26 Oct 2007 - St John's Newsletter
St John?s RC Primary School
Newsletter
Friday 26th October 2007
Dear Parents,
GREAT NEWS!
St John?s has recently achieved Stage 1 Accreditation as a Health Promoting School.
This entitles us to use the Stage 1 logo on letterheads, logo?s, newsletters, school handbooks. We will be presented with the official certificate to display in school at the next Healthy Schools Award ceremony on 6th November.
A big thank you to Mrs Tina Misselbrook for compiling the submission, to the staff on the Healthy Schools Working Party who are continuing to promote healthy ways in the school and to the parents for their involvement in the quilt. Plans are now underway for the next phase ? accreditation Stage 2.
Councillor Marilyne McLaren
On Wednesday 31st November, Cllr Marilyne McLaren will visit St John?s and meet with the sub group of the Parent Council who will be steering the plans for improvements to our building. This will be a good opportunity to share views.
World Ward II Evacuees
The P7?s attended an Evacuee Trip as part of their WWII topic, on Tuesday of this week. The pupils were fantastic and a real credit to the school. Well done boys & girls.
Parent Council
Christmas Fair
There will be a meeting of the Fundraising Sub Group on Thursday 1st November at 7.30pm in the school staff room. The main thrust of their discussion will be planning the Christmas Fair. If other parents are interested in joining this group please come along and help.
Smartboards
As you know the Parent Council are fundraising for Smartboards for the school. They are going to match half of the cost of the Smartboard. We have just purchased another 2 for the school at a cost of approximately £3,000 each. We already have one in our ICT suite. We have a bit of a way to go to ensure that every class has one.
Soccer Sevens Trials
Congratulations to Jordan Sinclair who has been selected to play for Edinburgh in the Soccer Sevens. By all accounts the standard of play was excellent and Jordan should be proud of his efforts. Well done Jordan!
Feast of All Saints ? Thurs 1st November
On Thursday November 1st, the whole school will attend 9.00am Mass in St John?s Parish Church. Pupils should make their way directly to church and be seated for 8.50am. The P4 classes will prepare the Mass. Parents are most welcome to join us. If there are parents who do not wish their child to attend, please bring them to school at 10.15am.
Change of Venue - St John?s Dyslexia Group
Please note that in the last newsletter there was a note re St John?s Dyslexia Group, who are meeting on Monday 29th October from 7.30pm ? 9.00pm. The meeting was planned to take place at the Dalriada, but the venue has been changed to the Kings Manor hotel. Anyone who has a child who is or may be dyslexic is welcome to join us. For further information contact Jacquie Robertson on 669 6891 or Oonagh O?Brien on 669 5315.
Mrs McGee
Mrs McGee has returned to Edinburgh from her trip to Legho Village in Tanzania. She has had a wonderful time. We are all looking forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns to St John?s in mid November
New Football Strips
We have been extremely lucky and been given a set of new strips sponsored by Simon Collins, Capital Defence Lawyers, Prestonpans, who is also a parent at the school. This now means that the P6/7 team have new strips and the P4/5 team have the kit from the Daily Record last year. Both teams now look professional when representing the school. A big thank you to Simon Collins.
Calling all ladies out there..
How does a night of pampering, relaxation, retail therapy and chat, sound? We are having a girl?s night at St Johns Church Hall on Thursday 15 November at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 each, includes wine and nibbles, and you will be able to start your Christmas shopping with The Body Shop and It's All Good Jewellery (by Lindsay Nicolson). All proceeds will go towards Smart Boards for the school. Tickets go on sale Monday 29 October and you can buy these from Steph Dodds, Carolyn Devers, Ellen Hepburn and Catherine O'Loan. Only 60 spaces available so get in quick!
Parental Consultation
You will receive your appointment time to meet with your child?s teacher by the middle of next week. A reminder that the dates are:
Wednesday 14th November 1.00pm ? 3.00pm
Friday 16th November 5.00pm ? 8.00pm
Message from local Community Police Officer PC Willie Rennie
I have recently received several complaints from parents and local residents, regarding parking issues outside the school at start and end of the school day. The zigzag markings and double yellow lines outside the school are there for the safety of your children and should not be used for dropping off/picking up children under any circumstances.
Another parking issue that is causing me concern is the practice of double parking when there are no spaces outside the school. This creates danger to pedestrians crossing the road and also other road users.
A common excuse for doing this is 'I will only be a minute'. This is a minute that you are exposing children to danger and is not acceptable.
Along with my Traffic Warden colleagues, I will now be patrolling outside the school at peak times. Any driver caught parking in a dangerous manner will now be subject of a fixed penalty ticket, resulting in a fine or points on their driving licence.
Should anybody have any queries regarding this, please contact me at Portobello Police Station or on willie.rennie@lbp.pnn.police.uk
PC4955A Willie Rennie
P7 Football Team
Yet another successful weekend for our P7 football team. At Wardie on 6th October the team won all 4 of their games in the 1st round of the Inspector?s Cup without conceding a goal! Well done and good luck for the next round.
PhotoArch Competition
Following last year?s success, the Scottish Civic Trust will again be running ?PhotoArch?, part of the International Heritage Photographic Experience co-ordinated by the Council of Europe. We are inviting all schools who have submitted entries in the past to consider taking part again.
The competition is open to all primary school aged children and aims to provide them with the opportunity to express their thoughts, experiences and perspectives on the heritage, buildings and archaeology around them. 2 winners will be picked and will receive a digital camera for themselves and one for their school. Their entries will be submitted to the International Heritage Photographic Experience Headquarters for publication as Scotland?s entries in the catalogue of winning picture form all participating countries. Deadlines for submitting entries is 23rd November. If you would like more information please go to the website: www.photoarch.org.uk
National Boys Choir 2008
If you are interested in joining the National Boys Choir 2008 we have application forms and information in the school office.
Extra Curricular Activities
Active Schools
Capoeira P3/P4
Thursday 8.00am? 8.45am Hall
Basketball P7
Wednesday 3.30pm-4.30pm Hall
Girls Football
Tuesday 3.30pm-4.30pm Outdoors
Mini Kickers
Starts 6th Nov 8.00am-8.45am Hall
Basic Moves
Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm Hall
Taster sessions are coming up in Rugby & Hockey. Information will be sent out soon. Cluster initiatives include Rugby for P5/P6/P7 & Basketball P3-P6.
Vote for your Favourite Lolly Man?..
It is the final week of voting in the Evening News School Crossing Guide of the Year Award, 2007, so make sure your local School Crossing Guide gets all the votes they deserve! Nominations close at midnight on 31st October, so come on support our lolly men who do a great job in ensuring our pupils cross the road safely, get voting!
Voting is easy, with four ways to vote:
1. By email at schoolcrossing@edinburghnews.com
2. Online at www.edinburghnews.com/crossingawards
3. By text to 81800 (terms and conditions apply)*
4. Using the nomination form included in the Evening News throughout October
And don?t forget. If the School Crossing Guide attached to your school goes through to the final a member of staff, four pupils, together with a parent/carer, will be invited to the award ceremony at the Menzies Belford Hotel.
All votes count! A system of proportional representation will be used to count the votes which will help ensure that Guides working at smaller schools still have a fair opportunity to win. Further information about the awards and voting is available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolcrossing.
Change of Clothes ? Donations Required
We are running very low on change of clothes for girls and boys. If you have any girls/boys pants, socks, trousers, polo shirts etc you could donate to the school this would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks for your continued support and co-operation.
Ms Barbara A Service, Head Teacher
Newsletter
Friday 26th October 2007
Dear Parents,
GREAT NEWS!
St John?s has recently achieved Stage 1 Accreditation as a Health Promoting School.
This entitles us to use the Stage 1 logo on letterheads, logo?s, newsletters, school handbooks. We will be presented with the official certificate to display in school at the next Healthy Schools Award ceremony on 6th November.
A big thank you to Mrs Tina Misselbrook for compiling the submission, to the staff on the Healthy Schools Working Party who are continuing to promote healthy ways in the school and to the parents for their involvement in the quilt. Plans are now underway for the next phase ? accreditation Stage 2.
Councillor Marilyne McLaren
On Wednesday 31st November, Cllr Marilyne McLaren will visit St John?s and meet with the sub group of the Parent Council who will be steering the plans for improvements to our building. This will be a good opportunity to share views.
World Ward II Evacuees
The P7?s attended an Evacuee Trip as part of their WWII topic, on Tuesday of this week. The pupils were fantastic and a real credit to the school. Well done boys & girls.
Parent Council
Christmas Fair
There will be a meeting of the Fundraising Sub Group on Thursday 1st November at 7.30pm in the school staff room. The main thrust of their discussion will be planning the Christmas Fair. If other parents are interested in joining this group please come along and help.
Smartboards
As you know the Parent Council are fundraising for Smartboards for the school. They are going to match half of the cost of the Smartboard. We have just purchased another 2 for the school at a cost of approximately £3,000 each. We already have one in our ICT suite. We have a bit of a way to go to ensure that every class has one.
Soccer Sevens Trials
Congratulations to Jordan Sinclair who has been selected to play for Edinburgh in the Soccer Sevens. By all accounts the standard of play was excellent and Jordan should be proud of his efforts. Well done Jordan!
Feast of All Saints ? Thurs 1st November
On Thursday November 1st, the whole school will attend 9.00am Mass in St John?s Parish Church. Pupils should make their way directly to church and be seated for 8.50am. The P4 classes will prepare the Mass. Parents are most welcome to join us. If there are parents who do not wish their child to attend, please bring them to school at 10.15am.
Change of Venue - St John?s Dyslexia Group
Please note that in the last newsletter there was a note re St John?s Dyslexia Group, who are meeting on Monday 29th October from 7.30pm ? 9.00pm. The meeting was planned to take place at the Dalriada, but the venue has been changed to the Kings Manor hotel. Anyone who has a child who is or may be dyslexic is welcome to join us. For further information contact Jacquie Robertson on 669 6891 or Oonagh O?Brien on 669 5315.
Mrs McGee
Mrs McGee has returned to Edinburgh from her trip to Legho Village in Tanzania. She has had a wonderful time. We are all looking forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns to St John?s in mid November
New Football Strips
We have been extremely lucky and been given a set of new strips sponsored by Simon Collins, Capital Defence Lawyers, Prestonpans, who is also a parent at the school. This now means that the P6/7 team have new strips and the P4/5 team have the kit from the Daily Record last year. Both teams now look professional when representing the school. A big thank you to Simon Collins.
Calling all ladies out there..
How does a night of pampering, relaxation, retail therapy and chat, sound? We are having a girl?s night at St Johns Church Hall on Thursday 15 November at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 each, includes wine and nibbles, and you will be able to start your Christmas shopping with The Body Shop and It's All Good Jewellery (by Lindsay Nicolson). All proceeds will go towards Smart Boards for the school. Tickets go on sale Monday 29 October and you can buy these from Steph Dodds, Carolyn Devers, Ellen Hepburn and Catherine O'Loan. Only 60 spaces available so get in quick!
Parental Consultation
You will receive your appointment time to meet with your child?s teacher by the middle of next week. A reminder that the dates are:
Wednesday 14th November 1.00pm ? 3.00pm
Friday 16th November 5.00pm ? 8.00pm
Message from local Community Police Officer PC Willie Rennie
I have recently received several complaints from parents and local residents, regarding parking issues outside the school at start and end of the school day. The zigzag markings and double yellow lines outside the school are there for the safety of your children and should not be used for dropping off/picking up children under any circumstances.
Another parking issue that is causing me concern is the practice of double parking when there are no spaces outside the school. This creates danger to pedestrians crossing the road and also other road users.
A common excuse for doing this is 'I will only be a minute'. This is a minute that you are exposing children to danger and is not acceptable.
Along with my Traffic Warden colleagues, I will now be patrolling outside the school at peak times. Any driver caught parking in a dangerous manner will now be subject of a fixed penalty ticket, resulting in a fine or points on their driving licence.
Should anybody have any queries regarding this, please contact me at Portobello Police Station or on willie.rennie@lbp.pnn.police.uk
PC4955A Willie Rennie
P7 Football Team
Yet another successful weekend for our P7 football team. At Wardie on 6th October the team won all 4 of their games in the 1st round of the Inspector?s Cup without conceding a goal! Well done and good luck for the next round.
PhotoArch Competition
Following last year?s success, the Scottish Civic Trust will again be running ?PhotoArch?, part of the International Heritage Photographic Experience co-ordinated by the Council of Europe. We are inviting all schools who have submitted entries in the past to consider taking part again.
The competition is open to all primary school aged children and aims to provide them with the opportunity to express their thoughts, experiences and perspectives on the heritage, buildings and archaeology around them. 2 winners will be picked and will receive a digital camera for themselves and one for their school. Their entries will be submitted to the International Heritage Photographic Experience Headquarters for publication as Scotland?s entries in the catalogue of winning picture form all participating countries. Deadlines for submitting entries is 23rd November. If you would like more information please go to the website: www.photoarch.org.uk
National Boys Choir 2008
If you are interested in joining the National Boys Choir 2008 we have application forms and information in the school office.
Extra Curricular Activities
Active Schools
Capoeira P3/P4
Thursday 8.00am? 8.45am Hall
Basketball P7
Wednesday 3.30pm-4.30pm Hall
Girls Football
Tuesday 3.30pm-4.30pm Outdoors
Mini Kickers
Starts 6th Nov 8.00am-8.45am Hall
Basic Moves
Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm Hall
Taster sessions are coming up in Rugby & Hockey. Information will be sent out soon. Cluster initiatives include Rugby for P5/P6/P7 & Basketball P3-P6.
Vote for your Favourite Lolly Man?..
It is the final week of voting in the Evening News School Crossing Guide of the Year Award, 2007, so make sure your local School Crossing Guide gets all the votes they deserve! Nominations close at midnight on 31st October, so come on support our lolly men who do a great job in ensuring our pupils cross the road safely, get voting!
Voting is easy, with four ways to vote:
1. By email at schoolcrossing@edinburghnews.com
2. Online at www.edinburghnews.com/crossingawards
3. By text to 81800 (terms and conditions apply)*
4. Using the nomination form included in the Evening News throughout October
And don?t forget. If the School Crossing Guide attached to your school goes through to the final a member of staff, four pupils, together with a parent/carer, will be invited to the award ceremony at the Menzies Belford Hotel.
All votes count! A system of proportional representation will be used to count the votes which will help ensure that Guides working at smaller schools still have a fair opportunity to win. Further information about the awards and voting is available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolcrossing.
Change of Clothes ? Donations Required
We are running very low on change of clothes for girls and boys. If you have any girls/boys pants, socks, trousers, polo shirts etc you could donate to the school this would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks for your continued support and co-operation.
Ms Barbara A Service, Head Teacher
