P1-7 bulletin: Friday 26th March 2021

A note of love

We join the wider Kelso community in our outpouring of love and compassion to the Murray family. Many of our staff have fond memories of Ellice; our heart breaks for you, we are here for you. x

School news

 

Science Sparks – celebrating innovation

Today we awarded our annual Science Sparks awards to one pupil from each class. These certificates are presented at the end of every Science week in recognition of individuals who have really shone during the science investigations and discussions. This year, the Science Sparks awards went to Lily Smith (P1R), Emma Dixon (P1/2), Lachlan Wemyss (P2), Fraser Simpson (P3), Maisie McWilliam (P4), Joseph Finn (P4/5), Joe Moir (P5), Elliott Davie (P5/6), Emily Coyle (P6), Albie Reader (P7S) and Ava Donoghue (P7W). Well done kids, you’ve demonstrated what it means to be the best you can be!

Parent Volunteers – special recognition

If you can cast your minds back to before COVID-19, we used to have a team of parent volunteers who came into school every week, helping in classes and making a huge difference to the learning of our children. This time last year, we had nominated our very special team of volunteers for the Scottish Borders Council Adult Learners Award 2020, in recognition of the commitment given by every individual and the reported difference it has made to these individuals. In the absence of a formal awards ceremony, I am delighted to share that the Edenside Parent Volunteer team has been awarded a certificate of achievement and each individual will receive a book token. This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and dedication of our parent volunteer team. We look forward to being able to welcome the current team and new volunteers back into the school building at some point in the future.

 

Class news

P7 updates

  • P7 hoodies – final chance to order: If you haven’t already ordered a P7 leavers’ hoodie and /or paid for one via ParentPay, please do so as soon as possible. We will be submitting our final order at the start of next week in readiness for the pupils returning after the Easter break.
  • P7 residential – refunds are being processes: Following the expected but disappointing cancellation of the P7 residential, we are in the final stages of receiving refunds and will be distributing these back to parents/carers as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
  • P7 NEC application forms – deadline approaching: If you haven’t already submitted your NEC application, please do so before the deadline of Sunday 28th

 

Your help please

PE kits – every day, every weather

Please ensure you send your child to school with a full outdoor PE kit. Wearing appropriate clothing for PE lessons is a safety measure and better for engaging in physical activity. If your child has PE first thing in the morning, they are encouraged to come to school in their PE kit and bring their uniform in their bag. Thank you.

 

Morning arrival – not before 8.45am

Please remember that the school gates are not officially open until 8.45am. Anyone who arrives before this is expected to be attending Breakfast Club or has arrived on a school bus. We do not supervise playgrounds before 8.45am. We ask you to make every effort to ensure your children arrive after 8.45am each morning. Thank you.

 

Nursery children at the end of the primary school day

We love seeing our nursery children in the playground at 3.30pm, ready to collect their big brothers and sisters but I do ask that all younger siblings remain with parents / carers. There has been an increasing number of children running down the stretch of grass behind the classrooms which does not help us in our efforts to keep class bubbles separate and safe. Thank you.

 

Dates for your diary

School closed for Easter

The last day for children and staff is next Thursday, 1st April. The school will then be closed from Friday 2nd April and we reopen for children on Monday 19th April.

 

Summer term events

We want to ensure our children have a full and engaging summer term and we are considering how to provide the normal events despite current and changing COVID-19 restrictions. We will share any plans as soon as we can.

 

COVID-19 vigilance

Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our children, our staff and you as families is our number one priority right now. Please help us by:

1) Following the ‘4 steps for being safe on the school run’;

  • Adults must wear a face covering at drop off / pick up.
  • Stick to one adult at drop off / pick up.
  • Adults keep 2 metres apart.
  • Avoid car sharing.

2) Being vigilant about COVID-19 symptoms; self-isolate if required and follow NHS ‘Test and Protect’ advice. Please phone the school to let us know if a member of your household tests positive.

3) Reporting a child’s positive test result immediately either by phoning the school (if during office hours) or using our new ‘positive test’ form.