Well, it seems as if no week so far this year in Tayvallich has been without some sort of change of plan, due to circumstances beyond our control!

This week was no exception, with two days of school closure due to strikes and then another unexpected but unavoidable closure due to the water being off, when we had to move to online and home learning. I know how difficult this was for many of you and I have passed on feedback about this to our Central Education Team in the hope that communications about future planned service changes from Scottish Water can be issued with more warning.

However, in true Tayvallich style, the staff and pupils showed resilience, determination and creativity in spite of the changes and came back on Friday for some fantastic learning related to World Book Day.

P1-7 shared their favourite books and even worked on our inferencing skills together. P4-7 were able to determine who was the owner of items that had been “washed up on the shore” and some very clever P3/4s came up with an interesting theory about SpongeBob. Check out some pictures here.

The children in the ELC loved being cosy and enjoying bedtime stories but also got outside in the lovely weather.

Website

I have been very pleased with the feedback on our new website and am delighted to have added another section this week which you can check out here: Supporting all of Our Children – Tayvallich Primary School

Timetable and Curriculum

Timetable and curriculum

After a request at the recent parent council meeting, I thought it would be useful for you to update you on the timetable that will be in place between now and the summer so that everyone is clear:

P1 to 3:

P4 to 7

For the time being, all elements of the curriculum, including PE, are being covered by class teachers within these slots. Pupils are no longer required to wear PE kit on specific days for PE as most activity can be done in normal school uniform, which should allow pupil to move comfortably. However, pupils should ensure that they have trainers/PE shoes in a bag in school on their peg every day.

Coming up.

We are very much looking forward to the P1 to 3 pupils getting back in to their classroom this week after the ceiling repairs which were carried out so quickly and efficiently by the contractors.

On Wednesday 8^th March, we are very much looking forward to working with Simon and Finlay from the Digital Skills Team who will be running a workshop on the Internet and Digital Security with our P4 to 7 class.

On Thursday 9^th, pupils in P6 and 7 will also have their final workshop with Emily from the PATCH project.

Reports will be posted out this week as promised.

Traditional music lessons with Fèis an Tairbeirt

Fèis an Tairbeirt has been in touch with an offer of individual music tuition for pupils aged 8 and over in Whistles/ Fìdeag, Fiddle/ Fidheall Keyboard/ Meur-chlàr, Gaelic singing/ Seinn sa Ghàidhlig, Guitar/ Giotar, Accordion/ Bogsa-ciull, Percussion/ Druma.

Parents/carers need to apply for this – more information can be found here FnG Treòir – Information for parents and caregivers Feb 2023 and the application form can be found here Treòir Application Form for Students Feb 2023.

Further away.

On Wednesday 15^th March, P7 pupils will be attending the drama production “Smoke Free Me” at the Joint Campus. Information and permission slips will be issued this week.

We will be arranging an information session about the P7 residential at Lochranza before the Easter break and you more information about payment will be issued very soon. Don’t forget that more information about Lochranza Centre can be found at – www.lochranzacentre.co.uk look under school groups and activities.

Mid-Argyll Music Festival

As you may have heard the Mid Argyll Music Festival is back and will be taking place as a one day event for this year on Saturday 17th June 2023 with the hope that it will return in March 2024 with a week long event. Closing date for entries is 31st March 2023.

Further information can be found on the Festival’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/MAMF14/  and website https://midargyllmusicfestival.webador.co.uk/

We would love it if our pupils could take part and will do everything possible to work with staff to make it happen, although we are at slightly reduced capacity just now. If you are able to help in any way, please let me know.

Have a lovely week and don’t forget to get in touch if you need to.

Lena