Holm Primary School
Area
Holm School delineated area (catchment area) starts at Island Bank Road and includes the area outwards from Drummond Circus, Drummond Crescent, Holm Mills, Holm Mains, Holm Park and Ness-side. On the east side it includes Ardholm Place, Ardbreck Place, Ardness Place, the new Holm Dell development, Essich and the farms west of Culduthel Road and The Inverness Royal Academy.
The School Buildings
Holm Primary School is situated off Stratherrick Road overlooking Holm Mains and Holm Park. The main access is from Stratherrick Road - opposite Lochardil Woods. In addition, pedestrian access can be had using the steps up from Holm Mains at Boarstone Avenue.
The school opened in August 1974 and was extended in February 1979. It provides comfortable accommodation for up to 350 pupils. All the accommodation is one the ground floor.
There are four main buildings: The Administration Block, which contains the Head Teacher's and Secretary's offices, the Staff Room, Music Room, Hall, Dining Area and Kitchen.
Teaching Block A, where the Nursery Class, P1, P2 and P2/3 are situated.
Teaching Block B, where P3/4, P4/P5 and the Pink Panther playgroup are situated.
Teaching Block C, where P5/6, P6, P7, School library and Teachers' Resource Room and Medical Room are situated.
Each of the Teaching Blocks has a central "open area" adjacent to classrooms. The "open areas" are provided as classroom extensions. Each Teaching Block has its drinking water fountain and toilet facilities.
Each class has at least one PC with internet access and email facilities. In addition we have a bank of PC's in the open area of C-Block and laptop computers for use throughout the school. The 21st Century is very much the age of the computer and so it is vitally important that our children are prepared for this.
The school has spacious outside playing and recreational areas. The grass area provides space for athletics, football, hockey, rugby, orienteering etc. The tarmacadam area in the centre of the school grounds can be used for playground games and activities such as cycling instruction. In 2002 the PTA secured lottery funding for the construction of a basketball court at the edge of the playing field.
Placing Requests
If you live outside the catchment area and would like your child to attend Holm School, you must request a place, in writing from the Area Education Manager, Mr Hector Robertson who is based at the Area Education Office, 13 Ardross Street, Inverness. IV3 5NT. Parents/Carers who are granted a place are responsible for any transport costs.
Please note that there is no automatic progression from Nursery to the Primary stages if you live outwith the catchment area, similarly there is no automatic progression from Primary School to the Inverness Royal Academy. Placing requests are required to be submitted at each stage.
'Open door' policy to parents
You know your child best and at Holm School we look forward to working together closely as partners in your child's education. Parents are always welcome to call at the school to clarify any information or to discuss any issues which may arise. The Head Teacher is most willing to consider any requests or suggestions for liaison with parents. Parents or members of the community who have a special skill or interest which might support curricular activities, or be the basis for possible extra-curricular activities are most cordially invited to contact the Head Teacher with a view to further discussion.
Parent Helpers in School
Parents are involved in the school life in various ways. Helper parents assist on swimming days by accompanying the teacher and class to Inverness Swimming Pool. Parents often provide help with supervision of children at events such as basketball matches, football matches and environmental studies trips. In addition there is a football club for youngsters organised and run by parents who train in the school field in the evenings or on Saturdays and who play as a team against other schools and clubs. Parents also train P6 for the cycling proficiency tests.
Parent helpers can play a part in and out of the classroom. If you are interested in giving up some of your time to help within the school watch out for appeals for helpers in our newsletters, or contact the school.
Community
In June 2004 and 2005 children took part in the Junior Highland Games organised by Highland Hospice and raised money for the Hospice.
For the Tsunami Appeal we had a wacky hair day and non-uniform day and raised £370. For Children In Need we had a come-as-you-please day and raised £255. 47 shoeboxes were packed for Blythswood full of interesting gifts for others less well-off than ourselves.
The P.T.A. organised Carol Singing at the Eastgate Centre and together with the collection at the Christmas Concert we raised £189 for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Care for Children. The choir also sang for the Inner Wheel at their Christmas Lunch in the Lochardil Hotel and were given a cheque for £100 which was also sent to The Malcolm Sargent Cancer Care for Children.
Finally we have weekly collections for UNICEF and over the last year we sent £185.81 |