St John’s RC Primary School

Newsletter Friday 29th

January 2016

Catholic Education WeekThe Catholic Church in Scotland encourages schools, parishes and other agencies to work closely together in order to celebrate the successes of Catholic education particularly during one week each year. The purpose of Catholic Education Week is to highlight the significance of education, not only for young people but for society as a whole. Students, parents, teachers and others are asked to reflect on their own roles in the education process – at home, in school, in the local parish and in other educational settings.

SCES provides support materials linked to each year’s chosen theme to assist schools and parishes in their own plans to draw attention to the added value which Catholic schools bring across Scotland. Promotional events, liturgical celebrations, particular classroom lessons and school activities are encouraged in schools and parishes throughout this week. This year’s theme is “Learning to be Merciful” with a focus on reconciliation and forgiveness. It will take place during the week beginning 31st January 6th until 6th February 2016.

Lenten PreparationsAsh Wednesday takes place on Wednesday 10th February. We will celebrate Mass at 10am in St Mary Magdalene’s Parish. I would welcome offers of help to walk the P1 and P2 pupils to and from Church.

The P4 year group will lead us as we begin our Lenten Journey. Dates will follow as to class attendance at Masses throughout Lent and Eastertide. Also very positive praise and feedback from Fr Jock and parishioners for our P3 and P4 pupils who are participating in the Sacramental programmes and have attended the Children’s Masses in the Parishes.

Staffing News…We welcome Ms Toni Gallagher, Art Specialist, who has replaced Ms McWilliam on a Monday and Wednesday. She is delighted to be able to take up her post with us. There is still no news on Ms McWilliam’s baby. Hopefully, it won’t be too long now.

Mrs Terry Thomas, one of our Pupil Support Assistants, is currently unable to return to work due to illness. She is keeping in touch and we all hope that she is on the mend very soon. I will keep you updated as soon as I have any further news.

Scottish Focus FortnightIt is wonderful to celebrate the richness of our Scottish Culture. Our Scottish Assembly on Friday

Morning has everything from “Donald Where’s Your Trousers” to “Letter from America”, celebrating Old and New plus

fiddling, ukulele playing, guitars, dancing, and poetry recitation. At the time of writing it is great to hear the rehearsals going on and smell the wonderful cooking …… I am sure that Friday will be very entertaining!!

Pupil Council Transition Cluster WorkingOur P6 and P7 Pupil Councillors will join with Cluster schools on two afternoons to share ideas and expertise in February and May. The first session will involve making a “movie”, which will be presented on the afternoon Thursday 4th February at Holy Rood High School.

Safe from Bullying Curricular EveningMany thanks to Diana Dodd, Principal Officer Equalities, who organised and ran our session on Tuesday evening. 23 families were represented and I am sure that they found the session very informative. I would have hoped for a greater attendance as we have over 300 families in school and are keen to develop our Parental Engagement. There will be next steps identified following a review of the evaluations and we would hope to develop a parent focus group to ensure that all parents are aware of the school policy in relation to anti-bullying and the ways they can help. Please not the Parent Council meeting has been re-scheduled to 2nd February.

P3 VisitsP3 classes had wonderful visits to Pizza Express and also to Breadshare bakery this week. They came back to school with

Pizza and Bread.

P7 Transition MassPupils in P7 will attend the Annual Transition Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on

Wednesday 3rd February at 11.15 am. The theme ties in with the Catholic Education Week theme:

“Learning to be Merciful”I am sure that the pupils will be a real credit to St John’s.

SCIAF Launch (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund)

Due to our enormous fundraising efforts, St John’s has been invited to attend the Launch at the SCIAF offices in Glasgow on Wednesday 10th February. Mrs Kelly will take a group of 5 pupils (our House Captains) who will represent all of our pupils. We have heard that there are some very special celebrities invited too! More news to follow…..

Ukelele lessonsOur P4 and P5 pupils are enjoying their 5 week block of Ukelele lessons. Watch out on our twiiter feed for news on a performance.

New School UpdateThe first 2 meetings with the School Management team have been very positive. Exciting times ahead! We hope to have an information drop in session for parents during the Consultation times in March on Wed 9th

March from 4-7pm and Friday 11th

March from 1-3pm.

Positive FeedbackCongratulations to the Nursery team... A note from Susan Imrie ( QIO)

“Thank you very much for my visit yesterday. It was great to see all the developments in the nursery - a huge well done to the team what a great job you have done with your improvements in maths and literacy and implementing the bedtime stories.”

Knitting ClubThere are spaces in the Knitting Club, which runs on a Wednesday after school. If you are interested please contact Eildidh Scott on: eilidh@knittingforall.co.uk 07739711590

Mrs Anne Brown, ably assisted by Mrs Sharon Livingstone has been busy progressing & training with ParentMail, over the last week. We are pleased to announce we are now Live!! You will now have been sent an email/text to your phone asking you to now register to ParentMail, please do so. If you have a smartphone you can download an app. We will be using Parent Mail to communicate with parents; send out forms; send newsletters and most importantly

you will be able to book a suitable time slot for the upcoming Parental Consultations. Using ParentMail will help the school to be paperless & communicate more efficiently with parents. In order for this to be a success we need all parents to register ASAP so please register and tap your App!! This is the first newsletter that will be sent directly to you by ParentMail.

Message from Carmen ChalmersRock Choir is performing at St John's Parish on Saturday 12th March at 2.00pm. Teas/Coffee's & Homebaking on Sale afterwards. All proceeds for St Vincent De Paul. If anyone would like to help with serving in the day or Homebaking please contact Carmen Chalmers on 07852292335.Moo Music is coming to Edinburgh East. Music & movement classes for children aged 0-5. Please contact Carmen Chalmers - 07852292335.

RACE NIGHT In aid of TZ16Collaboration between Holy Rood High School, Edinburgh & Lombeta Secondary School, Tanzania

Friday 5 February 2016, St John’s Church Hall Portobello, 7pm start, first race 7.30pm, Tickets from Miriam Lang (St John’s PS playground) £6 each or £50 for ten, includes buffet, BYOB

Edinburgh’s Safer Internet Day 2015Let’s Create a Better Internet Together

Just a gentle reminder that the Safer Internet Day Competition for Primary age children closes on the 15th February. This year we are also celebrating the good practice of schools.Thanks

Many thanks for your continued support and co-operation.

Ms Barbara A ServiceHead Teacher

https://stjohnsportobello.wordpress.com/St John’s twitter account- follow us: @porty_stjs