Raasay Primary School

Pupils in schools across Skye and Raasay had the opportunity to take part in an Ice Skating session which was set up in Portree Community Hall by ‘Wonderice’ and organised by the ‘Light up Portree Community Events Group’. Our pupils had their session on Monday 19th January – and were lucky to have the whole arena to themselves! As the boys were complete novices at ice skating, they started off with the ‘penguin’ skating aids. However, they soon gained in skills and confidence and were very soon skating on their own. The progress they made was fantastic and was noted by two other P.E. teachers who were in attendance. As this was part of their ‘SHHANARRRI’ rewards chart – the boys then enjoyed a fabulous brunch at the Red Brick Cafe – hot chocolate and pancakes with bacon and maple syrup were the order of the day! Well done to the boys for learning a new skill and enjoying their reward day.

We always appreciate the fantastic support that we received from businesses and local groups with regards to fundraising and our annual local calendar. The boys spent some time writing their thank you cards which were sent out before Christmas.

We are enjoying our collaboration with Eigg and Muck School as part of our journey to the Reading Schools Silver Award. We shared a presentation where we learned about each other’s islands, we welcomed each other in Gaelic and learnt the Gaelic for Reading Schools. On the back of the collaboration we are starting an After School Reading Club – the boys identified this at a recent Pupil Council Meeting.

This term we have a focus on times tables learning and number operations – multiplication and division. The boys have been keeping note of their progress since the start of the year.

‘I can see my progress already and I really enjoy using the Clevertouch and getting faster and faster and more accurate’ P6 pupil

‘I’m really looking forward to moving on to the division challenges once we have completed all the multiplication table challenges.’ P5 pupil

‘I’ve moved on to my next table challenge as I kept getting one hundred percent after a few practices’ P4 pupil

In our first week back for the new term, the boys got straight back into their ‘Book and a Biscuit’ reading session whereby they visit the Nursery to read stories to them. This is part of our Reading Schools journey for Silver Accreditation.

If anybody would be interested in participating in our Reading Schools journey by coming along to read to the children – either favourite stories from your childhood, or a book from our library, please contact the school office on 01478 660219.

In RME pupils were learning about key figures in Christianity and also stores in relation to Christmas.

Health – Pupils have been learning about what constitutes a healthy diet and what nutrients are required to keep us healthy. Pupils had to menu plan to create a balanced and healthy lunch.

As part of our support for the new Community shop appeal, the boys presented Shop Manager, David Carslaw with a cheque for £100. This was a percentage of the takings from our Christmas School show.

We received a lovely thanks you letter from CORRA Chair, Jo Mahler in appreciation of our donation.

The boys are pictured presenting the cheque to David Carslaw.

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY – the boys enjoyed wearing their Christmas jumpers for the last week of term and, as a result, £30 was donated to the ‘Save the Children’ fund.

Pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed their delicious school Christmas lunch – thank you to Ann, our school cook, for the wonderful spread.

The boys then joined with the Nursery for a Christmas party with all the usual games before the much anticipated visit from Santa (and his helpers!).

A big thank you to Santa and his helpers for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit – and drop off some presents.

The boys have been working on developing their skills during their weekly Weaving Club and this term the focus was on producing a two coloured scarf. As you can see from the photograph of the boys proudly wearing their scarves, the results were amazing – and some lucky family/friends were in for a lovely surprise gift for Christmas! As always, thank you to Lillian for providing the club.

The Primary pupils took part in the West Highland Free Press Christmas Art Competition and all produced some lovely Christmas images which were entered into their respective age categories.

During their art lessons the boys also produced some lovely silhouetted Christmas stag pictures using the effects of shadowing and silhouette to create a striking image. We think they look great.