Blackfriars Primary

YOU SAID!

WE DID!

More Homework

Provide daily brain exercise through homework daily.

Homework is a very contentious subject. Some parents want more homework, some are happy with the amount we already give and some want less. We will be looking at our Homework Policy in the future in a bid to give options for everyone’s opinion.

In the meantime our teachers, in addition to providing formal homework, give information in the termly newsletters about how you can help your child with their learning.

 Family Engagement and Learning is very important for our pupils and if you can learn together it is so positive for your child. Spending time with your children is so beneficial to their greater learning and helps them to become Confident Individuals, Effective Contributors, Successful Learners and Responsible Citizens. These are the 4 Capacities of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.

Keep close eye on P1 in playground at breaks.

We have a number of staff in the playgrounds over break. They are very vigilant but I am sure you realise that to watch all of the children ALL of the time is quite difficult but they do try their best. They wear highly visible jackets and can be approached if the children have any concerns. We also have “Friendship Benches” where the children can go if they feel lonely. We have many playground pals and buddies who spend their playtimes ensuring the safety and enjoyment of others. If any children have any concerns they should always TELL AN ADULT.

Explain how the learning approach connects to Career Management and Meta skills essential for a very complex future labour market.

We have started looking at this just now and have introduced some activities into our planning and curriculum but we hope to build on this next session by including Developing the Young Workforce in our School Improvement Plan for session 2020-21.

Deal with Bullying.

I am really disappointed to see this here as this has been a focus in Blackfriars over the past session. In fact Mr McCormick has just done a parental consultation around Bullying this term. Can I suggest that you contact Mr McCormick or myself to discuss your individual concerns. We are always happy to listen. Mr McCormick has just written our new Bullying Policy and we will welcome your input. Please get in touch.

If possible any meetings later in the evening due to working parents not being able to attend meetings.

I will talk to staff and we will try to make some of the timings more accessible next session.

I am sure that you appreciate that staff have families and dependents also at home.

Thank you for your feedback.

Please remember that I always have a “Dates for your Diary” at the back of the Newsletter for future planning. The Newsletter can also be found on the Website and the APP.

More Healthy Choice for lunch.

Cordia provide our school meals. The lunch menu ensures that meals are nutritionally balanced. They have a very varied menu and I have my lunch in the hall but, if you have any complaints/concerns/dietary requirements around school meals, please contact Cordia directly.

More handwriting practise.

The children follow a handwriting programme throughout the school. Once they have learned how to form the letters they can practise to get neater. This would be a great thing for children to practice at home.