Strachan School December Newsletter 4 December 2009

First of all a huge thank you to everyone who supported us with our Christmas Rotary Shoebox Appeal. We were able to send away all of our 33 boxes decorated and filled. It is a tremendous achievement. Well done!

In school we are very busy practising and organising for many events that are happening shortly

The children and staff have worked very hard to support this event. There will be various activities including a lucky dip, raffle, chocolate fountain, Christmas cards to buy, baking, and presentations by the P5-7 children. Refreshments will be available at the price of £2.00. The children have designed posters that have gone out into the community. Everyone in the community is very welcome to attend.

We are busy rehearsing for our concert which this year has a traditional and modern musical theme. The children do not require costumes this year but we would ask them to wear a self-coloured red or green or black t-shirt, a dark skirt or dark trousers and gym shoes or soft shoes. The concert will take place in the village hall as usual. Tickets on sale next week. Thank you to parents who will cater for the event.

We are looking forward to having our special school lunch altogether on Wednesday 9 December.

This year’s Christmas party is on Thursday 17 December in the village hall. Children will have their lunch in the hall. All children will be dismissed at 3.00 pm on that day from the hall. School transport to be cancelled unless specifically requested. Many thanks to parents who are also catering for this event.

Our Christmas Service will be conducted by the Rev Jack Holt at Finzean Church on Friday 18 December at 1.30 pm. Children will be transported to church by coach, and dismissed home with parents. Once again, school transport to be cancelled. Thanks again to parents for refreshments after the service.

It has been brought to my attention that drivers coming out of the lane beside the school are finding it difficult to see traffic coming along the main road because of vehicles parking on either side of the junction. Please do not park on either side of the entrance to the lane. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Mrs Julie Heughson, Head Teacher of Finzean School has invited the children of Strachan School to join their musical production. The theme celebrates the movement of population away from the community and then returning in later life. This will involve the children being filmed as they take part in activities. Two performances will take place in Finzean Hall in the evening and one afternoon towards the end of January. I will keep you informed of further details as the project develops.

• Ennochie Farm

  Recently the whole school visited Ennochie Farm owned by Mr Sandy Anderson. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were able to learn more about their environment. We are most grateful to Sandy, also Sheila Stewart (RNCI Project Officer) for providing this valuable learning experience for the children.

• St Andrew’s Day

  To celebrate St Andrew’s Day our P6 and P7 children went to a ceilidh at Crathes Hall with children from Crathes, Durris and Drumoak schools. Alba played her bagpipes beautifully to introduce the ceilidh. As well as Scottish dancing, each school had prepared a number of sketches describing a famous Scot. It was a very enjoyable event and our children’s presentations were excellent.

• Very Happy Christmas

  I look forward to meeting you at our forthcoming events. In the meantime I would like to take this opportunity to join with all our staff in wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Jill Dunn

Head Teacher