23 February 2018

Welcome back. I enjoyed the break from our school routines, I do hope you enjoyed the February holiday too. It was lovely this week to see some children gathering in sunny spots in the playground, to sit and chat in the warmth of the sun.  Long may it last!

Children’s Parliament                                                                                                                Bailey, Megan, Max, Katy, Amy and Ryan in P7 were invited to the City Chambers on Friday 23 February to participate in discussions and share their views for the future development of Leith and the surrounding area with senior councillors. What a wonderful experience for them. There were very excited about their views being considered and the impact this may have for the future. The taxi ride, and of course having lunch at the City Chambers were also of key interest to them.

Hermie Stars                                                                                                                                    Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

am nursery Daniel	P1a Krystian	P2/1 Aidan	P3a Zahara	P4a Millie	P5a Cammy	P6a Paige	P7a Ryanne
pm nursery Preston	P1b	P2 Emilia	P3b Chloe	P4b Kyle	P5b Jai	P6b James	P7b Ella

Big Deal Little Deal                                                                                                                              Our assembly today focused on ‘Big Deal Little Deal’. The idea that some things that are a big deal can be changed into a little deal, but some cannot. Big Deals are hard to get over without the support of others. We also discussed, sometimes we have a big reaction to a little deal. Ask your child if they can share an example of a Big Deal or a Little Deal with you.

Good Manners                                                                                                                                    We are working hard to reinforce good manners and politeness in class and around the school. Children observed demonstrating good manners will be given a house point. We ask for your support with this. We also request your support to stamp out swear words and bad language used by our children in our school and playground. I am sure you will agree this is unacceptable. Please can you reinforce this message with your child/children.

Mindfulness                                                                                                                                            This week marked the fourth in a series of Mindfulness lessons led by Gillian Ross from ‘Paws B’, Mrs Black and Ms Carbonnell. Each lesson explores a different theme of mindfulness; pupils learn simple practices and techniques that they can use in their everyday lives. By training their attention to be in the present moment, they develop the ability to calm the mind, improve focus, manage stress and to step back from negative thoughts. We also learn about how the brain works. When children understand what’s happening in the brain, it can be the first step to having the power to make choices.

“The Prefrontal Cortex is the boss of the brain” (Cammy P5)

“I feel so relaxed that my legs and feet feel tingly” (MacKenzie P6)

Please check out the school website for photographs showing our learning in mindfulness.

Bikability                                                                                                                                                  As we would very much like to offer ‘Bikeability’ to our P5 and P6 children next term (it is likely to run over 3 days in June), we need a number of parent volunteers in order to make it feasible.  Whilst the volunteers don’t have to have any training or experience, there is Cycle Training Assistant (CTA) training available, which would build parents’ confidence and skills in being able to support the initiative successfully.  There are currently two course options that are taking place shortly:

Either:

Dates:                   Friday 2nd and Friday 9th March                                                        Time:                     1pm-4.30pm on both days – you must attend both days                          Location:              The Royal High School                                                                                                   Or:

Date:                     Saturday 31st March                                                                                              Time:                     9am-4.30pm                                                                                            Location:              Bangholm Outdoor Centre, Trinity

Parents can sign up using this link, just scroll down to find the dates.

http://www.cyclinghub.scot/course-dates

Multi Sports Pitch                                                                                                                              All children have been reminded to take care when closing the gate to the multi sports pitch and to close it gently. This will keep us all safe and accident free.

Hermitage Park Schools Association Chilli Movie Night                                                                There are still some tickets left for the HPSA chilli and chat for the adults and Boss Baby the film for the children night which takes place on Thursday 1st March between 5-45pm and 8-15pm. The children are invited to come in their onesies or pyjamas. Please note all children are to be dropped off and collected by an adult.                                                            Please email hp.schoolassociation@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

Beach Clean Up                                                                                                                                      Some of our parents have organised a beach cleanup at Portobello Beach with Marine Conservation Society and Edinburgh Council. Please meet outside Portobello Baths on Saturday at 12.30 if you would like to help.

Fair Trade Fortnight 2018 runs from 26 February to 11 March                                                    Fairtrade Fortnight aims to put a spotlight on trade. When trade is fair it has the potential to improve the lives of the farmers and workers who grow our food. When trade is fair, it can make the world a better place. Together we have that power, so we at Hermitage Park are getting involved to be part of the difference. We are having a Fair Trade tuck shop, engaging with Fair Trade activities in class and sharing our learning at assembly. There will also be raffle tickets for a Fair Trade hamper available at the Chilli, Chat and movie night. More information to follow.

World Book Day                                                                                                                                 On Friday 2 March the children and staff are invited to dress up as a character from a book. Who will you be?  I was asked…let’s wait and see?  The teachers have planned some activities to promote reading for enjoyment and find out about the books we each like. The children are welcome to bring their favourite book to school.

Dates for your diary:

Saturday 24 February: Portobello Beach Cleanup with Marine Conservation Society and Edinburgh Council.

Monday 26 February: Fair Trade Fortnight

Thursday 1 March: HP Schools Association movie night

Thursday 1 March: World Book Day

Friday 2 March: Dress up as a character-from a book and book tokens distributed

Friday 16 March: Mindfulness Workshop for Parents and Carers

If you any concerns, please do let me know.

Kind regards,

Natalie Borrowman

Acting Head Teacher