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News

At last the end is near. The final Tuesday News of this session. I hope that you have found them useful.

End of Session Assembly

A reminder that our end of session assembly will be held on Wednesday 24th June at 1.45 p.m. in The School Hall. Entrance will be via the back door at the ramp. Seating will be limited and parents of P7 children will have reserved seating. Please come directly to the reserved seats. The Black Bull has offered parking in their car park and in the cause of good neighbourliness, please use this facility. We regularly have complaints from residents in our vicinity and I can understand their frustration at not being able to get in or out of their own streets and drives.

Uniform

Thank you all parents for the tremendous level of support for school uniform, almost all of our children do wear items of clothing that readily identify them as Killearn pupils. This contributes positively to our school ethos. In particular, as children progress through the school and become role models for younger pupils, it is important that they don’t succumb to non-uniform and/or items of fashion clothing. Thank you also for encouraging the children to wear shoes rather than training shoes. They do look very smart and I hope that you will continue to encourage them not to slip into trainers and non-uniform items. Thankfully the only designer label in our school is the Killearn logo, let’s keep it that way! Thank you parents for resisting and insisting on school uniform. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Already I have noticed uniform items on display in major department stores and some of you may be thinking about new uniforms soon. Could I remind you that Endrick Merchandise and McArees provide polo shirts and sweatshirts with the school logo. Order forms are available at the school. The school holds a small supply of school ties.

Equipment for Pupils

Parents often ask us what equipment their children should bring to school. Here are a few suggestions:

‘Blue Bags’ are being discontinued. Children appear to be burdened down with too many items. The new Primary 1 children will receive the last of our stock.

Due to rising costs we are asking for a donation of £2 towards Keep in Touch and student Planners for next session. These are our main means of communication between home and school but they are personalised and costs are rising.

Could I urge all parents to name all items of clothing – the mountain of lost and unnamed items really is unbelievable at times. Please remember to name lunch boxes also. Can I ask that pupils do not bring their lunches in carrier bags as they tend to get mixed up or lost.

Summer Closure

Our school will close at 1.00 p.m. on Friday 26th June 2009. There will be no school lunches on that day.

Please also note there will be no Nursery sessions on the Friday.

Parental Involvement

May I offer sincere thanks to all parents who have made a special effort to contribute to the experience of our children throughout this session. Involvement in after school clubs, School productions, helping with outings, visiting classes, working with staff and children has enriched our children’s experiences. Special thanks also to our parent helpers’ group, our Parent Council, our PTA and the Fair Trade Group who have all made a significant contribution this session. We will be asking you again next year!

Footwear and Clothing Grants

Families receiving some benefits may be eligible for footwear and clothing grants from the Council.

Even if you do not receive benefits, you may still be eligible for a grant if your income is below a certain level. The number of children on Footwear and Clothing is a significant factor in our allocation for Support for Learning and therefore has an importance beyond just helping those who qualify.

For further information and applications forms, please contact the school (550430), Council Office or Children's Services at Viewforth, Stirling (01786 443345).

And may I say…

At this time I would like to acknowledge and praise the tremendous commitment, hard work and enthusiasm of all staff in the school. Every member of staff has committed themselves to continue to provide the very best experience for all our pupils. Thank you everyone. To those who are moving on, Ray Kohli, Ian McDonald, Agnes McGrory, Lesley Finlay and Catriona Thomson, grateful thanks and very best wishes for the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rev. Phillip Malloch for his contributions to the school, as Chaplain. His support over his time in Killearn has been greatly appreciated. We wish him and his wife June all the very best for their retirement in (hopefully) sunny Torrance.

I would also like to thank all parents, families and friends of Killearn Primary. There is a superb community behind and within the school. May I express my gratitude to the Parent Council, PTA, Parent Helpers, Killearn Trust and members of the various groups within the school, for everything that they do for the school.

An enormous Thank You to all our children. Those who have worked hard, contributed to all the activities and events. Those who have taken on tasks and responsibilities. Those who have made my day fun and interesting. I am very proud of you and wish you all a lovely summer. Come back safe and well after the holidays.

Finally, my staff and I would like to wish all families an enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming our children back, refreshed and revitalised on Tuesday 18th August 2009.

Happy Holidays!
Pat MacCowan
Headteacher.