Dear Parents
Welcome to a new session. We are easing our way into the year and everything seems set fair! ( so far )
The usual items begin the year so off we go....
Lunches : The price is still £5.80 per week and should be sent into school on a Monday morning. Per day the price is £1.45 and should be sent in on Monday but there is provision for ad hoc lunches and can be ordered on the day required.
Milk : The cost for milk is £28.50 per year, or £12.30 this term. If milk is required monies should be sent in by this coming Monday ( 28th. August ) as the final order is being sent on that day!
Clothing : It would be very helpful if all clothing is marked with your child’s name or at least initials. It is especially difficult to identify sweatshirts and polo shirts.
P.E. : Appropriate clothing should be worn for gym. A t-shirt ( football shirts are perfectly acceptable ), shorts and plimsolls ( trainers for outdoor work ) are required. Long hair should be tied back, and earrings should not be worn in the interest of safety (this applies throughout the school ).
Footwear : Soft shoes should be worn when pupils are in school and should be marked with the child’s name.
Absences : If your child is going to be absent please inform the school before 9.15am. If we do not hear by then we will phone you. This procedure is in place to ensure the safety of pupils.
PTA AGM : The PTA AGM is on 11th. September in the school ( further information will follow ). It would appear that there will be no requirement for new office bearers this year ( unless you are desperate to put yourself forward ). I hope that this news will encourage as many parents as possible, from Nursery to P7, to come along and learn more about the working of the PTA.
Ice Lollies : As part of their Enterprise programme P4/5 are producing ice lollies which are being sold at lunch-time. They cost 50p and contain no artificial additives and are sugar free. The children will be producing a bulletin which will detail what is being done with the profits.
Healthy Tuck Shop : The tuck shop will be up and running in the next week or two. The children will be producing a bulletin shortly detailing the items which will be available.
School Camp : P7 will be off to Dounans camp on the 2nd October as part of the Cluster Transition programme. They will be accompanied by Mr Pringle. Payment for camp can be made at any time before then.
Photographs : You will have received photograph proofs today. Orders should be returned to school by 8th. September. After that date orders will have to be directed to the company.
Web Site : The web site is being updated for the new classes. Check it out at www.westbarnsprimaryschool.com. If you wish to have a space on the website or to link with an organisation with which you are involved, please contact the school. We would be very pleased to work with you.
That’s it for this month
David Wharton
Headteacher
Dear Parents
Welcome to the late September newsletter! My apologies that it did not make it to press earlier but circumstances balked me at every turn, and there was always something else to take precedent. However, I am writing it now and with a bit of luck will get through without being sidetracked.
Changes : Apart from being a rather good song by David Bowie, it is what we at the school are now experiencing on a number of fronts. I am sure that you as parents are aware of the changes which are taking place, and wondering how it effects your child. I hope that I can help to lift the veil of uncertainty.
Staff changes are always a little unsettling, and as we have had a fairly stable staff for a while the changes may have come as a bit of a shock. However, changes in the staffing complement of schools is fairly common place and should not cause undue worry.
In P1/2 Miss Jack has taken over from Mrs Prudence, and P2/3/4 Miss Adam has replaced Mrs Valentine. As both are Newly Qualified Teachers Mrs Prudence is working with them both as a teaching partner and mentor, however, the class teacher for P1/2 is Miss Jack, and for P2/3/4 is Miss Adam.
Miss Chapman is the Acting Principal Teacher standing in for Mr Lavery until such time as an appointment, which runs until Mr Lavery’s return, is made.
Mr Pringle will be with us until Mr Lavery’s return. He has settled well into the school and the class is producing very good work under his guidance.
Mrs D’Arcy-Burt and Mrs MacDonald continue in the Nursery where there is excellent achievements produced daily.
After the October break Mrs Brogden will not be returning to work in the Nursery and P4/5. She will be missed, but we will shortly be making an appointment of a teacher who will cover Mrs D’Arcy-Burt’s non-teaching time, and Miss Chapman’s management time.
Miss Trail is continuing as our Music Specialist, and Mrs Jones is still our PE Specialist.
Unfortunately budgets are very tight and we have had to trim our support for learning staff a little. Mrs Stewart, Mrs McLeman and Mrs Dickson will continue to support teachers in P2/3/4, P4/5 and P6/7, but will work reduced hours. This matter will be kept under constant review.
Mrs Coventry will continue to support the teacher in P1/2.
Apart from the staffing changes the curriculum is under review. The way that Scottish schoolchildren are educated is changing with the introduction of the 3-18 curriculum, the introduction of Assessment is for Learning, Determined to Succeed ( Enterprise in Education ), and such initiatives as the Motivated School, Eco-Schools, Health Promoting Schools and Active Learning in the infants.
These initiatives, and the fundamental nature of the changes to the education system, demand a great deal from staff, pupils and parents. Staff have to alter their working practice to meet these new demands; pupils are required to be even more active participants in their learning, and parents need to forge a strong partnership with the school and their child’s teacher.
In order that these changes are understood by parents we will be holding a Curriculum evening on 7th. November at 7pm when I hope that can make clearer the direction that Scottish education is headed and how it will effect the learning
Lunches : Mrs Horsburgh has asked me to again mention that, wherever possible, lunch money for the week is sent to school on a MONDAY morning. It has been proving very difficult recently to give change to the children who bring their money in on other days of the week as our banking is done on a Monday and there is usually no cash within the school for the rest of the week.
PTA : The PTA is once again holding a Wine Tasting evening. This will take place on Wednesday 25 October in the school hall and will be run by Norman Barr. Tickets are now available, priced £6.50, and raffle tickets are also on sale. Please contact Angela Harding or Sue Barnott if you would like to attend.
Clothing : It would be very helpful if all clothing is marked with your child’s name or at least initials. It is especially difficult to identify sweatshirts and polo shirts. There are several unmarked items of clothing in the lost property boxes in the school, if your child has mislaid any clothing, please ask them to check.
Book Fair : The Book Fair will once again be in school at the end of the month. Children will be bringing home a leaflet today. Please try and support the book fair as it is an ideal opportunity for the school to top up the library as we are entitled to receive books in commission on sales.
Parental Consultation Dates : The Parental Consultations for this term will take place on Wednesday and Thursday 15 and 16 November. More details will follow in due course.
Interim Reports : Your child’s interim report will be sent home on 10th. November. If you have any concerns, these can be discussed at the Parental Consultation.
Holiday : The school will be closed for the October break from Friday 13 October until Tuesday 24 October.
That’s it for this month
David Wharton
Headteacher
Dear Parents
Welcome to the last newsletter of 2006. So far this session has been very interesting. We have found out that teachers risk their backs when working here: Miss Chapman is flat out at home; Mrs Prudence is taking cold showers to start the day (she swears that her back is benefiting….seems a bit drastic to me!), and Mrs Dickson is moving very gingerly around the school. Hopefully no one else falls foul of this epidemic.
On a brighter note: it’s almost Christmas!!
Closing Assembly: The assembly this year will begin at 1.45pm in the hall. Parents, family and friends are welcome to come along, but please bring your voices, as you will be expected to join in with the traditional Christmas carols. This year most of the songs will be accompanied by our brass band with the assistance of Gillian Lawson, Charlie Farren and, if work allows, Helen Cox.
Children in Need: The final total this year is a staggering £648. Every year the school outdoes the previous year and our contributions to this cause are exceptional. Maybe one of these days we might get the school mentioned on the telly.
Christmas Fayre: As usual the Christmas Fayre exceeded all expectations and raised an amazing £1500. Wow!
Smartboards: We now have interactive whiteboards in each classroom. This has been made possible by the whole school community supporting the PTA fundraising efforts. The boards are very expensive but will transform much of the teaching in the classrooms. The digital projectors are still to be mounted and individual units to be used by pupils are still to be added, but hopefully all will be in place early in the New Year.
Carols Under the Tree: A bit cold but really enjoyable. Thanks to all the brave souls who ventured out and joined in with our excellent band. A special thanks to Gillian Lawson and Charlie Farren, and the West Barns Inn who supplied the wine and mince pies.
Transport will be provided as normal on Thursday for those who need it, but the children will be dismissed immediately after the Assembly and parents can collect their angels then.
That’s it for the year.
On behalf of all the staff may I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.
Yours sincerely
David Wharton
Headteacher
Dear Parents
Welcome to the first newsletter of the year. As we wind our way into the New Year there are many interesting and exciting things happening, or about to happen in school. There are a few items of interest, so off we go.
Golden Time : When we began Golden Time it was a great success. It was well structured and the activities on offer to pupils were fun and educational. However, changes in staffing have meant that what is on offer, and the difficulties in supervision of activities has diminished the initial success, in particular in the upper school. Golden Time takes place in the last hour of the week and is a good reward for children’s hard work throughout the week, as well as giving them the opportunity to try something completely different.
We would like to revamp Golden Time by enlisting help from the community ( i.e. you or someone you know). Do you have a skill or interest which you would like to pass on to the younger generation? Knitting, sewing, baking, woodwork, football, basketball, gardening, art, craft of any kind, etc. If you do, or know of someone who has (age is no barrier ) can you spare an hour on a Friday morning (11.30 – 12.25 )?
Further information on Golden Time will be coming your way shortly, but in the meantime we need adult helpers to make it a success. If you think you would like to be involved, or know someone who might want to share skill and experience with the children, please get in touch with the school……in person, by letter, by phone or email. Your School Needs You!
Newsletters : This will be the last newsletter delivered solely via the pupils. A number of you have expressed a wish for electronic delivery through email. We are currently adding names to our address book and the next newsletter will go electronically to those who have supplied an address. It’s not too late..…if you wish to have your e-mail address added to the mail shot please send it into school.
Staff : I am very happy to tell you that Mrs Traynor will be with us in P6/7 until at least the end of the session.
Scottish Opera : P6/7 are having the opportunity to work with members of Scottish Opera every Tuesday throughout January and February. The work that they are doing will end up with a performance, along with other schools, in the Brunton Theatre in June.
Motionhouse : We are fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to have the Motionhouse Dance Company, who will be performing at the Brunton Theatre, come into school on the 5th February to work with P4-7. The work that the pupils will do, and the experience of dance with professionals, will be very exciting for the children.
Football : Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and allow our match against St. Mary’s, Haddington to go ahead on Friday morning.
Transition : P7 will begin the transition to DGS shortly. This programme will run through until the end of the session. The children will be mixing and working with pupils from the other primary school with whom they will be going to Dunbar Grammar. The programme has been very successful over the last few years and the transition from primary to secondary has been relatively painless for the pupils.
ES Topics : The Environmental Studies topics for this term are : P1/2 – Living Things ( Road Safety ), P6/7 – India, P2/3/4 – Weather and P4/5 – Hamlets and Settlements.
Maths Challenge : We are currently having a fresh look at Maths Challenge. The benefits are obvious to the staff and parents but some of the pupils are not giving it 100% . We would like to ensure that the pupils have the best chance of having success in the challenges and are looking to alter the approach which will include direct teaching by staff. The added complication is that on Maths Challenge day there is a deal of disruption in school and we are looking at ways to minimise this. We are suspending Maths Challenge for a short time and will re-launch will a new improved in the near future.
Behaviour : Generally the behaviour of the pupils in school is very good, but of late we have noticed that children’s manners, politeness, both to adults and to each other, and attitude to work in the school could be improved. We know that parents have high standards of behaviour and manners at home and we want them to be reflected in school. To encourage our pupils to be aware of their manners and attitudes to those around them, we are currently working on a behaviour scheme which complement the Golden rules in school and support the standards at home. More information detailing our plans will be sent to you shortly for your consideration.
Lunch & Milk Money: If paying by cheque we would be grateful if the cheque could be made payable to East Lothian Council.
That’s it for this month.
Yours sincerely
David Wharton
Headteacher
Website : www.westbarnsprimaryschool.com
Dear Parents
Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter. The year is already flying along and before we know it Easter will be upon us…however there are a few things which will happen in school before then so let’s find out about a few of them…
Comic Relief : Red Nose Day is coming! 16th. March is the big day! P6 are organising our participation this year. They have a few ideas and you will find all about them shortly. We have a history of raising a great deal of money and we hope that this year will be no exception.
Parent Consultations : These will take place on 21st March ( afternoon ), and 22nd. March ( evening ). Information will be coming out to you shortly.
Musical : For reasons that escape me it has been decided to perform a P6/7 musical this year. It will probably take place in the early weeks of the summer term, around April/May.
This production is fairly ambitious, dealing with difficulties in relationships which can affect children.
We are running it as an Enterprise production. The children will be engaged in the set design, poster, ticket and programme production, web site, costumes and scenery. To help them in this Scott Lavery, in his role of Enterprise Officer, will be coming into school to work with the pupils.
The children will be visiting Brunton Theatre to look backstage, talk to set designers, technicians and discuss how productions are put on at a theatre.
If all goes well the production may be performed at the Brunton Theatre, but there is a long way to go before we can make that a reality.
We are working with DGS on this production and the Dancer in Residence, Claire Hughes, will be taking sessions with the children on choreography; the Drama department will also be involved.
Risk Factory : P7 will be visiting Edinburgh as part of their personal safety programme. This is a highly successful event and many agencies take part. All P7 children in East Lothian will be taking part.
Golden Time : You may recall that we are changing our Golden Time in school. Golden Time allows pupils to try something outwith the mainstream curriculum. It is earned by the pupils and rewards their hard work but so far we have had few volunteers from the community. The children are volunteering their parents but we need the adults to confirm. The activities can comprise such diverse items as indoor bowling ( we have the equipment ) to knitting, baking, gardening, etc. All that is required is an interest in working with our pupils for an hour on Fridays. If you think you can help please contact the school.
End of Term : Here’s a frightening thought….Term 2 ends on 30th. March.
Yours sincerely
David Wharton
Headteacher
Website : www.westbarnsprimaryschool.com
Dear Parents
Welcome to the latest newsletter which is the first to be sent electronically to the parents who wanted it through the medium of email. There are a number of issues which will be raised in this newsletter and the school would welcome any feedback on the points raised.
Bad Language : There is an alarming rise in the use of swearing and inappropriate language in the playground. Whilst realising that our children are subject to this through many media; internet, television, DVDs and music, I am sure that you will agree that it is completely unacceptable in school, as it will be in your home, and that we must take a stand against its use.
If your child is heard swearing the school will inform you so that you can take appropriate action.
Violence : As well as the above, there has been an increase in the use of violence to settle disputes in the playground. Whilst we acknowledge that every child has the right to defend themselves, there should be no need. The school’s code of conduct prohibits violent behaviour and we would encourage you to talk this through with your children. Children can only respond if someone else hits or kicks them first, and therefore if we eliminate the first strike our pupils can enjoy their playtimes without the threat of assault.
Web Sites : It has been brought to our attention that there are websites being used by our pupils which contain rather inappropriate material. One in particular, Bebo, has material posted under the banner of West Barns School. The school has nothing to do with this site, and although it is being used by the majority to post perfectly acceptable material and comments, there are instances where it is less so. Please monitor your child’s Internet use and block any sites which you deem inappropriate for their use.
Well, that was all a bit serious….let’s get on to less heavy material.
Golden Time & Maths Challenge : These will resume after the Easter break. We have a few parent volunteers for Golden Time, but we can always do with more; and Maths Challenge will go ahead with Mrs Harding and her crew, although she too would welcome any volunteers.
Eco School : With the decision not to extend West Barns to help with the influx of pupils from Hallhill we are able to make plans to develop the school grounds in our bid for Eco School status. To that end Miss Chapman will be convening the Eco committee shortly to discuss plans.
Extension : Whilst the option of extending the school to help with overcrowding at Dunbar has been dismissed, due mainly to travel problems, it has been acknowledged that West Barns is in need of refurbishing for the existing pupils and staff. When final decisions have been taken in Dunbar it is hoped that the Council will turn its attention to the serious need for more space at this school.
Seabird Centre : P1/2 are off to the Seabird Centre at North Berwick this morning.
Musical : P6/7 are working hard on their musical, Bomaz. More and more people are coming on board, the latest being Shonagh Davidson, a drama teacher from the Brunton Theatre, Ruthanne Baxter form Cultural Services who is interested in making a CD, the Bridge Centre in Haddington, who will be recording the children in their studio, and of course Claire Hughes, the dancer in residence at DGS, who has been working with the pupils on choreography. The timescale has been revised and it is hoped to put on the production towards the end of May.
Brass Intruments : The PTA is continuing to purchase brass instruments for use by the pupils. This is a very worthwhile exercise and the pupils will benefit for years to come.
Interactive Whiteboards : The boards are installed in the classrooms but as yet we are unable to utilise them as we are still waiting for the projectors to be mounted. When eventually we are able to use them they will be of great benefit to Learning & Teaching. We have to once again thank the PTA for their support ( and money ) in the acquisition of the boards.
Round Table : We have had a very generous donation of £250 from The Dunbar Round table to help towards the purchase of hand held units for use with the interactive boards. This donation is very much appreciated and we hope that this is the start of a fruitful partnership.
Parent Forum : The PTA are continuing to press ahead with the Parent Forum and have a number of interested parents. If you wish to be involved contact Sue Barnott or Angela Harding.
That’s it for this month.
Have a good Easter
David Wharton
Headteacher
Website : www.westbarnsprimaryschool.com
Dear Parents
This is the last newsletter of the session full of riveting pieces of information for your delectation.
Closing Assembly :
The closing assembly will take place in the school on Friday at 11.30am. It will contain the usual mix of songs and words. We will be saying goodbye to our P7s as well as a few members of staff: Katie Traynor, who is off on maternity leave but will not be returning to us; Miss Jack and Miss Adams, who have finished their NQT year in the school, and Mrs Stewart, who after a good few years, is off in search of pastures new. We, of course, wish them all the very best and they go with our thanks for all the hard work which have done for the school.
Bomaz : The P6/7s took their show on the road to Pinkie St. Peter’s Primary in Musselburgh today. They have performed very well in this musical and I hope that the P7s will carry on their adventures in drama at the Grammar next session.
Staffing : The final staffing arrangements for next session are in place:
P1/2 – Karen Prudence
P3/4 – Rowan Wilding
P4/5 - Diane King ( NQT )
P5/6/7 – Kay Chapman ( APT )
Nursery – Norelle D’Arcy-Burt
Pam Coventry continues as the Classroom assistant.
Mrs Peterson will be working in the school covering management time and with our NQT.
Gillian McDonald will be our Nursery Nurse at the start of the session before going off on maternity leave in September.
Mrs Dickson will be replacing Mrs Stewart, and Mrs McLeman will continue as our ASL auxiliary.
Mrs Horsburgh has now left the staff and Mrs Allan will be continuing as the school secretary.
Miss Trail, music, and Mrs Jones, PE, will continue to be our visiting specialists, with Mr Farren working with the brass players.
Mr Lavery continues his secondment at John Muir House.
May I take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff to thank you for your continued support throughout the year, with a special thanks to the PTA committee who worked their socks off for the school: their efforts are much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
David Wharton
Headteacher