Summer Reading Challenge

"Creepy House" is this year's Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge in Scotland. There are some great books to read and smelly stickers to collect.

And if you read six books to complete all three stages of your challenge, you will get a very special prize...
Contact your local library to find out what other horrible fun is lined up this summer...

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries

Summer Reading Challenge Website 

End of Term Assembly

Once a year we all come together in the Hall -  twenty one classes from Primary 1 to Primary 7 - for our End of Term Assembly. We were delighted to welcome Jo Kite, Chair of the School Council and Aileen Nimmo, Chair of the PTA to join us.

Pupils sang "We Wish You Well" and watched a montage review of the year before Mrs Noble led us in our fond farewells to staff and pupils who are moving on. Best wishes to Ms Bibi who is expecting a baby, Mrs Menzies who takes up a new post at Panmure House and to Mrs Whiteman who begins a secondment to Gylemuir Primary in an early years position.

 We Wish You Well!

 Ms Bibi

 Mrs Menzies

 Mrs Whiteman

Congratulations to current part time P6 teacher Mr Barry Hewitt, who takes up a full time seconded promoted post in August with City of Edinburgh Council as Principal Teacher in Outdoor Learning, following on from his part time secondment this session. Mr Hewitt, who has a strong background in Outdoor Education, will be working closely with Iain Ross, Head of both Lagganlia and Benmore Centres. We will miss him but we look forward to seeing him there when we visit in October and February with P7 and P6 pupils.

Mr Hewitt

It was with a heavy heart, but all our very best wishes, that we bade fond farewell to Ms Sharon McGhee, current P1 Class Teacher, who takes up a thoroughly deserved Acting Depute Headteacher post at Flora Stevenson's Primary School from August. Ms Anstruther aptly chose extracts from Dr Suess' "Oh the Places You'll Go" and we know Ms McGhee will be as loved and respected by all the pupils, parents and staff there just as much as she is here at Sciennes.

 Ms McGhee

It has been a genuine privilege to have Ms Sandra Gregson join the staff from Canada this year, on an exchange with Miss Phillips. Ms Gregson has brought so much talent, expertise and inspiration to Sciennes and her Primary 5B class. Thank you to Adele and Ben's mum Michelle and other parents from the class for organising a lovely surprise party and we all wish Ms Gregson a safe journey. We hope that she will always keep in touch and one day come back to visit. P5B pupils gave a special thank you.

 Ms Gregson

Mrs Noble gave a lovely speech to mark the retiral of our wonderful and much loved School Secretary Mrs Ann Atkinson who has given 26 years of dedicated service to Sciennes. Mrs Atkinson has worked so hard throughout her long career to ensure that the school runs smoothly whilst also looking after us all, always with kindness, patience, wisdom and warmth. Mrs Atkinson's connection with Sciennes goes back 35 years, when her own son Steven joined as a P1 pupil and we wish her joy and happiness in being able to devote more time to her role as grandmother to Steven and Marie's beautiful son Charlie. We hope that she will come back and visit us often and she will always be in our hearts.

 Mrs Atkinson

Mrs Atkinson receives a bouquet from Mrs Noble

Miss Gaffney and Miss Dodds are getting married in the holidays and everyone congratulated them and wished them well.

 Miss Gaffney

 Miss Dodds

Primary Seven wanted to say a special thank you to Mrs Ruth McVicker for all her support with the Graduation and Choir and she was presented with a bouquet.

We also wished fond farewell to our amazing Primary Sevens, so proud of their confidence and readiness for the next steps to secondary school and beyond. Ms French, Miss Gaffney and Mr Howie provided an end of term treat with their hilarious spoof video of staff dancing to Gangnam Style. It was also joyful to watch the Primary Seven pupils perform "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" at Assembly and then all together on the top landing before Mrs Noble rang the bell and led them out in procession as the other classes lined the stairwell. Keep in touch, Primary Seven! We know you will continue to excel. (Class Page can be accessed from Weblinks button on school website.)

Primary Seven, Class of 2006

To all our families we wish a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Wednesday 14th August for another exciting year ahead at Sciennes!

Aim high, let your ambitions fly!

Believe * Achieve!

Here are just a few of the highlights from 2012-2013:



Sciennes 2012-2013 Review from Sciennes Primary School on Vimeo.

P7 Leavers' Dance

Sciennes P7 Leavers' Dance 2013 from Sciennes Primary School on Vimeo.

The sun shone and it was a glorious evening for the P7 Leavers' Dance on Wednesday 26th June. Thank you to Ms Christie and all the Learning Assistants, particularly Mrs Tariq, for the superb playground decorations, table settings, Photo Booth, marshmallow tree and balloons. Mr Howie led the ceilidh dancing, demonstrating the dances with Ms French, and Miss Gaffney span the iPod discs to get the Hall jumping. Haddows Delicatessen from Marchmont set up their magnificent barbecue van, serving 100 people burgers, chips, juice and strawberries, with choc ices to follow. Thank you to all the staff who came along to support and to all the families who enjoyed the photo call as much as we did. More photos on the P7 Class Pages. P7 Big Day Out tomorrow!

 

(Class Page can be accessed from Weblinks button on school website.)

Sciennes P7 Graduation Video 2013!

Sciennes P7 Graduation 2013 from Sciennes Primary School on Vimeo.

What a phenomenal Graduation show from an outstanding group of young people. We were all so proud of each and every one of them. Ms French, Miss Gaffney and Mr Howie produced a remarkable show and we are grateful to Lorna Irvine, Holly's mum, for the wonderful performance poetry. Cat Perry, Director of Dance Division, provided choreography in the vein of the Olympic Opening Ceremony and said the pupils had the most professional polish of any group she had worked with. Thank you to Mrs McVicker for all her musical input, rehearsal practices and accompaniment, to Mrs Tariq for co-ordinating the Hall display and to Bill Stobie, Millie's dad, for these lovely photographs - more on the P7 Class Page. We also recognise and value the support of all the parents and carers who have worked with us throughout the last seven years. We pass on every best wish to all our families  for the rest of your children's - undoubtedly sparkling - careers. Keep in touch!

 

(Class Page can be accessed from Weblinks button on school website.)

Sciennes 1:1 iPad Pilot

Derek Robertson, National Adviser Emerging Technologies and Learning at Education Scotland, has worked with schools across Scotland who are engaging with a range of tablet devices such as iPads, Windows 8 tablets, Android Tablets, Kindles and Chromebooks to help effect better outcomes for  learners and to help enhance and enrich learning in Curriculum for Excellence. He has published case studies on this Learning with Devices website, including a case study of the National 1:1 Pilot at Sciennes.

Derek visited Sciennes to capture the thoughts of pupils and staff on the impact of learning using mobile technology and we are grateful that he has published the case study so that we can share the information with families throughout the school, beyond the two pilot classes. We intend to hold Information Sessions for all parents and carers next session to explain how iPads are being used to enhance learning and teaching.

Pedal for Scotland

STV’s Scotland Tonight presenter Rona Dougall is calling on families to take their bikes out of the garage and get in the saddle for the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland family ride.
The journalist joined pupils at Sciennes Primary School in Edinburgh to encourage mums, dads and youngsters to take part in the annual bike ride which this year is in aid of the STV Appeal.
The family part of the ride follows the last nine miles of the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland route and Rona and her family will be getting in the saddle on Sunday, September 8 and taking part.
Speaking at the launch, Rona Dougall said: “Cycling is the perfect way to stay active and this event is a great opportunity for the whole family to get on their bikes.
“The Edinburgh Family Ride for this year's freshnlo Pedal for Scotland on September 8 is a family-friendly nine mile route finishing at Murrayfield and is ideal for beginners and experienced cyclists.
“Families can even raise money for the official charity partner, STV Appeal, this year so as well as being active the whole family can raise money for children and young people affected by poverty."
The STV Appeal was founded in 2011 between STV and The Hunter Foundation to help children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.
The charity not only fundraises and invests in projects but raises awareness and challenges the stereotypes attached to child poverty.
Chief executive of Cycling Scotland, Ian Aitken, said: “We are really excited to bring back the Edinburgh Family Ride this year. With our Give Me Cycle Space and Bikeability Scotland campaigns we have seen a big increase in children wanting to get out on their bikes and this is a great opportunity for them to be involved in a great cycling event with their families.”
The family cycle will begin at Kirkliston Leisure Centre but transport to the centre from Murrayfield Stadium will be provided.
The route is almost traffic-free, following cycle paths and countryside lanes making it suitable for younger children and new cyclists.
Transport Minister Keith Brown added: "This event is a great opportunity for parents and children across Edinburgh to get on their bikes this summer and will hopefully encourage people to choose cycling as an everyday travel choice which is fun and enjoyable.
“It goes without saying that cycling and walking benefits the individual with not just physical benefits, but benefits for mental health, the environment and keeping people's transport costs down.
“The Scottish Government is committed to making it easier for more people and children to incorporate active travel choices into their daily routines by cycling and walking.”
Entry for the family cycle costs £8 for adults and £5 for children. A family ticket is also available with entry for two adults and three children costing £19.
You can purchase tickets in advance online at www.pedalforscotland.org.

Bold Buccaneers on Stage

Isla and Nina (p1), Christie and Ailsa (p3) appeared in The Bold Buccaneers at The St Bride's Centre with the Helen O'Grady Drama Group on Sunday 23rd June. 

P7 Graduation

The Graduation Show and Ceremony of our Primary Seven Class of 2006 begins at 2pm in the School Hall on Monday 24th June. Please note that only two adults per pupil can attend due to Hall capacity. Siblings will be invited to watch a dress rehearsal in the morning.

(Class Page can be accessed from Weblinks button on school website.)

Edinburgh Young Musicians

It emerged through the recent parental survey, organised by the School Council Communications Group, that some parents were interested in pursuing music outwith school. Edinburgh Young Musicians offer Saturday morning Music Classes at local high school St Thomas of Aquin's:

http://www.e-y-m.org.uk/index.htm

P7 @ Lagganlia 2013

Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October

A deposit using WisePay will secure a place in the forthcoming residential for Primary Seven Pupils next session to Lagganlia Outdoor Education Centre.

Further details on the Lagganlia 2013 blog

http://scienneslagganlia2013.blogspot.co.uk/

Spylaw Family Cycling Picnic

Thank you to everyone who joined Ms Christie at the Family Picnic on Friday 21st June.

Click here for more information on the Active Travel blog (or click on Community> Active Travel on the school website).

http://sciennesactivetravel.blogspot.co.uk/

Winning House Sienna!

Congratulations to House Winners, Sienna, who have worked so hard all year earning house points and did so well at Sports Day to lead overall and be rewarded with an afternoon of Fun and Frolics in the Meadows on Tuesday 25th June. Thank you to Ms Kennedy and Mr Wallace for arranging the activities. Special congratulations to P7 House Captains Amaya Santoyo Brown and Joe Scott-Hobbs and Sports Captains Elena Santoyo Brown and Ollie Short for leading Sienna so successfully all year.

Sciennes Big Cycle 2013

Hundreds of pupils, parents and staff cycle to school on Friday 21st June.

Cycle to School Day Friday 21st June

Meet Ms Christie leaving King's Buildings 8.20am sharp or join the convoy en route to Sciennes!

This video was taken by Chris Hill at last year's Big Cycle Day when 325 bicycles arrived in school:

Round off Bike Week at Spylaw

Family Picnic Ride on Friday 21st June 1-4pm

http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/32632861/

Sciennes Cyclists Meet Transport Minister

On Wednesday 19th June cyclists from Sciennes met Transport Minister Keith Brown who announced 19 new commitments geared to promote cycling in the "Cycling Action Plan for Scotland" (CAPS), published by government agency Transport Scotland.Further details in this "Twenty's Plenty" report from The Herald and tonight on STV.

Logan, Mairi, Ruaridh and Alika with Keith Brown MSP

Cycling and Active Travel at Sciennes

A summer term of cycling for all! P1- P5 have all had cycling lessons this term in glorious sunshine, thanks to the efforts of Angela Christie and Chris Hill. Read more about Active Travel at Sciennes and find out how you can get involved. Don't forget the Spylaw Family Cycling Picnic on Friday 21st June 1pm-4pm!

Spylaw Route: http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/32632861

Girls' Football Shield

Congratulations to all the girls - Anna Le Derf, Kirsty Noble (P6) Ailsa McAleavey(P6) Esther Parmiter, Elena Santoyo-Brown, Sarah Beck Jenkins, Hannah Urquhart, Olivia Kay, Isla Barrault, Ivy Schiefler Fancey, Anna Swan (P6) Katie Hayley - who played throughout the EPSSA Girls' Football competition to be awarded the Summer Plate Consolation Shield. Thank you to Philippa Parmiter, Esther's mum, for coaching the team so well and for these wonderful photographs.

Fun on Two Wheels at Transgression Park

 

P6A, Ms Pearmain, P6C and Mrs Barker had a magnificent time at Transgression Park at Peffermill Industrial Estate on Tuesday 18th June. Thank you to Natasha and all the staff for providing the amazing hour long free taster session in the indoor skatebpark which gave all the children a chance to try out BMX biking, skateboarding as well as Stunt Scooting! P6B get their turn on Friday!

Cycle to School Day Friday 21st June

Join Ms Christie leaving King's Buildings at 8.20am sharp on Friday 21st June. Let's try to beat last year's record of 325 bikes in the playground!

P7 Football Festival Successes!

Thank you to Neil Maclean, Struan's dad, for these fabulous photographs and reports on the many recent successes of the Sciennes' P7 Boys' Football Team (plus Elena!)

MEADOWS FESTIVAL

The team played in the annual Meadow Festival on 1st June, scoring 29 and conceding only 4 in their 4 matches.  Despite playing brilliantly the team somehow managed to finish second – but were rewarded with a great trophy and celebration photo.  Well done to Jack, Elena, Danny, Struan, Joe SH, Eyvindur, Sam, Jude, Kjartan.

IMAGE PRINTERS INVITATIONAL TROPHY
The top 4 school teams in Edinburgh were invited to play in an end of season round robin competition at Peffermill on 10th June.  Taking part were Cramond (Scottish Champions), Erskine Stewarts Melville, South Morningside and Sciennes.  In a series of tight matches Sciennes battled their way to a third place finish, beating Cramond 4-1 in their final competitive 7-a-side match.  The team above - in their celebration t-shirts, Elena, Danny, Eyvindur, Jack, Sam, Jude, Struan, Kjartan.

Sporting medals from the Image Printers Invitational Competition

 

Edinburgh Castle backdrop to STREET FOOTBALL FESTIVAL
Eight Edinburgh primary schools were invited to play in a 4-a-side ‘street football’ festival taking place in the Princes Street Gardens over the weekend of 15th and 16th June.  The games were fast and furious with Sciennes making their way to semi-finals on Sunday against old foes Cramond.  Leading for most of the game they were really disappointed to lose with a couple of last minute goals.  The players picked themselves up and convincingly won the 3rd 4th playoff.  The teams lining up for the playoff are shown in the picture – just below the Castle!  Well done to Jude, Jack, Kjartan, Eyvindur, Sam, Struan (and Danny missing from picture).