we could just send an email alert once our website is updated.

The Parent Council would also like to start an email address book and therefore we have attached a tear off slip for completion and return.

NEWSLETTER August 2009

Parental Information
At the end of last term the school held an information evening to discuss developments in the teaching of reading, the school’s new Behaviour Policy and a Curriculum for Excellence. Leaflets issued with this newsletter are a follow from that meeting.

Ghanain Music and Dance Workshops
On Monday 24th August pupils in P5-7 will be taking part in workshops being provided by musicians from Ghana. In the afternoon the pupils will travel to Abernethy to see a performance by the group. A separate permission slip will follow.

PE
Please note that this session PE will be on a Monday morning.  Please ensure that your child or children have a full PE kit consisting of a t-shirt, shorts and gym shoes or trainers.  It is very helpful for any children with inhalers to have a spare in with their PE kit.  Due to the PE timetable there will be no tuck shop on a Monday.

ANNUAL PERMISSION SLIP
Along with this newsletter you will receive a general annual permission letter for your completion and return.  Please sign and return this by the end of next  

School Calendar
A 2009/2010 calendar is also attached for your perusal and retention.

MEDICATION
If your child/children require medication to be kept or administered in school please complete and return the attached form.

Kindrogan
P6 children are going to Kindrogan for 2 nights on the 14th September.  An information evening for parents has been arranged for Wednesday 2nd September at 3pm.

Gaelic Music Concert
The school will be receiving a visit from Feis Spe musicians on Friday 28th August.

Edge Chronicles
Pupils in 5 and 7 will be visiting the Community Hall on Monday 14th September to see a presentation from the author and illustrator of the popular children’s books The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell.

Topic Programme

The school has been working on developing a new topic programme that reflects the new Curriculum for Excellence and that makes best use of our own local environment. At the start of each session we will issue the topics for that session and invite parents to contribute towards the planning process. For example P5-7 will be studying WW2 this term and parents may be able to offer artefacts, books, or suggestions for research etc. The class teacher will then follow up any suitable ideas. These can be noted on the attached sheet and returned to school.

P1-4 topics: Dinosaurs, Autumn, Ourselves, the Forest
P5-7 topics: WW2, Autumn, Lifestyle and the Body, Litter and Waste.

NEWSLETTER MAY 2009

 School Day

The school would like to remind parents that the pupils should not arrive at school before 8.30 a.m. as there are no members of staff present officially until 8.30. To ensure pupil safety we would appreciate your support with this matter.

School Uniform

It has come to our attention that a growing number of pupils are not wearing school uniform. Our uniform consists of navy sweat shirt, blue polo shirt and grey trousers or skirt. Jeans and football tops should not be worn. School uniform helps to foster a sense of belonging and pride in being a member of the Deshar Primary School community. Uniform can be purchased from Yo! and Stitch Up in Grantown. The school also keeps a stock of second hand uniforms and occasional sales are manned by our eco committee. Donations of second hand uniforms would be welcomed.

OPEN EVENING REMINDER

We would like to remind parents that we are holding our open evening on Tuesday 2^nd June from 5 – 7pm.  We hope you will all be able to attend.

Canteen Vacancy

We currently have a vacancy for a canteen assistant to cover 1½ hours lunch duty Monday to Friday from 12.15pm – 1.45pm.  Please contact the school office if you are interested in this post.

Parent Council AGM and Parents’ Information Evening

Parents are invited to attend the following meetings on Wednesday 17 June:

• AGM of the school’s Parent Council at 6.30 p.m. in the canteen
• followed by an information meeting in the school at 7.00 p.m. This will give parents an opportunity to find out about recent developments in the school. Subjects to be covered are a Curriculum for Excellence, Eco Schools, Highland Literacy Project and Promoting Positive Behaviour.

Bring and Buy Sale

The Pupil Council held a Bring and Buy Sale on Wednesday 27 May in aid of McMillan Cancer Relief. Thanks to everyone who donated and attended the sale and well done to our MPCs who raised an amazing £97.44.

In-Service Day

A reminder that there is an extra In-service day on Monday 15th June and the school will be closed to all pupils.

RSPB – Visit to Loch Garten and the Osprey Centre

Whilst P7 were away on their Edinburgh trip the rest of the school had a visit to Loch Garten and the Osprey Centre. 

We all got a colour and we had to find something the same colour.  I had to look for yellow things.

We made a house for bugs in the woods.  We saw a video.  It had ospreys on it.  We held an egg.

Louise Durant P1

Yesterday we all went to the Osprey Centre.  First we got a bag with envelopes in it.  My partner was Carenza and we went in the woods.  We had to work with our partner.  We got to take the red envelopes from the bag.  We had our snack and then got to take the yellow envelopes.  The envelopes

had goodies for us to play with.

Lana Gregson P2

End of Term Assembly

To enable you all to update your diaries, we will be holding our end of term assembly in the Church on Wednesday 1 July at 2pm. The children will be dismissed from the church at approximately 3pm.

Highland Schools Athletics

Well done to the pupils who took part in the Highland Schools Athletics meeting in Inverness on Saturday 30 May. There were approximately 40 schools competing and our team came in 3^rd place.  Well done.

Fruity Friday

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ene Forsyth for her fruit presentation on Fruity Friday.  The children all thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and of course the tasting sessions.

NEWSLETTER            APRIL 2009

RAGBAG

Thank you everybody who collected clothing for the Ragbag collection last month. The school earned £29.10 for school funds.

BOOK TOKENS

P6/7 children have been very busy collecting book tokens from the Times newspaper and have now placed their first order.  So far they have received 419 tokens which they can swap for books.  The scheme is up and running again for this term so anyone with any spare tokens please hand them in to school.  A big thank you to those who are collecting on our behalf.

ROTARY QUIZ – CHARLESTON ACADEMY

On Thursday 23^rd April our Primary 7 team took part in the District Final of the Rotary Primary School Quiz. Teams from Inverness, Buckie and Forres were competing in this event. Unfortunately, the team didn’t win but they did very well when competing against much larger schools. 

Edinburgh Trip

Primary 7s from Abernethy and Deshar met on Tuesday 21st April to plan their residential trip to Edinburgh in May. The pupils will be staying in Edinburgh for three nights. The pupils will be visiting the Scottish Parliament and as part of a mini-project on government they will also be receiving a visit from Danny Alexander MP on 1st May.

Athletics

Primary 5 pupils took part in an athletics festival event at Aviemore Highland Resort on Thursday 16 April. The pupils joined up with P5s from Carrbridge, Abernethy and Grantown to take part in a variety of different events. The event was organised by the Active Schools Co-ordinators.

Grantown Grammar

Primary 7 pupils will be making a visit to the Grammar School on Monday 25^th May for a tour of the school. This is part of the transition programme that also involves a three day visit on 23rd, 24th and 25th June.

Swiss Teachers

The school would like to welcome Sybil Wackerlin and Barbera Peter to the school. They will be spending some time in each of the classes during their three week visit. They are here to work on improving their already very good English in preparation for teaching English in their schools in Zurich. They will be working with the children telling them about cheese making and the story of Heidi. Mrs. Wackerlin was delighted to introduce us to her Head Teacher who also made a visit to Scotland to see how things are done in our schools.

Parent Council Meeting

There will be a meeting of the Parent Council on Wednesday 6^th May at 7 p.m. 

Eco Committee

There will be a meeting of the school’s Eco Committee at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday 13^th May.

Safe Highlanders Trip for P7

Primary 7 pupils will be travelling to Inverness on Friday 22 May to visit the Safe Highlanders Exhibition. Demonstrations and workshops are being provided by the Emergency Services.

Extra In-Service Day

Parents should note that there will be an extra In-Service day for all schools in the Grantown Cluster on Monday 15^th June. School will be closed on this day for pupils. This day is being provided for schools to work on the implementation of a Curriculum for Excellence.

Open Evening and Parents’ Information Evening.

Could parents please note that the school’s open evening will be held on the 2^nd of June from 5-7 p.m. There will also be an information evening on Wednesday 17^th June at 7 p.m. This will be a chance for parents to find out more about a Curriculum for Excellence and the Highland Literacy Project.

Fruity Friday

Part of the school’s Eco Action Plan is to encourage pupils to make healthy choices for snack at break times. Pupils asked for a ‘Fruity Friday Campaign’ when everyone, staff included, will be encouraged to eat a piece of fruit at break time. To get things going Mrs. Forsyth has agreed to come in to the school and do some ‘fruit sessions’ with the pupils on Thursday 7^th May.

Walk and Cycle to School Week

We are once again taking part in Highland Council’s Walk and Cycle to School Week. This is taking place during the week beginning the 18^th May 2009.

Design a Golf Hole Competition

First Club Golf for P5 started again this term.  As part of the homecoming year they were asked to take part in a design a golf hole competition.

The children had discussions about what the different parts of a golf course were and what hazards there might be.  They then had to make their design using different colours of paper.  They also had to include a key and tips. The Active Sports Co-ordinator will pick three which will be judged along with entries from other schools in our area.  This will take place at the beginning of May.  We will then select nine pictures to make a mini golf course for the second part of the competition.

They all did such a good job that Mrs Dobbie asked Mr Dobbie, Head Greenkeeper and Ross Harrower, PGA Golf Professional at Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club if they would judge them.  They were judged on the following:

Could it be built?

Could it be maintained?

Would it look good?

Would it be interesting to play?

Would it be challenging enough for a professional golfer?

Would an average golfer be able to play it?

They said that they were all very good and were delighted to have been asked.  The winner was Della Strachan, 2^nd place Aaron MacKenzie and 3^rd place Peadar Baker.

Well done to everyone.

MARCH 2009

PUMPKIN FASHION SHOW

The Parent Council held a very successful fashion show on Sunday 15^th of March in the Community Hall.  Many thanks to all those people who gave up their time to organise a successful fund raising event. The children who volunteered to model and help on the day proved to be worth their weight in gold.

GOALS/NURSERY RESOURCES

We would like to thank the Parent Council once again for our new goal posts for the playground and a sand pit and water play table for the Nursery.

EDINBURGH TRIP

Primary 7s from Deshar and Abernethy are going on a residential trip to Edinburgh on Monday 18^th of May for three nights. A visit to the Scottish Parliament has already been arranged. The pupils will be doing a mini project about Government before the trip and will be receiving a visit from Danny Alexander MP.

SKIING

P6/7 have been very lucky with the weather and have completed their 4 Fridays up the mountain.  Four pupils from Deshar will take part in the schools ski race on Monday 23^rd March. 

CLOTHES HANGERS

The Nursery Staff are at present sorting out their fancy dress outfits and are desperately in need of hangers.  If you have any spare hangers, could you please hand them into the school.

QUIZ VICTORY

The Primary 7 team won the  Spey Valley Rotary Club Quiz at Kingussie on Tuesday 17^th March.

JANE WESTON

Jane is retiring at the end of term and we would like to take this opportunity to wish her all the best for the future. 

NON UNIFORM DAY

The Pupil Council are holding a non-uniform day on Thursday 26^th March. Pupils are asked to donate £1 for FoodAid, a charity that provides tools, seeds and support for people in 28 of the world’s poorest countries.

Website

The school’s website has a new page called the Pupil’s Blog. Each week this page will be updated with a report or a piece of work from each of the classes. The website can be found at www.deshar.highland.sch.uk

Eco Action Plan 2009

Over the past few months the Eco Committee have been carrying out an audit of the eco school areas and putting together a new action plan for 2009. Here are the key points below:

• Termly litter pickups. Look at type of litter collected and raise awareness of issues at assemblies and through newsletters etc.
• Re-launch Waste Free Wednesday
• Survey use of bird boxes erected last year.
• Make a log pile
• Plant wildflowers in tubs to attract bumblebees and butterflies
• Promote walk/cycle to school weeks
• Solve flooding problem of bike shed during wet weather
• Monitor electricity use monthly and try to reduce.
• Ensure all computers etc are turned off at the end of the day.
• Remove old outbuildings and provide a new sheltered area for pupils during breaks.
• Create a new willow sculpture in a different location away from football pitch.
• Encourage pupils to eat more fruit by starting Fruity Fridays.
• Erect plastic bottle greenhouse in school grounds and get all pupils involved in growing food.
• Reduce flow mechanisms for taps.
• Reduce water use in toilets by installing water hippos.
• Purchase better quality recycled photocopier paper as previous supply often jammed in machine.
• Set up recycling collection points for plastic bottles and tin cans.

The school’s eco committee still requires two more adult members. If you are interested and can spare 45 minutes once or twice a term please contact the school.

GENERATION SCIENCE

The children all went to Abernethy Primary School on Wednesday 18^th March to the Generation Science Workshop.  The topic was Night and Day. 

The children from Deshar went to Abernethy to watch a show.  It was funny.

                                                                                                                Eilidh MacGilivray P1

The children went to Abernethy. It was exciting on Wednesday 19^th March at Generation Science. Jack and Benny told the children about the moon and the sun. 

                                                                                    Lana Gregson P2

Newsletter February 2009

Big Breakfast

On Friday 30^th January Primary 6 and 7 had breakfast provided for them for taking part in the Big Breakfast Competition held by the Royal Highland Education Trust. The children had to design a healthy Scottish Breakfast and Jared Gordon’s entry won a prize.   As well as having breakfast provided the class will also be going on a class trip to a farm in Inverness-shire next term.  Well done Jared.

World Book Day

The school will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 5^th March. Everyone is invited to dress up as their favourite story character. The Pupil Council have organised a number of activities for the day. Pupils will also receive a World Book Day token.

Chinese Visitor

On Thursday 19^th February the school was visited by Zhu Dan a teacher from Beijing who is currently working in Edinburgh. Zhu Dan’s visit was kindly arranged for us by Claire Thom from Grantown Grammar School. The children enjoyed hearing about life in China and learning a few words of Mandarin. We were interested to hear that Zhu Dan works at No. 8 Middle School in Beijing which is attended by 4.500 pupils.

Pupil Council Meeting  28.1.09

Matters Arising:

• The request for a science day will take place during the school’s next Eco Action Week

Minutes from meeting:

1. The non-uniform day for Farm Aid will take place on Wednesday 11 February. Pupils are asked to donate £1.
2. House captains are being asked to speak to their houses at the next assembly to remind pupils how to earn house points.
3. MPCs asked to go outside to play when it’s snowing. Mr. Edge said yes this is possible but it depends on how stormy the conditions are.
4. MPCs asked for new football goals. The Parent Council will be asked to fund this.
5. A request was made for pancakes on pancake day. Mr. Edge said he would ask the school cook.
6. Mr. Edge will ask Eco Committee about starting a Fruity Friday campaign.
7. The MPCs were told about World Book Day and the plan to celebrate books by coming to school dressed as your favourite character from a book. MPCs thought this was a good idea.
8.  Suggestion Box:

• Drama Club. No funding available to pay for a tutor.
• Camping trip for P7. Mr. Edge said no as P7 will be having a trip to Edinburgh.
• Black ties as part of the uniform. No as we already have a uniform.
• More scoobies for playtime. Mr. Edge to find out about costs.
• P7 walking trip. This could be arranged. Mr. Edge to look into this.
• Summer panto. Teachers to be consulted.
• School photos. Mrs. Gordon to see if this can be arranged.
• A school hamster. Mr. Edge said no as hamsters sleep all day and there is often problems finding someone to look after them during holidays.

Non-uniform day for Food Aid

Please note that this will now take place on Thursday 26 March. Pupils are asked to make a donation of £1 to help with famine relief in Africa.

Bird Watch

At the end of January the nursery class took part in the RSPB Big School Bird Watch. The children saw: 1 blackbird, 3 blue tits, 2 chaffinches, 5 coal tits, 5 house sparrows and 3 crows.

Art Club

An after school club is to begin on Thursday 5^th March from 6.00 to 7.30 p.m. These sessions are for Primary 6 and 7 pupils and will be held at Abernethy Primary. This will be a good opportunity for the pupils to get to know each other. The club will be run by Mr. Angus Grant, art teacher at Grantown Grammar School.

Rag Bag

The next Rag Bag collection will be on Friday 20^th March. Due to the lack of storage space at school please drop your bags off during school hours on the 19^th March.

Tesco Vouchers

We will be delighted to accept any Tesco Vouchers you collect. This year Tesco are combing the computer and sports promotion. Vouchers will be issued between March and June.

Rotary Quiz

A Primary 7 team will be taking part in the Rotary Club Quiz to be held at Kingussie High School on Tuesday 3^rd March. This is a re-arranged date due to the bad weather in February.

Happyness Drumming

Thanks to funding from the Parent Council pupils will be enjoying drumming circles with Steve Sharp on Wednesday 11 March. These sessions have proved to be very popular with pupils in the past and everyone is looking forward to Steve’s visit.

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2009

Term Dates

The school will be closed for pupils on the following days in February for holidays and In-service training: 12, 13, 16 and 17 February.

Water bottles

The school’s Pupil Council recently asked for water bottles to be provided by the school for sale to the children. Our MPCs are well aware of the importance of drinking water throughout the day and were keen for everyone to be reminded of this. A supply has now been acquired and the bottles are for sale at £1. The bottles carry the school’s badge and have a non-spill top. Please note these bottles are only for water and should not contain juice.

Parent Council

There will be a meeting of the Parent Council at 7 p.m. on Wednesday 21^st January. Minutes from previous meetings can be seen on the school’s website: www.deshar.highland.sch.uk

E-mailed Newsletters

As an eco school we are committed to reducing the amount of paper that we use. A way of doing this is to e-mail school newsletters. An e-mailed version however, would not contain photographs as this makes sending and downloading them a very lengthy process. If you would like to receive newsletters by e-mail please complete and return the attached slip. If this proves to be successful the school would look at e-mailing other notes and pieces of information.

Eco Committee Meeting

There will be a meeting of the eco committee on 29^th January at 2.30 p.m.

We are still looking for parent members. Anyone interested should contact the school.

Paul Kendall, RSPB, talked to the children about hibernation.  We made a hedgehog, and a house for it to live in.  We also planted some acorns.

Stamps

Thank you to everyone who has been collecting used stamps.  We will continue to collect these for the Oxfam charity for as long as possible.  Please hand them into the school office.

Ragbag in March

The next collection for Ragbag will be on Friday 20^th March 2009.  Bags will be issued nearer the time and we would ask once again, due to lack of storage space, that bags be dropped off at the school on Thursday 19^th or Friday 20^th before 9am.

Big Breakfast – P6/7

Last term the P6/7 class entered a competition based around healthy eating at breakfast time.  Jared Gordon’s entry won a prize for the whole class.  The prize involves P6/7 being served breakfast, by the competition organisers, in school on Friday 30^th January.  The prize will also include a visit to a farm at a later date to learn some more about farm produce and healthy eating.

Drama

Drama sessions have started again on Thursday mornings at the Church Hall with an Outreach worker from Eden Court.  This will run over the next 2 Thursdays and then another 3 sessions in May and June.  The children thoroughly enjoy this activity.

The Times – Book tokens for schools

Please note that we have signed up to collect book tokens for our school via The Times newspaper.  Any help in collecting these tokens would be greatly appreciated.  There is a box for tokens in the P6/7 classroom.

Fiddle Lessons

Judith Bullivant from Feis Spe has reminded the school that fiddle lessons are available for pupils from P5 upward. If your child is interested please contact the school.

December 2008

CHILDREN IN NEED

We would like to thank all the children for bringing in their teddy bears last Friday to raise funds for Children in Need.  The P1/2/3 class raised £97.35.  Well Done!

CHRISTMAS DATES

We have now organised our calendar for Christmas and on the reverse of this update you will find some important dates for your diary.

SATURDAY 6^TH DECEMBER

The Christmas Fair will be held at the Boat of Garten Community Hall from 11am until 3pm.  We hope you will all be able to attend.

TUESDAY 16^TH DECEMBER

Christmas lunch will be on Tuesday 16^th December (£1.65 per child).  If your child/ren would like to join us for Christmas lunch please complete  the slip issued with the last newsletter no later than Friday 5^th December. 

WEDNESDAY 17^TH DECEMBER

The Christmas party will be held in school on Wednesday at 1.30pm.  Children will be dismissed at usual times.

THURSDAY 18^TH DECEMBER

The Christmas Church Service and performance will take place in the church at 2pm.  We will provide transport to the Church and confirm that all children will be dismissed from the Church at approximately 3pm.  Taxis will be informed.  All parents and friends are welcome to come along.

 FRIDAY 19^TH DECEMBER

School will close at 1pm after lunches have been served.

November 2008  Newsletter

 Rag Bag

During eco school action week we held a rag bag collection and raised £37.50 for our school.

ECO POEMS

During Eco School Action Week Primary 6 and 7 pupils entered a competition called the Big Green Poetry Machine.  They are really good and some are going to be published in a book called the Big Green Poetry Machine verses from Scotland.  The book will be in the school in March next year.  This is all part of the National Year of Reading.  Well done to all P6/7 for making such great poems! By Charlotte Anderson, Jessica Anderson and Sean Mcadam  P6/7

Here are a few of the poems that were chosen:

Countryside by Ross Miller

I  like  the wind  rushing past my hair.
I don't like people dropping litter without a care.
Walking dogs in a wood.
Come on now let’s treat it good.
The Countryside has a lot of space.
Chainsaws cut down trees without a trace.
Wildlife lives in very nice places.
But with more houses being built mean there’s no more
spaces.
All this seems very cool.
But if it all goes that will not rule.
 

Wildlife

Wildlife is active, wildlife is shy

I like birds because they fly in the sky

Lions roar but do not snore

Ducks eat fish and love bread

If you hurt wildlife it might die

From ducks to trees are wildlife too

Energy saving can also help,

if you hurt animals they’ll go yelp

by Jared Gordon

Dolphins

A dolphin was swimming in the

 deep blue sea.

Enjoying the cool water and breeze

When it came upon a plastic bag.

It got entangled and felt very sad

So remember when shopping

 and using plastic

For dolphins this could possibly

 be DRASTIC !!!

 By Lucy Garrow

 
Quality and Standards Report

Along with the November newsletter parents received a copy of the school’s Quality and Standards Report. This is a part of the Council’s new Development Planning process and the school will have to publish such a report each session. This report informs parents of what happened during last session in terms of attainment, development plan projects, school activity and successes.

Parental Help Forms

Many thanks to all parents who have returned the parental help form issued at the start of the new term. 

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Emergency Closure Information

As winter fast approaches it is important that parents make themselves familiar with the school’s procedures for emergency closure due to adverse weather.

·        Parents are asked to listen to Moray Firth Radio or Radio Highland if in any doubt about the school opening.

·        Parents are asked to use the Highland Council telephone message service on 0870 0546999 to hear the latest news from the school. (pin number: 041860)

·        Parents who have access to the internet can check the winter weather website on:- www.winter.highlandschools.org.uk.

If the school closes during the day parents or emergency contacts will be notified and asked to transport children home.  No pupils will be sent home until contact has been made with parents or emergency numbers.

It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.  The Education Authority encourages full attendance at school but in severe weather conditions the safety of pupils is much more important.

MEDICATION

If your child has a medical condition, please ensure that you have completed the relevant forms and that all medication is up to date.  It is helpful if children have extra inhalers etc in their PE kit.

SCHOOL UNIFORM/PE KIT

Due to an increase in items of lost property, please ensure that all items of clothing are labelled.   This will also make life for the pupils easier whilst changing for PE.

PE KIT

Please ensure that all children have a full PE kit (t-shirt, shorts, tracksuit and trainers) on their PE day.  This is very important especially during the winter months.  Due to health and safety reasons there is a no jewellery policy during PE.

JACKETS/CHANGE OF SHOES

With the winter weather approaching please ensure that your child has a coat/jacket to wear.  We would also appreciate that if and when winter boots are worn to school that a change of shoes be taken as well, to avoid wet and muddy floors.

STAMPS

We have recently found out that used stamps are still being collected for the Oxfam Charity and have set up a box for used stamps in the school.

SPONSORED CYCLE

Once again a very successful afternoon.  Thank you to all our helpers and well done to all our pupils.  We have raised £580 for school funds. 

ATHLETICS

A reminder that there is Athletics coaching for all ages in the Abernethy Community Centre on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.  Come along and try it!

PEANUT ALLERGY

We would appreciate if parents could ensure that no peanuts etc be taken to school as snacks or in packed lunches.  Thank you.

INVENTORS CHALLENGE

On the 3rd November 2008 ten primary sevens from Deshar and Abernethy went to Drummossie Hotel in Inverness. We were there for an inventing competition.
On arrival we were given a smoothie in a fancy glass and a flapjack. After that we went to our allocated table to complete a warm up challenge. There were four tutors dressed up as famous Scottish inventors; they were Thomas Telford (roads), Alexander Graham Bell (telephone), John Logie Baird (television) and Elsie Ingles (hospital).

Our inventor was Alexander Grahame Bell and our challenge was to invent a method of communication that we would use in one hundred years time. Alexander Graham Bell had three schools that had to update the telephone and only one school could get through to the finals. Deshar and Abernethy got through to the finals and we were very relieved!

When we got to the finals we had to give a presentation to fifteen other schools of what we had invented. Our invention was called i band and it was fantastic. Unfortunately we did not win and won’t go to Edinburgh to compete against others school in Scotland but after we did our presentation we got a lovely huge buffet lunch.

By Mairi Blair and Carla Sermanni 

Teddy Bear Parade/Children in Need Friday 14^th November

P1/2 are finding out about teddy bears as part of their now and then topic.  They would like to find out about the favourite teddies of the children throughout the school.  On Friday 14^th November they are holding a teddy bear parade and would ask that all children bring their favourite bear to school.  They would also welcome any donations for Children in Need. 

A fantastic £72.50 was raised.

BONFIRE NIGHT

Thank you to the Parent Council, everyone who donated baking, time etc and an extra special thanks to the team who made it possible.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

As an Eco School we are doing our best to save on the amount of paper we use and are trying to set up a directory of email addresses to enable mail to be sent electronically.

If you would be interested in receiving school information via email please inform the school.

Newsletter     September 2008

Kintail

On Monday 15 September Primary 6 pupils from Deshar and Abernethy travelled to Kintail for a three night residential trip. The group stayed at Ratagan Youth Hostel on the shore of Loch Duich. The children had a great time.

On Monday we had lunch beside Loch Ness. When we got to the Youth Hostel we checked out our room. All the beds were bunk beds. The best thing about Ratagan was sharing a room with my friends.By Lucy

Tuesday. Today was fun. I learned a lot on the glass bottomed boat and we saw a shipwreck. We went swimming. On Wednesday we saw seals and went for a walk at night. The dog that followed us was really funny. By Jared

We saw a seal from the boat in Kyle of Lochalsh. We had a talk from Willie Fraser about the Kintail Mountain Rescue team. I liked the boat trip best. I liked the sausages because they were nice.  By Liam

I went swimming and I had fun. We did lots of things about Mountain Rescue. We went to the Iron Age Brochs. I had fun on the boat trip. The best thing was going on the seal boat trip in Plockton. The seals were very cute. By Louise

I thought the glass bottomed boat trip was good because it was exciting and we saw a seven legged starfish. The best thing about Ratagan was the cooking and the worst thing was getting to sleep. By Alasdair

Many thanks to Mrs. MacEwan and Mrs. Black for giving up their time to accompany the pupils

PARENT COUNCIL

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parent Council for the funding they provided to purchase some new play equipment for the P1/2/3 classroom.

RAGBAG

A little reminder that the Ragbag collection vehicle is coming on Friday 3^rd October.  Due to the lack of space in school we would appreciate if bags could be delivered to the school on Thursday or early Friday morning.

ECO WEEK

Next week we are having our annual Eco Week and have arranged various different activities for each class.  Children will have PE as normal on Monday but we would also ask that they take a full PE kit on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well.

SPONSORED CYCLE

Please also remember the Sponsored Cycle/Walk on Wednesday afternoon (1^st October).  All welcome.

Remember your helmet and a drink of water!

Also as part of the Eco Week we have Laura Stewart from Street Jammin coming to the Community Hall on Thursday 2^nd October.  Come along and join the fun.  All welcome.

HEALTHY BRAINWAVE

We would like to encourage all children to take a sports style bottle of water into class with them.  Juice is only allowed at break and lunch times. 

Newsletter August 2008

Welcome back to a new school year. This session we welcome 4 Primary 1 pupils and 5 new pupils further up the school. The school roll this session is 45 and the nursery class has 6 children. We also welcome Mr. Hutt, the new teacher of P6/7 for half of the week, and Mrs. Nicol our new PE teacher.

PE

Please note that this session PE will now be on Monday. Please ensure that pupils have a t-shirt, shorts and gym shoes. Due to the PE timetable please note that there will be no tuck shop on a Monday.

Prize Giving Trophies

To enable us to have the trophies engraved please return them to the school office next week.  Thank you.                              

Kintail

On Monday 15^th September Primary 6 pupils from Deshar and Abernethy will be getting together for a trip to Kintail. The group will be staying at Ratagan Youth Hostel on the shores of Loch Duich for three nights and making visits to Eilean Donan Castle, Glenelg Brochs and Plockton for a seal boat trip. Once again both schools are grateful to Mrs. Black and Mrs. MacEwan for giving up their time to accompany the children.

Venison Project

Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils will be taking part in a visit to Kinveachy Lodge on Friday 19^th of September. This event is being run by Colin McCLean, the Deer and Uplands Manager for Cairngorm National Park. The object of the visit is to find out about the management of deer and the production of venison. The children will be taking part in a variety of activities led by Saranne Bish , Highland Countryside Ranger, and members of staff from the Estate. Pupils and parents will receive more details soon.

Nature Club

The school’s Nature club for P4-7 pupils will be starting up again on Tuesday 9^th September.  Further details will follow in due course.

Music Club

Mrs. Burr has started the Music Club again this term. The first session was on Tuesday 26^th August. There will be 6 sessions in total. Hopefully funding from Highland Council’s Study support fund will allow us to run more sessions later in the school year.

Ragbag

Our next collection of textiles for recycling will be on Friday 3^rd October.  Due to lack of space we would appreciate if bags for this scheme could be taken to school near the end of the week beginning 29^th September.

Cookery Demonstration – Pampered Chef

Many thanks to Fiona MacKenzie and Lorna O’Connell for organising the above event to raise funds for our school.  We would also like to thank the various people who provided refreshments at the recent Hog in the Bog weekend.  Profits from this event were also donated to the school.

School Improvement Plan

Each October the school will be publishing a School Improvement Plan that sets out how the school plan to develop learning and teaching. The plan also has a profile section, which will include the school’s aims. Schools are now being asked to share these aims with pupils and parents and to ask for comments and/or suggestions. The object of this exercise is to ensure that all members of the school community have the opportunity to contribute to the writing of these aims and develop a sense of ownership.

 This session the school’s Improvement Plan will be working on the teaching of reading, improving and developing procedures for pupils moving from Nursery to P1 and from P7 to S1 and on promoting positive behaviour in school.

 Eco School Action Week

In order to ensure that the whole school community keeps focussed on our commitment to the eco schools objectives we will be holding our annual Eco School Action Week from the 29^th of September to the 3^rd of October. We will be working closely with RSPB, Highland Countryside Ranger Service and Forest Enterprise to provide activities for the pupils. Plans are already in place to hold Street Jammin Dance aerobic sessions and a sponsored cycle will be held that week.

Waste Free Wednesday

A reminder to all pupils, parents and staff that Wednesdays are ‘Waste Free’. All bins, except recycling bins are closed that day. Please bring snacks and packed lunches in re-useable containers.

June 2008

SPORTS DAY

Sports Day will be on Thursday 12^th June (weather permitting).  This will be held at the Village Playing Field starting at 1.30pm.  Any parents available to help with transport please come to the school for 1.15pm.  All children will be dismissed from the field at 3.15pm.  We will arrange for taxi children to be collected from the field. This will be Mrs. McKenna’s last sports day at Deshar as she is due to retire in November. We thank her for all her dedication and hard work over the years and wish her all the best for the future.  As children are competing in their houses it would be great if children could wear a t-shirt in the colour of their house.  If not a white t-shirt with their badge would be preferable.

 John Muir Award

Primary 6 and 7 pupils received their John Muir Discovery Award certificates in a short ceremony at the site of their newly erected red squirrel information board. This took place on Tuesday 2^nd of June with Alan Smith from Cairngorm National Park and Heather Bantick unveiling the board.

School Roll

Due to the falling school roll there will be a restructuring of the classes next session. The roll is expected to be 44 pupils which entitles the school to 2.5 teachers. This means that for half of the day the classes will be split as follows:

P1-3 12 pupils

P4-5 17 pupils

P6-7 15 pupils

These classes will be focussing on the core subjects of reading writing and maths. For the remainder of the day the classes will be organised as follows:

P1-5 22 pupils

P5-7 22 pupils

The P5 class will be split by age based on Highland Council’s Composite Class Policy.

Unfortunately, this means that Mrs. Beckley will no longer be with us next session, she has been transferred to Alvie Primary School. We will all be sorry to see her leave as she has become a very valuable member of the school community and I know that all her pupils will miss her in August. We wish her the best of luck in her new post. The post of a 0.5 teacher will be advertised by Highland Council shortly.

P7 VISIT TO GGS

On 17^th, 18^th and 19^th June the P7 pupils will be attending their three day visit to Grantown Grammar School in preparation for their transition in August.  Pupils should wear their Deshar School Uniform.  Further details will be issued by Grantown Grammar School.

CHURCH SERVICE

The end of term church service will take place on 27^th June at 11.30 a.m.  Pupils will be dismissed from the Church at 12.30 p.m.  Pupils wishing to have a school meal will be returned to school and dismissed at 1.00 p.m.  If you would like your child to have a meal please complete the attached slip and return to school no later than Friday 13^th June. We look forward to seeing you there.

SECOND HAND BOOKS

We would like to thank the Boat of Garten Post Office for selling 2^nd hand books to raise cash for our school fund.  £150 was received from them last week and is greatly appreciated.  Thank you also to everyone who bought the books.

TESCO VOUCHERS

We are now counting the final bundle of Tesco vouchers and are delighted to let you all know that we are now at 12,900.  This is the most ever and we would like to thank everyone who has collected for us.  Time to look at the catalogue now and we will keep you updated on what we order for the school.

                                                            MAY 2008

Walk to School Week/19^th – 24^th May

Thank you to all children who took part in this annual promotion.  Well done. Our JRSOs have collected the data from last week and will be able to use this in support of any further projects related to road safety and healthy routes to school.

Generation Science

The P4 – P7 pupils went to Abernethy Primary School on Friday to see Generation Science demonstrating Future Earth.  This activity was funded by the two primary schools. The children enjoyed the event.

I thought it was brilliant and funny.  It was good when some people went up to help them put things in plastic or metal.

                                                                             Chelsea MacKenzie P4

I though it was quite good because it was about recycling and you need to do that.

                                                                             Louise Blair P5

I thought that it was sort of confusing but good.  It made me think that I should be grateful for all the cans and trees.

                                                                             Michael Grant P4

PE KIT  A reminder to all parents to ensure that their child/ren brings PE Kit and any medication (inhalers etc) to school on Thursdays, our PE day.  PE kit consists of trainers, shorts and a t-shirt.  It is extremely important that the children have their full kit.

 Katie Morag & Whin Park

The P1/2/3 class had a fantastic summer trip to Eden Court last Friday to see Katie Morag and then on to Whin Park to have some play time and eat their packed lunches.

Katie Morag was excellent.  The best bit was when Dude was scared!

                Sally Garrow P3

Katie Morag was brilliant.  It was good looking for the treasure.

                Ross Tucker P3

Thank You

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan and Janice Dobbie for filling up our sand pit and also for the upkeep of the lines and games in the playground.  The children are thoroughly enjoying the sand pit this term.

Community Garden

The P1/2/3 class have spent a couple of afternoons in the Community Garden this term.  Thank you to Sue Murray for all her kindness and support.  The children let their butterflies go at the garden and thought this was just wonderful.

Choices for Life

The P7 pupils went to Inverness on Thursday 29^th of May to attend an event called Choices for Life. This event is held annually for all P7s across Highland. Choices for Life is all about giving children the information they need to help them make healthy and safe lifestyle choices as they grow up. The day featured music, drama and interactive games.

P7 Visits to GGS

The P7 children all went to Grantown Grammar School on Monday 26^th May for their first visit.  In June they will spend 3 days at the Grammar School in preparation for August.  Further details will follow separately.

1940’s Weekend

The P6/7 class studied WWII this session and have been asked to attend a 1940’s weekend at Boat of Garten Railway Station.  Separate details have been issued and any children wishing to take part will require to go dressed as an evacuee.

Open Evening

Thank you to all parents who attended our Open Evening last Thursday.  The evening was very successful and we hope you enjoyed looking at the children’s work and classroom displays

Fruity Friday

Fruity Friday is next week (Friday 6^th June).  Children can come dressed in the colour of their favourite fruit.  We have arranged for various ‘fruity’ activities to  take place. Fiona Bing, Health Promoting Schools Officer, will be in school to talk about a balanced diet and choosing healthy snacks. Ene Forsyth has also agreed to come in and show the children how to prepare fruit.

Sports Day

A reminder that Sports Day is on Thursday 12^th June, at the playing field, at 1.30 p.m.  Parents are of course welcome to attend. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Highland Spring for once again supplying the whole school with bottled water for our Spo

P4/5/6/7 Summer Trip

The P4 – P7 children are looking forward to their summer trip which takes place on Monday 2^nd June.  They are going to spend most of the day at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.  Weather permitting this should be a great day out.  Details and permission slips have been issued.

NEWSLETTER APRIL 2008

Snowsports – P7

Our Primary 6/7’s only managed two trips to the Cairngorms last term due to weather conditions being too poor. However, the two days were still very enjoyable.

Active Schools Co-ordinator

Irene Blease our Active Schools Co-ordinator has recently retired and we would like to wish her all the best for the future.  Hopefully Irene’s position will be filled soon.

Tesco Vouchers

We have received some of our Tesco Sports for Schools order from last session and are waiting on a few more parcels.  This session’s box is doing well and once again a big thank you to all who collect these for our school.

Bring & Buy Sale

This was a great success and we raised £61.44 for Cancer Research UK.  Thank you to all who contributed to this event.

Travel to School

Parents will have noticed the road works taking place outside the school recently; this is to install a new 20 mph speed limit zone around the school. This will only be active during drop off and pick up times.

The cycle path behind the canteen is now complete and all children have been encouraged to use this to avoid the car park.

Highland Primary School Bonspiel, Inverness

Kate Lightfoot P7 and Alistair Forsyth P5 joined pupils from Grantown Primary and took part in this Highland Council curling event.  The team won all 4 games and became the overall winners.  Well done.

Climbing Wall – P6/7 & Nursery

All pupils have now completed an introductory session at the Extreme Dream Climbing Wall in Aviemore.  This was a great experience for the children and hopefully they will use their climbing skills on our own new climbing wall. Extreme Dream will be holding a school championship this term. This will start with an event for P5, 6 and 7 with the winners at each stage going on to take part in an inter-school final.

Fairtrade

Last term pupils from S2 at Grantown Grammar School visited the P6/7 class to give a talk on Fair trade issues. They also brought along some fair trade goods for the pupils to buy.

Music Club

The school has decided to cancel the remaining music club sessions for this term. No pupils attended last week due to other sporting activities taking place in the village. The club will run again next session.

Dundee Science Centre

The P6/7 class visited the Dundee Science Centre on Wednesday 23^rd April to study the Cosmic Dome and lots of hands on science activities.  This trip was funded by Sensation Dundee. The children joined up with P6/7 from Abernethy and enjoyed a great day out.

Open Evening

School reports will be issued on Monday 19^th May and the Parents Open Evening is on Thursday 22^nd May from 5pm until 7pm.

Edinburgh Trip

The P7’s from Abernethy and Deshar met up on Tuesday 22^nd April to discuss arrangements for their forthcoming trip to Edinburgh. The programme for the week is almost finalised and already includes visits to Deep Sea World, Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and the Botanic Gardens.

Summer Fair/Fun Day

Date for your diary - Our fun day this year is to be held on Saturday 21^st June.  Separate details will be issued nearer the time.

NO MORE BOTTLES PLEASE

Thank you to everyone who has been collecting plastic bottles for our Green House project.  We now have plenty bottles and hope to start our building soon. 

Growing food

A big thank you to Mr MacKenzie (Mrs Beckley’s father) for donating 4 whisky barrels to the school.  They look fantastic and will be great for planting our vegetables.

Primary 1, 2 and 3 have been doing a potato growing experiment this term and Bobby Mackenzie from Glebe farm has been in school helping the class.