Raasay Primary School

This term the focus for our Inter Disciplinary Learning will be World War 1, also within Science we will be looking at Earth and Space and within Health and Wellbeing we will be focusing on Food, to name just some of the areas of our curriculum being covered this term. Within the World War 1 topic pupils will be researching family and local stories of those involved in the War. Perhaps you have some family connections or stories you would like to share with the pupils? If so, you can email the school on wilma.duncan@highland.gov.uk or rhona.gillies@highland.gov.uk or drop us a note. We are also delighted to be welcoming author Donald Murray to the school on Wednesday 12^th September for a Creative Writing Workshop linking to the World War 1 topic.

We welcomed pupils back to school on Tuesday 21^st August after our summer break. This year we have no new P1’s and we have no one leaving for High School so it is lovely to have the same group of 7 this session – here they are with their buddies for this session.

At the end of another very busy and productive year at Raasay Primary School, we were delighted that so many parents, friends, family and community members came along to help us celebrate the children’s successes at our annual Prizegiving. Pupils performed some of their pieces from the Mod and also some other pieces they had been learning. Our special guest this year presenting the prizes was Mrs Ann MacLeod who had tutored Nelly for her Gaelic singing competition at the local Mod. Also in attendance was Iseabail Strachan, Community Arts Development Officer, who worked with the school on a Community Arts based programme creating a Raasay leaflet of local placenames. The leaflet focuses on the area round Holoman and thanks were extended to John William Gillies (Bradan) who came into the school to share his knowledge of the area, totalling over twenty five place names. The leaflet will be on sale in the Shop, Raasay House and The Silver Grasshopper for 50p. All proceeds will go to the pupil Enterprise Fund. Also, we were delighted to show parents the final woven blanket which was a result of all the After School Weaving Club work that Miss Lillian MacLeod had undertaken with the pupils. The children have decided to gift this to the Nursery and all agreed it was lovely to see the finished product. Mrs Wilma Duncan thanked all those attending and also all the various individuals, families, community members, local businesses and groups who help and support us throughout the year. As you can see, the presentation was followed by some delicious cakes and refreshments and we were blessed with beautiful sunny weather which we hope will continue for the holidays!

Raasay Primary School was represented by Tabby and Nelly at the recent Inter School Orienteering event. Both girls worked well as a team and completed the course in very good time. A quick stop to the cafe was required as pre-event sustenance was required!

Raasay Primary School’s summer day out this year was a fantastic trip to Inver beach by way of Raasay House fast boat! Pupils enjoyed the fast boat ride (and even having a shot of driving!), beach explore, sand castle competition, team games, seal watching and a picnic. Of course, no beach day would be complete without a bonfire and marshmallows!

A big thank you to Raasay House, especially David and Gordy who helped to make the day fantastic and fun!

Thanks to Davie Carslaw for some more fantastic photos of our annual Sports Day. As you can see – not only was the weather spectacular but the setting is pretty special too!

Raasay Primary and Nursery pupils enjoyed a fantastic ‘Sports Fun Day’ at the pitch on Thursday 21st June. The theme this year was Biodiversity and teams were divided into ‘Bees’ and ‘Ladybirds’ with some themed games such as: Millipede March, Healthy Habits Obstacle and Bug Tug. Thankfully, the day which had started quite grey improved and the sun came out for us! A big thank you to locals and visitors who came along to watch and cheer us on. Thank you also to the Parent Council for some much appreciated refreshments afterwards.

Raasay Nursery enjoyed a fantastic day out with Broadford Nursery on Monday 11th June. Pupils travelled down to Plockton where they enjoyed an exciting boat trip to see the seals and then had a picnic and playpark visit. As you can see we have a ‘Skipper’ in the making!

A big thank you to Broadford Nursery for very kindly inviting us to this and other events throughout the term.

Raasay Primary School pupils were delighted to receive a visit from our local Fire Fighters. The children thoroughly enjoyed learning about the importance of Fire Safety and getting stuck in with the water hose putting the ‘fire’ out!  The feedback also included how much they loved being in the Fire Engine, the sirens and being surprised at how heavy the helmets were! Knockbreck Nursery, who were on a day out to Raasay also thoroughly enjoyed joining in the experience.

We would very much like to thank David, Iain and Malcolm who kindly gave of their time to make the visit possible.

Raasay Primary School had their annual school summer picnic on Tuesday 12th June. Anda, our school cook, put on a fantastic spread which was enjoyed by all. It also happened to be a special birthday for Anda. The children presented her with their own hand made cards and we also surprised her with a cake and gift from the staff.