Dear Parents and Carers 31 August 2018
What a great assembly! I’ve never seen so much sparkly and bling. I was totally dazzled. Thank you so very much for your kindness and good wishes. I was spreading glitter all the way home. I would like to say thank you to all the children, families and the staff team. It has been my pleasure to lead learning at ‘Hermie’ and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I will miss you all.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Megan, Nathan, Grace, Yasmin, Kshitiz, Magda, Jackson, Bailey, Millie, Darin, Amelia, and Megan who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Visit to City Chambers
The pupil council representatives had a wonderful trip to visit the City Chambers. Chas Booth and a tour guide showed them around the building and shared some background history. The children were put into pairs and Chas shared case studies based on recent complaints he handled (the children were very interested in this!). Finally, they had lunch in the green room. On the way home they had some fudge.
Mrs Black shared how proud she was of the children, saying they were polite, respectful and certainly knew their topic. Chas was impressed by this too. The children were fantastic role models for the school and a real credit to you!
Democracy Week
On Friday the children who visited City Chambers shared their experience with us and the video and some photographs of their visit. The children were fascinated – by the weight, cost and size of the Lord Provost’s chain. The photographs will be shared on the website. We also had councilor Adam McVey in to visit P6, and he was very impressed by the children’s knowledge and questions. We completed our Democracy week by listening to debates and speeches in class. On Thursday the children voted for our pupil committees’ representatives and posted their votes in the ballot box.
Healthy Hermie Crofters
This week, our Hermie crofters harvested their crops. Last term, they nurtured their seeds in their own homegrown, organic soil which they lay in planters (planters they made themselves too). Check out the delicious carrots, basil, kohlrabi, beetroot, peas and the biggest courgettes I’ve ever seen! Next week, they plan to use the vegetables to make a healthy, tasty dish.
Play Leaders
This week our P7s completed their play leader training. They showcased their learning at assembly, sharing they learnt how to teach a variety of games, the importance of rules and about their own strengths or not in group tasks. They are excited about leading play activities with younger classes at breaks.
Lines
Thank you. Moving away from the P2 and P3 lines once your child has lined up has really helped with the congestion. Please can P1 parents and carers now stand behind their child’s line too.
Absence
Please call the office if your child is absent or leave a message on the answer machine.
Photographs
The P1 Evening News photos will be taken in school on Thursday 06 September. The P1 teachers will give P1 parents and carers a letter detailing when they will be in the paper (26 & 27 September), how and when to purchase photos. (by 14 September).
Dates for your diary:
Monday 3 September: Ms Calder-Kelly starts as permanent Head Teacher
Thursday 6 September: P1 Evening News Photographs
Monday 17 September: Monday holiday
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 24 August 2018
Dear Parents and Carers 24 August 2018
Well, this week the highlight for me was meeting Andi Peters! I was also delighted by P4b and P5a’s enthusiasm and good behaviour when participating in the filming. The film crew and Andi commented on this too, and they were very taken with the children ‘flossing’. Thank you to the parents and families in the playground who were willing volunteers. Some staff ‘won’ reusable mugs and Lorraine Kelly notebooks, and Mrs Burt was presented with flowers and a bottle of wine by Andi. They will send us a copy of the film and let us know the timings and dates.
Manners
I am pleased to share staff have commented on an improvement in the children’s manners; holding doors open, using please and thank you more. There is also an improvement in behaviour and noise in the lunch hall. Well done.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Joey, Harry, Maya, Carrie, Luo Lin, Caiden, Florence, Baily, Holy, Maya, Aiden, Nicole and Aiden who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Assembly
On Friday the children were introduced the ‘Be Resilient’ unit as part of our whole school Building Resilience programme. P1s met ‘Skipper’ and listened very well to the older children explaining how we are all captains of our boats in the river of life. There were also some very good explanations of ‘navigation’ and what it means to be ‘resilient’ and we shared some resilience stories. What can your child tell you about ‘Skipper’ and being resilient? Please check your child’s bag for the ‘Be Resilient’ postcard and the website for more information.
Recruitment
On Thursday we interviewed for Pupil Support Assistant positions. I am pleased to share we will be able to appoint three PSAs. Appointments will be shared later this week and starting dates will be as soon as the recruitment process is complete.
Congestion in P2 and P3 Lines
When your child is in their line please leave them and stand back behind the lines or wait at the Multi Sports Pitch, as it is difficult for the class teacher and PSAs to see all the children. This will reduce the congestion in the lines and around the Trim Trail and benches. Thank you.
Absence
Please call the office if your child is absent or leave a message on the answer machine.
Photographs
The P1 Evening News photos will be taken in school on Thursday 06 September. The P1 teachers will give P1 parents and carers a letter detailing when they will be in the paper (26 & 27 September), how and when to purchase photos. (by 14 September).
Active School Clubs
The Active Schools Programme is now available online and leaflets will come home today.
Dates for your diary:
Thursday 30 August: Voting day for school committees
Friday 31 August: Non-school uniform day
Thursday 6 September: P1 Evening News Photographs
Monday 17 September: Monday holiday
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
Dear Parents and Carers 17 August 2018
Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed the summer sunshine as much as I did. It was so lovely so see all the staff look so relaxed and well. I was delighted to see all the children looking so smart in their uniforms, and I loved the sparkly pencil cases and rucksacks. We offer a warm welcome to all our new pupils at ‘Hermie’.
Head Teacher I am pleased to announce Monday 3 September is the start date for Ms Calder-Kelly as permanent Head Teacher at Hermitage Park Primary school. This means my last day as Head Teacher at Hermitage Park will be Friday 31 August.
Hermie Stars Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Daniel, Carmella, Elle, Klaudia, Kendyll, Brandyn, Lewis, Thea, Lainey, Amed and Ellie who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. This week they will receive their certificates at our Song Practice Gathering on Wednesday.
Golden Ticket We are delighted to share we have been successful in our bid for a Golden Ticket for Dynamic Earth the 2018/2019 academic year. The team enjoyed reading our application and can’t wait to build a relationship with our school! We hope to fit many visits in the school year and aim for all pupils have the chance to experience Dynamic Earth.
Filming On Tuesday 21st August we will have a team from ITV filming adults and some children in the playground at the end of the school day. Andi Peters (you may remember him from Blue Peter) will be making a series of films to promote their next competition and will be offering viewers the chance to win £80,000 cash. The Producers have asked if any parents would like to take part in the filming with Andi, they’d love some willing volunteers to play a game or two! So look out for the film crew. They will be in the playground from around 3pm.
Rights Respecting Schools Award On Friday we introduced being a Rights Respecting School at Assembly. A Rights Respecting School is a place where we can all feel confident with ourselves and it encourages us to use our voice. It will help the children build confidence and raise awareness of injustice in the world.
There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem. The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.
I have asked the children to find out what the letters UNICEF stand for. In class the children talked about Children’s Rights and started work on their class charters.
Primary1 We welcomed our new P1 pupils to school on Wednesday morning and although a few tears were shed all seem to be settling well. Full days start on Monday 20 August.
Lines When you have dropped your child off in the playground please stand back from the lines as the crowds can be upsetting for some children. Thank you.
Information If you require information to be shared with the class teacher about changes to ‘pick up’ at the end of the school day, please leave a message on the answer machine rather than an email. Thank you.
Standards and Quality Report, and School Improvement Plan The parent summary of the Standards and Quality Report is available on our website and will be sent home on Monday. The Hermitage Park Improvement Plan and full version of the Standards and Quality report are also available.
Parking Please work with us to maintain good relationships with our neighbours in the community, and park thoughtfully. Also, please do not park or Double Park in the restricted yellow zig-zag areas around the school. They are there for the safety of your child. Out with these areas, please park sensibly. A short walk is much preferable to a child being knocked down crossing between double parked cars.
Multi Sports Pitch We continue to receive complaints about the noise from the Multi Sports Pitch after school. The children have been asked to use a sponge ball to reduce the banging on the metal. Thank you for your support with this.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 21 August: Democracy Week Tuesday 21st August: ITV filming in playground from 3pm Thursday 30th August: Voting day for school committees Friday 31st August – Non-school uniform day
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 18
Dear Parents and Carers 21 June 2018
I can hardly believe it…this term has gone so quickly, and now the summer holidays are almost here. What a busy year we have had at Hermitage Park. I have so enjoyed the last 6 months, with Scots Week, Fair Trade Fortnight, Generation Science workshops and World Book Day being just a few of my highlights.Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Grace, Mia, Sarah, Adrian, Martin, Maya, Thea, Danny, Blair, Ellie and Ishwari, who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Head Teacher Recruitment Recruitment for Stockbridge Primary School Head Teacher post will continue after the summer holidays, which means I will remain in post until we have a starting date for Ms Calder-Kelly take up her post as permanent Head Teacher at Hermitage Park.
Staffing Changes
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Browning very much indeed for all her hard work and effort this session, in her seconded post, as DHT. We wish her all the very best, on her return to Lorne Primary. Mrs Colvin will return to her post as DHT at Hermitage Park in August. We are sad to say goodbye to Miss Gibbs, who will return home to Yorkshire. She will be missed by the children and staff and I am sure you will join me in wishing her the very best for the future.
Sports Days Thank you so much to Mrs McLaughlin and her team of helpers for all the amazing Sports Days. I loved the combination of competitive and potted sporting events. Well done. All the competitors showed good sportsmanship like behaviour and cheered on their team mates. Sports winners, results and photos will be added to our website this week.
This week we had a damp start to our nursery sports, luckily, we were able to have them indoors. This did not dampen our nursery children’s spirits as they cheered, ran and skipped in their races. What a fantastic effort. Home baking, was shared and enjoyed by parents. I particularly enjoyed a delicious slice of orange cake.
Assembly On Friday, we reflected on the key messages in ‘Get Active’. We shared all the different ways we each ‘Get Active’ and how sometimes this can be a challenge or risk. Please let us know if you try out the ‘Do something new for 30 days’ challenge. The staff tried this out, and it was a challenge for some.
Reports Teachers gave the End of Session Reports to the children on today. The reports complement our e-journals as a record of the children’s success and achievements. We welcome your feedback.
Meet the Teacher The children all met their new class teacher on the Tuesday and almost all seemed very happy. I have emailed next session’s class staff list and will add this to our website before the end of term.
Primary 1 Induction We welcomed our new P1 pupils to school on Tuesday. We shared what a day in the life of a P1 looks like and some key routines. Our P1 Handbook, information and application forms were given out in a handy Hermitage Park ‘Shopper’, kindly donated by the Schools Association. Information was shared from the Hermitage Park Schools Association, School Health Team, After School Club coordinator and our English as an Additional Language Teacher, and we were entertained by the junior choir. Thank you to Mrs Deponio for teaching and showcasing our choir. They sang ‘You’ve Got a Friend’, it was so lovely.
School Improvement Plan
As part of our Eco drive to save paper, our School Standard and Quality Report for 2017-2018 and Improvement Plan for 2018-2019 will be posted on the website before the start of the new session. If you would like to join me in creating the parent and carer version, please let me know. I shall continue to update you on progress as we work our school improvements next session.
Parking
There was an incident last week where a doctor was unable to park his car to treat a patient in Hermitage Park Lea due to the inappropriate parking by some families dropping off their children. Please work with us to respect our neighbours in the community and park thoughtfully. Also, please do not park or double park in the restricted yellow zig-zag areas around the school. They are there for the safety of your child. Outwith these areas, please park sensibly. A short walk is much preferable to a child being knocked down crossing between double parked cars.
Multi Sports Pitch
We continue to receive complaints about the noise from the Multi Sports Pitch, after school. We have posted signs promoting the use of a sponge ball to reduce the banging on the metal with a heavy leather ball. Thank you for your support with this.
IRONKIDS Scotland
As part of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 celebrations, City of Edinburgh are supporting IRONKIDS Scotland. Sports taster sessions, live entertainment and family-focused running events of between 500m and 2km will take part in in Dalkeith Country Park from 4pm on Friday 29 June, Preston Links at Prestonpans from 11am on Saturday 30 June and at Holyrood Park from 3pm on Saturday 30 June. If you would like to join in sign up for http://bit.ly/IRONKIDSscotland IRONKIDS Scotland or enter on the day. £4 per young person, plus a small booking fee. This includes an IRONKIDS T-shirt and a Finishers Medal.
Play streets Play Streets has now been adopted as official Council policy. If you would like to apply to close your street for a play session over the summer holidays please use the following link http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20014/schools_and_learning/1553/playing_out/1
P7 Show
We look forward to meeting all P7 parents and carers for the P7 show on Wednesday 27 June at 2pm. Please ensure your child’s class teacher is informed if you are taking your child home when the show finishes. We wish all our P7 pupils every success and happiness at high school.
House winners
The winning house will be announced on Wednesday at our song practice. The house captains and our pupil groups voted, and the winning vote was for Zoo Lab. There will be three sessions on Thursday for the winning house teams to ‘handle’ the animals (if they choose to) or observe them from a distance.
As an end of year celebration, each class has been timetabled for an extra break, with Loose Parts Play and ice cream (or allergy free alternative) on Thursday.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 26 June: P7 Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday 27 June: P7 Show at 2pm
Thursday 28 June: Winning House Celebrations
Thursday 28 June: P7 Leavers Dance 6pm-9.30pm
Wednesday 15 August: School starts for all children at 9am for the new session.
Please remember the school closes at 12 noon on Friday 29 June.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful sun filled summer holidays and look forward to seeing you back at Hermitage Park on Wednesday 15 August 2018 at 9am.
Kind regards, Natalie Borrowman Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 17
Dear Parents and Carers 8 June 2018
The sun is shining again today, and it is hard to believe how quickly the end of term and the summer holidays are approaching. Please let us know if you plan to leave before the end of term or are moving schools. June is a busy month and we have so much still to look forward to.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Milo, Lachlan, Tristan, Adrian, Zoe, Bailey, Alexei, Meadow, Joey, Liam, Aiden, Megan, Ming Chan and Katy who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
P4-P7 Sports day Thank you to Mrs McLaughlin and her team of helpers for our fantastic P4-7 Sports Day. I loved the combination of competitive and potted sporting events. All the competitors showed good sportsmanship like behaviour and cheered on their team mates. Well done everyone.
Sustainability Stars Our ‘Crops in Pots’ children were invited a sustainability meeting to meet the minister for climate change. Please click on the link below to check out our sustainability stars. https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/news/sustainability-and-climate-change/climate-challenge-fund/climate-challenge-fund-is-open/
Assembly Today we reflected on the key messages in ‘Get Active’. We shared all the different ways we each ‘Get Active’ and explored how sometimes this can be a challenge or risk. Have you tried the ‘Do something new for 30 days’ challenge? https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days
Absence If your child is unable to attend school, please let the office know. Returning the ‘To Be Confirmed’ call enables us to update our attendance records with the correct code. If your child has had an injury or feels unwell in school the school office will phone you. If there are any serious injuries, we shall call NHS Direct or an ambulance if required. Please let us know if your phone number or emergency contact changes.
Parking Local residents have raised concerns around safety due to double parking and parking on the yellow zig zags. Please be mindful of the traffic restrictions around parking near the school and take care when dropping off children. Walking to school is a good way to ‘Get Active’.
Behaviour I am disappointed to report there have been several issues this week with older children being disrespectful to the staff in school and in the playground, in particular not following instructions and answering staff back. I ask for your continued support to promote our restorative practice approach to resolve conflicts, and using kind words and actions towards others. More information on our Positive Behaviour Policy and practices can be accessed from the link below. If you have any feedback on our Positive Behaviour Policy please do share this with me.
https://hermitageparkprimarysite.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/positive-behaviour-policy.doc
Mobile Phone Policy Children were reminded this week about our mobile phone policy-see link below. If your child brings a mobile phone to school, they are to hand it in to their teacher to be securely locked. The mobile phones are returned to the children at the end of the school day.
https://hermitageparkprimarysite.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/mobile-phones-and-devices-policy.docx
Meet the Teacher The children will meet their new class teacher on the 19 June during the school day. Class information and class teacher list will also be sent home.
Maths Challenge The First Minister’s Maths Summer Challenge for P6 will be themed around the European Championships using facts, figures and aims to foster an interest in maths through sports. Further information will be emailed to all P5 and P6 families as it comes to us.
P1-3 Sports Day Sports day for P1-P3 is at Leith Academy Playing Fields on Wednesday 13 June at 1.30pm. We look forward to seeing you there. We have requested the children have been to dress in appropriate sports clothes in their house colours t-shirt. They should bring a water bottle, outdoor coat and snack with them for the afternoon events.
Lost Property
A small purple bike has been left this week at the bike rack. If this belongs to you please pop in to school and claim it. Thank you.
Multi Sports Pitch There have been several complaints about the noise from the Multi Sports Pitch after school; with the ball banging against the metal bars. In response to this we have put signs up to request using a sponge ball to reduce the noise and locked the gate at 6pm. However, locking the gate has resulted in the gate being damaged by youths climbing over it and has completely broken off. The Health and Safety Team have been notified, and we are arranging to have it fixed.
School Improvement
I would like to involve Parents and Carers in writing our Improvement Plan. I thought we could start with the Parent and Carer Summary. If you would be interested in this, please let me know and we could do this together.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 12 June: Nursery ‘practice’ lunch
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Tuesday 19 June P1 Induction Day
Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 June: P7 Leith Academy Transition days:
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
I look forward to seeing you all at Sports Day on Wednesday.
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 16
Dear Parents and Carers 1 June 2018
Well…the crossed fingers and toes worked-what a lovely surprise to have the sunshine between 12 and 3pm for our Hermie’s Fun Friday. Thank you all so much; the donations, volunteers, supporters, and of course the Hermitage Park Schools Association- all contributed to a wonderful afternoon of school community fun. It was fantastic.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Zosia, Aidan, Alan, Tia, Jackson, Karly, Skye, Alex, Cammy, Luke, Claire, Zac, David and Alba who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Leith Festival Poster Prize Winners
Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Finlay, Dan, Christopher, Sam, Annabel, Aidan and Amelia whose winning poster designs were chosen to represent and promote Leith Festival on Saturday 9 June. See if you can spot the posters in the local shops and in the community.
Hermie Crofters’ carpentry
This week our ‘crops in pots’ group of pupils, turned their hands to carpentry. Under the guidance of Farmer Tom, they made the planters in school, for their blossoming edible seeds. Next week, they will fill it with their very own organic soil and transfer their seeds which they have been nurturing in the greenhouses back at the croft.
Assembly
I was delighted and impressed by our confident P1s who thoroughly enjoyed sharing their learning with their families at assembly on Friday. They displayed very good presentation skills and retold the story of Goldilocks so well. They also showcased some excellent French singing. Well done P1. Our whole school assembly focused on equality and acceptance of differences. We discussed how we are just like ‘smarties’, all different on the outside but just the same on the inside.
We continue to promote using a restorative practice to resolve conflicts, and using kind words and actions towards others. Thank you for your support with this.
Scottish Rural College competition
Well done to Sam in P6 who won the Scottish Rural College competition with his wonderful interpretation of one of our Scottish wild flowers the ‘willow’. We have also been given a copy of the book ‘Lost Words’ he won. The P6 drawings are displayed in school. Please visit the website to see Sam’s drawing.
P4-7 Sports Day
Sports day for P4-P4 is at Leith Academy Playing Fields on Wednesday 6 June. We look forward to seeing you there. Please note the children have been reminded to dress in appropriate sports clothes- and their house colours t-shirt. They are to bring a water bottle, outdoor coat and snack with them for Sports Day.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 4 June: Interscolastics- for identified pupils
Wednesday 6 June: P4-7 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
I look forward to seeing you all at Sports Day on Wednesday.
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 15
Dear Parents and Carers 25 May 2018
I hope you enjoyed the long weekend, what another wonderful week of summer sunshine. This week the children have enjoyed ‘loose parts play’, football in the Multi Sports Pitch, planting in pots with Farmer Tom, and of course the shorter week. I look forward to seeing you all at Parent Consultations. Please note Mr Hutcheson will be available to support anyone who has not yet accessed our e-journals.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week, Martin, Austin, Yasmin, Elle, Finlay, Maurice, Lewis, Lucas, Scarlett, Alix, Marcus, Sophie, John and Bethany who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Resources
We are delighted with, and excited by, our new screen and sound system in the hall-thank you again to the HPSA for their support and contributions. This has made a huge difference to our assemblies already.
We continue to work on improving our learning environments. In all classrooms we have replaced the black boards with white roller boards, purchased visualisers, maths text books, more ipads for each class and earphones. Look out for them at Parent Consultations. Our new picnic tables and benches will be installed the playground very soon.
Assembly
P2/1 enjoyed sharing their learning with their families at their assembly on Friday. They displayed confidence and very good presentation skills; even when faced with some technical issues. Well done P2/1. Our whole school assembly focused on name calling and bullying behaviour. We discussed how hurtful name calling is, and how this impacts our confidence and how we feel about ourselves. Our target next week is to use kind words and kind actions.
Golden Time
Our ‘Golden Time’ Clubs have proved to be very successful for P4-P7 classes. I am delighted with the children’s effort. There are more children now aiming for or on ‘above and beyond’ the ‘Green’ traffic light. An improvement too – less Golden Time has been lost. Keep up the good effort.
Dress Down Friday
For Dress Down Friday we requested donations for Hermie Fun Friday instead of our usual £1. Thank you for your donations- what an amazing collection of items. If you still have something to hand in please do this on Monday.
Rag Bag collection
Please bring in your Rag Bag to school for collection by 31 May 2018.
Lunches
We continue to promote healthy eating at school and I ask for your support with this. The children eat their school dinner lunch and packed lunch at the tables in the lunch hall. P4-7 classes have an identified day for eating lunch at the picnic benches. One small snack from home or an item from their packed lunch may be taken outside. The ECO Team are considering different ways to keep our playground litter free and are making posters to remind the children.
Nuts
We have several children in school who have nut allergies and we have requested the children to support this by not bringing in food products containing nuts to school. Thank you.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations
Friday 1 June: Hermie’s Fun Friday
Wednesday 6 June: P4-7 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
I look forward to seeing you all at Hermie’s Fun Day on Friday 1 June.
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 14
Dear Parents and Carers 18 May 2018
What a wonderful week of sunshine it makes such a difference. I hope it lasts for the Monday May holiday.
Appointment of Head Teacher
I am pleased to inform you that Ms Faye Calder-Kelly has been appointed as Head Teacher at Hermitage Park Primary School. Faye is currently Head Teacher at Stockbridge Primary School. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her all the very best.
It has been confirmed today I will remain at Hermitage Park until the new Head Teacher at Stockbridge Primary is in post. It has been my pleasure to lead learning at Hermitage Park. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful opportunity and I will miss it very much when I leave.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week; Arthav, Lexi, Logan, Joseph, Florence, Steven, Celeste, Jenna, Scarlett, Kyle, Nicole, Calum, Edward, Ella who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Talking Space and Playbase
We are delighted with the refurbishment and renaming of our new rooms. The Playbase is resourced with a wonderful selection of play equipment including a very interesting wooden washing machine and glow in the dark sensory lights. Our Talking Space has new furniture to create a nurturing environment –a home from home space. Huge thanks to the Schools Association for their financial support and Tesco. We are still waiting on the much talked about fish wallpaper. Our new Literacy Base is being refitted with Howden’s units and we appreciate the time and effort this and their time and effort to fit it. Thank you.
Play Leaders
Our P6 Play Leaders have been applying their skills this week with P2. They all enjoyed the warm sunshine.
Gold Card Holders
Well done to our P7 who achieved their Gold Cards. The Gold Card Holders were able to enjoy the P7 garden area this week. The P7s have also worked on Rights Respecting Schools designs with some ex Hermitage Park pupils in 3rd year at Leith Academy. The Leith Academy students are going to use their designs to create wall murals in the P7 Garden area.
Hermie’s Fun Friday
Hermie’s Fun Friday is on Friday 1 June from 12.30 to 2.30pm. Thank you for the donations for Hermie Fun Friday. All items are very welcome! If you would like to help with any of the stalls, just let the Schools Association know.
Absences
If your child is absent from school please inform the school office it is also important to update the school with reasons for any unexplained absence queries.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 21 May: May Holiday
Friday 25 May: Parent Consultations
Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations
Friday 1 June: P1 Showcase of Learning from 9.45am-10.15am approx.
Friday 1 June: Hermie’s Fun Friday
Wednesday 6 June: P4-7 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 13
Dear Parents and Carers 11 May 2018
I hope you all had some time over the long weekend to enjoy the wonderful sunshine. It feels like summer is almost here. We have had a busy few days back, and it is lovely to see the children in their shorts and summer dresses.
Play Rangers
P6 have been working with The Smart Play Network, training to be Hermitage Park’s Play Rangers. They have been learning how to lead the younger children to play imaginatively by providing resources and ideas to encourage exciting, active and socially bonding play. This was their fourth session today and they led P2/1 in a range of traditional games, loose parts play and ball games. Next week they will explore den building and more challenging play like obstacles courses, balancing and juggling. Throughout the learning, the P6 students are asked to self-evaluate their leadership and suggest improvements.
Golden Time
‘Golden Time’ Clubs start again on Friday for P4-P7 classes. The children will sign up on a Monday, for a Friday ‘Golden Time’ Club. Please note P1-3 will continue with their own class ‘Golden Time’. We are working on being ‘above and beyond’ the ‘Green’ traffic light. We are currently creating sample role play scripts to illustrate Restorative Discussions, we plan to video the scenarios and share them.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week; Carmella, Millie, Faye, Emilia, Robyn, Brandon, Sam, Ruairi, Ruben, Ava, Sam, Logan, Juliet and Lewis who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Hermie’s Fun Friday
Hermie’s Fun Friday is on Friday 1 June from 12.30 to 2.30pm. We are now accepting donations for Hermie Fun Friday:
Tombola – bubble bath, gift sets, candles, stationery etc
Card Game – sweets/chocolate
Bottle stall – bottles of wine, beer, spirits, juice
2nd hand toys
All help is very welcome! Please, come along and join in the fun! If you would like to help with any of the stalls, just let the Schools Association know.
Rag Bag collection
Hermitage Park Primary School have been invited to participate in a Rag Bag collection scheduled for 31 May 2018 between 9 am and 3 pm. Please hand in any Rag Bags to the school office. Thank you.
Lost Property
Please check the lost property at the front door for any missing items. Any remaining items left after Friday 18 May will be collected by the Schools Association for the Ragbag collection.
National Assessments
We have started our online national assessments in maths and reading for P1, P4 and P7. Next week we will complete the writing assessments. P2, P3, P5 and P6 will complete their assessments on paper.
Weather
Although we are experiencing warmer weather please do ensure your child brings a coat to school in the event of our usual changeable Scottish weather.
Water bottles
The children have been reminded water bottles in the classroom are to contain water and be stored in the appropriate place in their classroom. We ask for your support with this.
Dates for your diary:
Friday 25 May: Parent Consultations
Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations
Friday 1 June: P1 Showcase of Learning from 9.45am-10.15am approx.
Friday 1 June: Hermie’s Fun Friday
Wednesday 6 June: P4-7 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 27.4.18
Dear Parents and Carers 27 April 2018
It was great to see some sunshine this week, I hope it stays for our Health Week.
We invite all children and staff to come to school in their sports clothes for Health Week as part of our focus on ‘Get Active’. The children will be participating in a variety of activities- keeping their minds and bodies active. Come along to school and join us for Clubercise on Monday from 4.15pm-5pm.
Sharing Learning Assembly
Well done to P3b who shared their learning with their families today at assembly. They sang songs about the body in French and Scots. Some of us were able to answer their quiz questions well.
Conflict and Resolution Assembly
At our whole school assembly we discussed the ways to a resolve a conflict.
- Ignore: Ignoring (denial) happens when someone is angry but will not admit they are angry
- Fight: Fighting happens when you’re angry or upset with someone and are hurtful in return.
- Talk it over: when you tell the person what is bothering you, talk in a way that does not hurt or blame the other person, LISTEN to each other and find a solution.
We discussed the consequences of each. We aim to ‘TALK IT OVER’ to resolve conflicts as part of our restorative practice. We value your continued support with this.
Hermitage Park Health Week
Positive Health and Wellbeing is at the centre of all our decision making at Hermitage Park and it permeates across all learning. We will celebrate this by dedicating next week as our Health week. Healthy food choices, challenging gender stereotypes in sport and exciting sport tasters will be explored. To find out more details, come to our health information ‘market stall’, where pupil representatives will share their learning and answer any questions you have. Tea and coffee will be served too.
Health Information Market Stall
Friday 11/5/18 09.15-10.15
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 | P1a
Maya |
P2/1
Jack |
P3a
Georgia |
P4a
Annabel |
P5a
Alfred |
P6a
Kieran |
P7a
Louise |
| pm nursery | P1b
Leon |
P2
Layla |
P3b
Daisy |
P4b
Fletcher |
P5b
Abi |
P6b
Rhianyn |
P7b
Harry |
Our Primary One Induction morning for pupils starting school in August 2018 will be on Tuesday 19th of June 2018 at 9:30 am – 10:30am. Letters will be sent out to parents with information soon.
Nursery placing letters for August 2018 will be sent out next week.
Hermie’s Fun Friday is on Friday 1 June from 12.30 to 2.30pm. Please, come along and join in the fun! If you would like to help with any of the stalls, please let the Schools Association know. All help is very welcome!
For our next ‘Dress Down Friday’ we are requesting a donation of tombola for our Tombola stall for Hermie’s Fun Friday; for example, shower gel, chocolates or candles. Please hand in the donations to the class teacher during the week beginning 28 May 2018. Thank you.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 30 April: Health Week
Monday 23 April- Monday 28 May: Transition Art Events
Friday 25 May: Parent Consultations
Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations
Friday 1 June: Hermie’s Fun Friday
Wednesday 6 June: P4-7 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 13 June: P1-3 Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
Wednesday 20th June 1.30-3pm Nursery Sports Day at Leith Academy Playing Fields
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know,
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 20.4.18
Welcome back everyone and the sun, we have a busy term ahead and it is great to see the children playing in the sunshine, long may this last!
This Term our focus for Building Resilience is ‘Get Active’. The children will be learning about the importance of being active- for both your mind and body. They will engage in activities in class and at House Meetings. This links in very well with our Health Week, where we will also focus on healthy eating.
Hermie Stars
Congratulations to our Hermitage Park Stars of the Week who demonstrated they were successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
P1a: Christopher P1b: Felix P2: Sean P2/1: Logan P3a: Emily P3b: Josie P4a: Paige
P4b: Emma P5a: Miler P5b: Colm P6a: Arnold P6b: Alice P7a: Michael P7b: Amy
Standardised Assessments The Scottish Government is introducing a new system of standardised assessments, called the Scottish National Standardised Assessments (SNSA). Please see their website, https://standardisedassessment.gov.scot for further information. As with all assessments, teachers use them to help plan learning and teaching to meet each individual learner’s needs.
Hermie pupils contribute to a happy, healthy, leafy Leith A small group of budding eco-warriors, is working with Mrs Black and Leith Community Crops in Pots in a ‘Seed to plate’ sustainable farming project. Over the eight sessions, the group will gain hands-on experience of food systems and sustainable farming both at the Leith Community Croft and at sessions led by the croft farmer at school. The children visited the croft where they chose their seeds and planted them in the organic soil they mixed themselves. We’re especially looking forward to our cooking celebration using our edible gardening, at the end of the programme.
Early Years Posts If you are interested in working in a City of Edinburgh Nursery, ninety early years trainee/MA posts are advertised on MyJobScotland until May 6th. If you would like to know what this involves, there is a free public early years careers information event on Friday 20th April at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Bookable via Survey Monkey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EYCAREERCHANGER
Junior Play Rangers at Hermitage Park Primary School Our P6 children are taking part in a Play Ranger project. The children will experience and be trained in a range of exciting play opportunities in their own outdoor environments.
Calm Club Some children can find the social dynamics of the playground challenging. In a bid to help with this, Mrs Black offers a lunch time calm club. Here, an invited group of children can engage in peaceful activities such as mindful colouring, jewellery making, marble runs, reading and sculpture. While the children are playing, Mrs Black engages in ‘side-by-side’ talking with them about emotions, empathy and problem solving. We very much appreciate the Parent Association contributing the calm club games and activities.
NYCoS P3 classes are participating in the weekly NYCoS programme. NYCoS’ education principles are based on the teachings of Hungarian Composer and Educator Zoltán Kodály. Research has shown that good music education involving active singing participation will not only help develop musical skills but will also enhance numerical, social and linguistic skills.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 30 April: Health Week Monday 23 April- Monday 28 May: Transition Art Events Friday 25 May and Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations Wednesday 6 June: P4-P7 Sports Day Wednesday 13 June: P1-P3 Sports Day
As always, if you have a concern, suggestion or question, please let me know, Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
HT Blog 29.03.18
Dear Parents and Carers
Easter Service
We had a lovely walk down to St Andrew’s Leith church on Thursday morning for our school Easter Service. Thank you to our volunteers for accompanying us. Our school choirs performed their ‘Studio to Stage’ songs , P7 pupils read some readings and Reverend Rob Mackenzie shared the Easter Story. We thoroughly enjoyed singing ‘I’m a Spring Chicken’ at the end of the service.
Visit to Prospect Bank
Our Pupil Council were invited along to Prospect Bank Primary School to watch their Easter Assembly. The children were delighted their ‘Buddy’ school’s pupil could attend their assembly and we hope to invite some Prospect Bank children to our next class sharing learning assembly.
Swimming Gala
Thank you to our P6 team; Cameron, Aiden, Ruby, Jonny, Taba, Ellie, Alasdair, James, Calum, Megan, Sam and Matthew who took part in the swimming Gala at The Royal Commonwealth Pool. They demonstrated good team spirit and enjoyed the competition.
Hermie’s Got Talent
On Thursday afternoon, just before the Easter Holidays, Louise (P7) organised a fantastic Hermie’s Got Talent for the whole school and what a great job she did! This involved a lot of planning and organisation…and some help from her classmates. We have some very talented children, and what a great audience they were too! There were many compliments afterwards, from teachers and children alike. Well done! Congratulations to our winner Hamish with his ‘Rap’.
Crossing Guides
The Council are reviewing school the City’s crossing guides. If you would like to contribute to the review, please do so before Tuesday 24 April 2018 at https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/school-crossing-patrol-review-parents-and-carers. Councillors will use our feedback when deciding if any changes should be made to the service. If you have any questions, please contact roadsafety@edinburgh.gov.uk
Have a great Easter Holiday and I look forward to working with you when School opens on Tuesday 17 April.
Dates For Your Diary
Tuesday 17 April: Term starts for staff and children Thursday 26 April: Fordel Firs Transition event for P7 Monday 30 April: Health Week Friday 25 May and Tuesday 29 May: Parent Consultations Wednesday 6 June: P4-P7 Sports Day Wednesday 13 June: P1-P3 Sports Day
If you any concerns, please do let me know.
Kind regards,
Natalie Borrowman
Acting Head Teacher
