Welcome back – it feels like we haven’t been away
We do hope you were able to enjoy time together last week. The break was definitely needed as the children ‘slumped’ towards the end of last term. Returning this week, we can see how fresh and spritely the children (and staff!) are again. We will continue to prioritise core Literacy, Mathematics, Healthy & Well-being and the school BIG question, ‘What was life like 50 years ago?’. Look out for curriculum overviews next week. We’re looking forward to a busy term full of learning, laughter and love.
Halloween event – Friday 30th October
Another impact of COVID-19 is that our Parent Council can’t host their annual Halloween disco. We are also aware that children cannot take part in many of the normal Halloween activities in the community. In recognition of this, we have decided to have a low-key event in school on Friday 30th October.
Children are invited to come to school wearing something orange and/or black with their normal uniform BUT no full costumes. Then, after morning brunch, classes will do something ‘Halloweeny’ for the last 45 minutes of the day.
If you do not want your child to be involved in this, we totally understand. The main part of the school day will be as normal and, for those not wanting to be part of the class activity, we will provide a Halloween-free option (with Mr Bewsey, in the hall).
Poppy Appeal – “Lest we forget”
Poppies will be available in school from Monday. A ‘silver donation’ for every poppy goes a long way to raising funds for this important charity. Thank you.
Flu vaccination – Thursday 5th November
Our annual vaccination takes place in school, in accordance with new COVID-19 safe practices. 90% of consent forms have been returned to school – thank you. Please return any incomplete yellow slips as soon as possible.
PE reminder – School uniform is the new norm
As was said in the last bulletin, children will now be changing for PE instead of coming to school in their PE kits. For most children, they should come to school in uniform every day and bring their PE kits at the start of each week. The only exceptions to this are P6P and P5M who have PE first thing in the morning; they can come to school in their PE kits to make the morning start smoother.
PE kits need to be suitable for outdoor, Autumn PE and should all be named; please!
Free-school meal support – is your child entitled?
COVID-19 continues to impact our lives in many ways and for some, it has led to job losses or changes in finances. If you have been affected in this way, you child may be eligible for Free-school meals. To find out, simply follow this link or phone the school office.
Birthday treats – no more in school
Over the last few years, many children have, understandably, wanted to bring in sweet treats for their class mates on their birthdays. However, given the current COVID measures and our ongoing efforts to promote healthy eating, birthday treats for class mates are no longer permitted. Any that are sent in to school will be ‘returned to sender’. Thank you for your support and understanding with this.
Staying vigilant and responding to COVID-19 symptoms
We need our whole school community to be vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19, and to take appropriate action should someone develop them. The most common symptoms are:
•new continuous cough
•fever/high temperature
•loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia).
It is essential that people do not attend school if symptomatic, but instead self-isolate (along with their household) and follow guidance on NHS Inform and from Test and Protect.
If, once at school, a child is considered to be displaying symptoms, we will immediately contact parents and request that the child be collected. Families should then follow the national guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection including testing and self-isolation.
Keeping in touch
We hope you know that we value the relationships we have with our families. We want to maintain and build on this. However, for the time being this will need to be a ‘virtual’ relationship as we restrict face-to-face meetings and access to the school building. If you need to be in the building, you MUST phone to make an appointment.
If you want to get in touch, please use the following channels:
· Phone the office on 01573 224264
· Email the office at edensideps@scotborders.gov.uk
· Visit the school website at www.edensideps.scotborders.gov.uk
· Follow us on Facebook @EdensidePS
· Follow us on Twitter @EdensidePS
· Download the new Xpressions App
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