Upcoming events
Don’t forget to check the school calendar for upcoming events, in addition to those detailed below:
https://www.tayvallich.argyll-bute.sch.uk/events/
What a fabulous and busy fortnight we have had in school! I can hardly believe how much we have achieved.
P7 transition sessions
We were delighted to hear that our P7s had 4 very successful transition days at Lochgilphead High School and are (almost) ready to leave us….although we are going to make the very most of every last minute that we spend with them.
Staffing
As you know, we say goodbye to Miss Logan at the end of term. I will never forget the excitement I felt on the day I got the email saying that Miss Logan, my fabulous former high school pupil, was coming to Tayvallich as a probationer; I knew how lucky we were to be getting her as our P1 to 4 teacher. Her commitment to building meaningful relationships to support high quality teaching and learning is exemplary. Castlehill is incredibly lucky to have her on the next part of her teaching journey and we wish her all the best.
We also say goodbye at the end of term to Mrs Fife, who has brought so much to our staff team as a support assistant this session; her experience and skill have been indispensable. Many, many thanks to her for being there when we needed her.
Festival
As those of you who were able to make it, you will know that the inaugural Tayvallich Summer Festival went beyond expectations and was the most wonderful event. The children showcased their learning across every part of the curriculum and did so in a way that was ambitious, creative inclusive and a fun for everyone who was there.
Huge thanks to got to our partners who helped the run the activities on the day by giving up their time on a voluntary basis; in particular Archie McAllister, our amazing guest performer, Martin Douglas who led the inspiring wind performance, Martin Mellor who did the fabulous yoga warm-up, the Campbell family who provided a tractor, the Rodwell family who allowed some extra impromptu paring on their drive and Ben, who was there to help with whatever we asked him to do, both on Friday and in the lead-up to the day.
Huge thanks also go once again to Miss Fraser, Miss Logan, Mrs Mes, Mrs Briggs, Mrs Fyfe, Mr Mitchell and Miss Carter who all put in a huge amount of planning, time and effort to make the day such a memorable experience for the children. And last but not least, thank you to our incredible children who played such a key part, alongside the adults, in designing and making the day happen.
Mr Carter (many thanks also to him) captured the day on camera and you can see the photos here: Tayvallich Summer Festival – Tayvallich Primary School and ELC
For those of you who could not make it, the children will be performing their play and some of the other items from the festival at our end of term celebration and P7 leavers’ assembly on July 1st. All will be welcome to join us. We finish for the holidays at 1pm that day, so we will have the assembly at 11.30 and then parents/guests will be invited to join us for a (bring their own) picnic lunch until 1pm. The children could either order a school lunch as normal, or have a packed lunch from home. Mrs Briggs will be in touch this week to confirm whether you will be able to join us.
Hope Spot
Once again this year, both of our Hope Spot/Sense of Place Days that took place on June 11th and 17th were a resounding success and built on the learning that we did in May 2024. The children engaged brilliantly with the activities on both days, even when the weather decided to throw a few showers at us on the second day when we were down at Keills. All of the adults who worked with them commented on their respectful and positive attitude. We are extremely grateful to the Aitchison Family who allowed us to be based around their home at Keills for day 2.
Many thanks also to Dan Coyle, the Merman, artist Rosie Cunningham, Pete Creech and Oly Hemmings from Heart of Argyll Wildlife and Keira Anderson and Danielle from Argyll Hope Spot for their brilliant tuition. Christine, Ant and Gordon for transporting us on the days. The activities would not have been possible without funding from Argyll Hope Spot, for which we are hugely grateful. This was once again partnership working at its best.
Check out the pictures here: Hope Spot 2025 – Tayvallich Primary School and ELC
P7 residential pictures
I have not managed to sort and upload these to the website yet, although our P7 parents got the photos during the residential week. I may not get to do this before the end of term and for this I apologise in advance.
And that’s almost a wrap from me.
With just 7 working days to go until the holidays and three of those away with some of our P5 and 6 pupils at Yesfest, I can hardly believe how fast the end of the year is approaching. In fact, I cannot really believe that it is almost three years since I started as your Head Teacher, 11 and a half years since I began working in Argyll and Bute and over 30 years since I started my teaching career.
They say that time flies when you are having fun and my career in formal education has certainly brought me a huge amount of fun. It has also brought me the opportunity to work with the most amazing children, colleagues and families and to make connections that have shaped me as a professional and a person.
Our children are our greatest teachers and our greatest treasures. I thank you for sharing your treasures with me and I wish you and your family all the very best for the future.
Lots of love
Lena
