Month: March 2024

Huge congratulations to our Primary 7s who won the annual Leith Academy Primary 7 Maths Challenge Competition. The B team who comprised of Erin, Laksh and Antos, came first overall, beating Lorne, Hermitage Park and Craigentinny Primaries.

We are enormously proud of them for showcasing their top mathematical skills and for representing the school and themselves in such an exemplary manner. Well done Leithers!

Leith Primary Gets a Life Saving Defibrillator #Article 24

We received our new defibrillator this week at Leith Primary School. It is situated outside the lunch hall on the ground floor of the main school building. The school is now signed up to The Circuit, the national defibrillator network which helps people identify their closest defibrillator in an emergency situation.

If you are interested in learning how to use a defibrillator or how to offer CPR in an emergency, visit this website: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators

Young Carers Day of Action

#Article 12 #Article 13 #Article 15

March 13^th was Young Carers’ Action day. The Equalities Pupil Group wanted to raise awareness of the incredible work that young carers do- so this was an ideal opportunity to do so!

Armed with iPads, the Equalities group did their research, finding out what Young Carers are, what they do, what their rights are and why they need support. They then created a PowerPoint slide show to share with the school at assembly. A few of the members of the Equalities Group are Young Carers and one of them shared with the school what this experience was like for him.

Mrs Moloney is the Young Carer Co-ordinator at Leith Primary school. At the assembly, she shared with the school that we have a Young Carer Team, dedicated to supporting and identifying Young Carers in our school community. Pupils can approach them for help and advice.

We work very closely with the charity Edinburgh Young Carers. There is a link to their web page here, if you would like to find out more about what they do.

https://www.youngcarers.org.uk

We are proud to say that all staff at Leith Primary School have had training and are Young Carer aware.

If you think that someone in your family might be a young carer- because they have a sibling or parent at home who has a disability, physical or mental health issues or problems with addiction, you can contact the school directly for advice and a possible referral to Edinburgh Young Carers.

Leith Primary School Health Week #Article 29 #Article 31

Next week is our annual health and fitness celebration that focusses on pupils’ physical health and wellbeing. We have an exciting week packed with activities and workshops to help encourage pupils to get active and stay fit.

Take a Look at the Timetable

Teen Triple P Parenting Classes #Article 18

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to let you know about the citywide Teen Triple P Parenting Group opportunities that will be running April – June 2024 with an additional group added at St Augustine’s RC HS.

We welcome applications directly from parents and carers or someone can apply on their behalf. Applications can be made by completing our online application form. If you require more information or you wish to discuss particular support needs please contact jill.coleman@edinburgh.gov.uk

I have attached a Teen Triple P leaflet for more information.

Day Face to Face NE

Craigentinney Community Centre, 9 Loaning Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6JE

Wednesday’s 1/05, 8/05, 15/05, 22/05, 29/05, 5/06, 12/06, 19/06

Time: 1.15-3.15pm

Day Face to Face NW

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre 19 W Pilton Grove, Edinburgh EH4 4BY

Thursday’s 2/05, 9/05,16/05, 23/5, 30/05,6/06,13/06, 20/06

Time: 1.15-3.15pm 

Evening Face to Face SE

St Augustines RC High School 208 Broomhouse Rd, Edinburgh, EH12 9AD l

Thursday 2/05, 9/05,16/05, 23/5, 30/05,6/06,13/06, 20/06

Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm

Evening Teen Triple P Virtual Group  – access to laptop or pc required, we will be using TEAMS for delivery (FULL but names can be added to waiting list)

Wednesday’s 1/05, 8/05, 15/05, 22/05, 29/05, 5/06, 12/06, 19/06

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

Any questions please don’t hesitate getting in touch. 

Kind Regards

Jill Coleman

Parent/Carer Teacher Consultations #Article 12 #Article 29

Thank you to everyone who was able to meet with their child’s class teacher to discuss their progress in learning over the last couple of weeks.

Parents and carers are a child’s first and main teacher, spending 85% or more of any average school year at home. This is why we greatly value being able to meet with you as the experts in what makes your child tick. We want to get the best we can from our pupils in the remaining 15% of a typical year when we have them. Sharing information and collaborating is the best way to support your child to achieve success at school.

We really value parents and carers feedback to help us get better at supporting our pupils with their learning and development. Please take a moment to complete this short survey to help us with our future plans for the school.

https://forms.office.com/e/fzUiDq1U0G

End of Term #Article 30 #Article 31

Please remember that the Spring Term ends on Thursday this week at the usual finish times (3pm and 3.15pm). Staff and children will be on holiday until Tuesday 16th April when everyone will begin back for the Summer Term.

Happy Easter and Eid Mubarak to our families when these celebrations arrive.

Our Leithers of the Week # Article 29

Well done to all our Leithers who have Believed, Persevered & Achieved over the last two weeks. We are all very proud of you.

Hayden	Primary 1/2	For trying his best in phonics. He is doing a fantastic job remembering his initial sounds and can now independently write his own name. Well done Hayden.
Lottie	Primary 1/2	For showing kindness to her peers. Lottie has been spending time this week creating some lovely pictures for her friends.
Liam	Primary 1a	Liam has been trying particularly hard with his writing this week. He independently wrote a sentence and even checked his work for capital letters, finger spaces and full stops! Super work, Liam!
Eyad	Primary 1a	Eyad has been working hard over the last few weeks to follow the school rules and routines. He has been a kind friend and was ready to learn in phonics. Well done!
Alexander	Primary 1b	Alexander has been working really hard in phonics and can say lots of new sounds. He is also writing his new letters beautifully. Well done Alexander!
Lukas	Primary 1b	Lukas has been working really hard to listen and focus on the carpet and during group time.
David	Primary 2	David has been working hard this week, to focus well when we are on the carpet or moving from one task to another.  He has already shown that he can focus really well during tasks and channel his energy into producing quality pieces of work.  Well David, you can do it!
Iris	Primary 2	Iris has been demonstrating her dancing skills, whilst learning our dance routine in PE.  She’s been keeping up with the changing actions, keeping in time with the beat and being aware of her body movements in her own space.  She also gave really effective feedback to her classmates about their skills.  Well done Iris!
Linda	Primary 3	You did an amazing job describing your dream reading space using your 5 senses and I was able to imagine just what it looked, sounded and felt like. It was wonderful to watch you challenge yourself and write independently. You should be so proud of yourself!
Jess	Primary 3	You have taken on extra responsibility this week and have been a great teacher to all of your classmates, especially in all of the work we’ve been doing in our non-fiction features. I hope you are proud of yourself!
Mamadou	Primary 4	For persevering and challenging himself in Reading, well done!
Rayyan	Primary 4	Rayyan has made lots of progress in Writing recently – well done!
Elle	Primary 5a	Elle has been working hard in writing and wrote and edited a piece of writing this week. Well done
Lucia	Primary 5a	For showing great organisation skills, for supporting others and for persevering with tasks and always striving to do her best. Well done
Mateusz	Primary 5b	Mateusz has shown an  increase in confidence when writing independently, applying punctuation and spelling skills. He is also developing better reading skills, working well within his group. Well done!
Juliet	Primary 5b	Juliet has persevered in developing her writing skills producing fantastic writing which she has confidently shared with the class. Well done Juliet!
Lilyan	Primary 6	Lilyan was showing excellent thinking in her maths this week, spotting patterns in her times tables and applying this. Keep up the good work Lilyan!
Jakub	Primary 6	Jakub has been really focused in his reading this week taking on an additional challenge and really applying himself, keep up the good work!
Marianna	Primary 6/7	Marianna has been incredibly resilient and hard working when it comes to Numeracy and working with fractions and percentages. Well done Marianna, keep going!
Yanis	Primary 6/7	Yanis continues to up level his writing skills each week. This week Yanis has successfully added personification and metaphors into his writing. Well done Yanis, keep it up!
Alexander	Primary 6/7	Alexander has noticeably been working harder to take initiative when it comes to his learning. Alexander has been leading by example and become a great role model to those around him. Alex has started to take more pride in his work, and in particularly, has up levelled his writing skills. Well done Alexander, keep it up!
Remaz, Akrm, Wegdan, Dina and Amna	Primary 7	For creating a lovely and informative PowerPoint about Ramadan and presenting it with confidence to their class. Well done everyone!

It is a very busy week this week at Leith Primary School. Here is a reminder of a few things coming up this week:

• Better Sleep Week 11th – 15th March – Come along to our parent/carers’ session this Wednesday at 9.15am in school with Kristy Johnstone trained Sleep Coach and our Citadel Family Worker.
• Ramadan Mubarak to all our Leith Primary Muslim families. Mrs Hafeez will be hosting a peaceful Ramadan Lunch Club from Tuesday in Room 23 for those who wish to pray or spend some quiet time together. (NB: Pupils should bring their own prayer mats)
• Leith Primary Parent Council LPPC Meeting in the Library at 6.15pm (childcare available)
• Parent Consultations Thursday 4.00pm-6.30pm (some classes may vary)
• Parent Consultations Friday 1.00pm-3.30pm (some classes may vary)
• Red Nose Day – Friday – Wear a Red Nose! More details below.

A Message from Police Scotland

Sleep Support Workshop for Parents/Carers

Red Nose Day – Friday 15th March 2024

As part of our journey towards achieving Gold Rights Respecting School Status and our Right of the Month focus on Article 28: Access to Education, our Rights Champions have decided to raise money for Comic Relief: Red Nose Day. Here are some of the activities they have organised:

• Sale of red noses: These can be paid for via Parent Pay for £2 each by Wednesday at the latest. Noses will be handed out to pupils on receipt of payment. No cash please.
• Guess the Teddy’s birthday: Each guess costs £1 which can be paid for on Parent Pay. Last guesses by Thursday please. The winner will be announced Friday 15^th.
• Wear Red: We are asking everyone to wear something red for fun on Friday 15^th.
• Whole School Conga: Let’s see if we can get everyone joining in!
• Kahoot Quiz: Each class will have the chance to take part in this quiz created by the Rights Champs.
• Design a mask: Everyone will have the chance to design their own red and superhero masks to wear.

General donations for dressing up or the whole school conga can be given through this fundraising page . All donations are gratefully received. We also appreciate that not everyone is in the position to do so.

Struggling With Your Child’s Behaviour?

I am writing to let you know about the citywide Teen Triple P Parenting Group opportunities that will be running April – June 2024. This is an 8 week group programme.

We welcome applications directly from parents and carers or someone can apply on their behalf. Applications can be made by completing our online application form. If you require more information or you wish to discuss particular support needs please contact jill.coleman@edinburgh.gov.uk

Day Face to Face

Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6JE

Wednesday’s 1/05, 8/05, 15/05, 22/05, 29/05, 5/06, 12/06, 19/06

Time: 1.15-3.15pm

Evening Face to Face

Southside Community Centre 117 Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9ER

Tuesday’s 30/04 (7/05 no group school holiday) 14/05, 21/05, 28/05, 4/06, 11/06, 18/06, 25/06

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

Teen Triple P Virtual Group  – access to laptop or pc required,we will be using TEAMS for delivery

Wednesday’s 1/05, 8/05, 15/05, 22/05, 29/05, 5/06, 12/06, 19/06

Time: 6.00-8.00pm

Further supports for families can be found here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/supportforfamilies

Free Swimming Lessons

Dear Parents/Guardians

Stepping Stones and Active Schools Leith are working together to offer free swimming lessons to pupils who would benefit from it the most. If you’re interested please register with the link below and once a space becomes available stepping stones will reach out 😊

Where: Leith Academy Swimming Pool

When: Friday Afternoons

Age: P3+

Sign up Link: https://www.steppingstonesswimming.com/communitylessons

Pupils had an almost tropical trip to Cairngorm this week on the annual skiing residential. A group of 32 pupils from P5-P7 still had fun learning the basics and perfecting some new life skills such as making their own bed! #Article 31

Parent-Teacher Consultations #Article 18

Please look out for an email prompting you to make an appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher to discuss their progress in learning this month. Dates vary slightly for some classes so make sure to use the correct link.

Better Sleep Week # Article 24

Primary school aged children need around ten hours of sleep a night to ensure their brain and body develops in the way it should. A lack of sleep can reduce the amount of learning a child does and negatively impact on the quality of their friendships, their behaviour, their appetite and their mood. Quality sleep is as essential to the body as food and water.

With this in mind, we are running our second Better Sleep Week from Monday 11th – Friday 15th March.

We know that a lack of sleep is having a detrimental impact on a growing number of our pupils. Whether the root cause is anxiety, difficulties with housing, neighbourhood noise, difficult bedtimes or excessive use of screens, we can support you to improve this important aspect of your child’s health.

Kristy Johnson, our Citadel Family Support Worker, is a trained sleep coach who has helped many families to tackle difficulties with poor sleep. Kristy is running a Sleep Support Workshop on Wednesday 13th March just after drop off. Why don’t you come along and find out a bit more about what you and she can do to improve your child’s sleep at home.

If you are facing difficulties with housing or sleeping arrangements that affect your child’s sleep, please get in touch with Kerry Anderson, our CHAI Support Worker, who can support you with matters around housing and finance. Email her at kerry.anderson@chaiedinburgh.org.uk or call the school office to book an appointment with her.

Information Sessions for Parents with P1-P3 Children with Suspected or Diagnosed Autism Conditions #Article 24

Please see attached flier below for online autism parent information sessions for parents and carers of children in P1-3 mainstream schools.

Sessions begin on Wednesday 6^th March 2024 @12:30-2pm; The sessions are appropriate for parents, grandparents or carers. Young people themselves should not attend. The sessions will take place at lunchtime each week on Microsoft Teams. 

A recording of the sessions will be made available to all those who register. You do not need to attend the live sessions to receive these recordings.

Interested parents should book a place by contacting the number on the flier or via Eventbrite: details on the flier attached. Once the Eventbrite spaces are full, parents can still book a place by calling the office. Details on the flier attached. You can also click on THIS LINK

*Please note that we welcome parents of children without a formal diagnosis

Leithers of the Week #Article 29

Well done to all these hard working Leithers!

Ahaan	Primary 1/2	For trying really hard in phonics and gaining confidence when writing!
Esmeralda	Primary 1a	Esmeralda has been trying exceptionally hard in phonics and writing. She has been checking her finished work to ensure she has used capital letters, finger spaces and full stops. Well done Esmeralda!
Haneen	Primary 1b	Being an exceptionally supportive friend.
Mason	Primary 2	Mason persevered with his Numeracy activity this week and put a big effort into counting on and back from two digit numbers, even though he found it tricky at the start.  Well done Mason!
Esmee	Primary 3	They regularly show good Sportsmanship. This was especially true in Tuesday’s PE session when she showed kindness to other members of the class and responsibility when she created and led a skipping activity.
Anthony	Primary 3/4	For being an effective learner by having recently made a huge effort to improve his writing. He has also been an effective contributor this week because he answered a very specific question a visitor asked about coding, to which the answer was “algorithms”. Keep up the good work!
Belle	Primary 4	For working so hard on her mental maths skills – well done!
Robert	Primary 5a	Robert has been completing tasks independently and challenging himself more. Well done and keep it up.
Tempy	Primary 5b	Tempy has been a respectful and responsible member of our class this week. She has contributed effectively in our class activities and has been a supportive member in co-operative learning. Thank you Tempy!
Alfie	Primary 6/7	Alfie has been working tirelessly over the last two terms to improve his spelling skills. Alfie has made  great progress and become a very independent writer. Well done Alfie!
Tas	Primary 7	For being a kind and supportive Paired Reading tutor with a younger pupil.