February 2023

KEY DATES

Wednesday 15 February – Monday 20 February (inclusive) – Half Term Holiday

Monday 20 February – Staff Development Day (no pupils in school)  

Tuesday 21 February – Strike Action – some classes affected.

Friday 17 March– School closed for St Patrick’s Day Holiday

All key dates are available on the school website (www.gibsonps.co.uk – under Parents – School Closures)

Strike Action – Tuesday 21 February 2023

As previously indicated a number of classes will be impacted by this action. Pupils in these classes should attend school from 12.00noon. Please note transport will not operate for the 12.00noon start, however, should be operational for normal start and finish times. Further details will be circulated at the beginning of next week.

Post Primary Transfer Applications

Reminder – all Post Primary Applications must be submitted online before 4pm on Thursday 23 February.  Mr Sterritt is meeting with all Year 7 parents regarding pupil progress, Post Primary placement and the online process.  If there is still anything you would like help with or need clarification on after your meeting, please do not hesitate to contact him.

Well, done to all our Year 7 pupils who received their AQE results on Saturday 4 February.  It is clear how much hard work they put in.  We’re extremely proud of them all.

After School Activities

After school activities continue to run from 2.15 – 3.00pm for all pupils in school.  These will run until Easter with Y4-7 pupils taking part on Friday afternoons while Y1-3 pupils operate on a Monday.  Please note Y1-3 pupils have already received dates of clubs.

Y1 – 3 Parent Teacher Interviews

Our parental consultations are scheduled to take place on our Staff Development Day, Monday 20 February (and a limited number on Wednesday 22 February).  We will be returning to face to face interviews lasting approximately 15 minutes.  This is an important opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress with their class teacher. A letter has been sent home inviting you for interview and should be returned to the class teacher by Friday 10 February. 

Coronation Day Bank Holiday & Local Council Election

An additional Bank Holiday has been proclaimed in honour of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.  This will take place on Monday 8 May.  We have also been advised that Gibson Primary School is a designated Polling Station for the forthcoming Local Council Election on Thursday 18 May.  Therefore, school will be closed on these days.

School Attendance – The Educational Welfare Officer visited school recently and expressed concern at the number of children with low attendance.  He will be monitoring any pupil whose attendance is below the legal limit of 85% and may be making contact with parents. Please be aware that pupils who arrive after 9.15am are marked late and will be recorded as absent for the morning session.       

School Nurse Letters

A letter from the School Nursing team was sent home with our Year 1 pupils and some Y2-7 pupils this week.  Please complete and return to the school office before Monday 13 February. 

Busy Bees

This club continues to operate from 3.00-4.30pm each afternoon costing £5 per day.  Anyone interested in booking should contact the school office.