The whole school took to our usual part of Leith Links to enjoy and celebrate seasonal and locally produced Scottish foods at our annual One Planet Picnic event.
We try to make the most of whatever we have managed to grow in our raised beds over the summer. In previous years, we have enjoyed soups, salads and fruit platters. However, this year was a less than impressive harvest! Scottish foods such as oats, strawberries, raspberries and cheese were bought from local suppliers and turned into humble creations such as fruit kebabs, cheese and oatcakes and strawberry shortbread and cream.
One Planet Picnic draws attention to the many foods that are grown close to us during each season. Choosing to eat foods that are in season and grown locally cuts down on carbon emissions that come from artificial heating systems and long-haul transportation methods when we eat foods grown in artificial conditions or in countries thousands of miles away. Pupils took part in lessons that looked at the impact of year-round food availability and its impact on the planet and found out about foods that are seasonal and grown right here in Scotland. This is one of many ways in which our pupils learn about sustainable ways of living.
After the picnic, many friends from our buddy classes joined up for some games and dancing as part of the celebration. It was a lovely way to start off the beginning of a new school session whilst drawing attention to our understanding of food and sustainability.
Responsibility
One of our key school values is Responsibility. This is something that we try to instil in all Leith Primary pupils and staff. This value encompasses responsibility for ourselves, for our learning, for our belongings, for our school, for others, for our community, for the world around us. At the start of the new school year, pupils take on a class responsibility such as being a line leader, a milk monitor, a resource manager and so on. This teaches pupils the importance of interdependence – that the class cannot function successfully unless everyone plays their part.
Primary 7 pupils have been applying to become prefects this week. Many will take on responsibility for looking after younger classes at break and lunchtimes (under staff watchful eyes) or will support with leading school tours for visitors, with recycling, or with setting up for assemblies or other events. Some of our Primary 7 pupils have already been supporting younger children in their role as Paired Reading guides.
Primary 6 have started undertaking their role on rotation as administrative assistants to Mrs Gatton, our school administrator. Later on in the session, Primary 6 pupils will learn how to become Playground Buddies who lead games with younger children and support with common playground issues.
This week, we have also been saying a big thank you to our Pupil Leadership groups who are making way for new membership this term. We are now looking for two representatives from each P3-P7 class for our Pupil Council, our Eco Committee, our Health & Wellbeing Committee, our Eco Group, our Rights Respecting Schools Champions, our Equalities Group, our Playground Squad, our Junior Librarians Group and, new for this session, our Sports Council. It is our hope that each pupil will have at least one or two opportunities to represent the views of their class and inform the development of their school during their time at Leith Primary School.
These leadership opportunities develop improved communication skills, help to grow confidence and encourage problem solving and creative thinking. Participating in a pupil leadership group supports a sense of school community and develops ownership and responsibility for our school. We are looking forward to celebrating our new pupil reps at a future school assembly.
Open Classroom Session
A reminder that classrooms will be open to parents and carers this Wednesday 11th September in the afternoon. Everyone is warmly welcome to come along, meet their child’s new class teacher and join in some learning for the last part of the day. Doors are open from 2.30pm for P1 and P2 classes and from 2.40pm for P3-P7 classes. We look forward to seeing you there.
Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award Report
As we announced in our last newsletter, we were delighted to be awarded with our Gold level Rights Respecting Schools Award. As we await delivery of our new banner, some of you may be interested to read the report from the UNICEF assessor, Gerry McMurtrie. It is such a wonderful reflection of the hard work of all the pupils who took part in the assessment day as well as the ongoing work of our last Rights Respecting School Champions. Well done again to everyone involved. We are still to announce how this wonderful achievement will be celebrated by everyone at school. More details to come in later weeks.
New Shared Google Calendar on LPS Website
To try to keep parents and carers updated on our busy school events, we have included a live school Google Calendar on our website. This has details of all the important upcoming events for the year, including Parent-Teacher consultations and school photo day. Here, you can keep an eye on when your child has swimming lessons or when the next open classroom sessions are. We hope you find this new feature helpful. Find it on the right-hand sidebar of the homepage.
School Photo Day
School photographs will be taken on Monday 23rd September. This year, we will ask you to opt in to sibling photos rather than taking them as standard. More details on how to request sibling photos will be sent out by LPPC.
Teen Triple P
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. Please see link to application below.
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/teentriplepform
North East Edinburgh
Venue: Richmond Church Craigmillar 227 – 229 Niddrie Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4PA
Day and Dates: Tuesday’s 8/10, 15/10 no group Oct hol, 22/10, 29/10, 5/11, 12/11, 19/11 telephone call no group, 26/11 telephone call no group, 3/12 (6 group sessions, 2 telephone contacts)
Time 9.45-11.45am
Virtual Course – requires access to a laptop, ipad or pc.
This course requires parents/carers to engage in interactive session online session each week. On the dates below parents/carers will come together on TEAMS as a group with facilitators
Dates 9/10, (16/10 no group Oct hol) 23/10, 30/10, 6/11, 13/11, 20/11 telephone call no group, 27/11 telephone call no group, 4/12 (6 group sessions, 2 telephone contacts)
School Pick Ups
Every part of the school day counts therefore we politely request that parents do not ask to take their children out of school early unless in exceptional circumstances. Unplanned early pick ups during school time cause disruption to the smooth running of the school office and to the pupils in your child’s class. It means that your child may miss out on vital learning that can cause them to fall behind. We understand that children occasionally have dental and hospital appointments scheduled during school hours. We ask that you please notify Mrs Gatton at least one day in advance of such appointments so we can arrange for your child to be ready for you at reception at the correct time. Thank you for your support on this matter.
Discover more from Believe. Persevere. Achieve.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Believe. Persevere. Achieve. 