Prestonpans Primary School Information Newsletter

September 2014 We aim to be the best we can be

Tel: (01875) 810950; Fax: (01875) 814083;

E.Mail: prestonpans.ps@prestonpansprimary.elcschool.org.uk;

Website: http://edubuzz.org/blogs/prestonpansprimary

Dear Parents and Carers,

What an incredibly busy time we have had since the start of term. However, the most exciting

experience has been the arrival of our chickens in Primary 4. We were told last year that it is very

unusual for all of the eggs to hatch successfully and I am delighted to say that once again we have 10

very happy chickens enjoying life at Prestonpans Primary School.

Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall

On Thursday 11th September, we were all delighted to have the opportunity to meet East Lothian’s

local hero, Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall. Alex was the proud winner of 2 Commonwealth Gold Medals in

Glasgow for lawn bowls. After answering numerous questions, the children had the opportunity to

touch his gold medals. I overheard one child stating that they would never wash their hands again!

Our brand new ‘Half Past Eight Club’ will be running each Monday from 8.30am until 8.55am. This club

gives the opportunity for any child who arrives early to come inside to our dining area to simply read

for pleasure. Your child may wish to read their AR Book, or it could be a favourite book from home,

comics and annuals would also be suitable. If your child brings in a kindle, it is their responsibility to

hand it over to a member of staff for safe keeping. Please encourage your child to come along and

join us for what will be a very calm and relaxing start to the day.

Judo Tasters

At the start of the term every class throughout the school had the

opportunity to take part in judo taster sessions. The children thoroughly

enjoyed themselves and participated with great enthusiasm.

School Garden

There was an official opening on Thursday

18th September to celebrate our new school garden. A huge thank you

to the children, Mrs Peterson, Barbara from Roots and Fruits and all of

our family members who have given up so much of their own time to

help create such a wonderful environment.

David Wilson Homes Golf Day

The Saltman brothers who all live at David Wilson Homes’

Prestonfields Development, were invited by the housebuilder,

as part of their Pride of Place initiative, to give a group of our

Primary Six children a special lesson in golf ahead of the Ryder

Cup.

The masterclass, started with an introduction into the history

of golf and was followed by details on what it’s like to be a

professional. The session was rounded off with a practical

session where the children were helped to perfect their swing and improve their putting. This was a

very exciting opportunity and you never know, maybe in the future a pupil from Prestonpans Primary

could represent Europe in the Ryder Cup!

Fundraising

On Friday 19th September children and staff came to school wearing jeans and raised an amazing

£165.64 for Jeans for Genes a charity which provides care and support for thousands of children

living with genetic disorder. Thanks to everyone for their donations.

Tesco Volunteers

Our wonderful Tesco volunteers are back this session and will be helping our P5 pupils to develop a

butterfly garden and to decorate our outdoor stage. The children have spent time with Mrs Rollo,

contributing their design ideas for the outdoor stage – they are very creative!

Referendum

On the 18th of September we held a school referendum on independence. Every

child from P4 to P7 was given the opportunity to vote and the final result was

very close. The votes were 43% yes and 57% no. We noticed that the school

result was very close to the national result which was 55% no and 45% yes.

Thanks to all the children who took part.

Sophie and Dylan P7R

Skills

Last week the children chose their new skills activity and it was a pleasure to see the children fully

engaged and having fun. As you can see from the photographs below, the children had a wide range of

skills to choose from: basketball, scooter skills, thinking out of the box, designing cards,

songwriting/guitar, tag rugby, hockey, designing hallowee’n costumes, orienteering, changing corridors

and engineering.

Instead of taking part in our skills sessions, our two Primary 6 classes

have been experiencing outdoor learning activities led by Martyn Pegg

who works for ELC Outdoor Education Department. These activities

have been organised in order to prepare the children for their

outdoor learning day at the Lagoons in Musselburgh

Scooters and Cycling

As you can see from the photograph taken from the scooter skills group, all of the children are

wearing helmets. Can I please respectfully ask all parents/carers to ensure that their child is wearing

a helmet if cycling or scootering to school.

Junior Ryder Cup

On Tuesday 22nd September, I accompanied our two

Primary 6 classes to Blairgowrie to watch the Junior

Ryder Cup. When watching the young golfers who were

representing Europe and the USA, the children had to be

very aware of the correct ‘golf etiquette’. I am very

proud to say that the children were very well behaved and

were able to watch the golf in amongst all of the other

spectators. After lunch, the children participated in a

variety of activities which aimed to develop their golfing

skills.

House and Vice Captains

At the end of last term, the children voted for their new House and Vice Captains. I would like to

congratulate the following children:

Bankton: Aimee Brown and Holly Marr

Drummore: Ross Hislop and Eilidh Smith

Inchview: Max Murray and Katie Yorkston

Mercat: Samantha Fuller and Eilidh Smith

Each child can earn their own house points in a variety of ways, for example, by being responsible and

handing homework in on time, wearing school uniform, bringing in their PE kit, showing kindness

towards others, being respectful and showing good manners in school. So far the following house

points have been earned:

Bankton Drummore Inchview Mercat

2099 1764 2186 1962

School Uniform

Thank you for ensuring that your child is dressed appropriately for school. We expect all of our

children to wear school uniform which indicates to us that they are ready to learn in class and be part

of our school community. If a child arrives in school wearing inappropriate clothing a member of the

management team will contact you to discuss this further. Please make sure that all your child’s

uniform is clearly marked with their name.

Home School Communication

It is very important to us to encourage open communication, feedback and discussion about any

matter which is important to all of our pupils, parents/carers. We would therefore, very much

appreciate if you could contact the school office so that a member of staff can make themselves

available to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

Playtime and Lunchtime Certificates

The following children have been awarded certificates for being a good friend and for demonstrating

acts of kindness in our playground:

4M: Skye Dunbar, Talitha Duff and Mia Fairnie

4S: Keeli Brown and Adam Scott

4P: Robby Bennion, Brooklyn McLeod and Robert Howard

5H: Charlotte Wright

5G: Mack Murdoch

5RD: Keziah Duff

6W: Dylan Gardner and Ciaran Foulner

6S: Jack McLeod

7R: Michelle Hastie, Kacey Bowers, Emma Reid and Aiobhin Whitecross

7HP: Connor Calder

Norovirus

Unfortunately, the winter vomiting bug is back. If your child is unfortunate enough to catch it, can I

please ask that they remain at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms stop. To find out

more about the winter vomiting bug, visit www.nhsinform.co.uk/norovirus or call 0800224488.

Community News

Cockenzie House and Gardens Book Festival ‘Write by the Shore’ will take place on 1st and 2nd

November. It is the first Cockenzie House book festival and there will be a children’s author section

on Sunday 2nd November between 2-4pm featuring authors Evelyn Morrison and Debi Gliori. Evelyn

Morrison has been writing and illustrating for children for over 11 years, but has only recently

decided to publish. She is a part-time student and Leith School of Art in Edinburgh. Debi Gliori is

well known for both her picture books and her novels for children. A two day weekend ticket costs

£35, a great price to see such a variety of authors plus music, readings from local authors and wine

and nibbles. A day ticket can be purchased for £20 or a session ticket for £10. Tickets can be

purchased at Cockenzie House on 01875 819456. More information can be found on the school

website.

Energy Park Proposals

Our local MSP, Iain Gray, visited Primary 7 on Monday 29th September. He came along to answer

some of the questions which the pupils had about the Energy Park proposals. Mr Gray also took time

to talk to the pupils about his job as an MSP. He was very impressed by how good the pupils questions

on the topic were, and how interested they were in such an important local issue. Here is just a small

sample of some of the questions which the pupils asked:

If this is going to happen, can you explain the process? Holly

Are wind turbines better than a power station and why? Ben

If the Energy Park didn't happen, what would you want to happen instead? Katie

Parent Council

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 9th October at 6.30pm. This meeting will focus

on the organisation of the school autumn fair. The school fair can only be a success with

your support and we would very much appreciate any offers of help. If you are unable to come along

to this meeting, but would still be able to help on the 15th November, please contact the school.

www.facebook.com/prestonpansprimarypc

Calendar

Thursday 2nd October Parents Evening & Book Fair

Monday 6th October Boys football match V Pinkie St Peters (@ Pinkie)

Tuesday 7th October 6W to Musselburgh Lagoons

Wednesday 8th October Harvest Assembly @ 9.15 am

Boys’ football match V Windygoul @ Prestonpans

Primary. 2pm kick off

Thursday 9th October P6 Rugby Festival @ Meadowmill 10-12.00 pm

Monday 13th October – Friday 17th October SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday 20th October In-Service Day for staff. School closed to pupils

Tuesday 21st October School re-opens for pupils and staff

Wednesday 22nd October Golf Taster Sessions (P5)

Girls Indoor football tournament @ Meadowmill

(10-12.30)

Monday 27th October Fischy Music P3 – P4 Transition Event

Thursday 30th October Pumpkin Carving - all volunteers welcome

Wednesday 5th November Badminton Taster Sessions (P4)

Friday 7th November P5 Golden Time @ 11.45 All parents/welcome

Saturday 15th November Autumn Fair

Tuesday 18th November Flu Vaccines

Proposed date for P4 Badminton Festival (TBC)

Wednesday 26th November Jack and the Beanstalk @ Brunton Theatre

Kind regards

Janet Scott

Acting Head Teacher