Saturday 30 April 2016

Sciennes Parent Council Gymnastics Club

Sciennes Parent Council Gymnastics Club
Our Gymnastics club, which runs after school on Friday afternoons, is looking to take on more students. The classes are run by ex-Scottish Champion gymnast Gavin Chalmers and cover all elements of the Scottish Gymnastics Curriculum. More details are available on the website or get in touch with Gavin directly at gavin.chalmers@yahoo.com

Davis Cup at Meadows 4th May 10am-4pm

Davis Cup Trophy at the Meadows

Edinburgh Leisure is excited to be hosting the Davis Cup Trophy at the Meadows on 4 May 2016. Between 10:00am and 4:00pm anyone can come and see, and take their photo with the trophy close up.

You'll also have the opportunity to take part in tennis tasters and fun tennis activities at this special event arranged by Tennis Scotland in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure.
So head on down to the Meadows tennis courts any time between 10:00am and 4:00pm and don't forget to bring your camera/phone!

Friday 29 April 2016

Angus and his Dad Win Family Doubles Tennis Challenge


Congratulations to P3 pupil Angus and his dad Alastair who were overall winners at a Family Doubles Tennis Challenge  on Sunday 24th April at at the Meadows courts. The event was part of a British Tennis  UK wide initiative supported by Quorn. Well done to all the Sciennes children who took part. Angus and his dad will now be invited to watch a grass court tournament in the UK as a prize -sadly not Wimbledon!

Thank you to Alex Harkins for passing on the information and photograph.

Thursday 28 April 2016

P5 Scottish Opera Wednesday 4th May


P5 SCOTTISH OPERA PERFORMANCE TO FAMILIES

WEDNESDAY 4th MAY 2.15pm


We are very grateful to families for helping pupils learn their lyrics.  Musical director, Roger Glass, who rehearsed pupils in an advance vocal workshop on Monday 25th April, was impressed!

Pupils should wear P.E. kit on the day and will rehearse in the morning.


1.20-2pm P4 and siblings invited to Dress Rehearsal


2.15pm-3.00pm Scottish Opera performance for families


Please note that due to limitations on space, only two people per child can attend the performance.



Pupils may be dismissed at the end of the performance with parents who are attending, if you wish. Younger siblings can be collected from the Number Zone with Ms Anstruther at the end of the performance. Older siblings will join you there once they have returned their costumes.

Janis Mackay Launches New Book at Sciennes!

http://www.florisbooks.co.uk/book/Janis-Mackay/Unlikely+Time+Traveller/9781782502661

We are extremely excited to announce that Sciennes' Patron of Reading - the celebrated Scottish author Janis Mackay - will launch her new book "The Unlikely Time Traveller" at our P4-7 Assembly on Friday 6th May. Janis' new book is the third in her highly successful 'Time Traveller' trilogy.

Janis will be available to sign copies of her latest book on Friday 6th May between 10.30 and 10.45 then 11.30am and 12.30pm

In November, Janis worked with our three P3 classes, exploring the first two novels in the series: “The Accidental Time Traveller” and “The Reluctant Time Traveller” and using them as a springboard to set the P3’s off on a fantastic literary mission of their own. Janis has also recently worked with our P4 classes on storytelling sessions and we have benefited tremendously from her input, her support and above all her inspiration throughout the year.


Wednesday 27 April 2016

Swimathon – Thank you


thankyou

Sciennes would like to give a big thank you to all the parents, carers and school staff who have made the Swimathon possible. We’ve had more than 80 volunteers come out to count lengths as the children swam, many helping with more than one class.

A special Thank You needs to be extended to Mr Scott for keeping everything poolside running smoothly and encouraging the kids all day long.

Sainsbury’s can take credit for fueling our children by supplying bananas and chocolate for all participants. Thank you!

And finally, thank you to all those who have supported Sciennes pupils by donating to the Swimathon. We’re almost half way to our goal. If you haven’t done so already, you can go to our MyDonate page to support the swimmers in your family.

Tanya Boughtflower, Vice Chair Sciennes Parent Council 

Tuesday 26 April 2016

£3,743 Raised Already!


Thank you to everyone who is supporting our annual Swimathon school fundraiser. The total so far is an incredible £3,157.51 - with Gift Aid added via the online donations, that's a fantastic £3,743.14 by Day One!

Swimathon - Online Donation Information

Sciennes Swimathon 2016 is here! The schedule is underway, the lifeguards are in place, all that’s left to do is raise some money!
How Sponsorship Works
We have set up a Sciennes Swimathon 2016 BTMyDonate page to make this fast and easy.

swimathon-mydonate-click

From here you can set up a personalized sponsorship page for your children. Friends and family can sponsor your child per length or give a lump sum. Just click on the pink Start Fundraising button and follow the steps. Then you can simply send the link to friends and family who may wish to sponsor your child.
If you don’t have access to a computer, there are Sponsorship Sheets available in the office.
Questions or concerns? Contact t_boughtflower@yahoo.com

Sciennes can claim Gift Aid of up to 25% via online donations.

Thank you.

Monday 25 April 2016

Volunteers Required for School Streets Rota

http://doodle.com/poll/ec3vw84qe45hsk3i
Click on the link on our website to sign up as a volunteer for the School Streets rota
http://doodle.com/poll/ec3vw84qe45hsk3i

The School Streets Pilot began at Sciennes Primary on
 Wednesday 21 October


Why introduce School Streets?
City of Edinburgh Council has introduced 'School Streets' at a number of primary schools across Edinburgh, including Sciennes Primary School, for an initial period of eighteen months. These locations have been experiencing ongoing road safety issues caused by drivers bringing their vehicles too close to the school gate.

The benefits of introducing school streets are that:
    •    walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils and parents will increase 

    •    traffic speed, congestion and pollution around school gates will reduce 

    •    we are responding to a demand from parents and residents.

How does it operate? 


Vehicles are not able to drive in, out or around the school streets when the scheme is in operation. Large signs are at the entrance to the scheme and they have flashing lights to indicate when the scheme is in operation. Only those with permits will be exempt from the closure. 


Which streets are closed and at what times?
Streets affected:
 
Livingstone Place

Sciennes Road (between Sylvan Place and Tantallon Place)

Times
: 
8.35am to 9.00am and 2.40pm to 3.30pm Monday to Thurs
day
8.35am to 9.00am and 11.55am to 12.20pm Friday

I am a resident of a school street. Can I drive in and out of my street when the signs are flashing?

Yes – local residents living within the streets that are closed should apply for a permit that must be displayed on the car windscreen. Residents who live in the School Streets zone will receive a letter from the Council giving advice on how to apply and further information is also available on the Council website. If your household has more than one car you should apply for one for each car. Please note this only applies to those living at the address and not visitors.

What other road users are permitted in the street?
Disabled users displaying a blue badge are permitted as well as emergency services and contract school transport dropping or picking up pupils from the school.

Who will enforce school streets?
The scheme will be enforced by Police Scotland. The penalty for ignoring the signs will be a fine. Parent volunteers can sign up to make drivers aware of the scheme.

Where can I find out more?
Please go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolstreets or email schoolstreets@edinburgh.gov.uk

Sunday 24 April 2016

Everything you wanted to know about Swimathon but were afraid to ask

swimathon photo 

For many parents with children in the upper school Swimathon is no big deal. We’ve been doing it for years. But for parents and pupils who are new to Sciennes, there can be a lot of mysteries surrounding Swimathon, how it happens and what’s expected of pupils and parents alike. Wonder no more! Our aim is to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease.

Will my child’s teacher be present while my child is swimming? (‘Swimming’ includes walking, floating, bobbing, jumping and whatever else your child may do in the pool).
Yes. Each class is taken down to the pool by their teacher and learning assistant. Both are poolside while their class swims. Quite often Ms Noble, Ms Anstruther and Ms Christie are also by the pool cheering the kids on.

Where do the children change?
There are Girls and Boys change rooms located beside the pool. Only one class is in the change rooms at a time. Between each class we do a quick sweep to pick up any lost or forgotten articles so that they can be returned to the proper class.

What happens next?
Once the children are changed, they come out onto the pool deck and sit on benches. We divide them into house groups and brief them on what is expected. At this time pupils are encouraged to use the toilet, if necessary. Arm bands and floaties are also distributed.
Children are called to the pool in house groups (Grange, Lauder, Tantallon and Sienna). There are generally 8-10 pupils per group. Before entering the pool pupils take a quick shower.
Note: P1s have not yet been assigned houses, so we simply divide them into small groups.

My child is quite timid. What if he/she decides not to swim?
All children are encouraged to do their best. For some that means swimming lengths, for others that means sticking their ankles in the water. We understand that for some children this may be their first time swimming. We encourage them to get wet, but no one is pressured to do anything they aren’t comfortable with.

My child needs arm bands but may not take them when offered.
We keep a close eye on all pupils and can pretty quickly assess if a child needs arm bands or a floatie. These are given to the pupil without hassle and they continue on. This often happens after they’ve swum a few laps and get tired.

What kind of supervision is there?
There is a certified life guard on deck at all times. In addition, there are parent volunteers counting each pupil’s lengths/ breadths. This means there is a dedicated set of eyes on your child. Additionally, your child’s teacher and learning assistant are watching and encouraging the class. If you’d like to volunteer, sign up here.

parents-swimathon

How does my child know how many lengths/breadths they’ve swum?
Parent volunteers count lengths/breadths. Later in the day your child will receive a slip of paper telling them how many lengths they swam.

What happens after my child has swum?
Upon exiting the pool, the pupils shower once again. They are then directed to the change rooms. After they have finished drying off and changing, they return to the pool deck to cheer on their friends. Once everyone in the class has swum and changed, the pupils are given a banana and Freddo chocolate before returning to class.

Will medals be awarded this year?
Always a contentious question! This year we are trying something a little different. House points will be awarded for lengths swum. This puts more of a team focus on the competition. However, pupils will still know how many lengths/breadths they’ve swum for sponsorship purposes.

How is money raised?
The easiest way is through MyDonate. Full instructions on how to set up a MyDonate page for your child/children are here. Once you have set up a page a link can be sent out to friends and family. People can sponsor your child by giving a lump sum or by giving a smaller amount per length. And if you’re not technologically inclined, paper sponsorship forms can be picked up at the school office.

If you have any other questions do not hesitate to email t_boughtflower@yahoo.com

Tanya Boughtflower, Vice Chair Parent Council

£127 raised by pupils for WaterAid

On Friday afternoon, 22nd April, P6A pupils Ailsa, Minnie, Lucy, Rose and Anna organised, baked for and ran a bake sale in their own time for their 'Me and My World' JASS award.

Together they raised a tremendous £127 for WaterAid! Very well done to all involved.







Friday 22 April 2016

P4-7 Earth Day Assembly 22.4.16


On Friday 22nd April, we celebrated Earth Day by watching the Climate Coalition's film (scripted by Michael Morpurgo and starring Jeremy Irons) and Greenpeace's "Give the Earth a Hand" video.




We also commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare (23rd April 1616) and asked pupils to play their part in making a difference.

A feeder ride will meet tomorrow at Sciennes at 11.00am to join the main Pedal on Parliament ride at 12.00pm on the Meadows, Saturday 23rd April, and pupils were encouraged to continue to walk, scoot and cycle to school, to play their part in tackling climate change.

P7 pupil, Toby Ward, showed how he had made a difference by donating his time volunteering at a local Food Bank as part of his Silver JASS award.

House Captains congratulated fellow pupils on recent achievements and reminded everyone about our annual Swimathon, taking place next week.

We informed pupils at both Assemblies this morning that the cones will be removed today, so our playground will be open fully on Monday 25th April.



Playground Update


Dear Parent/Carer

The playground development has been the subject of a series of inspections and improvements over the last few months. Following the inspection in February by David Yearley from ROSPA, work was undertaken to reduce all risks to a tolerable level. David has since inspected the work undertaken and I am pleased to report that he has reported that all the work undertaken has improved the playground development and the risk ratings are confirmed as low or a tolerable medium.

We informed pupils at Assemblies this morning that the cones will be removed today, so our playground will be open fully on Monday 25th April.

Alison Noble,
Headteacher


Thursday 21 April 2016

EPSSA Swim and Dive Photos - 13 medals!

Gold, Gold, Bronze, Bronze!
Many thanks to EPSSA for these great photos.

Breastroke Gold for Rose, Holly, Esther and Calum



Gold Level 2 Diving Medal for Ellen

Bronze Freestyle for Calum, Milenka, Joanne and Evie


Bronze Backstroke for Joanne, Toby, Anna and David


Team Sciennes!







On Wednesday 23rd March at the annual EPSSA Swimming and Diving Gala held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on Wednesday 23rd March our pupils had outstanding success! First place in the Breastroke meant a Gold medal each for Holly, Rose, Calum and Esther. Anna, Toby, Joanne and David won their heat then came Third to win a Bronze medal each in the Backstroke. Calum, Milenka, Joanna and Evie won their heat then also progressed to the final for Freestyle and won a Bronze medal each. For the first time, each of our swimmers won a medal, with Calum and Joanne winning two medals!

Ellen took First place in the Level 2 Diving competition to win Gold.

That's an incredible haul of thirteen medals!

Thank you to our P.E. and Swimming Specialists Mrs Beth Walker and Mrs Cynthia Berry for preparing the children so well for the competition, to Mrs Sally Nowell for helping to escort and to all the families who came to cheer along. P7 pupil Susannah had to withdraw due to injury so it was very good that meant she had a chance to join her mum poolside and assist her with officiating duties.

It was great to have two P3 pupils, Becky and Angus, join the Diving competition and also three P5 pupils this year. Well done to all our divers, particularly for their excellent sporting attitudes.

What a fantastic testament to the hours of dedication our pupils have put into swimming and diving practice and the tremendous commitment and support of their families in encouraging them. It really was joyful to see the children glow with self confidence in their achievements.

A remarkable, historic result for Sciennes!

P5 Boroughmuir RFC Cup Winners!


Members of the Boroughmuir RFC's P5 team are pictured above lifting the cup at their home tournament after beating Edinburgh Academy in the final.

Fraser Cadell and Caspar Ward (both in photograph) and Joseph Robertson were in the winning team and Henry Millar and Matthew Jackson were also playing for other Boroughmuir teams that day. 

Thank you very much to parent Jack Cadell for the photograph.
A great achievement!


Sunday 17 April 2016

Saturday 16 April 2016

Swimathon

Sciennes Swimathon 2016 is fast approaching - just 10 days until things get underway! That means it's time to get fundraising! Have you set up a MyDonate page yet?

  1. Go to https://mydonate.bt.com/events/sciennesswimathon2016/296559
  2. Click on the pink START FUNDRAISING button
  3. Fill in the form - takes about a minute
  4. And you're done ... now you can send out your child/children's Sponsorship page to friends and family and start raising money for Sciennes now.
The Swimathon's MyDonate page is set up in conjunction with Friends of Sciennes School (registered charity SC029465). MyDonate is a not-for-profit, online fundraising service for UK charities. In addition to being secure, fast and easy, it reduces the administration involved in reclaiming Gift Aid, which can increase donations by 25% at no cost to the donor.

World Art Day House Assemblies 15.4.16

On Friday, 15th April, Sciennes' four Houses - Grange, Lauder, Sienna and Tanatallon - celebrated World Art Day on the birth date of Leonardo da Vinci. House and Sports Captains shared information about their favourite artists. Sciennes' annual Swimathon event takes place week beginning 25th April and we are supporting UNICEF's Day for Change on Friday 13th May.

A reminder that Monday 18th April is a holiday.




Please collect loose change and bring to school on Friday 13th May to support Unicef's 'Day for Change.' Thank you.


Article 29 You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for others’ rights and the environment.

Wednesday 13 April 2016

SASCS Summer Holiday Care and Sports Camp

SCIENNNES AFTER SCHOOL CARE SCHEME

SUMMER HOLIDAY CARE

SPORTS CAMP

 


Sonia Anderson
Coordinator
Mobile: 07757978473

Lindsey Johnstone
Assistant Coordinator
Mobile: 07706450589

SASCS
Sciennes Primary School,
10 Sciennes Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 1LG
Tel: 0131 662 4810

SASCS is the Trading Name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme. Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891.

Monday 11 April 2016

Runaway Success at Lothian Schools Cross Country!

Superb success for our amazing P6 and P7 Dream Team Cross Country runners who were rewarded for their commitment with many medals and trophies at the end of year Award Ceremony on 23rd March. Thank you to all the pupils who have taken part and to their families for escorting, supporting and encouraging. Many thanks to parent Sarah Winkler for co-ordinating and for updating us with the fantastic results:


Sciennes Boys' Team Relay - Gold
(Robert, Stephen, Boris)

Sciennes' Girls Overall Individual - Silver
to Rose Newman

Sciennes' Overall Team - Bronze
(All of the boys)

Boris, Stephen and Robert take Gold for the Boys' Team Relay!
Silver for Rose!
Thank you to Boris and Bea's mum, Sarah, for co-ordinating

Mary Erskine's 23rd March 2016 race results:

Girls
Rose N 2
Erin 25
Joanne 38
Isobel 40

Boys
Stephen 4
Robert 5
Matthew 8
Calum 20
Boris 23
David 35
Ryan 36
Sam 37
Harvey 39
Cai 40