Sciennes School Bulletin

Lost Property

2009-05-12T20:36:00.000+01:00

We have lots of jackets, jumpers, lunch boxes etc in lost property. A table will be set up in the playground on Friday 15th.

Sent from my BT ToGo
To find out more visit www.bt.com/broadbandanywhere

Learn to ride a Bike

2009-05-05T11:17:00.002+01:00

Want to get rid of those stabilisers or just want your child to learn to ride a bike. Check out the link below. A great method for non-cycling adults as well.

http://bikenewyork.org/education/classes/images/bny_learn_to_ride.pdf

DELAYS TO P1 PLACING REQUESTS PROCESS

2009-04-28T10:48:00.000+01:00

Is your child starting primary school in August 2009?

Did you make a placing request for a school other than your catchment school?

The placing request process for allocating places is taking longer than anticipated due to teething problems with a new allocation system. Letters confirming whether placing requests have been successful have been delayed. Letters will start to go out later this week with all parents hearing by 15 May whether requests have been successful

We apologise for these delays and are doing everything possible to resolve these problems quickly

More information is available on the council website www.edinburgh.gov.uk
or from your school

Traffic Survey

2009-04-24T17:03:00.000+01:00

Thank you for taking part in the survey. The results will be posted as soon as they have been collated. Thank you also to the P7 helpers.

Sent from my BT ToGo
To find out more visit www.bt.com/broadbandanywhere

Lunch Money

2009-04-22T15:49:00.001+01:00

Lunch money due tomorrow (Thursday 23rd) for Week 1 Menu. Please ensure your child's name and class are clearly marked on a sealed envelope

Fruit Group

2009-04-22T13:53:00.004+01:00

As many of you are aware, the Fruit Group does a sterling job on Friday mornings. Scrumptious platters of fruit are produced every week. In addition, they provide different fruit/veg. experiences for all the children during health week. The platter of fruit kebabs shown is just one example. Morag Crolla will be meeting the Fruit Group and any interested parents/carers on Friday 24th April at 10.20 in the Conference room. If you are willing to spare a small amount of time during Health Week (w/b 8th June) please come along on Friday.

P5 Scottish Opera - Sands of Time

2009-04-22T13:49:00.004+01:00

Performance starts at 2.30 sharp and will last approximately 45 minutes. Parents/carers welcome.

P4 Skiing

2009-04-22T13:45:00.002+01:00

P4c skiing Thursday afternoon and P4a & P4b on Friday morning. Please ensure your child wears a long sleeved top/jacket, has gloves and if possible a drink. The bottle/carton should be able to fit in their pocket.

Nearly New Uniform Sale

2009-04-22T13:43:00.000+01:00

Friday 1 May
12 noon
in the playground

We would be grateful for any items in good condition that your children have now outgrown (washed & ironed, please!). Kindly hand them in to Angela Christie, conference room, marked ‘Parent Council’.

On the day we will be selling, for the benefit of the school, logo poloshirts £2.50, logo navy crew neck sweatshirts £3, trousers/skirts £1…...
Thank you for any donations
Parent Council

Road Safety

2009-03-09T10:44:00.000Z

Check out this new Road Safety site

http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk

P3

2009-03-09T10:38:00.002Z

P3A visit to Craigmillar Castle on Wednesday 11th March am.

Keeping Myself Safe

2009-03-09T10:36:00.001Z

P6 Parent Information evening tonight (Monday) at James Gillespies Primary School 6.30-7.30

Swimming Trials

2009-02-23T14:43:00.001Z

P6 swimming trials are being held on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning

P4/5 Disco

2009-02-23T14:38:00.003Z

P4/5 disco on Thursday from 6.30 to 8.00pm in School Hall

Items Wanted

2009-02-23T14:35:00.001Z

Miss French is looking for working hair dryers for Science lessons. Any donations gratefully received.

Scholastic Book Fair

2009-02-23T14:25:00.002Z

Following our very successful Book Fair in October we have decided to run another during the week beginning March 23rd. There will be a great variety of books on offer and we hope to put the funds raised towards Teachers' Resource Books as well as reading materials for children. As previously, it will be open during Parent Consultations on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and from 3.20 -4.00pm every afternoon. Each class will have the opportunity to visit the Fair during normal library times. We look forward to enjoying another fabulous Book Fair with you!

Thank you

2009-01-28T14:56:00.003Z

Miss French has taken delivery of 10 fabulous new microscopes. These have been funded through ECG fundraising

P6 Zoo Visit

2009-01-22T08:16:00.001Z

All three classes are visiting the Zoo on Monday 26th. Please remember to provide your child with a packed lunch and ensure they have warm outdoor clothes.

ECG Minutes

2009-01-22T08:14:00.000Z

Minutes of Events and Clubs Group Meeting at Sciennes Primary School on Tuesday 13th January 2009 at 7.30 in the Staff Room

Present: June Underwood, Emma Laurenson, Alice Brown, Claire Phillips, Ninette Premdas, Alison Platts, Clem Friend, Gillian Clarkson, Lisa Morgan,
Apologies: Nicki McGregor, Joanna Hinton, Angela Christie, Alison McLeod , Michelle Wilson, Alison Noble,David Wigglesworth

Matters arising from previous minutes:
1. Water polo for P6 and & 7 features on this term’s Active school’s Activities. This follows a commitment after the summer sponsored event to offer more swimming-based activities to pupils. Fun sessions for P3-5 were also discussed and June will follow this up with Angela Christie.
2. Alison Platts has compiled a “wish list “ suggested by staff and circulated to ECG committee. This is helpful for us in deciding where best to use the monies that we raise each year. Since August ’08, some money has been spent on staging for the hall and on cameras.
3. Uniform sale – held last November – this event organised by Anna Paton raised over £300. Thanks to Anna and her team of helpers. June will ask Anna when she plans the next sale.
4. The end of term service at Marchmont St Giles was much enjoyed but it was not possible to invite all parents. Hopefully the McEwan hall will be available next year for this special event.
5. Spree booklets – profit made so far is £350 by selling 58 books with some still not returned. Ian Frazer does not expect any more to be returned now and is happy with that. Mr Frazer was very good at explaining the booklets to the children and had a very positive attitude. June is keen to try this sale again next year but earlier in the autumn term. Of note some people gave donations totalling £50 rather than signing up for the booklet.
6. T towel sales – profit over £100 – thank you to Gillian for coordinating these.
Wine Tasting Follow Up:
This was a lovely event, greatly enjoyed by all who came and many, many thanks to Angela Christie for hosting the evening and for all her hard work with the arrangements. Thank you to the set up team – Angela, Emma, Clem, June, and families. Thank you to David Wigglesworth for organising the raffle and coordinating with David Henderson, Henderson Wines, who provided the wine. Thank you also to the wine servers – Alison Noble, Alison Platts, Alison MacLeod, Nicki McGregor and June Underwood.
The total numbers however were disappointing as we really need nearer to 80 people, rather than mid 40s. We are keen to run the event next year but with different marketing, for example calling the event: ‘Wine by Candlelight’ and by stressing that it is a fun event with a quiz not a serious tasting with a hard sell of wine associated. Committee members will be given a certain number of tickets to sell next year and all involved need to try much harder to sell person to person. The event did however raise over £300.
Christmas Fair Follow Up
Thank you very much to Joanna Hinton who did a fantastic job coordinating the whole event again! The event raised about £3,500. Initially we increased the entry fee, but later in a bid to make the Fair accessible to all, we announced free entry to all children. This proved difficult in terms of tracking how many people attended the Fair and we will address this issue again next year.
Thank you to Michelle Wilson and Emma Laurenson for organising the very successful Silent Auction. Next year we plan to place the auction prizes on the school web site ahead of the fair so that people can look at them in advance and possibly even bid in advance of the fair.
The raffles were also very successful – the hamper raffle needs more raffle tickets next year. It was suggested that we make more hampers with slightly less in each as some were very full.
We could have a childrens’ raffle eg with signed football or similar as a prize. We could also have a childrens’ quiz. These events could take place at the summer fair.
Cash prize raffle – it was suggested that the raffle tickets for this could be sent home ahead of the fair and that they could be specially printed with all details on the tickets. We expect that this would bring in better returns than selling only on the day. This will be looked in to more thoroughly. We may repeat this raffle at the summer fair also.
Other ideas for the Christmas fair include: a beauty salon with nail painting, body art etc, (some of the recent school leavers could return to help with this), games room (successful this time), pocket money stall.
The craft stalls were very busy but it was pointed out that there was a conflict with some crafters selling eg home baking and thus competing with the official home baking stall which did less well this year. Traditionally, crafters have sold home made cards, clothes, jewellery etc. We will look in to this and discuss with Joanna. We should be clearer about which crafts are acceptable.
More help is needed at the end of the fair especially cleaning as this is NOT the janitor’s job. The janitor will move furniture but he is not expected to clean. We may need to bring in hoovers on the day as the school only has one.
Thank you to everyone on the committee who helped make the Christmas Fair a success. We also had many parent volunteers and a number of teachers who made significant contributions.

Ceilidh – Wednesday 28th January 6.30-8pm
June has spoken to the Band, will arrange the dance programme and will call the dances on the night.
Emma will send out letters with tear off slips and will arrange tickets.
It will be the 21st time the band has played and we should acknowledge this with suitable gifts for the band. June may make up a dance on their behalf. It would be good if the children could make a card. Emma will buy gifts - picture frame, Quaich, - suggestions from members welcome.
Maximum number is 200. Prices to stay as last year - £4 adults, £3 children including Highland dance children who must also buy a ticket.
Emma will prepare a shopping list and ask Michelle to consider this on her next Costco visit!
Help on the night:
On the door: Ian Laurenson and Ian Gillies
Refreshments: Emma and Ninette: Set up and 6.30-7.00
Clem and Alison Platts: 7.00-7.30
Volunteers needed for 7.30-8.00 and with clear up

Discos
P4/5 – Thursday 26th February P6/7 – Wednesday 4th March
Joanna has booked Norval Barclay again for both discos and he now charges £130 per night, a slight increase from last year.
It was suggested that a letter be sent out which asks for volunteers and also in itself acts as a ticket asking for a £1 payment at the door (this is to simplfy the payment of small amounts in advance). The door person would have a register to mark off names so that uninvited visitors could attend.
Emma will ask Joanna if she is prepared to help/lead on this.
Tap water will be provided this year and fruit and biscuits instead of crisps.

Parents Evenings
Tuesday 24 March, 4-7pm - Ninette will coordinate tea rota
Thursday 26 March 5.30-8.30pm – Emma will coordinate tea rota

Change of name from ECG back to PTA
This was suggested and overall agreed that this would be a good idea as people are much more familiar with the term PTA. June will discuss this at the next school council meeting and see what steps need to be taken.
Next Meeting Tuesday 28th April at 7.30

Bike Checks for New bikes

2009-01-09T10:39:00.001Z

Friday 16th January
12.30-1.30pm
Bike checks for new bikes bought at Christmas or for older bikes in need of an MOT.
Just bring the bike into the playground and the mechanics will do basic checks and help you adjust brakes and tyres.

P5 skiing

2009-01-09T08:56:00.002Z

Skiing at Hillend starts on Monday 12th for P5B and Friday 16th for P5A and P5C. Please ensure your child has warm clothes and gloves.They will not be allowed to participate without gloves.

On Mondays the bus leaves school after lunch at 12.45 and will return around 3.25-3.30.

On Friday buses will leave at 9.45 and return around 12.25-12.30.

More parent helpers for the Monday afternoon sessions in March would be welcome. Please contact Angela Christie if you can help.

P6 Health Information Evening

2009-01-06T09:47:00.002Z

All parents and carers welcome to attend. Being held in school hall at 7pm

ECG Minutes

2009-01-06T09:34:00.000Z

Minutes of Sciennes School Events and Clubs Group Committee Meeting on Tuesday 28th October 2008 at 7.30pm at Sciennes School

Present: June Underwood, Emma Laurenson, Alice Brown, Claire Phillips, Nicki McGregor, Joanna Hinton, Ninette Premdas, David Wigglesworth, Michelle Wilson, Alison MacLeod, Alison Platts, Gillian Clarkson

Apologies: Alison Noble

Matters Arising
1. Dana Marley is not to be on the ECG committee; clarified by Alice Brown
2. June is to be added as a signatory to the school council bank account but this takes time and will come in to effect from next week. The name for the cheque account is to be changed to ‘Sciennes School Council’. Current signatories are Norman Brown and Alison Platts.
3. Update on the sponsored event
A. A meeting was held on 18th September with Alison Noble, Alice Brown, Gail Logan and members of the sub-committee formed specifically for the event (Lisa, Melanie, Joanna, June).
The group discussed ways to expand swimming at the school and this year P1 and P2 classes will all have swimming lessons for the first time. Angela Christie is to investigate the costs for this. There is a plan to introduce fun swim sessions for P3-5 and water polo for P6-7.
B. Some funds will be spent on tennis classes with Alex Harkins, at the Meadows tennis courts.
4. Staging has been ordered for the hall at approx price £2500. This will benefit the children greatly.
5. Spending Priorities – It would be helpful to plan ahead and to inform parents in advance of the ways in which the ECG plans to use the money raised at fundraising events throughout the year. This was mentioned at the recent School Council Meeting and June asked Alice Brown to follow this up with Alison Noble and to ask the staff for their ‘wish lists’ which might include: sets of novels, more books, Christmas decorations, blinds for the classrooms, computer software (to discuss with Lucy Gallagher), Science lab materials and other sustainable items.

Past events
1. P1 Curriculum evening and new parents evening – this was very successful. Thanks to Emma for buying and setting out the Cheese and Wine and to all helpers on the night.
2. Parents evening teas etc – raised approx £150. Thanks to Emma and Ninette for organising rotas and to everyone who helped out. Thanks to Peter Shaw for making jam which sold very well and for devising our Quiz.

Clubs update
Language clubs – offers have come from people interested in starting clubs for Spanish, German, Chinese. June to discuss availability with Angela Christie.
Hip hop dance has started. Knitting has a suitable room at the top of the school.

Uniform sale 7.11.08
Anna Paton is organising this and Emma will check with her if there are any helpers required.

Wine tasting 7.11.08
Meeting already held with June, David, Emma and Angela. Most issues discussed already.
Emma, June, Clem and Ninette can all help to set up on Friday afternoon, from 2pm
Does gym club need to be cancelled? – June to check with Angela C.
Helpers on the night to serve wine – Alison Noble, Alison Platts, Alison MacLeod and Nicki McGregor (to share one slot!). June will also be available to help
David will sell raffle tickets
Angela C will lead the quiz
David has met with David Henderson who is expected to send information to Angela Christie. £4/head is the price and includes jugs, spittoons, glasses and wine. We will serve tap water.
Emma will coordinate the food – bread, cheese and biscuits. Wicker baskets are needed – June x 3, Joanna x 1, Alison Mac x 2
Prizes for the raffle – please hand any donations in to Angela C.
Poster on school gates to advertise further – Emma will do
We will ask Angela to advertise on the Blog and through the next Sciennes flyer – June to ask Angela
Clear up on Saturday – the janitor will help – other helpers include Emma, June, Clem and some parents bringing children to football training on the meadows.

Christmas Fair – 29.11.08, 2-4pm

· Flyer needs to go out asap – Emma and June will do this – Ninette has last years’ version which can be amended.
· Silent Auction – Emma and Michelle. Emma has already received some gifts both by writing to previous donors and by response from parents. Many more donations needed. The flyer will have further requests for donations of talents by parents.
· Craft stalls – 2 enquiries from interested parties to sell their own crafts for a small fee. Joanna will coordinate this.
· Allocation of Stalls
Silent Auction – Emma
Books etc – June
Baking – Ninette
Toys – Nicki and Alison Macleod
Tombola – Anna
Lucky dip – P7
Teas – Flora, Gillian
Hampers – Alice Brown
Santa grotto – Forrest Howie and Lucy Gallagher
“Floating” Coordinator – Joanna
Fruit Group – Ruth – June will discuss with her
· David is happy to help before and after, but cannot help during the fair
· The flyer must ask for specific helpers for certain stalls including teas.
· Tickets – Alison Platts and Gillian Clarkson will do these
· Magic show – need to discuss with Lisa who volunteered to try to book a magician. Emma will contact Lisa.
Prices agreed as : Magic show £2 each (same for child and adult)
Entry ticket to fair - £2 adult, £1child This will make the ticketing much easier
· Christmas fair to be discussed in assembly and by class teachers to encourage the children.

· Other issues – It may be possible to use another classroom to give more space.
· Other ideas for fair stalls and fundraising may be sought through contacts at other schools.
· Relaxation/massage stall is a new idea which may work – Alison Macleod offered to ask certain parent(s) who may be able to help with this.
· Phoenix trading cards – may be interested in having a stall – Joanna to contact a parent who has done this before.
· Idea of crafts for children to do on the day – again postponed until another time – not feasible to do this at the fair itself.

McEwan Hall event
McEwan Hall is not available for the Christmas concert this year. Other ideas include Festival theatre or Kings theatre but these may be too costly. Marchmont St Giles church is a possibility but this would be for children/staff only as insufficient room for parents as well. Ongoing discussion with Alison Noble.

Ceilidh
Possibility of using James Gillespies hall raised previously – this is available only on Monday 26th January 2009 at present for let that week ie no other evening that week (Emma has contacted Jean Gordon at Gillespies). Emma will ask again regarding the following week ie week beginning 2.2.09. Need to discuss this with Angela Christie and with the band for their availability.

Spree
Fundraising idea booklet. Discussed and overall agreed to try this. June to meet Ian Frazer with Angela Christie Wednesday 29.10.08. Booklets will be distributed very soon.

T Towels
Gillian Clarkson is coordinating these again for P1
Next meeting - currently due Tuesday 13th January 2009 – this may change to allow Angela Christie to attend the meeting.

P1 Nativity DVDs

2008-12-17T15:58:00.001Z

DVDs are ready to collect from the Conference room

P3 Recipe Books

2008-12-11T14:24:00.002Z

Primary three classes have produced a wonderful recipe book with over 90 family recipes. It has been produced as part of their Health and Wellbeing Project. The children decided to use part of the profits to make a donation to Oxfam.

It is very reasonably priced at £4.00 and would make a great present for family and friends.

P1 Nativity

2008-12-11T11:21:00.005Z

Parents/Carers - Primary 1 classes have just finished their last rehearsal and you are in for a treat. An added bonus this year is that the whole show will be filmed. One of our parents is bringing in a team of professional cameramen who will record and produce a DVD. The quality of recording is fabulous so leave your videos at home and sit back and enjoy the show.

If you have not already ordered your DVDs there's still time. It makes a great Christmas present.

Winners of Hillend Novice Trophy

2008-12-11T10:13:00.002Z

Congratulations

2008-12-09T14:03:00.002Z

To P7 athletes who came 2nd in the EPSSA Sportshall Final 2008 held at Meadowbank and will represent Edinburgh in the Inter Area Finals on 9th March 2009

To the P6 skiers who won the Novice Trophy at Hillend

Party Time at Sciennes

2008-12-09T11:10:00.003Z

P1 Party

Thursday 18th, 1.30-2.50. Parents may collect their children at 12 noon to take them home to change. At 2.30, parents are welcome to come and see Santa.

P2 Party

Wednesday 17th, 1.30-2.50. Parents may collect their children at 12 noon to take them home to change. At 2.30, parents are welcome to come and see Santa.

P3 Party - Tuesday 16th, pm

P4 Party - Monday 15th, 1.30 with Magician

P5 Party - Monday 15th, morning with Magician

P6 Party - Thursday 18th, morning

P7 Party - Thursday 18th, morning

LOST PROPERTY

2008-12-09T11:04:00.002Z

We have a huge collection of lost property including a pair of Start-rite shoes. If your child is missing any items of clothing please come into school and have a look. Any items not claimed will be given to charity at the end of term.

Post box

2008-12-03T14:55:00.001Z

P5B have set up a post box for all the classes to post their Christmas cards .We will be sorting them and delivering them to the right classes. Please could you make sure that the name and class of the person is on the envelope. Thank you for your support!
P5B

Lagganlia - Lost Property

2008-12-03T09:23:00.002Z

There are a number of lost property items in the Conference room including towels, a jacket, walking shoes, warm gloves and a toilet bag. If you think any of these items belong to your P7 child please ask them to come and check the bags

P5 Skiing

2008-12-02T09:33:00.002Z

P5 Skiing money now due. Please contact angela.christie@sciennes.edin.sch.uk re any payment issues

Edinburgh Castle

2008-12-01T13:59:00.004Z

P6A and P6C visiting Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday 4th December

Christmas Fair

2008-12-01T13:51:00.002Z

Thanks to all the donors, helpers and visitors to Saturdays Fair. The total raised is in excess of £3,000. Fabulous!

We are still looking for the 2nd prize winner for the raffle. The ticket number was 203, the ticket colour pink and the serial no. 951886. If you are in receipt of this ticket please contact the school.

School Photographs

2008-11-27T16:21:00.001Z

Please Note: Monday is the last day the school can accept photograph orders.

Parents can order directly from Tempest after this date.

Lyceum Visit

2008-11-26T14:44:00.002Z

Children in P3 -P7 will be walking to the Lyceum to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We will be leaving promptly at 9am.

Comenius Project

2008-11-20T18:45:00.002Z

Ms Gallagher, Mrs Gibb, Mrs Murray and Ms Christie received a wonderful welcome from the children of Newton National School, County Laoise.

P1 Enrolment

2008-11-19T10:40:00.002Z

Catchment Area Enrolment - Wednesday 26th November, 9.00-10.30am and 1.30-3.00pm

Out of Catchment Requests - Thursday 27th November, Presentation and Tour from 9.00-10.00am

Lunch Menu

2008-11-19T10:36:00.001Z

Lunch menus and money are due tomorrow. Menu for next week is WEEK 2

Climate Challenge Fund meeting Thursday 20th, 7pm in Room 13

2008-11-19T10:34:00.002Z

The School Council is looking to make an application for funding to the Climate Challenge Fund.
The Climate Challenge Fund offers grants to a range of community organisations to help with the planning, learning, communication and most importantly, action to reduce carbon emissions. The projects can involve a range of actions, from helping us to use less energy, or walk and cycle more, to local sustainable food. The projects should be delivered in the context of the wider environmental, social and economic dimensions, that give people new skills, improve health, help them to work together or provide better community facilities, but carbon reduction must be at the heart of every proposal.
To help us develop an application that gets the best for the Sciennes community we are looking for volunteers to help us by:
· lending either professional advice and guidance (e.g. on environmental issues or in making funding applications);
· bringing enthusiasm into a small group who will develop and submit the bid;
· coming forward with ideas which help us to ensure the bid considers all of the areas in which it could benefit the School community.

The first meeting to kick start the process will be in the School on 20th November at 7pm. You are welcome to come along either to this meeting only to find out more about the Climate Challenge Fund and to contribute your ideas, or if you want to volunteer to be part of an going Climate Challenge group.
You can find out more about the Climate Challenge Fund here:http://www.infoscotland.com/ourfuture/61.html http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf.asp http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/SustainableDevelopment/funding/ClimateChallengeFund/There is more information about Climate Change produced by the World Development Council, a paper on Climate Change Controversies by the Royal Society and details of the projects which have been awarded funding by the Climate Challenge Fund so far at:http://sciennescouncil.googlepages.com/homeTo help us with numbers, please email sciennescouncil@gmail.com if you intend to come along.

Lagganlia

2008-11-19T10:26:00.002Z

Check out what the P7's are getting up to at Laggganlia.

http://sciennesp7atlagganlia.blogspot.com/

Christmas Fair - Free Entry for Children

2008-11-19T10:24:00.000Z

The Event and Clubs Group (ECG) want to encourage all families to attend the Sciennes Christmas Fair on Saturday 29th November 2 – 4pm and have dropped the £1 child entry fee. If you have already sent in fees for children you will be reimbursed. Entry tickets cost £2 per adult which includes a cup of tea/coffee/juice and a mince pie.

We need your Help! The following items can be delivered to the school from Monday 24th onwards:-
Bottles for the tombola
Books, videos, DVD’s, CD’s, toys (good quality items only)
Box of mince pies for teas

Please send on Friday 28th
Lucky Dip items, value 50p, labelled girl or boy please
Home Baking

Need a Little Magic in your Life? Remember to order your tickets for the Magic Show.

Silent Auction - contact Emma Laurenson on 0131 667 0739 with offers of items or services

If you are able to volunteer to do a half hour stint on the day, either return the volunteer slip or call June Underwood 0131 668 3932

Starsnappers Workshops

2008-11-13T09:27:00.003Z

Today your child will be bringing home a consent form for Starsnappers Portrait Workshop.
This workshop is part of the biggest arts projects ever held in the UK and will be breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest photographic exhibition ever. The children will be snapping each other using professional digital cameras. Please return the consent forms by tomorrow (Friday 14th)

Lunch Menus

2008-11-12T20:56:00.002Z

Lunch menus will now be sent home every Tuesday. Lunch money and completed menus will still be collected on Thursdays as usual.

Area Strings

2008-11-10T13:57:00.001Z

Rehearsal at Bruntsfield Primary for P5-P7 on Wednesday morning (12th November)

FACe

2008-11-10T13:53:00.002Z

FACe is a brand new electronic newsletter especially for parents. It has been set up and developed in response to requests from parents for more direct communications with Children and Families. www.edinburgh.gov.uk/face

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

2008-11-10T13:52:00.000Z

Sibling and individual photographs will be taken today and tomorrow.

P3 Dance Show

2008-11-03T11:29:00.002Z

Don't forget!

P3 Dance Show on Friday at 11.00am which promises to be another spectacular production.

Christmas Present Ideas

2008-11-03T11:11:00.003Z

Individual and sibling photograph sessions taking place on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th November. Class timetable will be issued this week.

P6 Visit

2008-11-03T11:07:00.004Z

Edinburgh Castle visit

P6B on Tuesday 4th
P6A and P6C on Wednesday 5th

Lagganlia 2008

2008-10-24T18:25:00.005+01:00

Are you ready?
Check out Lagganlia Blog for clothing list.

P3B Visit

2008-10-23T20:08:00.002+01:00

P3B visit to Pizza Express on Tuesday 28th October

Cheese and Wine Evening 7th November

2008-10-15T14:15:00.003+01:00

Tickets are on sale now

Nearly New School Uniform Sale 7th November

2008-10-15T14:14:00.001+01:00

The Parent Council will be holding their next school uniform sale on Friday 7 November at 12 noon and would be grateful for any items in good condition that your children have now outgrown (washed & ironed, please!) Kindly hand them in to Angela Christie, conference room, marked ‘Parent Council’ and they will be passed on. Thank you for all your donations to date.

Holiday Activities

2008-10-13T15:12:00.003+01:00

Essential Edinburgh is holding a free family event, "Little Big Rock" in Castle Street on Sunday 19th & Monday 20th October. This will feature story telling by well-known children's authors, comedy, puppetry and much more, all undercover in a large teepee. All activities in "Little Big Roack" are free and a number of businesses in the city centre are also participating in the day.
More information on school noticeboard.

School Council

2008-10-13T15:10:00.002+01:00

Remember to check out http://sciennespc.blogspot.com

There are minutes from the last Council meeting, two opportunities for parents to feedback their views to the City Council and a reminder of this week’s JGHS Parent Council meeting.

Sciennes School council meeting this week at 7.00pm in staffroom.
All Welcome

CALCUTTA CUP COMES TO EDINBURGH

2008-10-09T08:56:00.003+01:00

Friday 17th October at Meggetland Sports Complex
2-4pm with coaching 2.30-3.30pm
The Calcutta Cup, awarded to the winner of the annual Scotland vs. England rugby match during the 6 Nations Rugby Championships is coming to Edinburgh!! The cup was won by Scotland during last year’s 15-9 victory against England at Murrayfield and in partnership with the Scottish Rugby Union, Active Schools is giving you a chance to see and get your photograph taken with one of rugby’s most famous trophies.
The cup will be at Meggetland Sports Complex between 2-4pm on Friday 17th October. Opportunities will be available for photographs with the cup between 2-2.30pm and 3.30-4pm. There will also be a free “come and try” session of rugby between 2.30-3.30pm on the back pitches, with all P5-7’s welcome to attend. All you need are your trainers, jogging bottoms, a drink and your camera. Mums and Dads are more than welcome too!!
If you have any questions or queries regarding this or any other Active Schools activity, please contact me on the number or email below.
Gael Logan
Active Schools Coordinator
Gael.Logan@Sciennes.edin.sch.uk
07799861473

Dates for your Diary

2008-10-08T15:16:00.005+01:00

P1 Nativity performance has been changed to Friday 12th December from 11.00-12.00
P2 Nativity performance has been changed to Wednesday 10th December, 1.45-2.45
Both performances will take place in the school hall.

Party dates (TBC)
Mon 15 - P5 AM, P4 PM
Tues 16 -P3 PM
Wed 17 - P2 PM
Thurs 18 - P6 AM, P7 AM, P1 PM

P6 Cycle Training

2008-10-08T14:32:00.007+01:00

Cycle training has now come to an end and despite some very wet days the children all made great progress. A big thank you to volunteers Cathy Scott, Alison Platts, Martin Richards, Isobel Walker, Shona Bellward, Pam Billina, Morag Hayes, Katy Aukland and Vivienne Pritchett without whom cycle training would not have been so successful.

ACTIVE SCHOOLS

2008-10-08T14:01:00.002+01:00

The P5’s have been getting to grips with their cricket skills this term, through a block of Kwik Cricket taster sessions in the school playground on Mondays and Wednesdays this term. The sessions have been coached by Bill Polson, from the Edinburgh South Cricket Club based at the Inch, and current Scotland cricketer and City of Edinburgh cricket development officer Gordon Drummond.

The pupils have participated in 6 weeks of coaching, starting with fun relay races and hand eye coordination games before progressing onto basic bowling and batting skills and then more advanced batting and fielding. Each session culminates in a mini game, with the pupils testing their skills against each other, which always ends up very competitive and closely fought!

The taster sessions have been hugely popular with the pupils and many thanks must go to Bill and Gordon for all their help and hard work over the block and also for their gift of a Kwik Cricket set to the school to ensure cricket continues during PE.

If your child is interested in participating in cricket on a regular basis, or you would like to find out more information on Kwik Cricket or the Edinburgh South Cricket Club, please contact Bill at billpolson@tiscali.co.uk or on 0131 620 8716. Alternatively, for cricket opportunities across the city, please contact Gordon Drummond at gordon@sporting-chance.org or on 07771666614.
We are currently looking at starting a Sciennes Cricket team started after Christmas to compete in the new national primary school cricket competition, kicking off in term 3, so watch this space or contact Active Schools Coordinator Gael Logan at Gael.Logan@sciennes.edin.sch.uk or on 07799861473 for more information.

Parent Consultations

2008-10-06T10:38:00.003+01:00

The ECG will be providing tea and coffee and there will be homemade jam and the Autumn quiz for sale. Teachers will be handing out e-mail update sheets. If you wish to receive communications electronically please complete these forms and put in box beside tea and coffee stall or send into school with your child during the remainder of this week.
We will also have sheets displayed for class contact lists. Many parents find it helpful to have contact details for the other children in their child's class. If you would like to be included on these lists please add your details. This information is voluntary and will be shared across the class. The lists will be displayed on a table outside the hall.

Jeans for Genes Day

2008-10-06T10:35:00.007+01:00

Over £500 was raised! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser.

Sciennes After School Care Scheme

2008-10-06T10:35:00.002+01:00

Sciennes After School Care Scheme has a vacancy for a bookeeper/admin person for 8 hours per week.
The suitable person will need experience using Sage accounts package, and be confident using Microsoft Office (mostly Word and Excel).
There can be some flexibility around when the hours are worked, however please be aware that the scheme also operates during school holiday time.
For more information, please contact Sonia in the scheme office ( dining
hall) or by phone on 0131 662 4810

JEANS for GENES DAY

2008-09-29T14:20:00.004+01:00

Staff invite pupils to join them in celebrating Jeans for Genes Day on Friday 3rd October. By wearing jeans to school our intention is to highlight the cause of genetic research and the charity’s work for children with genetic disorders. £1 donations will be welcomed but are entirely voluntary.
http://www.jeansforgenes.com/about

Benmore Meeting

2008-09-29T10:06:00.003+01:00

P6 parents are invited to a meeting in the school hall on Friday 3rd October at 12.00.

Books Glorious Books!

2008-09-29T09:51:00.002+01:00

Our School Book Fair is here once again and runs from Monday, 6th October – Thursday, 9th October in the school Library. A flyer highlighting some of the many fiction and non-fiction titles, details of when your child’s class will visit the Book Fair and other opening times, will be sent home on Tuesday 30th September.
The Book Fair gives you an ideal opportunity to do some early and stress-free Christmas shopping for family and friends. An array of picture books, information books, bestsellers, classic novels, sports, hobbies, biography, Christmas books and stocking fillers are just some of the many items available.
Please look out for our “Donate a book to the Library” table, featuring new books we would love to see on our shelves. The books we present are our suggestions only and, of course, any Book Fair titles that you, or your child, feel would be enjoyed by our library users would be welcome.
Your continued generosity and support of this scheme continues to be much appreciated by the school.
We look forward to welcoming “old” friends and “new” friends to the Book Fair.
See you there!

James Gillespies High School: Invitation to School Council Meeting

2008-09-29T09:49:00.002+01:00

Our next monthly School Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 7th October, 7pm at James Gillespie's High School. We discuss or have a presentation each month on different relevant topics. Following suggestions from parents, we are aiming to convene a discussion and open forum on the School Dress Code. Did you know that there is a dress code? What do you think of these issues?
We hope to generate an informed discussion on the topic and to seek views of a range of invited representatives from different groups within our community, including:
Associated Primary Schools
Teachers from within JGHS
Pupil representatives from JGHS
Community council representatives from across the catchment area
Parents from JGHS
We hope that you will be able to attend or send a representative along to this meeting. The evening starts with coffee at 7.00 with the meeting convened at 7.15.

Link to the Code - http://www.jghs.edin.sch.uk/parents/maildrop_materials_08/School%20Dress%20Code.pdf

Parent Consultations

2008-09-23T17:53:00.001+01:00

Parent Consultations slips were sent home with your child today.

Industrial Action Wednesday 24th September

2008-09-19T13:56:00.009+01:00

School will be open on Wednesday. Lunches will be served as usual.

P4B Change of Date

2008-09-19T13:56:00.004+01:00

Please note, due to Industrial Action at the Museum on Tuesday 23rd, P4B will be visiting on Wednesday afternoon and not Tuesday morning as originally planned. If you are able to help with this outing please contact the class teacher.

Events/Outings week beginning 22nd September

2008-09-17T16:39:00.007+01:00

Museum Visit - P4A Monday morning, P4B Tuesday morning, P4C Wednesday morning

Hockey Festival Peffermill - P6 classes Thursday 9.30-12.00.

Cycle Training - P6 classes Tuesday and Wednesday

Fischy Music visit for P2 and P3 on Thursday morning

Lunch Money

2008-09-17T16:30:00.003+01:00

Next week is Week 3 lunch menu. Lunch money is due tomorrow (Thursday). Cost is £1.75 per day and money should be sent in an envelope together with a completed Week 3 menu sheet. If your child is in receipt of free school meals please complete a weekly menu sheet.

Parent Consultations

2008-09-17T16:28:00.002+01:00

If you have not already returned your completed slip please do so by the end of this week. Appointment times will be sent home with homework on Tuesday 23rd September.

September Break

2008-09-12T14:09:00.005+01:00

Remember!
No school on Monday 15th September. All pupils return on Tuesday 16th at 8.50am. P1 children are in school until 2.50pm from Tuesday 16th.

Parent Consultations

2008-09-12T14:04:00.004+01:00

You should now have received Parent Consultation letters. Please complete these and return them to school by Wednesday 17th September.

Peter Shaw the Jam Man

2008-09-11T17:26:00.002+01:00

Do you have any extra fruit in your garden? Peter Shaw, one of our parents, will use it up to make Jam which is then sold for school funds. Peter has done this for several years and raised a great deal of money for Sciennes.
If you can spare any produce please leave it at reception.
Thank you

Produce from our Garden

2008-09-10T14:49:00.004+01:00

Here are some of the lovely 'tatties' from our garden! The garden had grown like a jungle over the summer and we are delighted with our harvest. Any parent who can spare some time to help dig it over for the winter is welome to come into reception to volunteer their services. No previous experience necessary!

Scotland and Sciennes

2008-09-10T14:44:00.002+01:00

We have been delighted with the wide variety of wonderful items and pictures sent in for our Comenius Boxes. Everything from school badges to a haggis whistle!

The children will enjoy choosing which items to include. We are sure too that they boys and girls in our partner countries will get great pleasure from upacking the boxes too!

Thank you for all your thoughtful choices.

Wet Weather

2008-09-10T14:39:00.002+01:00

This has been a typically wet Scottish summer and unfortunately the autumn is heading the same way.
Could we please remind you that pupils will go out for break and lunch unless it is very wet and they will need to bring coats to school. Last week the rain came on very heavily and suddenly while the children were already out playing and they were drenched waiting to get back into the building.

We believe it is better for the pupils to get out for a run around whenever possible. If they have rainjackets they will keep them warm and dry while they do this.

Year Planner 2008-09 Additional Dates/Amendments

2008-09-08T19:30:00.010+01:00

October
Parent Consultations 7th 4.00-7.00, and 9th 5.30-8.30.
ECG Committee Meeting 28th 7.30-9.00pm

November
ECG Christmas Fair Saturday 29th, 2-4pm

January
ECG Committee Meeting 13th 7.30-9.00pm

February
P4 Scots Night 12th
Benmore Residential for P6 9th to 13th
Events and Clubs Group (ECG) P4/5 Disco 6.30 to 8.00pm

March
ECG P6/7 Disco 7.00-8.30pm

April
ECG Committee Meeting 28th 7.30-9.00pm

June
ECG Summer Fair Saturday 6th 2-4pm
Sports Day 1st Choice 9th, 2nd Choice 16th
23rd/24th/25th High School Transition Days P7
23rd/24th/25th P1 Induction Days

P1 Curriculum Evening and New Parents' Cheese and Wine

2008-09-08T09:54:00.005+01:00

P1 Curriculum Evening 7-7.45pm will be followed by the Events and Clubs Group Cheese and Wine to which all new parents are invited. Please come along and find out more about the various parent groups which help support the school. We have the School Council, the fruit group, the clubs group and the second hand uniform group to name but a few.

School Council Meeting

2008-09-08T09:52:00.003+01:00

First meeting of new session will be held in the staffroom at 7pm. All Welcome

P7 Hermitage Visits

2008-09-05T21:03:00.004+01:00

P7a Tuesday 10am -2pm

P7B Wednesday 10am-2pm

P7C Thursday 10am-2pm

If you have them, please bring wellington boots and a waterproof jacket. Packed lunches needed. If you have paid for a school lunch, a school packed lunch can be ordered for the trip.

P6 Cycle Training

2008-09-05T20:54:00.009+01:00

P6C cycle training on Tuesday from 9.30-11.30 and P6B from 1.20-3.20. P6A training on Wednesday from 9.30-11.30. Please make sure tyres are well inflated and remember to bring a cycle helmet.

ACTIVE SCHOOLS

2008-09-05T07:59:00.008+01:00

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - start week beginning Monday 8th September and will run until Friday 17th October

INDOOR ACTIVITIES - start week beginning Tuesday 16th September and will run until Friday 5th December

Class lists will be posted on school noticeboard on Friday 5th September

P1 Family Lunch

2008-09-04T18:57:00.003+01:00

P1 family lunch tomorrow. P1A 11.30, P1B 11.45 and P1C 12.00. This is a relaxed way to introduce your child to school lunches. Beef casserole, macaroni, carrot cake and custard and melon and grape suprise will be on offer. All welcome. Cost per child £1.75 and adult £2.25.

Alert

2008-09-04T10:45:00.002+01:00

Please do not leave bikes or scooters in the playground overnight. Several bikes and scooters have been stolen from the playground despite being locked to bike racks and railings. Ifyou are unable to take a bike or scooter home, please speak with the Janitor or Business Manager and they will arrange to put it in a safe place overnight.

Help Wanted

2008-09-03T20:48:00.003+01:00

P7 are visiting the Hermitage on Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th September. Adult helpers are needed for this all day trip. If you can help please contact the P7 teachers or staff at reception.

School Lunches

2008-09-03T16:58:00.001+01:00

School lunches are ordered on a Thursday for the following week. Cost is £1.75 per day. Monies should be sent to school in an envelope together with a ticked menu sheet. Your child's name and class should be clearly marked. Cheques are payable to City of Edinburgh Council. Menu sheets will be sent home every Wednesday. Week beginning September 8th is Week 1 Menu. If your child is in receipt of free school meals please return a completed menu sheet every Thursday.