Kindness Perseverance Responsibility

I have been really impressed and grateful with how well our Leith Primary community has pulled together during the past week. Like many schools, Leith Primary has had a higher than normal rate of pupil and staff absences due to COVID. I understand that it can be very difficult for families to adapt their plans if a child is sent home with suspected COVID symptoms or must be kept off with a positive LFD result. It can be especially stressful for those parents and carers with ongoing work commitments. Leith Primary staff have also pulled together brilliantly, often juggling their own childcare challenges, to ensure that classes have remained open so pupils can continue with their familiar school routines. I particularly enjoyed getting out the office to support with the younger classes this week – a rare treat! I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked with the school to help keep the virus in check by observing the current guidelines and going the extra mile. Whilst I believe that we may have a few more weeks left of this particular outbreak to contend with, I am glad that we can keep going with an element of normality this winter. Please continue to monitor your child’s symptoms and if possible test them daily with a lateral flow device for the next week or two. If you are unsure about what is best to do, please check the NHS Inform website here or get in touch with us and we will try our best to help you. Leithers persevere!

Farewell Mrs Hind

Today, we said farewell to Mrs Anna Hind who, on Monday, will take up a twenty-three month secondment as an Acting Principal Teacher at another primary school in Edinburgh. Mrs Hind, who has acted up twice as Leith Primary’s Principal Teacher, left with a handmade card signed by many former pupils who wished her good luck. Mrs Hind has contributed a huge amount to the success and development of Leith Primary School, not least with her support of pupil filmmaking, winning with her P7 class at the final of the School Mock Court trials and the attainment of three Eco Schools Award Green Flags. I would like to thank Mrs Hind for her enormous contribution to the school so far and wish her the very best for her secondment.

Welcome to Leith Primary Steph!

We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie Mason as the new Crossing Patrol Guide at Duncan Place. We have been concerned for some time by the absence of Crossing Patrol Guides on the busy roads around the school since Robert, Wilma and Margaret retired last year. However Steph, who is also the mum of Grace in P5, felt that doing this important job would be a great chance for her to return to work. We have been informed that another new Crossing Patrol Guide will start next week at Academy Street. I know that our staff, pupils and parents will give them both a warm Leith welcome.

Well Done to These Hard Working Leithers This Week

Kasey	Primary 1/2	Kasey has been so enthusiastic during our Book of the Week learning and has enjoyed spotting lots of tricky words, as well as taking on the role of ‘red crayon’ in the ‘hot seat!’ Well done Kasey!
Rohaan	Primary 1a	Rohaan has been trying hard to join in with small groups and is beginning to make a new friendship. Well done Rohaan!
Finlay	Primary 1b	Finlay has been a superstar helper over the last 2 weeks and has been going above and beyond when tidying up the classroom! Thank you for all that you do, Finlay!
Jakub	Primary 2	Jakub has demonstrated excellent listening skills in class all week and has been a great role model for classmates. Very well done Jakub!
Lucia	Primary 3a	Lucia has shown fantastic creativity during her choosing time this week, creating a stage for her handmade puppets. She also continues to be a kind and respectful member of our class. Well done, Lucia!
Charlie	Primary 3b	Charlie worked really hard in Maths this week, well done!
Alice	Primary 4a	Alice has been taking on all challenges with a great attitude and sense of perseverance. She has been very sensible and thoughtful in her questions and responses especially during Health and Wellbeing lessons.
Moshin	Primary 4b	Moshin has worked really hard on his spelling activities over the past few weeks.  He did particularly well in his Silly Spelling Story and his test at the end of the week.  Well done Moshin – you’re a spelling star!
Laksh	Primary 5a	Laksh has settled in well as part of Team Leith and P5a. He works well with others and has demonstrates the school values and rules. Welcome to Leith Laksh!
Amna	Primary 5b	Amna always takes pride in her work.  This week she took great care to produce a beautiful piece of work in a topic lesson.
Alistair	Primary 6	Alistair has settled really well into the new term. His work in cold writing has been particularly impressive. Well done Alistair and keep it up!
Blake	Primary 7a	Blake is a hardworking member of the class with imaginative ideas!  He always brings creative flair to our class discussions.  Today is also his birthday!  Happy Birthday Blake 🙂
Aimal	Primary 7b	As always, Aimal has worked so hard this week. She produced a super suspense story and worked in a team to create a tsunami presentation. You are a star Aimal!

We Are Learning to Learn

We have been focussing on how to speak confidently about our learning over the last couple of months. That does not just mean talking about the activities or tasks that we have been doing in class. More importantly, we have been talking about the skills we are developing by doing those activities and tasks. Pupils have a Learning Intention for each lesson that tells them what skill they are developing. They also have or create Steps to Success which tell pupils how they can be successful in their learning during that lesson. Increasingly, pupils are also encouraged to think about why they are learning that skill and what a real-world application might be. At the end of a lesson, pupils are encouraged to self and peer assess, using the Steps to Success as a guide. This help them to know what they have done well and what they need to work on a bit more as a next step.

Ms Craig and Mr Stuart have been speaking to small groups about their learning in class and about what helps them to know if they are doing well. Lots of our pupils are increasing in confidence when talking about themselves as a learner. Many of our older pupils can also talk about what works best for them as an individual when they are learning new skills. Some prefer working alone, some in pairs, some using an iPad, some with lots of extra time to practice and sometimes with a bit more adult support. Knowing what helps us to learn best is very important for our young people who may grow up to have more than one type of job in their lifetime.

So next time you ask your child how school was, try asking them about their Learning Intentions and Steps to Success and see if they can get better at speaking confidently about their learning at school.

LFD Testing Kits

Primary school pupils are now eligible for regular LFD testing kits from school if requested by their parent. This offer is particularly targeted at pupils who are considered by health professionals to be at higher risk from developing COVID-19. If you believe your child falls into this category please contact the school via text, phone or email to arrange a time to collect a kit.

Relationships Sexual Health and Parenthood

From this term, pupils will begin engaging with the new Scottish Relationships Sexual Health and Parenthood programme. Please make sure you check you email inbox (and junk mail) for a letter from school giving more information about this programme. Our Health & Wellbeing Lead, Ms MacDonald has put together a short video that explains the programme for parents and carers. The video and letter also highlights where further information can be found on the programme if you would like to know more.

Health and Wellbeing Census

Pupils in Primary 5 to Primary 7 will be involved in a new four-yearly Health and Wellbeing Census this term. Information taken from this census will help the Scottish Government and schools plan more effectively for pupils health, wellbeing and development. Please look out for the parent letter and pupil leaflet that was sent home today that tells you and your child what to expect. You can also read more information online here.

Adult Learning Courses – www.joininedinburgh.org

Football Success in P5

A belated congratulations to Jude in P5 who was awarded Player of the Year by Leith Athletic before Christmas. This was the second time that Jude has been awarded this accolade. We cannot wait to see where his talent takes him!

Very well done also to Ben, also in P5, for designing and coaching a football session for his classmates. Ben created this as part of his programme with Gold and Gray Soccer Academy Onside Programme. The Gold and Gray coaches work with a number of pupils at Leith Primary on Thursdays. They also support any interested pupils at break and lunchtime with their gamesmanship and football technique.

We would love to hear about our pupils hobbies and interests outside of school. Let us know about what they get up, ideally with a photo, via the school admin email address.

admin@leith-pri.edin.sch.uk

The Leith Primary Parent Pantry

Our wonderful Family Support Workers Liz and Danni have been busy working hard this week in our old infant cloakroom on the ground floor. Their aim is to turn the space into a one-stop-shop wellbeing hub for our parents and carers. In the short term, our food bank or Pantry as we would now like to call it, will move into this space. The Pantry continues to open on Wednesdays from 8.30am-9.30am for the time being. We will also plan to move our new and pre-loved school clothing items, books, toys and information about matters of interest to our parents and carers to this area too. Whilst we are not allowed to have groups of parents in the building due to COVID mitigations at the moment, we would like to think that our parents will be able to use this space for coffee mornings, information sessions and family learning programmes in then future. Watch this space….

Well Done to 2022’s First Entries into the Recognition Book

Noura	Primary 1/2	Noura has challenged herself to try new learning this week and made a fantastic telescope using junk materials. Well done, Noura!
Keisija	Primary 1a	Keisija has been very kind and welcoming to new pupils in P1 this week. Well done Keisija!
Esmee	Primary 1b	Esmee always has a positive attitude towards her learning! She has made some fantastic contributions to our carpet sessions this week and has been trying hard with her writing. You’re a superstar, Esmee!
Layla	Primary 2	Layla worked independently on her writing taking responsibility for her own learning – well done!
Robert	Primary 3a	Robert has shown great teamwork skills this week. His contributions to his group’s discussion helped them to create a wonderful ‘badge of honour’ that is inclusive of different cultures in the school. Well done Robert.
David	Primary 3b	David has shown he is ready for learning since coming back from the holidays. He has worked so hard and made us all proud. Well done David 👍🏻
Anu	Primary 4a	Anu has been working really hard this week. She has been listening well, sharing her answers more and asking good questions. Keep it up Anu 🙂
Oshian	Primary 4b	Osh for his great achievement in his electric guitar lessons!  Well done Osh, that’s a fantastic, musical skill you’re developing!  Ms Harris
Maja	Primary 5a	Maja has work well using digital technology to find out and present interesting facts in IDL. Well done Maja for persevering to complete this group task despite your partner being absent.
Wegden	Primary 5b	For her effort and progress in maths.  She has also been very motivated to use her Microsoft Office account for home learning.
Zara C	Primary 6	Zara impressed everyone this week with her speech to the class about why she should be on the Digital Team. She overcame her nerves to give a detailed and well reasoned talk. Everyone was so proud of her!
Taha	Primary 7a	Taha has been trying hard in Maths and has been doing well with dividing decimals by single digits numbers.  Well done Taha! 🙂
Evie	Primary 7b	Evie is in the recognition book for her thoughtful and insightful contributions to a class discussion on what parents/carers have to do to ensure children are healthy, happy and safe.  Well done Evie!

Dear Parents and Carers

Firstly, a very Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you and your family have had a relaxing seasonal holiday break and have kept in good health.

A reminder that pupils start back tomorrow (Thursday) with no changes to the start and finish times.

We are ready for some disruption this month due to COVID related absences. We are thankful that school will at least be open as usual. Once again, thank you for you understanding of any potential changes to our service during this period.

Parents are again asked to keep to 2 metres physical distancing from other adults at drop off and pick up times and not wait any longer than needed.

We kindly ask that all nursery parents use the black gate entrance at the right-hand side of the school and do not cut across the main playground when the school children are lining up. Thank you for your continued cooperation with this request.

Children may wear extra layers of clothing to keep warm in class as windows must be kept open for ventilation.

We ask that additional items from home such as toys and balls are not brought in to school.

Parents are kindly asked not to enter the school building unless by prior arrangement. Please continue to call, text and email first wherever possible.

Our new Office Administrator, Ms Catherine Rose, starts with us this week. She will need some time to get up to speed with our school systems. Can I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding whilst she settles into her new post. We will do whatever we can to ensure a smooth service for parents and pupils during this time however there may be some delays with support of some services eg; ParentPay. I am certain you will find Ms Rose a very friendly and helpful addition to our team. She is eager to support our pupils and families in any way she can.

Please let us know if your child has tested positive for COVID either by a home LFD test or PCR test. 

Finally, please can you let the school know if you have changed your phone number or home address recently. It is very important that we have working contact details for you in case you child becomes unwell during school time.

Thank you again for your ongoing support of the school and we look forward to welcoming the children tomorrow morning.

Yours sincerely

Fiona Craig
Head Teacher

Despite the many pressures and challenges faced by our pupils, staff and families this term, our wonderful school community have continued to persevere and demonstrate amazing resilience and kindness towards others.

Huge thanks to Mrs Ciechanowicz for organising our yearly toys giveaway with support from Cash for Kids. Thanks also to Liz and Danni, our Family Support Workers, who arranged for food packs to be distributed to families before the end of term. Thanks also to our mysterious guardian angel who donated a selection box for every pupil within the school. Finally, enormous thanks to everyone who was able to donate something towards our Christmas collection for the Citadel Youth Centre who continue to provide fun, friendship and support to a large number of our pupils and parents.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our parents and carers a very Merry and relaxing Christmas holiday and a Happy New Year when it comes.

Fiona Craig – Head Teacher

The school said a fond farewell to two of our moved loved members of staff, Mrs Kelly and Mrs Kean. Both are moving on to promoted posts, Mrs Kelly to Stanwell Nursery as Nursery Administrator and Mrs Kean as school Business Manager at Lorne Primary. Staff, pupils and parents are very grateful to both for all the help they have given the school community over the years and wish them well in their new positions.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

Pupils enjoyed a week of Christmas festivities including class parties and an online pantomime. Huge thanks go to our parent council, LPPC, for generously funding the pantomime and snacks for the class parties. In the absence of a Christmas show or church visit for he second year, pupils have created a Christmas showreel for parents and carers. We hope you will enjoy singing along. Click here or below to watch.

Pupils’ Health and Wellbeing Sway Newsletter – The Leith Calamari

Pupils have created a newsletter sharing some of the things they have been learning about linked to their Health and Wellbeing. The Leith Calamari will focus on two of the Scottish Wellbeing indicators starting with Safe and Healthy. Read on to find out why such an unusual name here.

Digital Access Survey

We still have no way of knowing what COVID-19 mitigations will be in place after the Christmas break. Information about pupils’ return will be shared with parents and carers on the 4th January when Head Teachers have been briefed on what to expect. If you have not yet managed to complete our updated Digital Access Survey yet, please do so here. The survey deadline has been extended to December 31st.

Parent/Carer Health & Wellbeing

Whilst many of our families look forward to spending time with each other over the festive period, we know that it can be a time of stress and unhappiness for others. There are sources of information and support for adults on a range of areas on the NHS Lothian Wellbeing website here. Further information on anxiety and worry for parents and carers is available below. Information on a variety of issues for families is available on the Support for Families website. Parents/carers can also access a wealth of information from the CAMHS website here.

Please remember that the team at Leith Primary are here to support parents and carers in whatever way we can. Drop us a line at admin@leith-pri.edin.sch.uk or on the comments sections of the website here. You can also contact either of our Family Support Workers via email: danni@citadelyouthcentre.org.uk and lizj@citadelyouthcentre.org.uk

In our Friday Assembly, we reviewed the learning we have done in our Building Resilience Unit: Talk Things Over. We know that it is normal for us all to have worries, especially at times like this, and it can help to share them with a trusted adult. This term, all pupils have identified a trusted adult within the school who they know they can talk to if ever they are upset or worried about something. Pupils can also use the Worry Monster or Worry Box in their classroom to let their teacher know that they are feeling worried and would like to talk. A problem shared, is a problem halved.

COVID 19 – Omicron Update

As you will have seen, the First Minister has warned that the new variant of COVID is spreading quickly across Scotland. If anyone in your household tests positive for COVID 19, everyone must self isolate for 10 days, irrespective of vaccine status or negative PCR test. It remains very important for us all to observed FACTS and to ensure pupils do not come to school if they display the common COVID-19 symptoms. Further school-based mitigations may be necessary in the days to come. We will keep you informed as regularly as is necessary. Please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact details.

Well Done to Our Leith Learners!

Vivienne	Primary 1/2	Vivienne always has a positive attitude towards her learning and loves to be challenged! She should be so proud of all that she has achieved since the start of P1. Well done, Vivienne!
Matthew	Primary 1a	Matthew has been trying particularly hard in phonics this week and has made excellent progress. Well done Matthew!
Momen	Primary 1b	Momen has been a super kind member of our class this week. He always looks out for others and makes sure no one is left out when playing. We are so lucky to have you, Momen!
Blake	Primary 2	Blake quietly quietly and conscientiously gets on with things, always trying her best, never making a fuss – truly a responsible and independent learner 🙂
Felix	Primary 3a	Felix has a fantastic attitude towards his work. This week he has been working hard on the formal method for addition, he is always ready for a challenge and helps his peers when they need it.
Adela	Primary 3b	Adela has shown a lot of kindness to others in the class this week and is a lovely classmate to have.
Jakub	Primary 4a	Jakub has been working really hard in class. He is trying his best in all tasks and has both written some excellent stories and challenged himself in maths. keep up the great work Jakub 🙂
Patryk	Primary 4b	Patryk has created some amazing homework this term!  He put a massive effort into the research and presentation of many of his activities and was very proud of his work.  This is a fantastic achievement Patryk, well done!!
Isla	Primary 5a	Isla has demonstrated responsibility in group this work this week and has persevered with her independent tasks making great progress with her numeracy. Well done Isla!
Nathan	Primary 7b	Nathan is in the Recognition Book for his perseverance in maths. He had some difficult problem solving questions to solve. He worked hard and kept going.  I was very impressed with his resilience. Well done Nathan!

Edinburgh Lyceum Theatre Offer

Well done to all this week’s hard working Leith Primary pupils

Holly	Primary 1/2	Holly loves exploring writing through her play and has produced some fantastic pieces of independent writing this week.  You are star, Holly!
Napiu	Primary 1a	Napiu has been working especially hard this week to share his thoughts and ideas with the group during play and also during carpet sessions. We are so proud of you, Napiu! Well done.
Dorcas	Primary 1b	Dorcas has been trying her best during literacy and maths this week. She brings a lot of enthusiasm, especially when singing, and always shows she is ready to learn. Great work Dorcas, keep it up!
Keira	Primary 2	Keira is a responsible person who consistently makes positive choices and challenges herself in her learning.
Annabelle	Primary 3b	Annabelle has made some really great contributions to our work on climate change this week.  Well done!
Kieran	Primary 4a	Kieran has been experimenting with logging on and using word in ICT. He wrote an excellent story with lots of detail and description. He also edited it using spell checker. Great work Kieran!
Taya	Primary 4b	For the care and effort she puts into the presentation and content of all her pieces of work.  Well done Taya, you’re an inspiration to your classmates!
Joseph	Primary 5a	Joseph successfully created a table top Advent wreath applying problem solving skills. He has also persevered with his numeracy and literacy tasks. Great work Joseph!
Rory	Primary 5b	For perseverance!  He worked hard to ensure he had corrected all of his work in maths.
Niko	Primary 6	Niko has engaged really well with maths problems involving fractions. He has also made inciteful contributions to our class discussions on our class novel ‘Holes’.
David	Primary 7a	David has been doing a great job in maths multiplying decimals.  He is challenging himself and supporting other pupils in their learning.  Well done David!
Joe	Primary 7b	Joe is in the Recognition Book for his excellent spooky story. He created suspense and used detailed description all the way through to keep the reader’s interest. He used onomatopoeia effectively and had a fantastic unforeseen ending. Well done Joe!