“Getting it right” for the Papdale School family

Papdale Primary School is playing host to a second Wellbeing and Learning Fair next month, building on from the success of the first event in 2022.

On Thursday 2 February, the school doors will be open from 2.30pm-6.30pm for parents, carers and relatives of pupils to come along – not only a chance to meet one another and staff, but also to hear from a number of agencies who will be present to offer up practical support and assistance.

The Chair of the Parent Council, Lynne Spence, explained that the idea behind the first Fair came about from some parents who were keen for an opportunity to visit the school and meet with other parents and available staff face to face within the building itself – something which hadn’t been possible for two years because of the pandemic.

“It was decided to tie the social gathering in with an opportunity to get agencies together under one roof to offer practical help to anyone who came along who would benefit from that. In the end we had around 20 agencies take part, which was just fantastic.

“Just like last time, it will be a very informal afternoon – folk with links to the school can stop by via the bottom door to the infant school at the Willows and we will have tea, coffee and cake and the chance for folk to have a chat. Come along and find out what’s going on in the school, what the staff and bairns are working on, and maybe even be able to find out a bit more about the advice, help and support that may be out there for everyone who is facing cost-of-living challenges.”

There will be around 20 different agencies within the hall to offer up valuable advice and practical advice around education and wellbeing. For example, THAW will be present to offer support in terms of escalating energy bills, the Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau can provide advice on a range of challenging subjects, such as debt, the Community Fridge will be sharing details of how folk can access it, Social Security Scotland will be present to share the range of benefits that people may be entitled to.

Also attending will be, Child Smile, school nurses, Relationship Scotland, Orkney Library, Early Learning, Sleep Scotland and Inclusive Orkney plus more.

Acting Head Teacher, Michele Dufort, said: “Last year’s fair was a great success in terms of bringing members of the school community back together again, meeting face to face with staff, and the ability to speak with a number of agencies who offer valuable practical and financial advice and support under one roof and in a very relaxed manner.

“We listened to what families told us last time round and have amended the opening times to allow more folk to come later in the day. This is not just about building solid relationship within the school community but working together as an entire community for the benefit of so many.”