Category: Class reps

Posted on

Connect (formerly SPTC) Annual General Meeting 2021

Connect AGM & Annual Lecture

Save the Date: 18th March 2021.

All parents and carers of children in PPS are invited to the Annual General Meeting and celebration of Partnership Schools in Scotland.

It is free to join Connect and access all the resources housed on website – and, once possible again, through attending events organised and hosted by Connect in different areas.

Over the past year, Connect have adapted and offered a regular and specific programme of events online, collected the views of parents and carers and then shared this to Scottish Government through avenues open to them and tailored their offer of events to meet needs shared by parents, carers and parent councils.

Connect Members! Join our online Annual General Meeting on 18 March 7.30-8pm, followed by an online event to mark the end of our unique Partnership Schools Scotland pilot, supported by Skills Development Scotland (8-9.15pm). We’ll be sharing some really important findings from research by Stirling University, carried out in 2020, into parental engagement and its positive impact on schools that are bucking the trend, plus stories from the Partnership schools.

To attend the event, register as an individual (PPS PC is a member) and book through Eventbrite using the link above.

Posted on

Can you crochet?

Crochet Enthusiasts required.

Skipper
Meet Skipper

Crochet-pattern-for-Skipper (small)

Crochet-pattern-for-Big-Skipper

(Download the pattern from links above).

Skipper info

If you can crochet, maybe you could help? (Or maybe you know someone who could).

A new rolling programme will start in PPS after October break. It’s called BUILDING RESILIENCE and it has a wonderful main character called “Skipper”.

Head teacher, Sarah, has asked for mini crocheted Skippers x9 and has a pattern you can download and follow as well as wool and stuffing

                                             – so just willing helpers needed now.

Can you help?

Posted on

Keepers of the flame

Just a lovely little post to share, as we look for ways to continue to build our school community to be a strong partnership, supporting each other as we support our children (and they support each other and all of us).

Huge thanks to the staff at the school, particularly for the huge effort, collaboration and dedication as the school closed and we all went into lockdown – and to all who have been part of the parent council in the past. Especial thanks to our retiring members – and particularly to our former Chair, Erica Burberry, who has been a joy to work alongside.

Welcome to newest PC member too, Sarah.

This link will take you to an external site – but we hope you enjoy.

 

 

Posted on

Traffic – and the safety of children at PPS.

Green for Go. RED for STOP….

Our Junior Road Safety Officers have information to share.

Too many people are turning right, towards the school, instead of left for pick up and drop off times etc.

Everyone coming into The Glebe, that doesn’t work in the school or live on The Glebe, should follow the one-way system, but we think that not everyone knows about it. It’s in the handbook for the school we know….but we wanted to share it more clearly.

Please see letter from school – and the map. There is NO RIGHT TURN towards the school after coming into The Glebe.

JRSO letter
Junior Road Safety Officers share the one-way pick up and drop off agreement for PPS

 

JRSO letter to families.
Highway Code – parking near a junction.

There also should be no parking anywhere near, on or opposite a junction – like it says in the Highway Code – and most near misses or damage have happened because of this parking, so please don’t park close to, on or near the junctions and corners.

The Parent Council have been working with local residents, families with children at the school, the pupils and staff and East Lothian Council for some time on these matters. Residents on the main road have also noted an increased difficulty to get in and out of driveways, due to parking on road near junction, and the traffic crossing staff have reported worrying trends too.

A TRO application was accepted and the consultation process is well underway – which is planned to result in yellow lines around the main area of concern. As always, we would ask that parents and family members / adults collecting or dropping off children, park / wait considerately when on The Glebe.

We absolutely don’t want to have children lacking in experience of being around traffic, but we do want to avoid elevated and unnecessary risk to pedestrians, and to drivers / cars as well, so everyone’s co-operation is key. Please do share with extended family who may not be familiar with our one-way and road safety agreement.

– Parent Council.

One Way System
Traffic Management and Road Safety for The Glebe

 

Posted on

VE Day Consultation.

Your say matters!
Letters were recently sent home, advising families of proposed plan in East Lothian, to enable as many as possible to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in 2020.

Victory in Europe Day
Photograph from BBC announcement of VE day anniversary celebrations.

Newsround link to explain VE Day.

Various options were discussed by elected members and the decision made reflects on all school children and staff. The Education Dept have asked for parents and carers to respond to their consultation, prior to requesting an extra day of closure for EL schools on 8th May.

**Please find some of the key points about the VE Day – 75th Anniversary Celebrations – Friday 8 May 2020**

  • UK Government has approved a change to the date of the May bank holiday from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
  • East Lothian Council does not have a universal fixed holiday in May so there is no opportunity to move any existing May holiday for all council staff.
  • Schools are in a different position – the Education Service has already published term times for East Lothian Schools for 2019/20 showing a range of holidays including Monday 4th May 2020.
  • A range of options to mark this were considered Full Council, 29th October 2019.
  • A decision was taken to recognise Friday 8 May 2020 as an additional one-off leave day. Permission will have to be sought from Scottish Government for exceptional closure of schools on this day.
  • In agreeing this option it was requested that Parents/Carers be consulted on their views regarding an additional day’s school closure on Friday 8th May 2020.The link to the questionnaire about this is here. It is open until 6th Dec.
Posted on

Welcome BACK news.

NEWS.

Sarah Morgan
PPS Head Teacher Oct 19

 

Of course, it starts with our warm welcome to our new Head Teacher, Sarah Morgan who began her post with the #PencaitlandTeam on Monday (21st).

We look forward to getting to know Sarah and vice versa.

 

 

 

Well done to PTA too for all their work on the fantastic quiz night!

There’s still a short time to complete a survey for Connect around out of school hours care simply by joining Parent’s Voice. 

Also, earlier this week, Fiona Robertson, current head of education, children’s services and E. L Works, announced she is leaving her post and will be moving to Midlothian Council. More info here on East Lothian Courier post

“All change” it seems, at East Lothian Council with Chief Executive, Angela Leitch also having recently left her post.

Posted on

School Lottery update.

Not joined yet? It’s never too late – you have to be in it to win it!

Funds raised are added to the school all year round as the participants take part. Anyone can join, you don’t have to be parent/carer of child in the school currently – family members can join too.

PTA Lottery update.

 

Posted on

Walkers Crisps recycle project.

Recycling at PPS

Recycle your crisp packets here.

Great news – several months ago PPS applied to join the Walkers Crisps Recycle scheme – and to nominate Pencaitland Primary School PTA as the charity to support from our collection point. Any crisp packets can be recycled, but there are a few ‘no’ items too.

All has been approved now – a real collaboration for parents and carers, pupils, staff team – and the wider community too! 

For more info check our facebook page or the website for Walkers Crisps/recycle.

Note: All links will take you to external pages.

The Learning Council have also been working across the primary classes on their eco-friendly project. You’ll hear more about that at the Spring Fayre!