http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/web/files/SchoolsColleges/SPRING-SUMMER_2015_MENU.pdf

There has been a large number of staff and pupils affected with a sickness bug. In order to minimise the further spreading of infection the school requires a ‘deep clean’.

For this to happen the school/nursery will be closed tomorrow, Friday 23rd January 2015.

Please remember that anyone who has been unwell must remain off for 48 hours following the last bout of sickness/diarrhoea.

School/nursery will be open as usual on Monday 26th January 2015

I apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience this causes and would like to thank you for your support in this matter.

Eileen Jessamine

Parent Questionnaire feb 2014 Results

It was super to see so many parents visiting school on Tuesday. The pupils and staff provided a ‘hands on’ look at numeracy, science and technology across context through the Curriculum for Excellence.

A Questionnaire was handed out to those able to attend the Open Afternoon and eldest and only pupils were given a paper copy of the Questionnaire seeking parents views to take home. Questionnaires should be returned to the School Office by Friday 21st February 2014.

We also have an interactive Questionnaire accessed through the link below or through the links sent through Group call.

Part 1

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R6JK92B

Part 2

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TR3TDGW

Thank you to all those who have handed in their completed Questionnaires and returned them to school. Your opinion is important to us.

The Christmas Fayre is a key highlight in the busy festive calendar and was well attended by pupils who were thrilled with their selected purchases.  Thanks to Parent Council and Fundraising Committee and parents and family members for their supported of the school throughout the year.

The Christmas Concerts and Nativity performances were excellent and really brought the spirit of Christmas to life!  We raised a grand total of £470.31 for our school funds.

A big ‘thank-you’ to parents and family members for supporting their children at these Christmas events

We again welcomed former pupils and friends of Skene Square to school to join in with Christmas Celebrations with a sing song and mince pies.

The school is looking beautiful with a range of displays and Christmas decorations and decorated doors which added to the merriment and excitement of the class Christmas parties.

Many thanks to all the staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to provide engaging and effective learning and support pupils in the wide range of experiences and outcomes of the curriculum.

School Improvement Plan

The School Improvement Plan is produced annually to plot and deliver effective teaching and learning on going within Skene Square School. This School Improvement Plan reflects on previous work, evaluates progress made and informs new targets for development.  To help progress learning further in Active Literacy Skene Square School will be taking on a Whole School Approach to Reading including a wide range of activities taking place across the school (P1-P7) to support this initiative.  In Numeracy a new core resource has been purchased to further deliver challenge through progressive pathways.  A copy of the School Improvement Plan is available on the Skene Square School Blog, https://skenesquare.edublogs.org/

Curriculum Open Afternoon

A Curriculum Open Afternoon has been arranged for Tuesday 11^th February 2013. This will showcase the new approaches of teaching and learning delivered through the Curriculum for Excellence across all levels, Early, First and Second (Nursery to P7)

Follow Through Inspection Report

On 26^th April 2011 an inspection report was produced by HMIe on Skene Square School.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/SkeneSquareSchoolandIns20110418_tcm4-703865.pdf

This term Skene Square School welcomed Officers back into school and following their visit a Follow Through Inspection Report has been produced. Findings stated that the school has continued to make good progress and as a result there will be no further visits made in connection to this Follow Through Inspection. The Report can now be shared with parents and a copy accompanies this Newsletter.

Staffing

We are very sorry to say goodbye to Mrs McWilliam, P3/4 Class Teacher who retires on Friday 20^th December.  Mrs McWilliam has been a member of staff at Skene Square School for over 16 years and will be greatly missed.  We wish her all the very best and thank her for all her hard work and support. Miss Findlay, Depute Head Teacher, will teach P3/4 until the “preferred candidate” for this post joins us.

Head Bumps

To provide a more timely response to inform you regarding any minor “head bump” a Groupcall message will be sent to your mobile telephone number.  For head bumps requiring further intervention and of a more serious nature you will continue to be contacted directly.  Please ensure your contact details are up to date.

Winter Clothing

Now that the winter months are here can you please make sure that your child/children are wearing warm clothing to school including a hat and gloves.  Please make sure all items of clothing are labelled.  Can I also remind you of the procedures for a School Closure.  Skene Square, like all other Aberdeen City schools, will use the following services to inform you of a school closure:

• School Information Line – Telephone Number 0870 054 1999, Pin Number 011590
• Aberdeen City Council website – www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
• Bulletins broadcast by Northsound Radio
• Groupcall Alert

Nursery Applications for 2014/2015

Nursery enrolment takes place from Monday 20th January to Friday 31^st January.  Application forms are available from the school office during this time.

Primary 1 Applications for 2014/2015

Primary 1 enrolment takes place from Wednesday 8^th January and Friday 17^th January.  Application forms for pupils in our catchment area are available from the school office.  Placing request forms can also be obtain from the school office or on Aberdeen City Council website (www.aberdeencity.gov.uk) for pupils outwith our catchment area.

Tartan Day

In the New Year we will be holding our traditional poetry week from Monday 20^th to Friday 24^th January with Tartan Day on Friday 24^th January where children are invited to wear a “touch” of tartan.

May we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year.

TERM DATES

FOR REMAINDER OF SESSION 2013/2014

Term 2 Ends                           Friday 20th December 2013

Christmas Holiday                Monday 23rd December 2013 to Friday 3rd January 2014

Term 3 Begins                                    Monday 6^th January 2014

In Service (Staff Only)                       Friday 14^th February 2014

Mid-Term                                Monday 17th February 2014

In Service (Staff Only)                       Tuesday 18^th February 2014

Term 3 Ends                           Friday 4^th April 2014

Easter Holiday                       Monday 7^th April to Monday 21^st April 2014

(Good Friday 18^th April 2014)

Term 4 Begins                                    Tuesday 22^nd April 2014

In Service Day (Staff Only)    Friday 2^nd May 2014

May Day Holiday                    Monday 5^th May 2014

Term Ends                              Friday 4^th July 2014

A seasonal selection of festive tunes – a great performance from all!

A polished performance!

A wonderful rendition of Away in a Manger and We wish you a Merry Christmas.