Newsletters

No. 14 - 11th March 2010

Download PDF version of Newsletter 14 here

Parents Evenings

You will receive your appointment time by letter next week. Please note that there will be NO CRECHE FACILITIES on either evening.

Missing Library Books

We are missing some school library books and we would like to ask you to check your child/children’s bookshelves for the following titles “Famous Shipwrecks” by David Spence, “Amazing Weather” by Heather Monisner and “Cook it Together” by Annabel Karmel. Please return these books to school as soon as possible if found.

Calling all P7 Parents/Carers

We are organising an end of year disco for P7’s. This event will take place out with school and will be held around May/June. If you would like to take part in the organisation of this event please contact Primary 7 parent Christine Johnson on 07890 743747.

School Meals

Can we remind parents that payment for school meals made by cheque should be payable to “Scottish Borders Council”. The cost per day is £1.65.

P7 Girls Netball

Extra curricular netball will continue on Tuesday afternoons from 3.15-4.15pm with Mrs Thomson.

Achievements

Please encourage children to share any out of school achievements with their class teachers so we can celebrate them in school. Photos and certificates etc. can be displayed on our achievement boards.

Fruit Kebabs for sale

For P7M’s enterprise project they have set up a business called ‘Funky Fruit and Veg’ and will sell fruit kebabs priced at 30p each on Friday 26^th March to the rest of the school. Orders will be taken for these the week before.

Dance Festival

Pupils in primaries 3 & 4 will be representing the school in the Border Schools Dance Festival on Monday 22 March in Kelso.

End of Term Church Service

Our end of term Easter Church Service, led by P6, will take place at Melrose Parish Church on Thursday 1 April at 9.30am. All parents, carers and friends are invited to attend.

Tokens

We are currently collection tokens from Tesco, Flora  “Cooking in Schools”, Nestle Box Tops and the Times Book Club. We would be pleased to receive any tokens you may have.

Melrose Parish Church

The dates for the next family services at Melrose Parish Church will be on Sunday 18 April and Sunday 16 May 2010 at 10am. The service will last approximately 30 minutes. Rev Bennett looks forward to welcoming you there.

Milk

If you would like your child to have milk on Wednesdays next term, please complete the form below and return to school by 25 March 2010. Refunds will not be given for days missed.

No. 13 - 25th February 2010

Download PDF version of Newsletter 13 here

World Book Day Tokens & Scholastic Book Club

We will be sending home a £1 World Book Day Token for every pupil attached to the latest Scholastic Book Club leaflet. The token can be used towards payment for any book worth £2.99 or more from 1- 28 March 2010. These tokens can also be spent in booksellers or other participating retailers. If your child would like to use their token for a book from the Scholastic Book Club leaflet, please return the order to the school office with appropriate payment no later than 10 March 2010.

Parents Evenings

You should have received a letter home with information for the parents meetings with teachers. Please note: The times for the meetings on the original letter were incorrect. The meetings will commence at 3.30pm with the final appointment ending at 6.30pm.  If you have sent in a response already and wish to amend your choice, please phone the office as soon as possible. You will receive your appointment time by letter during week commencing 15 March 2010.

School Class Photographs

Please return any orders, with appropriate payment in the envelope provided, to the school office by Friday 5 March 2010.

Travel Evaluation Meeting

A reminder that the meeting to discuss safe routes to school is on Tuesday 2 March 2010 at 2pm. Parents are invited to attend and local police, councillors and school staff will also be in attendance.

Mobile Phone Found

A mobile phone has been handed in to the school office. It was found in the school car park on the day of the power failure. If you have lost your phone please contact the school.

Hats on for Haiti

Well done to all who participated and thank you to those who contributed – there were many wonderful varieties of headwear in school on Thursday 11 February! We raised the amazing sum of £671.10 for this good cause.

Nursery Enrolment

Applications are now being taken for places in Pre and Ante Pre School Nursery for the year August 2010 - June 2011. If you have not yet registered your child please contact the office for an application form.

Dates for your Diary

Monday 1 March           Numeracy and Maths Information evening, 6.30pm

Tuesday 2 March           P5C swimming

Tuesday 2 March           Travel Evaluation Meeting 2pm

Thursday 4 March          P5C to Main Street Trading

Monday 8 March           P6 Cycle proficiency bike checks

Tuesday 9 March           P1 & P7 dental checks

Tuesday 9 March           P5C swimming

Monday 15 March          P6J cycling proficiency week

Tuesday 16 March         P5C swimming

Wednesday 17 March    P7 to St Mary’s for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Monday 22 March          P6C cycling proficiency week

Monday 22 March          P3 and P4 Dance Festival

Tuesday 23 March         P5C swimming

Tuesday 23 March         Parents Evening

Wednesday 24 March    Parents Evening

Tuesday 30 March         P5C swimming

Thursday 1 April            End of term church service led by P6 (9.30am)

Thursday 1 April            School closes for Easter Holidays

Audition for the Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme

Auditions will be held in May 2010 at the Scottish Ballet’s studios in Glasgow for entry in September 2010. Applications are invited for Junior Associates (Primary 6&7), Mid Associates (Secondary 1 & 2) and Senior Associates (Secondary 3 & 5). No previous dance experience required for Junior Associate applicants. For an application form contact Anne Stephen on 0141 331 2931 or email anne.stephen@scottishballet.co.uk or download from www.scottishballet.co.uk

No. 12 - 11th February 2010

Download PDF version of Newsletter 12 here

In-service Day and Holiday

Reminder school will be closed for pupils on Friday 12 February [In-service] and from Monday 15 – Friday 19 February 2010 [holiday].  School will resume for all pupils on Monday 22 February 2010.

Power Failure

Thank you to all parents/carers who responded so quickly following the request to take children home following the disruption to the school’s power supply. The support and help given was very much appreciated.  Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Pupils who have paid for school meals for Wednesday and Thursday 10 & 11 February will be given credits towards future meals.

Active Schools

Our Active Schools Co-ordinator, Gemma Ross, would like to pass on a huge ‘well done’ to all P6/7 girls who took part in the Active Schools Area Netball Festival in January, and congratulates the team who won their pool and are competing in the area final at the end of February. The high standard of play this year made a very exciting tournament, and she would like to commend all the girls from Melrose for their sportsmanship. Thank you to Mrs Thomson for running the school club and for assisting with the umpiring on the day itself. Well done everyone!

School Library

Books are currently being sorted and catalogued for the school library.  Due to this work there are fewer books available for the children in classrooms.  We would like to remind children that books can be borrowed from the SBC Library in Melrose Square.  We are most grateful to the ladies who are giving of their time to undertake much of this work.  If anyone else can spare some time to support this work please do contact the school office.

Maths Homework Information Evening

Following requests from parents for support in helping their children with Maths at home, a Numeracy information evening will be held for parents on Monday 1^st March 2010. If you have any specific areas of Maths you would like addressed please contact Emma Sowerby. The session will run from 6.30pm – 7.30pm and will consist of an information session, demonstration workshops, an informal question and discussion time with the opportunity to look at some of our Maths resources. We would welcome parents from any stage of the school to attend.

If you are able to attend, please complete and return the slip below to the school office by Wednesday 24 February 2010.

No. 11 - 28th January 2010

Download PDF version of Newsletter 11 here

Burns Lunch

Tomorrow, Friday 29 January 2010, children are invited the children to wear “A Touch of Tartan” to school as part of the celebration of Robert Burns.  As part of this celebration P6 & P7 are having a Burns Supper to which their parents have been invited.  

Car Parking

Please do not use the school staff car park for drop off/collection of your child/children. The designated parking areas are St Mary’s Road, the Health Centre and Melrose Rugby Club and walk to school using the path along the Gibson Park.  The safety of pupils is being compromised by those not adhering to the safe routes to school plan. Melrose Rugby Club have kindly allowed parents to park at the club for drop off and pick up, however the Rugby Club request this area is not used for parking as some of their deliveries are being blocked by cars using the area for longer term parking.

Safe Routes to School Meeting

This meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday 2 March 2010 at 2pm to which parents are invited to attend to discuss the issue of safety on routes to and from school. Local councillors, SBC officials and Police will be in attendance.

School Photographs

Class group photographs will be taken on Monday 8 February 2010, please note this is a change to the previously published date.  Please ensure that your child wears school uniform that day. Proofs of the photographs will be sent home with children, there is no compulsion to purchase.

Fundraising for Haiti

Melrose Primary School would like to raise funds that are desperately required to deliver the Aid and assistance needed to save lives and to help survivors rebuild their environment in Haiti. We are asking children and staff to wear a hat to school on Thursday 11 February 2010 and donate as much as they can to help the people caught up in this tragic disaster.

P2M – fund raising sale

P2M has part of their topic work P2M would like to sponsor a penguin for a year.  To do this they need to raise £36.  They are organising a sale of books, toys, games and cakes for younger children [P1-3] on Friday 5 February 2010.  They ask that children from these classes bring some money to school that day so they can buy some goods and contribute to the cause. 

Oxfam Unwrapped

Primary 7T have made the following choices with the funds raised at school: 60 bars of soap, sports equipment, 5 bags of seeds, chickens, mosquito nets, hygiene kit, solar panels, training a health worker and essential medicines.

Special Dietary Requirements Programme

We have been asked by the catering staff to provide information on pupils who have special dietary needs. If your child has specific needs please contact the office for a form for completion detailing the necessary information to enable our catering staff to accommodate these requirements.

Melrose Primary School Website

We are most grateful to Mrs Janice Douglas who has taken ownership of organising and running the school web site for so for many years.  Mrs Douglas has decided she would like to step back and hand over the reins. We are looking for some parental/adult help with the running and maintaining of the website. We are also going to re establish the Web Club for P6 children and would very much like some parental support with the running of this – Thursdays 3.15 - 4.15.  The web club will run after school led by initially by Mrs Lorraine Sinclair [P4M teacher] the children will be involved in learning how to maintain and update the website.  If you would like to be involved and have IT skills please contact the school as soon as possible.  The website is an essential method of communication for the school and local community and therefore is vitally important that the website continues.

Parents Evenings

A crèche facility will not be offered at the parents evenings on Tuesday and Wednesday 23 & 24 March 2010 – Crèche Express who ran the crèche last year have had their funding withdrawn and as a consequence this facility is no longer operational.

After School Activity - Singing Sessions for P2 – P3

Ms Tod will run after school singing sessions for pupils in primaries 2 and 3 on Tuesday afternoons from 3-4pm. As there will be limited places please complete the slip below and return to the school to give an indication of interest. Ms Tod will provide further information in due course.

SFA Football

Football training on Wednesday afternoons from 3-4pm organised by the SFA has been postponed until there is better weather. They will advise you in due course about the re-start date.

Head Lice

Please can we remind parents to regularly check their child/children’s hair for head lice. Advice can be obtained from local chemists and the school nurse, Mary Carryer on 01896 822161.

Missing School Jacket

A pupil has lost a black school jacket (age 5-6), please check that your child has their own jacket – the lost jacket had a named label inside the coat pocket.

FORTH COMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Saturday 30 January 2010  Ceilidh in aid of Marie Curie and Brain Tumour Research, Darnick Village Hall, 7.30pm till midnight. Tickets - £10 each available from Christine Johnson 07890 743747 or from Masons Bookshop, Melrose.

No. 10 - 14th January 2010

Download PDF version of Newsletter 10 here

Happy New Year to all pupils and parents, we hope you had an enjoyable Christmas holiday.

Christmas Church Service

Well done to P4 for their very entertaining and informative contribution to the end of term service. The sum of £206.77 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Seasonable Weather

All pupils should wear warm and suitable outdoor clothing to school during the current weather conditions. Please ensure all children have shoes to change into in school.

Contact Information

In light of recent weather conditions could we ask that parents ensure that the school has up to date contact numbers in case we need to issue emergency information via our Groupcall system.  This includes informing the school of change of mobile numbers.

Gym Kit

Every child should have a gym kit (shorts, t-shirt and gym shoes) available for use every day for PE and other activities.

Safe Routes to School Meeting

The meeting due to be held today (Thursday 14 January 2010) has been postponed. We will issue details for the re-scheduled meeting as soon as possible.

School Photographs

Class group photographs will be taken on Wednesday 10 February 2010.  Please ensure that your child wears school uniform that day. Proofs of the photographs will be sent home with your child. Please note that it is not compulsory to make a purchase.

P6 & P7 Burns Lunch

There will be a Burns Supper and Scottish Ceilidh for P6 and P7 pupils on Friday 29 January 2010. Further information will be given to parents of these two year groups.

Scholastic Book Club

Your child will be issued with a Scholastic Book Club leaflet later this week. Orders must be returned, with payment, to the school office no later than Wednesday 27 January 2010.

Library

We urgently need more parents/adults to help with the organisation and setting up of the new school library.  Please contact the school office if you are interested in supporting this development.  We very much hope to have the library operational in the near future.

Cycling Proficiency

P6 pupils will receive cycling proficiency training during March. The training will be organised by our Active Schools Co-ordinator, Gemma Ross. To run this we need parental/adult support and ask for volunteers to help. If you are willing to help please contact the school office for more information as soon as possible.

Oxfam Unwrapped

We raised a total of £224.75 for the Oxfam Unwrapped charity. Thank you for your contributions. Information regarding the purchase of gifts will be published in due course.

FORTH COMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Saturday 30 January 2010  Ceilidh in aid of Marie Curie and Brain Tumour Research, Darnick Village Hall, 7.30pm till midnight. Tickets - £10 each available from Christine Johnson 07890 743747 or from Masons Bookshop, Melrose.

No. 9 - 17th December 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 9 here

Christmas Fair

School will close on Friday 18 December 2009 at 3pm and re-open on Tuesday 5 January 2010. 

We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Christmas trees available from:

• Millmount Farm - Nordmann Trees from 5 – 8 ft prices start at £22.50 which includes delivery within a 5 mile radius of Melrose. To place an order, or to arrange a delivery call 01896 822467.
• 100 Aker Wood – All types and Sizes. Free local delivery, call 01896 823717

Melrose Rugby Club – Mini Hornets News

• The Melrose RFC Members Children’s / Mini Hornets Christmas parties are on Sunday 20 December in the main hall:

  • P1 - P3 between 2pm to 3.30pm

  • P4 - P7 between 4pm to 6pm

If you would like to come please contact your mini coach or put your name down on the poster on the Club notice board.

• The only training session being held on Sunday 20 December is for the P6s between 11am and 12 noon.

• The P1-3 groups will train indoors at Earlston High School games hall throughout January and February 2010. This group will be split in 2 and spread over a 2 hour slot.  Parents should contact Alistair Kirk directly a.kirk@tiscali.co.uk to find out the time slot for individual children.

No. 8 - 3rd December 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 8 here

Christmas Fair

The Parent Council fund raising committee Christmas Fair will be held on Sunday 6 December 2009 2 - 4pm. The fair will include a visit from Santa Claus, raffle, chocolate fountain, Christmas crafts and stalls in the main school building, and an art exhibition of the children’s work in the Big Space – the children’s art will be for sale.  Contributions to the cake and candy, bottle stall and books and games will be gratefully received – contributions of books, games and bottles may be handed into the school office prior to the event. Money raised at this event will be used for purchasing books and resources for the new school library.  All welcome.

Christmas Trees

Thank you to Mr Kerr, Tree Force, and Mr Riddell, 100 Aker Wood, have each kindly donated a Christmas tree to the school.  These will be displayed in the main entrance hall and in the Big Space.

Oxfam Unwrapped

Last year we “suggested” that the children make a donation to the above charity rather than send each other lots of Christmas Cards. Collection boxes for donations are now in each classroom should your child wish to contribute. This is entirely optional. The final total raised in school will be used to purchase gifts which we will detail in a future newsletter.

Poppy Scotland

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Poppy Scotland Appeal, £396.33 was raised.  Melrose Primary School were top contributors to the Melrose District total of £4148.47.

Children in Need

Thank you to all the pupils and staff who “wore something different” last Friday in aid of Children in Need. There were some fabulous outfits! We raised the total of £413.

Primary 5 Shoebox Appeal

Thank you to everyone who very generously donated a shoebox for Primary 5s Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. We managed to collect 142 shoeboxes, and the collection is now closed. On Saturday 12 December 2009 they will be driven in a big, old army truck to Belarus (near Russia) where they will be taken to orphanages. Thank you from all in P5.

Travel Evaluation Meeting

Parents are invited to attend a meeting on Thursday 14 January 2010 at 10.00am in school to evaluate the school travel plan and safer routes to school.  Representatives from Scottish Borders Council Roads Department, SBC Councillors and local police officers will also be attendance at the meeting.

Maths Homework Information Evening

Following requests from parents for support in helping their children with Maths at home, a Numeracy information evening will be held for parents on Monday 1^st March 2010. If you have any specific areas of Maths you would like addressed please contact Emma Sowerby. The session will run from 6.30pm – 7.30pm and will consist of an information session, demonstration workshops, an informal question and discussion time with the opportunity to look at some of our Maths resources. We would welcome parents from any stage of the school to attend.

Milk

We sell milk to pupils on Wednesdays, priced 27p for a 250ml carton. The milk must be ordered in advance for a term at a time. If your child/children wish to have milk please complete the form below and return to school with payment no later than Friday 11 December 2009.  The first day for milk will be Wednesday 6 January 2010. We are sorry that we cannot accept late orders and no refunds will be given for weeks missed.

Item Required!

We need a step to help P1 pupils access the interactive whiteboard more easily; if you have an old aerobic step which you could donate to the school we would be very grateful.

Well Done

Well done to Dylan Fagan, Ross Waters, Hamish Whelan and Finlay Wilson who represented Melrose Primary School in the recent Border Schools Swimming Trials held at Galashiels Pool. The boys won the bronze medal in the 12 Years and Under Relay Race.

Advice on Internet Safety for Parents from Lothian & Borders Police

Think U Know ICT safety    Facts for parents

• Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to. Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used. Keeping the computer in a family room means that you can share your child’s online experience – and that they are less likely to act inappropriately (i.e. via webcam).

• Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends - personal information includes their messenger ID, email address, mobile number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends. If your child publishes a picture or video online, anyone can change it or share it. Remind them that anyone may be looking at their images and one day a future employer could!

• If your child receives spam/junk email & texts, remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them. It’s not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don’t know. They won’t know what they contain — it could be a virus, or worse — an inappropriate image or film. Help your child to understand that some people lie online and therefore it’s better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust.

• Always keep communication open for a child to know that it’s never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Teach young people how to block someone online and how to report them if they feel uncomfortable.

Melrose Parish Church

The next family service at Melrose Parish Church will be held on Sunday 6 December 2009 at 10am. This will be the “Christmas Gift Service” and you are invited to bring along unwrapped gifts for distribution by the Galashiels Family Support Centre. The service will last approximately 30 minutes. Rev Bennett looks forward to welcoming you there.

Melrose Festival Committee – help required

Calling all seamstresses! Melrose Festival Committee is hoping to replace the dresses/trousers and waistcoats worn by the Festival Queen and her Court. To make this task slightly easier they are hoping to get together a group of people with some sewing (and pattern cutting) experience in order to share the workload. If you are willing (and able) please contact Jan McGowan in school on 01896 822103 or at home on 01835 824724.

FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Christmas trees available from:

• Millmount Farm - Nordmann Trees from 5 – 8 ft prices start at £22.50 which includes delivery within a 5 mile radius of Melrose. To place an order, or to arrange a delivery call 01896 822467.
• 100 Aker Wood – All types and Sizes. Free local delivery, call 01896 823717

Melrose Traders Association Christmas Carol Service and Parade – Saturday 12 December

Christmas Parade and Carol Service is on Saturday 12 December leaving the Greenyards at 5.30pm. The Carol Service will start at 6.10pm in the Abbey and should last about 40 minutes. Children up to Primary 4 are invited to come dressed as animals or angels, and the older children as shepherds, wise men, Mary or Joseph. Following the service the parade will march back to the Square where mince pies and mulled wine will be on sale outside the Corn Exchange. Peter Pepper will entertain the younger children in the Corn Exchange. As always your child must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Neither the School nor the Melrose Traders Association will take responsibility as it is a community event.

No. 7 - 19th November 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 7 here

Primary One Enrolment for Session 2010/11

Enrolment for next year’s Primary One will take place between Monday 23^rd November and Friday 27^th November 2009.  Application packs have been issued to our pre-school nursery pupils.  Parents are asked to show a copy of their child/children’s birth certificate and also proof of residence e.g. driving licence, utility bill, and bank statement when they enrol their child/children.  Readiness for primary school varies from child to child and if you have any concerns at all about your child/children, please feel free to speak to Ms Morris or Mrs Crookshanks.  Children who live out with our catchment area are asked to enrol at the appropriate school for their address and complete and return a placing request form to us.

Children in Need

Children are invited to ‘wear something different’ to school tomorrow, Friday 20^th November, in aid of Children in Need.  We ask children to bring £1 donation for the charity.

Dalguise 2010

A reminder that the interim payment is now due to be paid.  The amount due is £60 and this should be in school on or before tomorrow, 20^th November, thank you.

St Andrews Day Holiday

A reminder that the school will be closed on Monday 30 November 2009 for the St Andrews Day holiday.

Shoebox Appeal

P5 shoebox appeal on behalf of Samaritans Purse www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk.  If you are able to contribute to this appeal, filled shoe boxes should be in school by Friday 27 November 2009 which enable them to be delivered before Christmas.

Christmas Fair

The Parent Council fund raising committee have organised a Christmas Fair to be held on Sunday 6 December 2009 from 2-4pm. The fair will include a visit from Santa Claus, raffle, chocolate fountain, Christmas crafts and stalls in the main school building, and an art exhibition of the children’s work in the Big Space – the children’s art will be for sale.  Contributions to the cake and candy, bottle stall and books and games will be gratefully received – contributions of books, games and bottles may be handed into the school office prior to the event. If you are able and willing to help, on the day, please contact Michelle Stewart on 01896 757841.  Money raised at this event will be used for purchasing books and resources for the new school library.  All welcome.

Responsibilities in Emergency Conditions

Your child should bring home a letter this week with information from Scottish Borders Council regarding the procedures for bad weather conditions. Please complete the form attached to it with the information required and return it to school by Friday 27 November 2009.

Melrose Parish Church

The next family service at Melrose Parish Church will be held on Sunday 6 December 2009 at 10am. The service will last approximately 30 minutes. Rev Bennett looks forward to welcoming you there.

Gym Kit

Your child/children should have a gym kit in school at all times– consisting of shorts, t-shirt and gym shoes. Children, who do not have a change of clothes for PE, will be given a note from the teacher informing you of this.

Head Lice

Reminder - please regularly check your child/children’s hair for head lice. Advice can be obtained from our school nurse, Mary Carryer at Melrose Health Centre 01896 822945, or from your local chemist.

Huntly Road

Reminder - Huntly Road should not be used at the beginning or end of a school day for either drop off/pick up, this is for safety reasons.  Again we have had concerns raised by parents who walk their children to school using this route - a number of people continue to use Huntly Road, at the beginning and end of the school day and by doing so the safety of pedestrians is being compromised.  PC Rachel Stevenson, the locality integration officer, supports this request and is monitoring the situation.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Christmas Shopping Event in the Corn Exchange, Melrose on Wednesday 25 November 2009 from 7pm-10pm. Admission £2 (includes a glass of wine). All proceeds to Gibson Park Playgroup.

No. 6 - 5th November 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 6 here

Poppy Scotland Appeal 2009

Following the Primary 7 led Remembrance Assembly, tomorrow Friday 6 November 2009; the P7 pupils will be selling home made cakes decorated with poppies costing 25p per cake. The money raised from the sale of cakes will be sent along with the funds raised by the sale of poppies to the Royal British Legion Poppy Scotland Appeal 2009. If you would like your child to purchase a poppy please send a donation to school.

In-service days, St Andrew’s day holiday

A reminder that the school will be closed for pupils on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13 November [in-service days] and Monday 30 November for the St Andrew’s day holiday.

Book Fair

A book fair will be in school from Monday 16 – Thursday 19 November. The fair will be open after school until 4pm on these days. The children will have the opportunity to visit the fair with their class and purchase items at that time.

Dalguise 2010

The interim payment is almost due to be paid.  The amount due is £60 and this should be in school on or before 20^th November, thank you.

Hallowe’en Parties

A big thank you to the Parent Council for organising the Hallowe’en parties last week for the children.  Thanks also to parent helpers and staff who assisted with the running of the parties.  A great time was had by all.

Children in Need

Children are invited to ‘wear something different’ to school on Friday 20^th November in aid of Children in Need.  We ask children to bring £1 donation for this cause.

Ear-rings

For health and safety reasons ear-rings must not be worn for PE.  Children who are not able to remove ear-rings have to cover them, with tape, for the PE.

P1 Christmas Show

Primary One will be performing The Wriggly Nativity on Wednesday 9^th December at 2pm and 6.30pm.  More details will follow in due course.

Christmas Cards

Following on from the success of last year’s fundraising for Oxfam Unwrapped where we raised a total of £321.45, we would like to encourage children and staff to donate money to this worthy cause instead of giving each other Christmas cards.  This is entirely optional.  A donation box will be placed in each class from the beginning of December for those wishing to contribute.

Shoebox Appeal

P5 are launching a shoebox appeal on behalf of Samaritans Purse www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk.  Every family will receive a leaflet next week giving details of what should be contained in each shoebox.  If you are able to contribute to this appeal, please return your shoebox gift by the end of November.

Eco-Committee

The Eco-Committee has started again this year and has carried out a review of the work done in school to help the environment. If any parents are interested in helping the committee or have skills to share, please contact Mr Crabbe, Mrs Robertson or Mrs Kidd in school.

No. 5  - 22nd October 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 5 here

Welcome back, we hope that you had an enjoyable October break.

Please ensure that your child/children bring in a suitable coat or jacket to school every day as the weather can be changeable at this time of year.

In-service days, St Andrew’s day holiday

A reminder that the school will be closed for pupils on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13 November [in-service days] and Monday 30 November for the St Andrew’s day holiday.

Official Opening of new playground equipment – Friday 23 October 2009

Michael Moore [MP] has kindly agreed to officially open the new playground equipment on Friday 23 October at 1.30pm.  Parents, families and friends are invited to this celebration. Refreshments will be served in the Big Space following the opening.

Playground Equipment

We welcome community use of the resources in the playground after 5.30pm on school days, at week ends and during holidays.  Please note that the Big Space club have use of the equipment between 3.00 – 5.30pm on school days.  There is no supervision of the equipment after 3pm; we therefore request that children who are unsupervised at the end of school do not use this resource until after 5.30pm for safety reasons.

Book Fair

A book fair will be in school from Monday 16 – Thursday 19 November. The fair will be open after school until 4pm on these days. The children will have the opportunity to visit the fair with their class and can purchase items at that time.

School Jackets

Please could you check your child/children’s coats to make sure that they have their own one, there have been a number of incidents where named jackets have been lost.

Nestle Box Top Tokens

We are currently collecting tokens for the Nestle Books for School scheme. We would be pleased to receive your vouchers in school.

Scholastic Book Club

Your child will shortly receive a scholastic book club leaflet. Any orders should be sent into school, with appropriate payment, no later than Wednesday 4 November.

Hallowe’en Parties

The Parent Council are organising Hallowe’en Parties for the children on Friday 30 October 2009 at the following times:  

§  P1 9.15am -10.00am  

§  P2 11am-11.45pm

§  P3 1.15pm – 2pm  

§  P4 2pm- 2.45pm

§  P5, P6, P7 a disco between 5.30 -7.30 pm

Parent helpers will be required for all the parties, if you can spare some time please contact Michelle Stewart - 01896 757841.

Eyesight tests

There was an error in the information given out about eye tests for children in Newsletter 3, for which we apologise -  all eye examinations in Scotland are free of charge at all times, vouchers are issued against the cost of children’s spectacles by all local practitioners.

Ceilidh

The Parent Council are organising a ceilidh on Saturday 7 November 2009. Tickets are available at the cost of £10 each which includes raffle tickets and supper. The Ceilidh is for adults only. Helpers will also be required for this event, please contact Michelle Stewart - 01896 757841 if you can assist.

Family Church Service

Rev Bennett would like to extend an invitation to families to attend a family service on Sunday 1 November at the Parish Church, Melrose at 10am. The service will last approximately 30 minutes.

No. 4  - 1st October 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 4 here

Holidays and In-service days

October holiday - school will be closed for pupils from 3pm on Friday 9 October 3pm and re-opens on Monday 19 October at 9 am.   School will also be closed for pupils on the in-service days in November - Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13 and for the St Andrew’s day holiday on Monday 30 November.

School Photographs

Please ensure that orders for the photographs taken last week are returned to the school office no later than Wednesday 7 October 2009.  Any orders received after this time will have to be sent directly to Tempest Photography by parents, which will incur additional costs.

Harvest Thanksgiving assembly

Thank you to everyone who kindly donated fruit, vegetables and flowers at the assembly last Friday. The donations were divided up and delivered to the residents of Millar House, Priorwood Court and Cauldshields Ward at the BGH.

Pupil Council

We are looking for some parents to assist with the Pupil Council. This session the main focus for the Pupil Council will be playground improvements.  If you would like to be involved and are able and willing to give some time, please contact the school office.

Library development

There is a small group of parents willing to support the library development.  The first working meeting will be on Wednesday 28 October, during school hours, and we would very much appreciate the help of some other people – parents or friends [many hands will make light work!].  If you would be able to help with the first task which is to sort and catalogue books please do contact the school office.

Author Visit

Award winning author, Charlie James will be visiting school on Thursday 8 October to talk to pupils in Primaries 4 and 5.  He has kindly agreed to visit free of charge.  Copies of his books “Fish” and “Dino Egg” will be available for purchase on the day at a cost of £5.99 each. 

Official Opening of New Playground Equipment – change of date now Friday 23 October 2009

Michael Moore [MP] has kindly agreed to officially open the new playground equipment on Friday 23 October at 1.30pm.  Parents, families and friends are invited to this celebration. Tea and coffee will be served in the Big Space afterwards.

Parents Nights – Tuesday 20 October and Wednesday 21 October 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Appointment times for meetings with class teachers will be sent home next week.  Please note that there will be no crèche available on either evening.

Head Lice

Reminder - please regularly check your child/children’s hair for head lice. Advice can be obtained from our school nurse, Mary Carryer at Melrose Health Centre 01896 822945, or from your local chemist.

Candy sprays

For health and safety reasons we ask that children do not bring candy sprays, which are a type of sweet, to school.

Hallowe’en Parties

The Parent Council are organising Hallowe’en Parties for the children on Friday 30 October 2009 at the following times:  

§  P1 and P2 during morning school

§  P3 and P4 during afternoon school

§  P5, P6, P7 a disco between 5.30 -7.30 pm

Further information and permission slips will be sent home after the October break.  Parent helpers will be required for all the parties, if you can spare some time please contact Michelle Stewart - 01896 757841.

Oxfam Unwrapped

Following the success of last year, we would like to invite pupils and staff to participate in the Oxfam Unwrapped Scheme this Christmas.  The idea is that instead of spending money sending Christmas cards within school a cash donation is given and the money collected will be sent to areas in the world where assistance is required.  Pupils will be involved in deciding what to purchase through this scheme.  Last year we raised the sum of £321.45 which was used to purchase 48 new school textbooks, 2 emergency shelters, 25 bags of seeds and 2 sets of tools for farming, a rainwater collection system, maintenance and tools to repair water points, a new safe water system for 12 people and a goat couple. Please note that participation is not compulsory. Further information can be found on the web-site www.OxfamUnwrapped.com – a further reminder of this will be given nearer the festive season. 

Evening lets

Please note that during evening lets only the main hall and toilets in the main corridor should be accessed.  No other part of the school building is open.  This request is for safety reasons.

Ceilidh

The Parent Council are organising a ceilidh on Saturday 7 November 2009. Tickets are available at the cost of £10 each which includes raffle tickets and supper. Helpers are also be required for this event, please contact Michelle Stewart - 01896 757841 if you can assist.

Pilates Classes

A Pilates taster session will be held in the Big Space on Tuesday 6 October for 6-7pm. The cost will be £5. To book your space, please contact Michelle Stewart - 01896 757841.

Harvest Thanksgiving Family Church Service

Rev Bennett would like to extend an invitation to families to attend the Harvest Thanksgiving family service on Sunday 4 October at the Parish Church, Melrose at 10am. The service will last approximately 30 minutes.

New children’s novel by local author

You are invited to attend the launch of a new novel by local author, Oliver Eade on Wednesday 28 October from 6-8pm in the Corn Exchange, Melrose. The book is called “Moon Rabbit” based in the Scottish Borders and mythological China, the book is for children aged 7-11 years old. There will also be an interactive talk for children about the book in Melrose Library on Friday 6 November from 6.45-7.15pm.

No. 3  - 17th September 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 3 here

Junior Road Safety Officers

Flora Purves and Adam Flannigan have been selected as this year’s junior road safety officers.  Following the launch of this year’s campaign in Kelso, last week, they will be encouraging all pupils to improve and increase their awareness of the importance of road safety.

New Police Liaison Officer for the School

We have a new Locality Integration Officer, Police Constable Rachel Stevenson, who will work with the community and school on various issues and initiatives.  She is contactable via the Selkirk Police station – 01750 21701, any community issues should be directed to her. 

Road Safety – Car Parking

Please can we remind parents that car parking for drop off/pick up from school should be in the designated areas of St Mary’s Road, the Health Centre Car Park or Melrose Rugby Club.  Please do not use Huntly Road, Ormiston Gardens, Ormiston Terrace or the staff car park.

Winmarleigh 2009

A blog via the school website, www.melrose.scotborders.sch.uk/winmarleigh.htm,  will be operating throughout the trip.  This will give daily updates of activities etc.   

The final payment of £20 is due to be paid by Monday 21 September 2009.  Please make any cheques payable to Melrose Primary School.

SFA Football Training

SFA lead football training will take place at the Gibson Park on Wednesdays from 3-4pm. The cost per session is £1 per child.

Sportif Judo Classes

Information regarding Judo classes held in Darnick Village Hall for children in primaries 1 - 4 can be obtained from the school office.

Dalguise 2010

The initial deposit for the residential trip in September 2010 is due to be paid by Tuesday 29 September 2009.  Please make cheques payable to Melrose Primary School.

Parents/Carers meetings Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October 2009

Meetings with class teachers are an opportunity to share each child’s progress.  Appointment times will be for 10 minutes.  You will automatically be given an appointment but if you have a preference for a day or time please complete the form below, or send an email to melroseps@scotborders.gov.uk no later than Monday 28 September 2009.   Appointment times will be sent out during the week commencing 5 October 2009.  Mrs MacDonald, our Learning Support Teacher will be available on Wednesday 21 October.  If you wish to consult with her in addition to the class teacher please indicate below.

Please indicate preferred day/time and return as soon as possible

Tuesday 20 October

• 3.30pm – 4.30pm

• 4.30pm – 5.30pm

• 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Wednesday 21 October

• 3.30pm – 4.30pm

• 4.30pm – 5.30pm

• 5.30pm – 6.30pm

• Learning Support Appointment

Latin Club

Mr Donald Gordon is offering to run a Latin club for pupils in P6 & P7 on Wednesday afternoons from 3.00-3.45pm from after the October holiday until December and from January to March.  This would be a fun club with the emphasis on spoken Latin, if your child is interested, willing and able to commit to this club please contact the school office before Thursday 1 October 2009.

School Photographer

A reminder that the photographer will be in school next Thursday 24 September to take individual and family group photos.

Library

We are planning a new library in school and would appreciate parental help with this project. There will be a meeting on Wednesday 30 September at 3.15pm to which anyone interested in being involved in this project are warmly welcomed.

Melrose Flower Show

Well done to the following pupils who won prizes at the annual flower show on Saturday:

P3 – Katie-Rose Whincop, Heather Panter, Taylor Fitzsimmons, William Seeley

P5 – Savra Douglas, Morgan Smith, Bethany Carrick

P7 – Joanna Holisz, Sophie MacBrayne, Lindsay Maguire, Lucas McAndrew

Eyesight Week – 12 to 19 October 2009

Eyesight Week for Primary Schools is taking place between 12 and 19 October, during this week all children of primary school age are entitled to a free eye test and, if required, will be fitted with glasses free of charge.  To take advantage of this opportunity, or for further information or an appointment please contact Crown Optical Centre, 14 Bank Street, Galashiels on 01896 757965.

New playground equipment

We are very pleased that all the new playground equipment is now able to be used.  This equipment was largely funding by a grant of £9,927 received from ‘Awards for All Scotland’ funded by the National Lottery.  This facility is for use by the school through the school day, 8.00am – 6.00pm, and by the community outside these times, at week ends and holidays.  The Big Space club will be able to use the equipment between 3.00-5.30pm.  There will be an official opening of the equipment on Friday 9 October 2009 at 11 am to which family, friends and members of the community are invited, further details to follow.  

No. 2  - 3rd September 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 2 here

School Dinners “Taster Session”

Parents and pupils are invited to attend a taster session in the school hall on Thursday 10 September 2009 at 3pm. The purpose of this session is to allow parents and pupils the opportunity to sample dishes on the current school dinner menu, to meet the dinner ladies and see the new fully functional production kitchen in operation.

School Dinners

A reminder - the price of a school dinner is £1.65.  Cheques should be made payable to “Scottish Borders Council”.

End of School Day

Please notify your child’s teacher or the school office of any changes to your normal arrangements for your child/children’s collection at the end of the school day.

Communication with class teachers

We have an ‘open door’ policy and welcome communication with parents both informally and formally.   However at the beginning and end of each day the class teacher’s priority is with the children.  Often, but not always, class teachers are available at the end of the teaching day.  We ask parents to contact the school office and the office staff will be able to establish whether the class teacher is available or not.  A member of the senior management team may be able to meet or communicate with parents at other times of the day.

School Photographer

The photographer will be in school on Thursday 24 September 2009 to take individual and family group photos.  A separate letter will follow shortly with further information.

Morning break

Children are now having their snack either before or after break time.  There are a number of reasons for this change which include: the promotion of healthy eating, the development of positive relationships and that playtime is used for physical activity and play.  The change also supports our efforts to improve the school environment by reducing the litter in the playground.

Playground

Please note that the playground is unsupervised until 8.35am and completely unsupervised after 3pm.

Hand hygiene

We shall be installing 2 hand hygiene dispensers in the main school building to allow the pupils to clean their hands before lunch.  Please inform the school if your child would not be able to use the hand rub gel.

Snacks

There are a number of pupils in school with nut allergies. For this reason we ask that snack and packed lunches DO NOT contain nuts. 

We would like to remind pupils that on “Munchy Monday” and “Fruity Friday” it would be great to see healthy snacks for playtime.

Free Fruit for P1 & P2 pupils

Fruit is being provided free by the Scottish Government to pupils in P1 & P2.  The fruit will be given to children on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Head Lice

Please regularly check hair for head lice.  Advice can be obtained from Mary Carryer, our school nurse on 01896 822945.

Art Overall

Please ensure that your child/children have a named overall/shirt to protect their uniform during art and craft activities.

Melrose Parish Church Family Services

Rev Bennett would like to extend an invitation to all families to attend church at 10am for his special monthly family orientated services which last around 30 minutes. Dates for your diary are – Sunday 6 September, Sunday 4 October (Harvest Thanksgiving), Sunday 1 November and 6 December (Advent). He looks forward to welcoming everyone along.

Tour of Britain

We plan to take the pupils out to see the Tour of Britain cycle race on Monday 14 September as the cyclists pass through Melrose at about 11am. The race organisers would like as many spectators as possible to come along and cheer them on!

Winmarleigh – P7 pupils

The final transport payment of £20 is due to be paid by 21 September 2009.  Please make cheques payable to Melrose Primary School.

Primary 7 Residential Trip 2010 (current P6 pupils)

Parents of our current P6 pupils are invited to attend an information evening about the 2010 residential trip on Monday 14 September at 6pm in the main hall. 

Scholastic Book Club

Your child/children will have received a Book Club leaflet.  Should you wish to place an order please complete the form and return to school, with payment attached (cheques payable to Melrose Primary School) by Friday 4 September 2009. We will not be able to accept any orders after this time.

Message from Helen Ross former Head Teacher

My acting post, undertaken as a secondment from Melrose, has been caught in the many organisational changes at Scottish Borders Council and has gone on for far longer than any of us would have thought. I have now been matched to the permanent post of Schools’ Manager. This means that I officially sever my ties with Melrose and whilst I am pleased that things are moving forward I do have some mixed feelings.

I enjoy my current post but it does not compare with working in a school. In a school there is a real sense of involvement with children and their families, the local community and the school staff. This involvement for me was at Melrose and that continues to a great extent as I hear of the development of the children and adults with whom I have had the privilege of working.  I retain a real sense of pride in the school and community.

I wish everyone involved with the school all the very best in the future.

Message to Parents from Scottish Borders Council Revenues & Benefits Section

Are you in receipt of Child Benefit?

From the 2 November 2009 Child Benefit income will no longer be included as income for Housing and Council Tax Benefit. If you are in receipt of Child Benefit complete an application form today to find out if you qualify for help with your Rent or Council Tax.

How can I apply or find out more?

You can get a claim form by telephoning Customer Services on 0300 100 1800, emailing customerservices@scotborders.gov.uk or by visiting your local Council Contact Centre.

You can also try using our online benefit calculator from 2 November 2009 by visiting www.scotborders.gov.uk/benefits

What happens if I already receive Housing or Council Tax Benefit?

If your benefit entitlement changes we will automatically write to you in November 2009 and let you know how this affects you.  If you have any queries regarding your Housing or Council Tax benefit please contact Customer Services on 0300 100 1800.

OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

Saturday 5 September, 12.15pm - MELROSE FOOTBALL CLUB

Girl's Football Taster Session 

We enjoy football and would like to show the girls what fun it can be. Melrose Football Club is holding a taster session this Saturday between 12:15pm and 13:15pm to encourage girls to take up the sport. Lead by female coaches, girls of all ages are welcome, come along and join in.

No. 1  - 20th August 2009

Download PDF version of Newsletter 1 here

Please ensure all items of clothing and other personal possessions (coats, bags, lunch boxes etc) which your child/children bring into school are clearly named. There is a lost property box in each building; if property or clothes are misplaced we urge pupils and parents to check the ‘lost property’ boxes.

Cheques should be payable to ‘Scottish Borders Council’.

Earlier newsletter can be found at http://www.melrose.scotborders.sch.uk/archivednews.htm or click here