P7 Leavers Disco

Last night we had a brilliant return to our P7 Leavers Disco. The weather was great, the music was banging and the pupils had a ball.

Many thanks to the P7 team Shirley and Hazel in the Office, Graham and Kim the Jannies, All the support staff who decorated the hall and foyer and to David Currie for the music.  A special thanks to the Factory Shop for the discount on the balloon arch.

Dunbar Rotary Quiz

Team Two from DPS won the Dunbar Rotary Quiz and Tem one were joint 3rd. Congratulations Cameron, Naomi, Alex and Isaac for you achievement.

HMIE recovery Visit Note

Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) have prepared this document following a recent visit to Dunbar Primary School and Nursery Class that they carried out along with officers from East Lothian Council.

Dunbar Primary School and Nursery Class self-selected for a recovery visit, which was arranged to meet the needs of their individual circumstances. Activities undertaken during the visit were discussed in advance with the head of establishment and with local authority officers. Taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic, some activities have been carried out remotely.

Read the full note here:  Visit – East Lothian Council – Dunbar Primary School – 5553024 – Publication – Updated Final Note of Recovery Visit

School Milk Payments

Two funds have now been setup for School Milk starting on 17/08/22:-

School Milk 22/23 Full Year at a cost of £47.50 (covers Term 1, 2 & 3).

School Milk Term 1 22/23 and it covers Term 1 only at a cost of £20.50.

Both funds are now open and close on 15/7/22.  If you require to pay for milk then please select only one of these funds.  Both funds will remain open until 15/7/22 and you must pay online through School Pay as no cash or cheque payments will be accepted.

If using a mobile phone and have difficulty seeing the milk fund:-

• Click on the 3 lines on the top right hand corner of the page
• Select Accounts
• Click on your child’s account

The next screen should list all the available funds and you should see School Milk 22/23 Full Year and School Milk Term 1 22/23.

Please do not pay milk to Preorder school meals as this fund is for school lunches only and payment for milk only relates to P1 – P7

Brunton Summer Activities

Depute Head Teacher Vacancy

We are looking for a permanent Depute Head Teacher to join our big team @DunbarPrimary! Click on the link below for all the details & get in touch if you would like more information #TeamDunbar #EastLothianhttps://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/east-lothian-council/jobs/depute-head-teacher-dunbar-primary-school-281914 …

Uniform bank information

Dear Parents and Carers

This school session, has seemed to last for ever, but also its over in a flash! It is hard to remember that we were still social distancing, teaching in rows and putting in our recovery programme following two remote learning periods due to COVID19.  Gradually as the year has gone on we have almost returned to what appears to be ‘normal school life’ and I have been delighted to see parents, carers and grandparents back for at Sports Days and we are able this year to mark the P7 leavers with a dance, assembly and of course our traditional ‘clapping out ceremony,’, more details of the last day at the bottom on this letter.

Recovery Visit – East Lothian Council – Dunbar Primary School – 5553024 – Publication – Updated Final Note of Recovery Visit

We requested a Recovery Visit from HMIe, we wanted to share what we are doing in school, gather valid feedback from the inspection team and use this to shape our School Improvement Plan to ensure we are putting in place the supports to enable every pupil to achieve their potential. The visit was very positive and we were able to share our next steps and receive very useful support and advice. The full report can now be found on the school website.

Meet the Teacher in August – Monday 22^nd – Thursday 25^th

After positive feedback from last year’s session we have decided to go ahead with on-line 1:1 meetings with class teachers via Google Meet. It is relaxed and informal and is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher and talk about your child. We want to get to know them, and you, at the start of term. More details will come to you from 15^th August.

Staffing Update

The DHT who was due to start at Lochend in August has decided to withdraw, the post has been re-advertised and we will be interviewing in early September. In the meantime I will be appointing a temporary Principal Teacher, until the new DHT starts. This will be filled internally from a member of DPS staff to ensure we have an SLT member for Primary 6 and to support new initiatives next session. Vikki Henderson is leaving the Nursery to take up a post at Law Primary Nursery.

Some of our classroom assistants and ASN staff are also leaving so we say goodbye to Mrs Murray, Mrs Fraser Mrs Wallace and Mrs Greig.  Last year the Scottish Government gave all schools funding to buy in additional support staff for 1 year to support the ‘recovery phase’ following Covid19. There were temporary posts and whilst we are very sad to see these staff leave it was always part of our staff and pupil planning.

Next session we are planning our own ‘ARCH Learning Programme’ which will enable more learners to access more life-skills training, qualifications linked to community activities and support to enable them to access class activities to meet individual needs. We will share much more about this next session.

Volunteers – Snack Trolley and Reading volunteers needed for next term

Thanks to all the parents, carers and community helpers who have supported classes on trips out recently – great to have you back as we couldn’t do them without you!  Also thanks to those who replied when we sent out an email last term for volunteers, however in order to run our snack trollies we need at least another 6 at each campus – please can you call either office to give name, day/s you can help out and a telephone number  – we will come back to you.  Reading volunteers are an essential mainstay or our school and we would like to encourage you back if you did it before or we will be running some training if you fancy helping out some of our pupils with their reading practice. Please can you contact your child’s new teacher after the summer holiday – it is so rewarding and even 1 hour can make a massive difference.

‘DPS Expectations’ -an accepted standard or a way of being or doing things in our school

Next August we will return to school (fingers crossed) without restrictions and as a staff are really looking forward to starting the year when we get back to our normal ways. Covid19 did impact on school life in the past two years, and sometimes not in a positive way.

We will be begin the session on Wednesday 17^th August as a fresh start, which will include sharing our ‘DPS expectations’ with our whole school community so that everyone is very clear about the rules and beliefs we have in our school regarding behaviour, uniform, attendance, moving around school, bikes & scooters and engagement in learning. In order that everyone succeeds and enjoys being at Dunbar Primary School as staff, pupils and parent/carers we all need to ensure that we understand what is expected, everyone is consistent in insisting on these expectations so that we can focus on the main purpose of being in school – learning.

To support our start of term please ensure the following:

• We ask that DPS school uniform must be worn at all times – we have lots of uniform that is in excellent condition so please collect from us if you need any. School colours are black, red and grey and what we accept is in on the school website. We are proud of our school and uniform is the way to show and share this.
• We will continue to ask pupils to come in their PE kit on days they have lessons, however we will now ask that they wear a school sweatshirt or cardigan during the day. A reminder that hoodies are not part of the school uniform.
• For everyone’s safety bikes and scooters cannot be ridden in the playground, all pupils and adults must get off at the gate and wheel their bike/scooter to the racks – not leaving them on the grass.
• Doors open at both campuses at 8.45am – pupils should be at school for this time; the expectation is that pupils will be in their class by 8.55am. It is a life skill to be on time and we want to encourage and instil this in our pupils; the teachers will be starting the learning at 8.55am and we need you to support us with this.

Returning to school on Wednesday 17^th August 2022

P2 pupils will arrive at school for 8.45am and will leave at 2.50pm in the usual way.                       P2 leave at 12.00 each Friday

P3 – P7 pupils will arrive at school for 8.45am and will leave at 3.10pm in the usual way.              P3-P7 leave at 12.20 each Friday

* New Primary 1 pupils will have different start and leaving times for the first few weeks of school and this will be sent in a separate letter.

Last day arrangements – Friday 1^st July

The Parent Council agreed that we would finish slightly earlier on the final day so that we are able to clap out Primary 3 and Primary 7 pupils.

Arrangements for John Muir

P3 pupils will be clapped out of school at 11.40am – P3 parents need to be waiting on the grass so they can collect their child as they leave the gates with their teacher.

P1 will then leave straight afterwards supervised by their teachers, and finally, P2 pupils will be escorted to the gates to meet whoever is collecting them.

Arrangements for Lochend

Parents are encouraged to come into the playground and line the path from the red road to the gates from 11.50 onwards.

P4-P6 pupils and teachers will form a leaving corridor from the back playground to the red road.

P7 pupils will be clapped out at 12.05 from their classrooms to the main gates, followed by P4, P5, P6 pupils.

I would like to thank you for your support over this challenging year and I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday over the next few weeks.

Finally, our Primary 7 pupils leave to start a new chapter in their lives, it does not seem five minutes since they started in Primary 1, and I have really enjoyed seeing them grow and develop and I am very proud of all they have achieved. Good luck to them and to all of our staff leaving Dunbar Primary School this year, we wish you all the best!

Mrs Helen Gillanders

Head teacher

Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) have prepared this document following a recent visit to Dunbar Primary School and Nursery Class that they carried out along with officers from East Lothian Council.

Dunbar Primary School and Nursery Class self-selected for a recovery visit, which was arranged to meet the needs of their individual circumstances. Activities undertaken during the visit were discussed in advance with the head of establishment and with local authority officers. Taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic, some activities have been carried out remotely.

Read the full note here:  Visit – East Lothian Council – Dunbar Primary School – 5553024 – Publication – Updated Final Note of Recovery Visit

June 2022 Newsletter

Dear Parents Carers,

Short but Sweet this week- Just like me!

The Queens Platinum Jubilee

I remember meeting the Queen in 1977 outside Kelvingrove Museum on the eve of her Silver Jubilee. I cant believe it is now the Platinum Jubilee and she has not been in contact with me. All the best Ma’am.

Just a reminder that school and nursery will be closed on Friday 3 June 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

We hope you have a lovely long weekend.

Dive in to Marine Fest at the Scottish Seabird Centre

4 – 12 June

Head to the Seabird Centre this June to enjoy a host of family friendly events. From guided rockpooling and crafting fun with make mess matter, to workshops with the Fun Scientists, storytelling, puppet shows and drop-in sessions with the Lobster Hatchery and the team from Dynamic Earth. There’s plenty for the adults to enjoy too from foodie pop-ups, live music and author talks to the stunning Our Plastic Ocean exhibition. Find out more and book tickets at www.seabird.org/events/56

DGSC Meetings

Meetings are 7pm – 8.30 pm on Google Meet, the next meeting is on the 8th June.

Meetings are run by the Parent Council and attended by Mrs Slowther, a Depute Head Teacher, a Teacher representative and the Senior Student Leaders.

At each meeting we also invite a Principal Teacher to come along and share information about both their Faculty and area of whole school responsibility, and have an additional general topic for discussion.

Please email parentcouncil@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk if you would like to attend.

Dunbar Grammar School Open Morning – Saturday 11^th June

After 2 years of COVID mitigations,  we are desperate to open our doors back up to parents and carers and offer an opportunity for the whole DGS community to reconnect.

We are therefore delighted to be able to host an Open Morning on Saturday 11^th June from 10am – 12pm.  This will offer the opportunity for parents and carers to visit the school and have a student led tour around the building. The leadership team will also be on hand to answer questions and have a chat.

More information: 2022 Open Doors leaflet

Sports Day Dates

Lochend Campus

Primary 4 – Friday, 17th from 9.15am PLEASE NOTE MORNING FOR P4

P4/5 Will be doing Sports day with the P4 group on Friday 17th with P4.

Primary 5 – Wednesday, 15th from 1.30pm

Primary 6 – Tuesday, 14th from 1.30pm

Primary 7 – Thursday, 16th from 1.30pm

John Muir Campus

Community Potted Sports Festival

Week Beginning 20^th June 2022.

A letter has been sent out to all  P1-P3 parents this week. A copy below with link to Google Form,

P1-3 Sports

Nursery Tree planting for Platinum Jubilee

DPS Wellbeing Allotment JM Campus

Dear Parents Carers

School Fair-Thank You

On behalf of the school I would like to thank the Parent Council and members of DPS community for what was an outstanding School Fair. The Number of parents, grandparents, members of the community coming through the gates last Saturday was truly a milestone from where we were the past two years.  The amount of baking and the quality was incredible. Well done everyone.

I heard the burgers were great but the coffee was better!

Mrs Hay, Miss Thompson and Mrs Gillanders getting soaked.

Friday 3^rd June 2022 – Jubilee Holiday

I know there are many people excited about  Dunbar Civic Week 11th-19th June but do you know the History:

For More Info in what is on see, some highlighted Events below.

: Dunbar Civic Week – Dunbar Civic Week 11-19 June 2022

DUNBAR CIVIC WEEK PRESENTS

BIG BAIRNS LITTLE BAIRNS 11-19 JUNE 2022

Clubbing with your kids!

18 June 2022 – 14:00-16:00 The Strawberry Barn

BIG BAIRNS LITTLE BAIRNS POSTER FINAL

Our 2022 School Fair poster created by a Primary 5 pupil! WOW!

P7 Transition

There will be a letter to all P7 parents distributed by the Primary School next week with an invite to an S1 presentation from the SLT at Dunbar Grammar School on Wednesday 1st of June.

Sports Day Dates

Lochend Campus

Primary 4 – Friday, 17th from 9.15am PLEASE NOTE MORNING FOR P4

Primary 5 – Wednesday, 15th from 1.30pm

Primary 6 – Tuesday, 14th from 1.30pm

Primary 7 – Thursday, 16th from 1.30pm

John Muir Campus

Community Potted Sports Festival

Week Beginning 20^th June 2022.

Year Stage  information still to be finalised.

SCHOOL CAR PARK (LOCHEND CAMPUS)

Once again, may we remind everyone that the school car park is for the use of school staff and visitors to the school only and parents/carers are NOT permitted to use the car park, unless by prior agreement with the the school office or  SLT. There is a real health and safety risk. There are plenty of spaces ay Hallhill.
We would really appreciate your support in trying to make this better. Also please do not park in the Disabled parking
bay unless you have made an arrangement with the school.

HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME

We are noticing an increase in the number of children that are being taken out of school for family holidays during term time. Whilst we appreciate that sometimes this is unavoidable, we would like to remind parents that permission to take holidays during term time MUST be requested from the Head Teacher in writing. Generally, unless there are exceptional circumstances, family holidays in
term time will be unauthorised and marked as such on a child’s Attendance Record.

PARENTS PORTAL – COMING SOON

Parents Portal is a new way for parents to access information on their children, interact with their school and easily access other school services. By using a single login, parents will be able to update
their own and their children’s details, report absences, look up their children’s reports, access SchoolPay, the school calendar and much more.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Just a reminder that our school uniform, which is
supplied by Patricia Bewsey Designs, is available to
order on line at: www.garmentprinter.co.uk
or by phone: 07970920431 or facebook.com/PatriciaBewseyDesign
Patricia supplies a number of schools in the East Lothian
area so please be aware that she is very busy during the
run up to the summer holidays.

School Meals Menu

Primary_Menu_2022___23

Sports Day- John Muir and Lochend Campus

There is a plan  to have Sports day for each year stage in June. I will put the confirmed dates her next week.

Visits to John Muir and Lochend Campus

We are also planning the opportunity (possibly tying up with Sports Days)for parents to be shown around each Campus  and their class. More details next week.

Lost Property Lochend Campus

We have a large amount of lost property which will be recycled from 27th May. Please send your child to come in to check for any missing items. Parent/carers can come in to check for items Monday-Thursday at any time just come to reception.

Parents Information Sessions- 

Please find below information regarding information sessions for parents of children and young people with an Intellectual/Learning Disability run by Gill Kidd (Clinical Psychologist, NHS) and Miranda Eodanable (Educational Psychologist, CEC):

• Session 1: What is an Intellectual Disability? – Thursday 19th May at 11-12.30.
• Session 2: Supporting communication. – Thursday 26th May at 11-12.30.
• Session 3: Understanding behaviour and how to manage challenging behaviour. – Wednesday 1st June at 11-12.30.
• Session 4: Sensory differences in ID. – Thursday 9th June at 11-12.30.
• Session 5: Developing and supporting play. – Thursday 16th June at 11-12.30.
• Session 6: Sexual health and relationships. – Thursday 23rd June at 11-12.30.
• Session 7: Parental and sibling well-being. – Thursday 30th June at 11-12.30.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/child-and-adolescent-intellectual-disability-information-sessions-tickets-333449495417

Open Morning at Dunbar Grammar School – Saturday 11^th June

After 2 years of COVID mitigations,  DGS are opening heir doors back up to parents and carers and offer an opportunity for the whole DGS community to reconnect.

We are therefore delighted to be able to host an Open Morning on Saturday 11^th June from 10am – 12pm.  This will offer the opportunity for parents and carers to visit the school and have a student led tour around the building. The leadership team will also be on hand to answer questions and have a chat.

More information about this event will follow.

Library Queen’s Crown Competition

Jubilee celebrations at Dunbar Library!  Help us decorate the library for the big day. Colour in the crown and hand to the library Monday 30th May for your chance to win a prize. Sheets can be collected from the library or feel free to print the Link below.

Queens Crown Library

Near Miss, 29th April Kellie Road Crossing

We have a report from a parent regarding a near miss for a primary Pupil at John Muir Campus.

The parents and child were waiting to cross at the Kellie Road/Halhill cross road. The crossing guide  walked into the road and  the child began to cycle out into the road to cross, at this point a car coming from Lochend Campus drove around the lollipop man. If the parent had not shouted at the child the car would have hit the child. Potentially causing a  a serious accident.  The car showed no sign of slowing.

All Staff and Parents should be aware to fully follow the law and be guided by the School Crossing Guide. Parents are also reminded for this very reason that they are forbidden to enter the school staff car park, unless they have permission to do so from the school. This is usually children with an injury or Additional Support Need. Parents should not just chance it if they are running late as this is when an event such as this morning could result in serious injury or worse.

Primary Seven

An exciting term ahead for our P7s, the last term for these super young people at Dunbar Primary School. Next week see the star of Awesome Week for two classes with the other three classes doing the some programme over the next few week. A letter was issued to  all parents today.

Year Stage Newsletters

These were issued via email today Friday 29th April. If you did not get a copy call the school offices at John Muir or Lochend for a copy.

Dates for your diary

Monday 2nd May: May Day Holiday
Wednesday 4th May: Parent Council Meeting at 1900hrs
Saturday  21st May: School Fair
Friday 3rd June: Jubilee Holiday
Friday 1st July: Last day of term

School Class Photographs

Individual photographs were taken on Wednesday and Thursday and ordering information should have come home with your child.

ELVIS Kids Study

Recently, we published evidence that nasal irrigation with salt water helped reduce the cold in adults. We have also shown the mechanism for how salt water helps with the common cold when applied on the nasal epithelium.

Our research showed that cells use the chloride from the salt water to fight viral infections.  Hence, we are now testing if salt water nose drops helps children fight the cold.

If you have a child under 7 years of age, you may be able to join the fight.

The Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh are doing a study of salt water nose drops to see if it helps get rid of the cold faster.

Your child does not need to have a cold right now to take part!

You can join right now by calling/texting 07973657457 for an appointment to sign up and to be taught what to do the next time your child has a cold.

Your child does not need to attend.

Families completing the study will receive travel expenses and a £30 voucher to compensate for any inconvenience.

Further information is in the attached flyer or at www.elviskids.co.uk ; Twitter: @elviskids; Facebook: Elvis Kid

RNSO, Yoko and the little Auk

The RSNO is delighted to announce the launch of our 2022 Early Years Programme, Yoyo & The Little Auk! Featuring free learning resources and a brand-new animated film, this fun educational experience is aimed at children aged 3-6.

To learn more about the programme and sign up for free, please click here.

Yoyo & The Little Auk includes:

• Live concert experiences across Scotland with animation, interactive workshopping, and an RSNO ensemble.
• An animated concert film to watch in your nursery, classroom or living room (released on 22 April). Free and accessible to all, in English with British Sign Language (BSL) and Gaelic (released on 21 June).
• Specially created digital learning resources to be used in educational/home settings by teachers and parents.
• Digital learning event for teachers and parents (19 April).
• Four virtual interactive workshops, beamed straight to your nursery, classroom or living room (20 April, 21 June, 31 October, 29 November).

If you have any questions about the programme, you can contact the RSNO Learning & Engagement Team at engage@rsno.org.uk

With best wishes,

Andy Stevenson
RSNO Director of Learning & Engagement

LETTER from Jason Leitch

Letter-to-Parents-and-Carers-from-Jason-Leitch-National-Clinical-Director-April-2022

To Parents, Carers and Young People,
As I’ve tried to do throughout the pandemic, I wanted to share the latest advice about the way we are managing Covid-19. From Sunday 1 May, public health advice will change to a ‘stay at home’ message and replace self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, people who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to stay at home while they are unwell or have a fever. They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test. These changes will also see testing for the general population and most contact tracing end on 30 April. What this means in practice is that children and young people (those aged 18 and under)with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough – but who are otherwise well – do not need to stay at home and can continue to attend education settings. They should only stay at home if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a fever and they feel well enough to attend. This guidance differs slightly to that for adults, and reflects the fact that children and young people generally have a higher likelihood than adults of regular instances of respiratory symptoms from non-Covid illnesses.
Further information on the stay at home guidance and measures you can take to limit the spread of Covid-19 can be found at Changes from 1 May – Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying at home – gov.scot (www.gov.scot) and from 1 May on nhsinform.scot/covid19.
I hope that everyone has settled back into a normal routine following the Spring break, and best wishes to all those sitting exams in the next few weeks.
Regards,
Jason Leitch
National Clinical Director

Speech and Language Drop In

2022.04.28-Speech-and-language-flyer

New School Menu

Primary_Menu_2022___23

The new school menu started on Monday 25th April and menu options are available on School Pay to pre-order
from now until the end of the summer term. A hard copy of the menu will be sent home via school bags as soon as they come in.
Please ensure that you order your child’s lunch via SchoolPay. There is a significant number of lunches not being ordered by parents/carers. Any issues please contact us.