Portree Primary pupils embrace their first ever virtual sports day

Portree Primary School came up with an innovative way to keep children active during lockdown and ensured they didn’t miss out on their annual sports day.

The pupils took part in their first ever “virtual sports day,” on Friday with each child given an event to take part in at home.

The virtual event was the culmination of the schools Health and Wellbeing Week and pupils had been given a weekly activity grid to prepare them for their virtual sports day.

The activities were designed to encourage pupils to work together as a family at home and focus on being happy and healthy.

And Skye’s very own Hugh Campbell, one of Scotland’s top long-distance runners, sent the children a special message of support ahead of their sport day, highlighting the importance of good nutrition, sunshine and outdoor activity.

As part of the school’s screen free Health and Wellbeing Week the children were also tasked to create posters, plan events, create prizes but most of all have fun. The winning house will be announced this week.

Chairman of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “It has been great to follow the virtual learning journey promoted by schools across Highland including Portree Primary School, over recent weeks and I am really impressed by the inspirational ways staff have been liaising with and supporting learners and parents.

"The Portree Primary Sports Day is a fantastic example of the school, pupils, parents and community members working together to create something unique and memorable for learners even at this difficult time. I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved and it is very clear that pupils  enjoyed their very different 2020 Sports Day."

Portree Primary Head Teacher, Sara Matheson, said: “This is an idea that was put together by our PE staff at school in order to focus on Health and Wellbeing and to reduce screen time for all.

“The efforts and response from our pupils and parents were extraordinary. Pupils made awards, created events, advertised their sports day and most importantly embraced the ethos of having family fun outdoors.

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils who are rising to every challenge set – this event was another example of their ongoing incredible efforts.”

 

Above - Tug o War (left to right): Kirsty Murray P6 and Eilidh Murray P4