Swine Flu May 14, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : News, Policy , add a commentAdvice and guidance for parents of nursery and schoolchildren on attendance, closures and the SQA examinations.
This note seeks to answer parents’ key questions about the current situation and the possibility of a flu pandemic developing. Some parents will have particular concerns about potential disruption to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations.
At present we expect all schools and nurseries to be operating normally. This situation would not automatically change even if the World Health Authority declared a pandemic (WHO alert level 6). Any decisions on school or nursery closures would be made locally by the Council, school, nursery or owner of the nursery (in the case of private nurseries) on the basis of advice from local health officials or the Scottish Government.
As regards the examinations, the Scottish Government and the SQA continue to monitor the situation, with all key stakeholders, and will keep authorities, schools, parents and candidates informed of any developments. Plans are in place to deal, for example, with possible school closures.
The most accurate information on the current situation can be found here:
NHS Information Line: 0800 1513513
Latest information and advice from NHS 24
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can I do to help?
Help your childminder, nursery, pre-school group, school or out-of-school club by making sure that they have your up-to-date contact details - your address, phone numbers (home, work and mobile) and e-mail details as appropriate. They will need to get in touch if there is a case of swine flu confirmed among the children or staff and they suspect that children may be at risk.
On attendance and school closures
Q. Should I send my child to school or nursery if they show signs of any flu-like illness?
If your child is unwell and you are concerned about their health you should first contact NHS24 (08454 242424) or your local GP by phone for advice.
Also tell the school or nursery.
Q. What if a pupil or staff member at the school is suspected of having or being tested for the swine flu virus, or is known to have it?
If this happens, the education and health authorities will liaise very closely and decide what is the appropriate action to take - which may involve temporary closure. Parents and pupils will be kept advised.
Q. What are my rights as a parent to keep my child off school or nursery if I am concerned?
If your child is at school and the school remains open, your normal responsibility to send your child to school still applies.
Contact the school though and discuss your concerns with them.
Q. Who decides when schools should close; and in what circumstances?
Some schools and childcare services may have to close in order to help stop the virus spreading. That would be a local decision taken by the authority or school or employer, but one very much based on local or national health advice.
Q. Would alternative arrangements be made for childcare if schools or nurseries are closed?
No, because the main reason for such closures would be to reduce the spread of infection by closing places where children come together in groups.
On the school examinations
Q. Are the exams going ahead as planned?
It is very much business as usual. The exams have already started and run through until 12 June. Candidates who will be taking their examinations over the next few weeks should continue to study as normal for them.
Q. What will happen if schools have to close during exam times?
The Scottish Qualifications Authority, the Scottish Government, local authorities and others are all monitoring the situation closely. Contingency plans are already in place and are being kept under ongoing review in the light of the changing situation. They are designed to minimise disruption to the examination process for all candidates. Parents and candidates will be kept advised.
Q. What if my child is ill and unable to sit an examination?
The SQA has well-established procedures for candidates who are prevented by illness or other circumstances from taking their examinations. The copy of “Your Exams 2009”, which all candidates have been provided with, explains the procedures. It can also be found on the SQA website.
Q. Would my child’s results be affected?
The SQA’s priority would be to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and not disadvantaged and that their work would be assessed and appropriate qualifications awarded.
Term 4 Timetable for Parents May 7, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : Event , add a comment| Week beg |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
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20th April |
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First Club Golf 4/5W and 5PD |
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P4J Visit to Library |
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27th April |
P5 Judo Taster Sessions First Club Golf 5G |
John Home Robertson Girls Football at Meadowmill |
John Home Robertson Boys Football at Meadowmill First Club Golf 4/5W and 5PD |
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Dress Down Day for P5 Trip |
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4th May |
Holiday |
In-Service Day |
First Club Golf 5G, 5PD and 4/5W P6 Body Show - Generation Science |
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11th May |
Hip Hop your Heart P5 Ready Steady Bike |
East Girls Festival - Halhill
Breakdance 4J, 4R and 4/5W |
First Club Golf final session for P5 Bowls Final @ Meadowmill |
P5 Judo Cluster Festival @ Meadowmill |
Fancy Dress Fun Run |
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18th May |
Ready Steady Bike P5 |
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P7 Choices for Life Event |
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25th May |
P4 Hillwalking - Lammermuirs
P5 Ready Steady Bike |
Boiler Shut Down - Packed Lunches only |
Athletics Final at Meadowbank |
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Saturday Summer Fair |
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1st June |
P4 Hillwalking - Lammermuirs Group of 12/13 |
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8th June |
In service Additional date for new curriculum development |
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Sports Day 1pm start |
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15th June |
P4 Hillwalking - Lammermuirs Group of 12/13 |
P6 Hibs Tournament |
P7 to Preston Lodge P6 Hibs Tournament |
P7 to Preston Lodge P6 Rugby Cluster Festival P3 to transition day |
Reports issued. P7 to Preston Lodge |
|
22nd June |
P4 Hillwalking Lammermuirs Group of 12/13 |
P7 Pupil Show |
P7 Trip to John Muir Country Park P5 to Blair Drummond
|
P4 to Edinburgh Zoo
|
End of Term |
Newsletter, May 2009 May 7, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : News , add a commentDear Parent/Carer
Summer term again! How quickly time goes round. The summer term always passes so quickly with only a few short weeks before we say goodbye to the Primary Sevens and welcome the new Primary Fours. Our staff compliment has been issued and we are working out how best to meet the needs of all children within the school.
I have enclosed the term’s timetable with all the important dates noted. We start the term looking at the Scottish Homecoming and celebrating our Scottish heritage. We will then move this celebration of being Scottish to January for next session. In May we will be running our Health week and a letter regarding the Healthy Heart programme will be sent out shortly with a money bag for donations. If everyone donated even a few coins we would have a healthy sum to give to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland Charity.
School Closure
May I remind you that there is no school on Monday and Tuesday (4th and 5th May) - May Holiday and Staff In-service and again on Monday 8th June for an extra Staff In-Service Day.
Many Congratulations
Well done to the girls football team who won the John Home Robertson Trophy on Tuesday. The girls have throughout the year supported the school by displaying high quality sportsmanship and great skill. A huge thank you to Mr Spence who gives of his time willingly to coach the team.
Well Done Emma!
Emma Mack in P7M who came second in the Loretto Junior School Chanter Competition in the 12 and under section.
Bebo
We are having some problems with internet safety and Bebo at the moment. Bebo is a social network site for over 13 year olds. Many of the children within the school have their own personal site which contravenes the conditions of owning a site and as children may inadvertently put themselves in danger through this activity we strongly recommend that all sites are closed down. It is your responsibility to check if your child has a site and is under 13.
May I remind all children that they may not comment about members of staff or other children or upload pictures of staff members, under any circumstances. If any site contains such information I will take the necessary steps to close the site down and contact the police.
Please also note that no child should contact any member of staff and ask to be added to their friend’s list. I am sorry that this message has to be so strong but we have a duty to protect all from internet bullying/misconduct.
School Telephone
We have being reviewing our telephone procedures and note that some parents/carers leave messages on the answer phone regarding where children should go after school . This is not advisable as the answer machine is not always checked in sufficient time and children can be left without the correct information. Please phone again and speak to a member of staff . We accept this may cause difficulties but your child’s safety is our main concern The office telephone is not manned after 3.30 pm so messages will not be picked up until the following morning.
Farewell Primary, Hello Secondary
East Lothian News will be taking the primary 7 photographs on Thursday April 30th as part of their farewell primary, hello secondary feature.
Heriot Watt Summer Programme
Application forms for the Heriot Watt Summer Sports and Activity are available from the school office.
Breakfast
A small number of children are regularly turning up to school without a breakfast or buying unsuitable items to eat on the way to school. We will be studying breakfast in the forthcoming health week and would ask if you could ensure that children are in the best place for learning when they arrive at school and not suffering from sugar rushes or sugar lows.
Phil’s Cooking Academy
As part of change for life programme Phil Vickery has an online cooking academy where children can learn to make simple dishes. The website is: www.philscookingacademy.co.uk
Boiler Inspection
On Tuesday 26th May there will be no hot lunches available in school only cold lunches due to our boilers being switched off for their annual safety checks.
Trips & Events
See Term 4 Timetable post. There is a lot on this term and will come with the inevitable costs attached. We will let you know of costs as soon as possible. If you feel this may cause a problem please contact the school.
Isle of Eigg Theatre Production
This will be held in school on Wednesday 13th May. It shows how to care for our environment and works well into the Health week theme. The show is subsidised and all pupils only require to pay £1.50 towards the cost of the production.
Class Organisation 2009-2010 - All Change!
I am delighted to announce that we will be continuing with 11 classes next year. This allows us one additional class over our entitlement based on our school roll. We will be looking at how best to organise classes and will give you an update in the May newsletter.
Next session’s P7 camp.
We have had the initial payment request for school camp and would ask that all pupils now pay their initial deposit of £55. We do not have final price for the camp as we are still waiting for the bus quote therefore the deposit will be refundable until the final confirmation of cost. This will be done shortly and a signed agreement will be issued when all costs are in. Please remember that financial assistance is available from the Educational Trust and this can be applied for in the autumn term.
Summer Fair
Saturday 30th May - 10.00 am - 12.00 pm. Please see the note below from the Parent Council.
Last year’s summer fair was a great success and we look forward to raising even more money for the playground equipment. We hope to have the equipment purchased and children trained in June so that the playground will be an inviting place for children to play and run off their energy when they return to school in August.
Raffle Money.
£1000 was raised by the Christmas raffle held for the cracker tea. All the money was spent on equipment for the new gym hall and this has been greatly received from pupils and staff alike. A big thank you to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets.
Jacqui Mackinnon
Headteacher
Summer Fayre
The Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday 30th of May 10am-12pm. We are hoping to hold all the usual fun events and we require your help! There are many ways to help, donate a prize for the raffle or tombola, clear out some of those old toys, home baking is always a winner or just come along on the day and have some fun.
Can you:
- Help set up on Friday 29th May
- Help on a stall or with refreshments
- Help clear up
- Provide Home Baking
Please tick which ever applies
Name ………………………………………….. Contact No………………………………………….
Child’s Name ………………………………………………… Class ………………..
School Closure - Monday 8th June March 25, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : News , add a commentPlease note that Monday 8th June is an extra in-service training day. Therefore, pupils should not attend school on that day.
Free Training - Parents & Teachers Needed March 10, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : General , add a commentDear all
Active Schools are always looking for new volunteers to sign up and help us keep children fit and healthy by encouraging more of them to participate in physical activity! Here in the Prestonpans Cluster, we would like to see more parents and teachers getting involved in our programme and to do this we are offering FREE training courses in the following activities…
Run, Jump, Throw Athletics! (P1-7) Run, Jump, Throw training gives leaders the confidence in teaching the basic skills in Athletics. This training will help teachers with their PE delivery or a parent volunteer gain the skills required to run a small after school club! Training Night - Tuesday 24th March 6 - 8.30pm Windygoul Primary School, Tranent
Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (P6/7) Formerly know as Cycling Proficiency, SCTS training equips parents / teachers to deliver a cycling programme to P6/7 children that teaches them the importance of safe cycling, enables the children to practice handling skills on their bike and also have fun! Next Training - Wednesday 1st April 4 - 6pm Kings Meadow Primary, Haddington
Outdoor Team Challenge (P4-7) Learn to deliver fun outdoor sessions with the children that encourage team work and problem solving! Session plans are ready made to make planning easier! Next Training - Thursday 23rd April 5.30 - 7.30pm Longniddry Primary School
Junior Jogscotland (P3-7) Join Jog Scotty in an attempt to encourage more children to get into jogging! Classes are full of games to improve fitness whilst having fun through games and challenges! Training will equip teachers / parents to have the confidence to deliver safe fun sessions and maybe even start a jogging group at your local school! Next Training - Wednesday 29th April 6-8pm Windygoul Primary School, Tranent
Funky Fun (P1-2) Funky Fun was developed by Active Schools East Lothian to engage P1-2 children in fun physical activity. Take a trip to the enchanted kingdom, go to the jungle with Mowgli or visit the Olympics!! These are just a few of the exciting sessions that are pre-planned to make classes simple to plan. Classes engage children’s imagination and are packed with fun, games and music! Training Night - Monday 11th May 6 - 8.30pm East Linton Primary School, Dunbar
If you care about getting more children active at your school then please contact me on the number/email below for any more information.
Your school needs you!
Many thanks
Emma Biggart
Active Schools Coordinator (Prestonpans Cluster)
Key March/April Dates March 10, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : General, School , add a comment
| Date | Event |
| Friday 6th March | P5 Cake Sale |
| Monday 9th-Friday13th March | P7 Camp |
| Tuesday 10th March | P6 Art Project |
| Wednesday 11th March | Rugby Taster Session for P6 |
| Friday 13th March | P4 & P5 Rugby Taster Session |
| Monday 16th March | P7 Dental Inspection
P5G First Club Golf |
| Tuesday 17th March | P7 Dental Inspection
P6 Art Project P7 Group Photos |
| Wednesday 18th March | Rugby Taster Sessions for P7
First Club Golf for P4/5W and P5PD |
| Friday 20th March | Rugby Taster Session for P4 and P5
Comic Relief Event Day |
| Monday 23rd March | First Club Golf P5G |
| Tuesday 24th March | P6 Art Project |
| Wednesday 25th March | East Lothian Rugby Tournament at Meadowmill for P7 and some P6 (am)
First Club Golf for P4/5W and P5PD |
| Thursday 26th March | P7 Parents Event - BBC Project |
| Monday 30th March | First Club Golf for P5G |
| Tuesday 31st March | Easter Assembly |
| 1st April | Cross Country at Dunbar - selected children from P6 and P7
First Club Golf 4/5W and 5PD |
| 3rd April | End of Term |
| 20th April | Start of Summer Term |
Newsletter - March ‘09 March 10, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : News, School , add a commentPRESTONPANS PRIMARY SCHOOL, MARCH 2009
_____________________________________________________________________
Dear Parents/Carers
Spring is well and truly here and I am delighted to see some sunshine at last. It was fortunate we were off during the week of the snow as it meant we didn’t lose anymore school days from school closures. We have reviewed our closure procedures and now have comprehensive procedures and recording mechanisms in place for (a) normal school closure - where we can call all parents individually and (b) exceptional school closure - where we have no phone lines. It is very unusual to have to close a school and we have had an unfortunate run resulting in a number of closures. We have reviewed and learnt from our mistakes and would be happy to hear from any parent/carer with views on the following procedures.
Normal closure
We have a system in place where every parent would receive a phone call home to inform them that the school had been instructed to close. Children would not be allowed out of school until collected or a phone call from their parent authorising them to leave. Detailed paperwork would be kept, detailing who had collected your child or where they were instructed to walk to.
Exceptional closure
If we are instructed to close the school and there are no telephone lines available then children will be asked if they have a responsible adult/family member at a home in Prestonpans and children who require telephone calls.
Children would then be escorted to the adult’s house and only allowed to leave the member of staff when they were handed over to the responsible adult. We would record where your child had been placed and as soon as phone lines were back in action we would contact all parents and inform them.
If your child did not have a place of safety to go to we would contact you by the school mobile phone. This will be a slow process. Children will then be released to a place of safety under your instruction. Detailed paperwork and records of where children have been placed would be kept at all times.
Both policies and paperwork are available to be viewed in the office.
Staff
Our congratulations go to Mrs Parkin on the safe arrival of her baby boy. He arrived last week at over 10lbs!!. We welcome Michael Eagon onto our staff. He will be working alongside Mrs Hunter in P6 for the next 10 weeks.
Preparations are underway for Miss Russell’s replacement for her maternity leave to be appointed. We will be interviewing on Monday 23rd March and hope to let you know who her replacement will be before the Easter break.
Photographs Tempest
The photographer will return to take P7 class photographs on Tuesday 17th March. She will also do a mop up of individuals who were off during her last visit. We hope you enjoy your child’s photograph which was sent home yesterday.
Mobile Phones
We do not encourage mobile phones to be brought into school. If it is absolutely essential for your child to have a mobile phone in school we can take no responsibility for it being lost or stolen. Mobile phones brought into school must be switched off during school hours.
Parent/Carer consultations
Thank you so much for attending last week’s meetings. It was lovely to see so many of you and catch up on how the children are progressing. The school continues to make good progress and we have recently had our evaluation visit from Mrs Wishart, Quality Improvement officer. She was highly complimentary and could see the progress in and around the school. Thank you also for purchasing books at the book fair. We were able to purchase 6 new books for each class library and a set of new novels.
Moving on.
Building work is coming on and we can’t wait to get our newly refurbished wing. We have to pack up the P 4/5 area and move it all into the new wing before the Easter Break! We plan to move the classes week beginning Monday 30th March and would be grateful for any help the week before or during that week. An hour or two would be most useful.
WOOSH!
This term P6 have the opportunity to learn new digital photography skills. The group benefits from the expert’s input as well as Mrs Rollo’s expertise. A big thank you to Mrs Rollo for organising these sessions
Class organisation.
The class organisation for next session will shortly be agreed with staff and we hope to have a smooth transition for all.
Musical tuition.
Guitar tuition will be aptitude tested shortly to identify children who may be eligible to receive free music lessons. Piano tuition will re-commence after the Easter break.
Red Nose day.
As the P7s will be away at school camp next week our Pupil Council will be running their red nose activities on Friday 20th March. More details to follow.
Students galore.
We have recently said farewell to our 5 students who have been working alongside us in Primary 4 and 5. All students could not have been more complimentary about the school and allowed all the children to benefit from additional assistance. The children enjoyed having the students and we wish them well.
Community Centre
After continuing concerns regarding the choice of food at the Community Centre and the resulting behaviour from such high sugar intake, we have decided to phase out the children being allowed to the community centre during the lunch break. Presently only P6 and 7 are allowed to visit the centre but next session only P7 will be allowed with no one the following year. There are Health and Safety risks regarding the children leaving the school premises and I would remind parents that permission notes must be given on a daily basis before children can leave the premises.
Well Done:
P 4/5 Powwow
Congratulations to P 4/5 and their fantastic Arts Project Pow Wow. They represented the school well and their behaviour and attitude was positively commented upon both by the Arts teacher and the Head Teacher at Elphinstone where they visited to share what they had made and learnt. A big thank you to Mr Whitfield for organising this event.
Judo
Following on from successful taster sessions Destination Judo are running courses in the Community Centre on a Wednesday night.
Cheerleading.
We have our own club now after successful taster sessions for Cheerleading. It was great to see both girls and boys enjoying co-ordinated routines. Club details have been issued and more information available in school.
BBC Report
The Primary 7 pupils have been out and about visiting the BBC offices in Edinburgh. They are now gearing up to their News Day on the 26th March. Special thanks to Mr Boothman for being our mentor on this project. More details to follow
See it Bee it
Details of the animation project carried out by the Primary 4 classes are contained on the school website under Mrs Rollo’s class post of P4J.
P7 visit the Risk Factory.
P7 children had an exciting day at the Royal Highland showground. They had a series of Health and Safety tests to work through and participated extremely well.
Athletics
Our talented P4 showed their physical abilities at the Athletics competition at Meadowmill. All represented the school extremely well.
Basketball Festival
We would like to thank Miss Budge for running the basketball after school club. This term she took her team to the cluster basketball festival where the children had a thoroughly enjoyable morning.
Headlice
EVERYONE should check hair weekly to stop re-infection happening again and again.
Parenting Across Scotland (PAS) Booklets February 2, 2009
Posted by j-bar03 in : Other , add a commentParenting Across Scotland (PAS) has produced a number of handy pocket-sized booklets. You can view four of them here:
If you would like hard copies sent to you, please contact: Alison Clancy Project Officer Parenting Across Scotland 1 Boroughloch Square Edinburgh EH8 9NJ Tele: 0131 319 8071 email: alison.clancy@children1st.org.uk website: www.parentingacrossscotland.org
Help needed to create New, Improved School Handbook! December 15, 2008
Posted by j-bar03 in : Calendar, Event , add a comment| January 6, 2009 | ||
| 9:30 am | to | 11:15 am |
| January 12, 2009 | ||
| 9:30 am | to | 11:15 am |
The school is looking for parents to be involved to make the updated handbook more
interesting, user friendly and relevant.
The first session will be on the
Mon 5th Jan. Those interested contact the school.
UPDATE: The first session has been held and some of you may have received a phone call asking what sort of information you want to the handbook to contain.
It is imperative that this handbook meets the needs of parents so PLEASE attend one of the very informal discussions in the school or let Mrs Parkin know your views.
Next chats: Tuesday 6th January @ 9.30 a.m. & Monday 12th January @ 9.30 a.m.
Electronic Whiteboards - a parents’ workshop November 30, 2008
Posted by j-bar03 in : Calendar, Event , add a comment| December 5, 2008 | ||
| 9:15 am | to | 10:30 am |
You are invited to learn about the use of Electronic Whiteboards at a parents’ workshop held in the school on Friday 5th December at 9.15 a.m.
