Gibson News - September 2022

KEY DATES

Monday 31 October – Friday 4 November      Hallowe’en Holidays

Tuesday 20 December – school closes at           12.30pm for Y1-4 and

1.00pm for Y5-7

Wednesday 21 December – Tuesday 3 January (inclusive) – Christmas Holiday   

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

School App – We will only be sending letters, newsletters and permission slips via the school app or e-mail.  It is therefore essential that all parents download the ‘School’s NI’ app and register to receive up to date information.  Please note our messages are sent ‘privately’ which means only people who have been verified can access these.  We are in the process of updating everyone’s details therefore if your details have changed or you need further assistance, please contact the school.

COVID-19 – Thankfully we are moving past the widespread infections of Covid-19 within our community.  However, we are aware that cases are still being reported.  The latest guidance indicates that if your child tests positive they should self-isolate for 3 days before returning to school. 

Year Group Meeting – All classes are planning a meeting for all parents to outline what you and your child can expect this year including what topics will be covered etc.  This does give both teachers and parents an opportunity to meet face to face which has not happened in quite some time.  Your attendance at these meetings would be appreciated:

The meetings are on the following dates:

• Language Unit – Mrs Shortt’s class - Friday 9 September at 9.30am
• Language Unit – Mrs Davidson/Mrs Beggs class – Friday 16 September at 9.30am
• Year 1 – Wednesday 14 September at 1.30pm
• Year 2 – Wednesday 7 September at 2.30pm
• Year 3 – Tuesday 20 September at 3.15pm
• Year 4 – Tuesday 13 September at 3.15pm
• Year 5 – Wednesday 7 September at 3.15pm
• Year 6 – Thursday 8 September at 3.15pm
• Year 7 – Monday 5 September at 3.15pm

After School Activities – As usual we will be running a series of After School Activities for our pupils. They are always very popular and normally all activities are over-subscribed.  Details regarding these will be sent home via email and the school app later in the week.  Once again there will be a nominal fee of £5 per child (for the 8-week session) to help cover the cost.

Breakfast & Afternoon Clubs – School opens at 8.30am every morning.  Children can be left off any time up until school starts at 9.00am sharp. Please note NO pupils are allowed past the pupils’ gates before 8.30am.  If you require supervision for your children before this time or after school, we offer the following:

Breakfast Club – Runs every school day from 8.00am costing £1.50 per day or £6 per week – no advance booking required.

Late Class – For pupils in Y1-3 who wish to stay until 3.00pm to ease collection.  Costs £1 per day, no booking is required and money should be sent to class teacher.

After School Club – This is a NEW service which runs from 3.00 – 4.30pm every school day. Costing £5 per day this needs to be booked in advance by contacting the school office for a booking form.

Free School Meals & Uniform Grant – Given the spiralling costs of everything it is essential that everyone eligible applies for free school meals.  While lots of you already have applied please note that until we are notified by the EA you will still be charged for dinners.  Given the delay in the application process it is VITAL that applications are submitted ASAP.  If you need any assistance with this, please contact me at school.

Allergies –  We continue to have a significant number of children who have severe allergies and are required to have Epi-pens.  Please note no NUT products can be sent into school.  Specific classes will be notified about other allergies which impact them. Thank you for your help with this.

Car Park –  We are extremely fortunate to have our own car park; however, it is ESSENTIAL that everyone follows the rules to ensure the safety of our pupils.  ONLY BUSES & EA TAXIS can use the drop off lane.  This will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.