Upcoming Events

Week commencing 13th May 2024

Rights Respecting Schools

Dear Parents/Carers

Gullane Primary School Rights Rangers would like to invite you into our new school gym hall  to celebrate achieving our Rights Respecting School Silver Award. Children will share with you what we have been up to. We have books to share, and a treasure hunt too. You will also see our Pupil Action Groups that day including the Eco group who will be selling their handmade bird feeders. Tea and biscuits will be served. We look forward to seeing you then.

Friday 24th May

11-12:15 am

Gym Hall (enter via the side gym doors)

SVQ2 Social Services Children and Young People - Qualification Opportunity 

Parents in East Lothian are you interested in gaining an SVQ2 Social Services Children and Young People (SCQF Level 6) qualification?  

Working in partnership with Edinburgh College and East Lothian Works, this nationally recognised qualification has been designed for those currently working in an education setting within East Lothian Council or a partnership setting.  Posts may include:  Early Years Support Workers, ASN Auxiliary and Classroom Assistants or another post that requires SSSC registration.

The course is due to start in September 2024 and to be completed by June 2025.  Please see attached flyer for further details and application form.  Closing date on Sunday 26.5.24. 

Please note prior to applying your application should be discussed with your line manager/ Head Teacher as evidence of your work place practice will be used as part of your SVQ 2 qualification and final grade.

We look forward to hearing from you and if you have any enquiries, please email elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk

 Week Commencing 18th March 2024

Week commencing 11th March 2024

Week Commencing 19th February 2024

Venturing out CIC's Easter Holiday Programme

Dear Parent/Carer,

Venturing Out CIC’s Easter Holiday Programme is going live for bookings on Friday 23rd February at 7pm – this Friday. This is being run in partnership with East Lothian Council’s Outdoor Learning Service.

 Please see information below.

Parent reps for Education Appeals

Dear Parent,

We are recruiting parent representatives for this years’ Education Appeals. This would most likely only take up 1 full day around the end of May.  There is no specific criteria for a parent rep, you just need to have a child within a school in East Lothian and you will never be asked to make decisions relating to the school your child attends.

If you are interested please contact Megan Scott, Committees Officer directly on mscott1@eastlothian.gov.uk or 01620 827514.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see attached letter from NHS Lothian.

Kind regards 

Week Commencing 5th February 2024

Headteacher Appointment Announcement

Dear Parents/carers

Please see below letter from Nicola McDowell, Head of Education regarding the appointment of new Headteacher at Gullane Primary School.

Community Pupil Action Group Coffee morning/bake sale

Gullane Community Pupil Action Group are organising a coffee morning/ bake sale on Friday 23rd February 12 - 1pm in the school hall. The PTA are running this event with a theme of cakes from around the world.

All monies raised will be donated to The Bethany Trust

The PTA will also be displaying the free second hand uniform at this event.

East Lothian Speech and Language Therapy

Please see below flyer for East Lothian CYP Speech and Language Therapy, 'something worth knowing' for Feb

Week Commencing 4th December

The latest Newsletter from Mr Taylor can be found here.

Gullane Primary School Choir

Dear Parents/Carers

Gullane Primary School Choir would like to invite everyone to join them for their first ever Christmas Concert at 4pm on Thursday 14th December in Gullane Parish Church.

Entry is free and festive refreshments will be available after the concert in the Gullane Church Centre.

Donations will be collected at the door to support the cost of running the choir next term.

Skills for Work

The Skills for Work programme offers parents/carers a supportive step back into education, especially those considering a career in Early Learning and Childcare.

See below: 

School Lunches on Christmas Show Day Wed 13th December 

Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to the hall being used for the Christmas Show, school lunch choices for Wednesday 13th December have been changed to pack lunches which will be eaten in classrooms.  If you would like a school packed lunch that day could you please order it on schoolpay by Wed 6th December 12 noon.  

If you have already ordered a lunch for that day please check on schoolpay that you are happy with the packed lunch alternative.

Many thanks

Cost of Living Help

Please see attached for assistance

NYCoS Singing Groups Feb-May 2024

East Lothian Council’s Arts Service is delighted to be offering all P3 to P7 pupils the chance to join a singing group next term. The National Youth Choir of Scotland will be joining with our Youth Music Initiative team to offer a course of singing classes followed by a concert in Haddington Corn Exchange.

Classes are available for 10 weeks starting after the Feb holiday. There are six locations to choose from, and each will have two age groups; P3-4 and P5-7. It’s completely free (funded by YMI) and is brilliant fun!

For more info and to book please click here.

Registration opens Mon 11 December. Although the course is free you MUST have booked a place to join in. Please contact anna.ghazal@nycos.co.uk for booking enquiries and visit our website for details about the classes themselves.

Week Commencing 27th November

Weekly Head Teacher Newsletter

This can be found here.

Term 3 Milk 

Dear Parents/Carers

If you have requested milk for your child/ren and so far paid for Term 1 only, the cost for Term 2 is now due (£14.84); please pay online using SchoolPay by Friday 15th December. The milk order can only be confirmed when payment has been made.

If your child is not currently receiving mid-morning milk and you would like to order this for them, please email the school office by Friday 8th December to place your request. You will then be added to the SchoolPay milk fund. After being added to the milk fund you will need to have paid by Friday 15th December.

If you have requested milk for your child/ren and already paid in full for Terms 1-3 then please ignore this message.

Little Big Screen: Hopefully our final film of 2023 will leave you feeling in the pink

Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached, details of Little Big Screen’s last film showing for 2023.

Letter from Mr Taylor

Dear Parent/Carer

I wanted to follow up on the communication yesterday from the Head of Education in respect of my appointment to Law PS.

I would like to express very clearly what a fantastic time I have had at Gullane PS, and how much I have enjoyed working with pupils, parents and colleagues, all of whom I will miss immensely. Gullane is a very special community and I consider myself privileged to have been a part of it for the past three years. My decision to move on is purely a career choice – an opportunity to work in a context I haven’t experienced before, and no reflection of any dissatisfaction of my time at this fabulous school.

The past three years have really flown past, although I am very pleased with the progress made in this time. I believe that the school is in a really good place, and I know that the whole school community will continue to work well together to ensure that it will only go from strength to strength. I am delighted that I will continue to work with the North Berwick schools group, and that I will extend my relationship with Gullane PS in some capacity.

I would like to thank parents and carers for all the support I have had in my time here. It has been quite a journey, and I recognise just how valuable it is to have such a supportive community. In particular, the respective Parent Partnership and PTA teams have been incredibly helpful and proactive over the years, and I greatly appreciate their positivity and endless endeavours in improving outcomes for our young people.

Hopefully, I will see many of you before my departure and will get a chance to say goodbye properly when the time comes.

Sincere best wishes,

Ronnie Taylor  (my pronouns are he, him)

Letter from the Head of Education

Week Commencing 20th November

Rights Rangers Newsletter

The Headteacher's Latest Newsletter can be found here.  

North Berwick Community Centre Closure - update to parent support group

North Berwick Community Centre has informed us that they are closed to the public for essential maintenance at least for this week. The Support Group for parents/carers of children with ASD/ADD/ADHD will now be at St Baldred's Church, Dirleton Avenue (North Berwick) EH39 4AY (near the train station). Still this Friday, 24 November, 9:30-11:30. 

Parental Consent Form for Routine and Expected Visits

Dear Parent/Carer,

We recently sent out Parental Consent Forms for Routine and Expected Visits.  Another form will be sent home with pupils still to return them,  please could you return to school as soon as possible.

Many thanks

Signalong Workshop 

Amended Christmas Dates

Week Commencing 13th November

ADGD.ADD Support

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are a support group for parents/carers of a child or young person with Autism or  ADHD/ADD (whether already diagnosed or on the pathway to diagnosis). 

We meet in the North Berwick Community Centre about once a month, and all are welcome to attend (including small children). 

Our next meeting is Friday 24th November 09:30-11:30.

Please see flyer emailed out for information.

With thanks

Kate Metzner

Ormiston Pump Track

Dear Parents & Pupils

We are keen to better understand the impact that the Ormiston Pump Track has had on the lives of local people across East Lothian.

 If you have been to Ormiston Park Pump Track, we would love you to complete the Ormiston Pump Track Consultation here:- Ormiston Community Pump Track - East Lothian Council - Citizen Space (eastlothianconsultations.co.uk)

We look forward to hearing from you!

Head Teacher Updates and Google Calendar

Parents are reminded that they can access key dates by signing up to or browsing the Google Calendar here and that Head Teacher Newsletters are on the Blog here,   Both things are also on the Main Menu.  

Learning at Home Survey

Dear Parent/Carer

As per previous references at the curriculum evening and also in our School Improvement Plan for this session, the school would like to review the provision and content of learning at home/homework. It is important to note that this is very much a ‘first step’ in the process and is aimed at garnering general feelings/views around homework in principle – i.e. responses should not necessarily be based on your view of any current/existing arrangements as we are aware that there is no consistent structure to current provision. It would be very helpful if you included your child(ren) in the process. As attitudes and feelings about homework are likely to vary depending on age and stage, we invite you to complete a questionnaire for each child you have in Gullane PS.

 At the second stage, we will share the data around responses, and the school will also share some relevant professional reading around the subject of homework. The school will then offer a suggested structure to homework across the stages (age and stage appropriate) which takes account of the data we receive from this first step and reflects the professional understanding that the school team has on the subject. We will then ask parents/carers to share their views on the proposals.

Please access the initial survey via the link below. Please note that this form may be difficult to access on a smartphone, and since it is a google form, it may work best if accessed using the google browser.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18JRySbya-ge1BhVJkvjVW69T3qoJsLMMNOFuFstC6Ss/edit

Kind regards,

Ronnie Taylor  (my pronouns are he, him)
Headteacher
Gullane PS

Partnership Meeting 16th November (DUPLICATE POST FROM LAST WEEK)

The GPS partnership committee would like to invite all parents/carers to the next Partnership Meeting held on 16th November at Goose on the Green at 7pm. 

The following items were emailed out and can be accessed on the blog here.

1.     Agenda

2.     Draft minutes from AGM on 26th September 2023

3.     Actions Log

4.     Funding proposal

We look forward to seeing you there.

Glyn, Heather and Ash

Children in Need

Dear Parents/Carers

We have been very busy organising lots of different activities to help the school celebrate ‘Children in Need’ day – we’re sure that they will have lots of fun.

It has also been agreed that everyone can come to school wearing whatever they choose – ‘dress up’, ‘dress down’, ‘wear school uniform’, ‘wear something spotty’….. there are no rule on this.

We would ask that any donations that can be made go directly to the Children in Need appeal either online or via the BBC broadcast.

THANKS!!!!!!

The Gullane PS House Captains

Week Commencing  6th November

Dear Parent/Carer

Children’s Rights Celebration Event

Ross High School is hosting a special afternoon event on 17 November where children and young people from across East Lothian will show how their work on Children’s Rights is benefiting everyone. It’s a celebration of children’s rights and pupil voice and a chance to hear what matters to our children and young people and we’re really proud that our school will be part of it.

Our children have been working really hard on preparing information for our presentation. We’d love it if as many parents and carers as possible can come along and support them. With lots of other stalls, schools and groups there will be plenty to see and get involved in. We’re delighted that our work is being recognised and hope that you can join us. Refreshments will be available.

Friday 17 November 1.30pm-3.30pm, Ross High School

Kind regards,

Ronnie Taylor  (my pronouns are he, him)

Road Safety

Dear Parent/Carer

The school community has always been very supportive of the importance of road safety measures aimed at protecting the well-being of our children and young people. We appreciate the effort made by many of our parents/carers who demonstrate a very responsible approach to the use of cars in terms of speed and parking.

Another very helpful initiative in this context is the voluntary adherence to a 1-way traffic flow system designed to reduce congestion in the very busy streets around the school. This system was generated by parents a number of years ago in response to concerns around key times such as ‘drop off’ and ‘pick up’ at school. As we have an ever-changing demographic of families, it might be helpful to promote this 1-way system once again. Please see the document below, which you can print out and display at home, which details the preferred route in order to maximise road safety.

We thank you for your help with this important matter.

Ronnie Taylor  (my pronouns are he, him)
Headteacher
Gullane PS

Partnership Meeting 16th November

The GPS partnership committee would like to invite all parents/carers to the next Partnership Meeting held on 16th November at Goose on the Green at 7pm. 

The following items were emailed out and can be accessed on the blog here.

1.     Agenda

2.     Draft minutes from AGM on 26th September 2023

3.     Actions Log

4.     Funding proposal

We look forward to seeing you there.

Glyn, Heather and Ash

Week Commencing 30th October

Children's Come and Sing Carols

I am writing from St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh. Once again, we are hosting a Children’s Come and Sing Carols on Saturday 9th of December for children in P3-P7. Last year, children from all over Edinburgh came to sing with us including a few Gullane PS pupils, which was great to see. The afternoon will start at 2pm with an informal performance for parents with the choristers at St Mary’s at 4:00pm. Please see the attached poster for further details as well as the link below if you would like to sign up for this event.

https://www.cathedral.net/event-details-registration/childrens-come-and-sing-2023-2

Best wishes,

Imogen Morgan

Assistant Master of the Music

St Mary's Cathedral

Palmerston Place

Edinburgh 

EH12 5AW 

imogen@cathedral.net

Parent Partnership Coffee Morning 

Dear Parent/Carer,

The Parent Partnership are holding a coffee morning on Friday 17th November from 10 - 11:45am in the Recreation Hall by the tennis courts. 

Whether you are new to the school, have been here for a while but haven't had a chance to meet many people yet, feel like you spend your life standing outside the school/nursery gate, or would just like to pop in for a cake between work meetings or childcare commitments, we warmly welcome all parents, carers, grandparents, childminders and any other caregivers connected to the school. Younger children also very welcome to come along.

Gullane Library Craft and Coding Clubs

Dear Parents/Carers

Please see posters emailed out for information regarding a new code club starting on Mondays and craft sessions starting on Fridays at Gullane Library. 

Firework Safety Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached, posters and a letter from Police Scotland, ELC and The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with information/advice on how to stay safe over the Bonfire period.

Week Commencing 23rd October

Brunton Performing Arts Network – Now Accepting New Members!

Unlock your creativity and join The Brunton's Performing Arts Network.

We've got workshops happening across East Lothian in theatre, dance, musical theatre and more, for young people aged 5 - 18.

We keep costs low and welcome everyone!

Taking part in creative activities is fun and helps build confidence, fuels your imagination and develops skills that are useful in all areas of life. As well as developing a range of acting and performance skills, you will meet new people, build confidence, and above all, have fun!

But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our participants have to say: https://rb.gy/ticqw

Each group is run by experienced and qualified drama, dance and musical theatre professionals who work as freelance performance artists and have a wealth of knowledge and talent which they enjoy sharing with all of our groups. Classes currently take place in:

Dunbar
Haddington
Longniddry
Musselburgh
Prestonpans
Pencaitland
Aberlady

For full details or to join us for a free taster session please email: youththeatre@eastlothian.gov.uk

Further information can also be found on the Brunton website: The Brunton (red61.co.uk)

Opportunity for Parents to Be Involved in Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenting Education

Dear Parents/Carers

Please find below a link to a new parental engagement project looking to find out what parents and carers want and need to support their child’s learning around RSHP -  the project is called the Chat.

The parent consultation came about as a result of a coalition of NHS Boards commissioning independent research to explore with parents and carers a number of themes: How they support their child’s learning at home in terms of relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) topics; what they know and think about the RSHP learning going on at school; how they want home and school to work together (so that children and young people get the best learning experiences); and finally, what would help parents and carers at home in their role as their child’s teacher on all these matters.

There are a number of ways that parents/carers can get involved. The first opportunity is to be part of a group conversation about this area of learning. This can happen in different ways, please use the link below to find out more.  

An opportunity for parents and carers to get involved in the Chat.

Week Commencing 9th October

Down by the Sea

Gullane PS and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company are very proud to share a short video about their collaborative project with Gullane Day Centre which took place last session. Well done to everyone involved – our P6 cohort from 22/23 worked incredibly hard while also having lots of fun!

Down by the sea - A short film about the project - YouTube

Local Development Plan Consultation on Outdoor Play - East Lothian Play Sufficiency Assessment

East Lothian Council is undertaking a consultation on ‘Outdoor Play Sufficiency’ in East Lothian. We are keen to hear views on the draft findings of our ‘Play Sufficiency Assessment’ (PSA) of East Lothian, which assesses the quantity, quality and accessibility of outdoor play provision across East Lothian. The views of children and young people across East Lothian have been gathered as part of this process.

The PSA is intended to provide an overall picture as to the provision and distribution of outdoor play opportunities for children, in both formal and informal public outdoor settings, across the whole of a local authority area, and it will inform the Evidence Report for the next East Lothian Local Development Plan.

The consultation is available online at: https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/housing-environment/play-sufficiency-assessment/ and paper copies will be available in local libraries. The consultation is open until 13th November 2023.

Further information about the consultation is available on East Lothian Council’s website here: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/article/14156/consultation_on_outdoor_play_sufficiency_in_east_lothian_opens

We would be grateful to hear your views.  Should you have any queries please contact ldp@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Thank you.

Torness Halloween Event

Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached, details of a Halloween event taking place at Torness power station 21st October.  

Parental Consultations

Dear Parent/Carer

We are looking forward to welcoming as many parents as possible over the course of parent consultation slots this week (Mon, Wed & Thurs). I wanted to remind parents that pupils are very welcome to join the consultation with class teachers, however the school does not have capacity to offer any supervision for children in school if they are not joining the consultation slot.

Kind regards,

Primary schools: Courier P1 photo supplement 

Dear Parents/Carers

Just to let you know that East Lothian Courier’s Primary 1 ‘First Class’ photo supplement will be published in the paper on Thursday 12 October.

Week Commencing 2nd October

Seabird Centre October Activities

Dear Parents/Carers

We have Family Fun October holiday activities being run by the Scottish Seabird Centre. Tickets for all these events are FREE for kids (small charge for accompanying adults), but booking is required as numbers are limited.

Tickets can be booked via our website:  www.seabird.org/events  

The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

www.seabird.org

https://www.justgiving.com/scottishseabird-centre

facebook.com/ScottishSeabirdCentre

twitter.com/SeabirdCentre

instagram.com/seabirdcentre

Week Commencing 25th September 

Supporting Mental Health

Dear Parents/Carers

Please click on the link here if you would like to access free mental health resources suitable for all, (parents and staff).

 Best regards

School Calendar Photos 

Dear parents/carers,

With regards to school calendar photos which are being taken next week, we now require every family to “opt in”. It is essential that parents/guardians complete the form on the link below by Tuesday 26th September to indicate whether you give your consent for you child(ren) to be included in this year’s calendar. IMPORTANT- if we do not receive your completed form by Tuesday, we will not be able to include your child(ren) in the calendar. 

https://forms.gle/E14Y39qho6cCCoVLA

Please note that, as mentioned on the form, the format for the 2024 calendar will be different to previous years. Children's pictures will be arranged by class, with one class displayed per month. 

Many thanks,

Gullane Primary School Partnership PTA

Flu Immunisation

Dear Parent/Carer,

Flu Immunisations will take place in school tomorrow Tuesday 26th September for all pupils that returned their consent form.

Kind regards 

Week Commencing 18th September

Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached, details and application form for the Autumn holiday club being run at the North Berwick Seabird centre. There are still lots of spaces available.

Best regard

Parent Partnership AGM

Parents and Carers are welcome to join us at our Parent Partnership AGM on Tuesday 26th September.  This will be the Meeting and a Cheese and Wine.   Details can be found here.  

Introduction to Signing 

Week Commencing 11th September

PTA Calendar Consent Form

Dear Parents/Carers

The PTA will be taking photographs for next year’s calendar soon - see below. If you do not consent please email the PTA secretary (gullaneptasecretary@gmail.com).

 Best regards

School Calendar Photographs

The photographs for the school calendar will be taken over Thursday 28th September and Friday 6th October. The calendar theme will be the same as last year - birthdays. The children will be grouped by their birth month and will hold a chalkboard displaying the day they were born (no name or class is identified). Please note that your child should wear a school uniform on these days – even if having PE.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the calendar then please email directly to gullaneptasecretary@gmail.com by 10am on Monday 25th September. If we do not hear by this date then it will be assumed that you wish your child to be included.

ASD/ADHD/ADD Support Group for Parents and Carers

Next meeting: Friday 22nd September 9:30-11:30am

North Berwick Community Centre

If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person who has Autism, ADHD/ADD and live in East Lothian (or they are in the process of being assessed) you are very welcome to join our newly formed support group.  We are currently meeting every 4-6 weeks in North Berwick Community Centre.

There is a private Facebook Group where details of the meetings are advertised.  To be added, please message parent volunteers Jemma (07929 053102), Sarah (07834 489403) or Kate (07531 453916)for a link.

The initial aims of the group are to 

• offer peer support

• share ideas, experiences, and concerns

• reduce isolation

• celebrate successes with people who understand

Brunton Performing Arts Network 

Unlock your creativity and join The Brunton's Performing Arts Network.

We've got workshops happening across East Lothian in theatre, dance, musical theatre and more, for young people aged 5 - 18.

We keep costs low and welcome everyone.

Taking part in creative activities is fun and helps build confidence, fuels your imagination and develops skills that are useful in all areas of life. As well as developing a range of acting and performance skills, you will meet new people, build confidence, and above all, have fun!

Each group is run by experienced and qualified drama professionals who work as freelance performance artists and have a wealth of knowledge and talent which they enjoy sharing with groups.

We have new dance classes launching in Aberlady next week for those aged 5-7 and 8-12 and would love to welcome you!

Tuesday 3.45pm – 4.5pm

Dance – Age 5-7

Tuesday 4.45pm – 5.45pm

Dance Age 8-12

For full details, please visit the Brunton website linked below:

The Brunton (red61.co.uk)

Week Commencing 4th September

Letter re RAAC

National Youth Choir Recruitment Workshops 

Workshops are coming up this week in Inverness (today) Angus (Thursday) and West Lothian (Thursday). Next week we have Aberdeen (12th), Midlothian (13th), Stirling (12th) and Dumfries (14th). Our Edinburgh, East Dunbartonshire and Dundee sessions are later this month. 

The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) are excited to announce our upcoming Regional Choir Recruitment Workshops which will run across the country over the next few weeks. As well as being fun, singing together in a choir has many benefits for children’s development and well-being. These include gaining music education, making friends and boosting confidence through performing. Singing also helps to develop literacy, concentration and memory.

Led by experienced music teachers and choir leaders, NYCOS Regional Choirs meet once a week during term time, where children learn and sing together with others their age. Entry is usually for singers in P4/P5 every September, but we are always interested to hear from singers aged 8-17. With choirs all over Scotland, we hope there is one within reach of your students. We have often found if there are several children from one school looking to attend, parents often share the transport which can make it more practical. 

To book a space or for more information please visit - https://www.nycos.co.uk/regional-choir-tryouts/

Week Commencing 28th August 2023

Meet the Teacher

It was lovely to see many of you at the Meet the Teacher last night.  We trust you found it useful.

Holiday Dates

The School Holiday have been added to the School Calendar that can be found under the Calendar section of the site here.

September Newsletter

The recent Newsletter can be found here.

Week Commencing 8th May 2023

The documents and more information about the Parent Partnership In Person Meeting/Cheese and Wine on Thu 11th May can be found by clicking here.

Week Commencing 1st May 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

School staffing Update

I am writing to advise you of a change to staffing which will come into effect from the start of session 23/24.

As we all know, our country is in the midst of a cost of living crisis which is impacting significantly in all areas of life. East Lothian Council is no different and, as a result, some very difficult decisions have to be made around cost cutting. This is something which is affecting all council services and all schools. In respect of our own situation at Gullane PS, we have had to implement a reduction in staffing costs which will impact on our provision of specialist teachers, specifically music and art.

Having looked at all possibilities, the most practical arrangement is that music and art will now be taught by class teachers as we do not have the budget to retain Mr Connell and Ms Askew. While this decision is extremely unpalatable, it is the one which works best from the school position, and also in respect of these two members of staff being allocated similar hours elsewhere in the authority. It was a priority to ensure that neither Mr Connell nor Ms Askew were left in a position with unwanted reduced hours.

The school has very little flexibility in respect of spending as we already have a very tight budget. The only alternative to reducing specialists’ hours would have been to reduce support staff hours, and this is not something that the school felt we could contemplate, acknowledging the very great need to provide as much learning and pastoral support as possible to our young people.

Teachers are trained to deliver the full curriculum, and the school will look to provide a robust level of support in terms of alternative programmes of study and professional development to ensure that the pupils’ experience in all subject areas remains as high as possible. This is not to diminish the outstanding contribution made by both Mr Connell and Ms Askew over the years, and we hope to arrange a suitable occasion for staff, pupils and parents to be able to express their gratitude.

I completely understand that this development will be a major upset and disappointment to us all, I reiterate, it was not a decision taken lightly. I appreciate that there may be questions which parents/carers may wish to ask, and I will be happy to speak further on this subject at the next Parent Partnership Meeting on 11th May. 

Mr Taylor

P7 residential experience

Dear Parent/Carer

Our school, along with our cluster colleagues, are looking at all things related to the provision of a residential experience for P7 pupils. This year has seen the first residential in a number of years, and we want to ensure any future plans reflect the needs and wants of all stakeholders, and retain the rationale of a transition experience.

No decision will be made until all schools have had a chance to consult, and so I would be grateful if you could complete the form found at the link below by Friday 12th May. At this stage we are only consulting with parents of children in P4, P5 & P6.

Link has been sent for Parents in these year groups.

Key dates

These have been emailed to Parents/Carers and added to the Google Calendar.

Curriculum Rationale Parent Consultations

Information has been sent to Parents - 

Wed 4th May @ 3.30pm
Tues 9th May @ 9.15am
Fri 19th May @ 1.00pm
Mon 22nd May @ 1.30pm 

Week Commencing 13th March

Parental Engagement Strategy - Evaluation survey

Parental Engagement Strategy

The Parental Engagement Strategy was launched in 2017 and aims to ensure that all Parents/Carers are encouraged and supported to engage as partners in their children’s learning, and to become involved in the life of the school.  The strategy also ensures that it can continue to build on good practice and create further opportunities for our parents and schools to work together.  There are 6 strands to the strategy and we are seeking responses to evaluate the impact of each of them.  

The Full strategy document is available here. 

Parental Engagement Strategy - Questions for Parents:

Parents only need to complete one survey if they have multiple children in the same school, but will need to complete more than one survey for children at different schools.  The survey results will be collated on a school basis which will be shared with the HT and Chair of the Parent Council to support any actions arising shortly after the closure of the surveys. 

https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/education/parental-engagement Dear Parents/Carers

Gullane PS - badge/logo identity review

You may recall that the school explored a revision of our school badge/logo as part of our school values consultation last year. The feedback around any proposed change was that the majority of stakeholders strongly wanted the existing association with the ‘Gullane Geese’ to be retained.

I have taken this feedback on board and worked with a colleague in the council’s corporate design team to see what we could do by way of reconciling the need to produce a more sustainable and usable logo which reflects our new values and retains the strong identity of what is currently used. I have attached an overview of what we are working towards, with possible options to be phased in as suits our needs best. Our current arrangement is such that we do not actually own an up-to-date version of our badge in appropriate formats for it to be used across a range of media, and this technical issue presents problems on various levels. Furthermore, as the school grows and evolves it seems appropriate to respond to this with a refresh which reflects our values and gives us a platform on which we can promote these values in a clear and consistent manner to the wider world.

I appreciate that change in any context can be challenging, but as a community we are already in the midst of significant change and I believe that to get the most out of a changing situation is to be proactive and strategic. I appreciate that there may be concerns around existing uniforms/merchandise but the school would operate a very flexible approach to this, and we could also look at providing new badges to be used over older badges. Ultimately, there will always be a period of transition through any change and, provided there is a shared rationale and a commitment to support across all stakeholders, it won’t take long before the ‘new’ becomes the ‘normal’.

I hope to provide the opportunity for feedback on this both throughout the parent consultation evenings during the last week of term, and also by way of a google form after the Easter break. In the meantime, I would urge you to look at the attached document which explains the rationale behind the proposed revision and offers a glimpse of what our ongoing identity could look like.

Kind regards,

Ronnie

Easter Football Camps

Good Morning,

East Lothian Football Development are delighted to announce that our partnership camps we will be returning this Easter by delivering 2 Holiday Football Courses with Hearts Community Football Coaching and Hibernian Community Football Foundation.

Please see the attached promotional flyers, below are the details for both camps and the links to register your place.

Week 1: Hearts Camp

Dates: Monday 3rd to Friday 7th April 2023

Times: 2pm to 4pm

Venue: Foresters Park 3G Tranent

Booking Link: Tranent Easter Play the Game Course 2023 (3rd-7th April) - Events - Universe

Week 2: Hibernian Camp

Dates: Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th April 2023

Times: 9am to 1pm

Venue: Recreation Park 3G North Berwick

Booking Link: Hibs Heroes (5 - 12yrs) at Recreation Park 3G , North Berwick | Hibernian Community Foundation | Powered by ClassForKids (class4kids.co.uk)

If you have any questions regarding either of the camps please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,

Sean McAuley | Scottish FA Football Development Officer

PTA Easter Event

Good morning,

The PTA have been busy planning our Easter event.  This is an exciting new event which Mr Adamson has kindly been helping to organise and will allow our children to have fun practising their orienteering skills, whilst also helping us to raise funds for the school. Please see attached poster and information sheet.

Kind regards

Security Risks

Dear Parents/Carers

We would like to remind all parents that if your child(ren) arrives at school AFTER the bell has sounded then your child(ren) must report to the main school office.

From a health and safety perspective, the school must be able to account for all our children as soon as possible each day, and any child who may gain access through a different door may already be reported as absent, resulting in the the office monitoring process being compromised, and unnecessary phone calls/emails being made.

Thank you for your help with this.

Week Commencing 6th March 

Cancellation  of Proposes Strikes

Labels for Names

Dear Parents/Carers

Please find attached, a leaflet from ‘Label Creating Online’ - a service providing personalised Iron On/Sew On Name Labels/Stick-On labels for school uniform and shoes.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please find attached a letter regarding the proposed strikes for next week.

Kind regards 

***Please note that as reported in the Media Today All Strike Action Has Been Cancelled***

Parent Partnership Google Meet Wed 14th March 7pm

The documents and link for the Meet can be found on our Blog here.   As always, all Parents, Carers and Staff are welcome to attend.

Parental Employability and Financial Support Campaign 

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see attached information regarding Parental Employability and Financial Support Campaign

Invitation to parents to a FREE online webinar by University of Edinburgh researchers (22nd of March, Wednesday)

We are a research team based at the University of Edinburgh. We are hosting a FREE online webinar for parents and guardians focused on parenting children and young people (aged 10-16).

The webinar will take place from 7-8 pm on Wednesday the 22nd of March 2023.  

Here is the Eventbrite page for the event: https://ParentingWebinarEdinbugh.eventbrite.co.uk 

The aim of this webinar is to provide parents with practical parenting tips from evidence-based parenting research in three areas: 

Supporting parents of adolescent children in managing non-compliant behaviour and enhancing the quality of the parent-teen relationship (Dr. Vilas Sawrikar, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology)

The role of parents’ thinking on teenagers’ well-being and stress-coping (Claire Tai, PhD researcher) 

Understanding and supporting neurodivergent children and young people using EPIC activities (EPIC: Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People) (Dr Sinead Rhodes, Senior Research Fellow and academic lead for public engagement) 

Week Commencing 27th February

P7 Transition

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see attached letter regarding P7 Transition. 

March Parental Consultations

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see attached letter in respect of forthcoming school-parent consultation arrangements. 

International Women's Day

Good morning, 

Please find attached a flyer for our open day next Wednesday afternoon.

Kind regards,

Kirsty Wallace

Family Support Worker

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see attached information from - Little Big Screen @ Gullane Village Hall 

Join us for "Where the Crawdads Sing" this Saturday 4th March

Kind regards 

Dental Inspection

Singing Groups

Industrial Action Tues 28th Feb Wed 1st March

Week Commencing 6th February 2023

Parents are reminded that school closes today (Friday 10th Feb) for our week's break.   Due to an Inservice Day on Monday 20th February, children resume on Tuesday 21st.

We trust you will have an enjoyable and refreshing break.

Week Commencing 30th January 2023

Internet Safety

Parents might want to look at the attached Internet Safety Slides with their children that we discussed at Assembly last Thursday.

Parent Partnership

The Partnership section of the website has been updated to include summary documents about it and can be read here.

Staffing Update

Dear Parent/Carer

Please note that the school has identified a preferred candidate for the post of Depute Head Teacher, Mrs Amy Kay. Mrs Kay is currently Principal Teacher at King’s Park PS, Midlothian, and brings a wealth of experience to the post. Subject to all necessary protocols, we hope to confirm Mrs Kay to the post and advise of a starting date as soon as possible. Mrs Kay will also assume the role of p/t class teacher in P3, alongside Mrs Edwards.

We would also like to advise that Miss Black will be moving on from her temporary position as class teacher in P3 with effect from Wednesday 1 February. Miss Black has secured a longer term position at Pencaitland PS and will take up post this week. Miss Black has been an excellent support to the school in her time with us, and we thank her most sincerely for all she has done, while wishing her the very best in her new post.

In the period between now and the starting date for Mrs Kay, P3 will have a temporary p/t class teacher – Mr Wilson, who will share class responsibilities with Mrs Edwards.

 Kind regards,

Ronnie Taylor  

Week Commencing 16th January 2023

School Hours Info and Survey

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please see communication below from Mr Taylor in respect of a requested consultation on the structure of the school day.   You can complete the survey here.

Kind regards

Week Commencing 9th January 2023

Dear parent/carer,

Just a reminder that the school will be closed this coming Monday 16th January due to industrial strike action.

Kind regards 

East Lothian Speech and Language Drop ins

Happy New Year from Active Schools! In Term 2 we have a return to: 

Gullane Primary School Running Club

We’re delighted to bring back the Gullane Primary School Running Club for a second term. The Running Club will be delivered by a fantastic team of staff and parent volunteers. This activity will provide a great opportunity for pupils to improve their fitness, get outside and get active before school. Pupils will join their friends in a fun and energising running session, suitable for runners of all levels from P4-P7.

Tuesdays – Jan 17th, 24th, 31st; Feb 7th, (off 14th off 21st), 28th; Mar 7th, 14th, 21st (8 sessions)

Location: Meet at Gullane Primary School Football Pitch

Age Group: P4-7

Time: 8:15-8:45am

Online Booking is open now – please visit our Online Booking page: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ActiveSchoolsNorthBerwick

You’ll also find information on our booking page for other local Active Schools activities. If you have any questions about any Active Schools activities, please email ssands@elcschool.org.uk and I’ll be happy to help.

Best wishes,

Stewart

Stewart Sands

Active Schools Coordinator | Prestonpans Primary School Cluster, Gullane Primary & Aberlady Primary

Preston Lodge High School, Park View, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9QJ

m: 07976 377 956 | t: 01875 811 170

www.eastlothian.gov.uk|www.activeeastlothian.co.uk

Week Commencing 2nd January 2023

The letter about the next stage of Industrial Action that has been issued to parents today is attached below -

Dear parent/carer,

Following the tragic incident that occurred in Solihull on the 11th December, SFRS and other partners have been utilising all available communications methods to broadcast the dangers associated with playing on ice. The information within the leaflet and poster remains relevant throughout the year.

I have attached an electronic leaflet which provides information on water safety. Additional information can be obtained by clicking on the links within the leaflet or by scanning the QR codes.

The links below also provide additional advice and guidance on what actions you should take if someone falls into water.

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/news/2022/december/dog-owners-urged-to-keep-beloved-pets-off-frozen-water-to-prevent-tragedies/ 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/news/2022/december/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service-issue-safety-advice-around-frozen-water-during-freezing-conditions/

Cold water shock | Water Safety Scotland

 If there is any further advice or support you require, please feel free to get in touch.

Steven Tilston

Watch Commander

Local Area Liaison Officer

Prevention and Protection

East Lothian

m: 07786 856 317 e: steven.tilston@firecotland.gov.uk

Week Commencing 19th Decemeber

Primary 6 children worked with 2 artists and Gullane Day Centre to create a window display which you can view from today.  Details below.

Week Commencing 12th December

Christmas Parties

A reminder that Christmas Parties are happening next week as detailed in a communication sent earlier in the term -

Christmas Shows

Dear Parent/Carer

Further to the last communication containing details of arrangements, please note that there was a typo contained in the section around drop-off times for P1 – P3 pupils: the correct time is, of course, 12.15pm (not 1.15pm as per the letter). Apologies for any confusion caused.

It has also been decided that, in respect of the long day/late night element on Thursday 15th, those families who might benefit from a ‘softer start’ the following day can bring their children into school for 9.30am (as opposed to the regular starting time of 8.45am). We hope that this provides some welcome support for families who might need it. Of course, school will be open from our usual time of 8.45am in any case.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Kind regards,

Ronnie 

Week Commencing 5th December

Christmas Concert Details 

Christmas Show Tickets 

Dear parents/carers

Tickets for the Christmas shows were handed out on Friday last week. Everyone should now have received the tickets they requested. Please email gullanepta@gmail.com if you did not receive your tickets.

 There are still lots of seats available for the afternoon performances at both shows (12:30pm and 1:45pm), and some tickets left for the evening infant show (6pm). If you would like to request additional tickets for any of these shows, please email gullanepta@gmail.com. Unfortunately, the evening upper school show is pretty much sold out, though additional requests may be considered.

Week Commencing 28th November

Lunch on 15th December 

Dear Parents/Carers

Please note that due to the Christmas performances taking place in the dining hall, the kitchen will only be able to provide a school packed lunch on the 15th December. As this is unique to Gullane Primary School, the menu displayed on SchoolPay will not be changed. Please indicate by replying to this message which packed lunch option you are ordering (ham, cheese or tuna) or whether you will be providing your own packed lunch from home. Please also remember to clearly state your child’s name and class as parent email addresses often don’t reflect the family name.

The deadline for ordering a school packed lunch for day of the Christmas performances is Monday 5th December, 9.30am. Late orders cannot be accommodated.

Best regards

Christmas Lunches

Dear Parents/Carers

This year, our lovely kitchen will be serving Christmas lunches on the following days:

Tues 6th December Nursery Group A ONLY. All other pupils will be offered a school packed lunch (ham, cheese or tuna). Please ensure if your child is in P1-7 that you choose a school packed lunch on this day.

Weds 7th December Nursery Group B and P1-7. Please note that there will only be Christmas lunch served on this day so if your child doesn’t wish to have a Christmas lunch OR YOU FORGET TO ORDER you will need to provide a packed lunch from home.

Please place/amend all orders by midday tomorrow to ensure that the kitchen have enough time to pre-order the food. We know this is a short turnaround/deadline and would appreciate your co-operation with this matter. If there are no orders placed then there will be no provision of lunch.

Best regards

Week Commencing 21st November

Scarlett Fever Parent Info Leaflet 

Smart/Fitness Watches

If any children are wearing any Fitness devices to school that can communicate by call or text, these features must be set by parents to be in school mode/deactivated during the day or handed in to the office and collected at the end of the day. Thanks.

Ronnie

Week Commencing 14th November

Calling all parents – we are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and committed parents to undertake a Paid Work Experience placement within the hospitality industry.  Whether you are just looking for some extra income or would like to pursue a career in this industry, we have many employers across East Lothian waiting to meet you.  Many of these positions have the potential to turn into permanent jobs. 

If you are interested please contact us using the email address or phone number on the attached flyer by Monday 28th November 2022

Update Re Strike Action

Week Commencing 7th November

School Closures Thursday 24th November 

Dear Parents/ Carers

We have been informed that the EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland) and the AHDS (Association of Head Teachers and Deputes Scotland) are proposing strike action on Thursday 24 November. We are currently assessing the impact of this proposed action and will be back in touch with you early next week to confirm the school’s arrangements for that day.

Kind regards

Parent Partnership Google Meet - Tuesday 15th Nov 7 pm

Documents and the link for the next Parent Partnership Google Meet can be found here.  

Children in Need

Dear Parents/Carers

We are excited to let you know that on Friday 18th November we will be celebrating Children in Need at Gullane Primary School.

Children are free to come to school on this day either wearing something spotty, dressed in their own clothes or wearing school uniform if they would prefer.

There will also be inter-house challenges held over the course of the morning which will be led by the Primary 7 House Captains.

If you would like to make a donation to Children in Need please do so via 

  www.justgiving.com/rednoseday23-gullane-ps   

Kind regards

The Primary 7 House Captains

November Newsletter

The November Newsletter has been added to the Newsletter page.

P1 Enrolment 

Dear Parents/Carers

The online P1 enrolment form on the East Lothian Council website is now live; enrolment will be ‘live’ until Monday 28 November 2022.  Please use the link below to access information regarding the P1 enrolment process and to complete your enrolment. Please try to enrol your child as soon as possible.  

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/p1-enrolment

Staffing Update

Dear Parent/Carer

I am writing to inform you that Mrs O’Connor will be officially leaving Gullane PS at the end of this term. As you know, Mrs O’Connor has been seconded to Wallyford PS for most of this academic session, although continuing to support our school community as much as she has been able. Moving forward, Mrs O’Connor has been successful in her application for the post of Head Teacher at Aberlady PS, and will be taking up that role from January 2023.

I know that this news will come as a disappointment to you – in her time with us, Mrs O’Connor has demonstrated a range of qualities which have impacted very positively on our school, and she will be greatly missed. However, given her excellent contribution, this move is really a natural progression and we extend every best wish to her in this new chapter of her career. As part of our Associated Schools Group, we will continue to work closely with Aberlady PS and Mrs O’Connor.

We will begin the recruitment process to appoint a new Depute Head Teacher as soon as possible.

 Kind regards,

Ronnie

Key Christmas Dates

Here are the Key Christmas dates.    These are also on the School Google Calendar.  

Week Commencing 3rd October

Here is information for the Flu Vaccination Programme for 2-5 Year Olds.

Week Commencing 26th September 

Dear Parents/Carers

Please note that the booking system for online parental consultations (week beginning 10th October) will be available from Monday 3 October @ 4pm – closing at 6pm on Wednesday 6th October.

In seeking to offer the most flexible user experience, please note that class teachers will be offering a range of booking slots from 3.30pm – 6.30pm;  Monday 10/10/22 to Thursday 13th October. Guidance on the booking system will be available on respective pupil Google Classrooms.

Kind regards

Week Commencing 19th September 

Dear Parents/Carers

Just a wee reminder that the NHS will be in school next Weds 28th Sep to provide flu vaccinations for P1-7 pupils.

Best regards 

.......................................................................................................................................................................................

Week Commencing 12th September

Dear Parents/Carers

The Local Trip Consent form for 22-23 will be handed out today to all P1-7 pupils. Please keep an eye out for the form in school bags. Please complete and return to school by Tuesday 20th September, including your child's class name as well as all other relevant information.

Many thanks 

WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 27th JUNE

School Uniform Donations

Dear Parents/Carers

As a school community we strongly believe in the environmental impact from reusing school uniform.  Our Parent Partnership are working really hard to establish opportunities to allow parents and carers to both donate and take pre-loved school uniform, which we as a school support greatly.

As you sort through your children's school uniform over the summer we ask that you consider donating it by either dropping it into Gullane Primary School on Monday 1st August, Tuesday 2nd August or Wednesday 3rd August via the main school office or else the Holiday Club at the HUB are also happy to accept donations up until 28th July.

There will be a school uniform stall set up in the school on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th August between 1pm and 3pm which will allow you to pick up some school uniform for your children .

A huge thank you to the Parent Partnership for organising this and to you all for supporting us in reducing, reusing and recycling as a school community.

Kind regards

Natasha O'Connor 

Natasha O'Connor Depute Headteacher │ Gullane Primary School

Tel: - 01620 843455

admin@gullane.elcschool.org.uk  visit our website http://www.edubuzz.org/gullane/

SCHOOL UNIFORM 

Dear Parent/Carer

just a reminder that orders should be placed online by Thursday 7th July.  Late orders will be accepted and hopefully ready on time though may not be ready for pick up dates noted below.

Collection by yourself outside the school office will be on Monday August 8th between 2pm and 4 pm and Tuesday 16th August between 3 pm - 4 pm at the very latest.

Orders can be placed on - www.garmentprinter.co.uk

Thank you. 

NURSERY SUMMER ATTENDANCE

Dear Parents/Carers

We look forward to seeing many of your nursery age children over the summer holidays.  

However, as the main school office is closed due to the summer break there are a few important pieces of information that may be of benefit to you all over the coming week:

• As Mr Taylor and myself will be on annual leave please note that Mrs Karen McKnight, Centre Manager, will be in charge of the setting over the summer.  Please do not hesitate to get in contact with Mrs McKnight, Ms Anderson or any of the nursery team at any time.

• If your child is unable to attend, please email nurseryattendance@elcschool.org.uk stating which nursery your child attends, the reason for absence, and when they will return. We would also find it beneficial if you phoned the nursery to let us know if your child will not be in.  You can reach the nursery directly on 01620 843889. 

•  If you have told us (or the NAMS team, when you accepted your place) that you intend to send your child to nursery during the summer holiday we do expect your child to attend and staffing has been put in place for this. If your child does not attend, someone will be in touch regarding your child’s absence. 

• Please make sure you have told us of any changes to your contact details.

• Please ensure you have booked your child’s lunches in SchoolPay as always.

Please note the nursery is closed on Monday 15th August and Tuesday 16th August for all children.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our nursery families and the nursey team for a fantastic year at Gullane Primary School Nursery.  It was our first year in a new building providing the new nursery hours and I am very proud of how much has been achieved by everyone.  I look forward to seeing many of you next term as both nursery families and new primary 1 families and am already excited about the prospect of working closer over the coming year as we hopefully continue to work under reduced COVID guidance.

Enjoy the summer!

Kind regards

Natasha O'Connor 

PRIMARY 1 - SOFT START

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we draw towards the end of the school term I can not believe that in 6 weeks time we will be welcoming your children into Primary 1.  It has been lovely getting to meet so many of you over the course of this term and I look forward to getting to know everyone even better as your child moves into primary 1.

SOFT START - DAY 1

After consideration we have decided to provide the primary 1 children with a soft start on the first day of term, Wednesday 17th August,  where we will open the door at 9am and let you drop your child off from that time onwards.  This way your child will miss the business of the playground on the first day.  

Then, from Thursday 18th August we ask you bring your child to school at the normal school start time of 8.45am where we will have the children enter the school building in their classes.

I hope you all enjoy the summer and we look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 17th August.

Kind regards

Natasha O'Connor

RANGER SERVICE - SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Hello,

The Ranger Service are offering a variety of fun family activities over the summer from rockpooling to geology.

Family Activities » East Lothian Council (bookinglive.com) We hope some of you might be interested in joining us.

Many thanks,

Laura

Laura Douglas

Senior Countryside Ranger

NATIONAL GALLERIES - SUMMER EVENTS

Hello,

I'm contacting you from the National Galleries of Scotland with some details about our free, summer family activity. It takes place every afternoon at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art during the summer holidays (beginning Monday 4 July) and is suitable for all ages. Families can come along and borrow a Family Art Basket, full of drawing and sculpture materials with activity ideas of what to make. 

Here is a link to the web page which also has full details: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/FAB

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

Jill

WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 20th JUNE

MILK LETTER

Dear Parents/Carers

Attached is a letter regarding next year’s provision of mid-morning milk. Please indicate as soon as possible and preferably by Friday 24th June, if you would like your child to receive milk from August 2022. Once confirmation has been received your child will be added to the SchoolPay milk fund and you will be able to pay for the milk online. Milk will be ordered as soon as payment has been confirmed. The deadline for payment for Term 1 Wednesday 29th June.

Please note, some of you will be eligible for a refund for this year’s milk provision. If your child is going to continue having milk, the refund will be applied to the cost of milk for next session. Any pupils who are leaving at the end of this session will automatically receive a refund before the end of this term.

Best regards  

MILK - FOLLOW UP EMAIL

Dear Parents/Carers

Please note that the email sent Monday regarding provision of mid-morning milk only applies to those pupils who are moving up into P1 in August 2022.

Apologies for any confusion caused.

Best regards

Hibernian Community Football Summer Programme 

Dear Parents/Carers - for your Information

​

Good Afternoon,

Please see our Summer Programme below that might be of interest to your pupils and parents.

​

Running from Foresters Park in Tranent.

​

https://www.hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk/News/summer-football-camps

​

Best Regards - Gary

​

Gary Hocknull

Football Development Manager

Hibernian Community Foundation

WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 13th JUNE

WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 5th JUNE

Best Start Grant School Age Payment

Dear parents/carers,

For Your Information

I am writing on behalf of the Scottish Government as we seek to make sure all our benefits and payments reach the parents and carers who need them most.

We know our benefits can make a real difference and any help you can give us to inform parents, guardians and families by sharing information via your networks and channels would be greatly appreciated.

As of today (June 1st), Best Start Grant School Age Payment applications open for children who were born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018.

The one-off payment of £267.65 per child helps families with the costs associated with a child starting at Primary School.

People who get tax credits or certain benefits are encouraged to apply before the window closes on 28 February 2023.

Eligibility is based on age and relates to when a child is first old enough to start school. Parents or carers who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2022 to August 2023, or those home schooling, must still apply before the closing date or they will lose out on their payment.

More information about how to apply and when is available via our website Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods - mygov.scot

Colette Baillie (she/her)

External Communications

Social Security Scotland

Email: colette.baillie@socialsecurity.gov.scot

Website: www.socialsecurity.gov.scot

CLASS STRUCTURE

Dear Parent/Carer

First of all, could I take this opportunity to thank all of you who were able to join us last Thursday for our Open Day/Jubilee Picnic & Sports Day. The staff team and pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day – it was so lovely to be able to engage properly with the community, and it was really good to get so much positive feedback about the day itself and the school in general. We hope that we will be able to welcome you all much more over the next session and beyond.

I wanted to advise that we are now in a position to confirm the class configuration for next session, and also the class compositions. Your child(ren) will bring home a letter on Friday which identifies their class and teacher for next session. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THEY SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOU.

The letter also advises that all pupils from Nursery (pre-school) to P6 will get a chance to meet their new teacher and classmates next Tuesday morning (14th June), while our P7s are visiting North Berwick High School.

For information, the class arrangements for next session will be (in light of the school dropping from 11 to 10 classes):

P1

P1/2

P2/3

P3

P4

P4/5

P5/6

P6

P7a

P7b

Kind regards,

Ronnie 

Ronnie Taylor

Headteacher

PARENT PORTAL

Dear parents/carers

Now live: Parents Portal, a new way for parents to access information on their children, interact with their schools and easily access other school services. 

Parents can now access the Portal by using the same myaccount login (which is used for SchoolPay) to update parent and child details, report absences, access SchoolPay, and much more.  Over time, more services will be available.  For more information on how parents can log into the Parents Portal and “link” to their children, go to: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/parents-portal . 

Please note, it is advised that parents of P7 pupils wait to sign up to the Parents Portal until they start at their new school in August

When accessing the Portal for the first time, users are shown how to “link” to their children.  Sometimes this is not successful on the first try.  As a way to help any users who are having problems linking to their children, there is an attached guide detailing most of the common problems and how to resolve these.  As a quick reference, please check these steps as common reasons for not being able to link:

For parents details not matching, check the following:

• Parents forename field and surname fields don’t match. For example, the use of nicknames, middle names, initials, titles. Please make sure the name on your myaccount is the same as what is in the school records.

• Myaccount has been registered in the name of the child, not the parent. Please ensure the myaccount is registered in the parent’s name.

• Address doesn’t match. Please ensure your myaccount address is the same as what is in the school records. If it is different, it needs to be updated.

• Address data doesn’t match as it has been formatted differently. Please update your address in Myaccount by entering the postcode and select the address from the list. If you manually enter your address it may not match what is held in the school records.

• Home address has been given a name but as it’s not registered the address doesn’t match. For example, you have entered Rose Cottage, High Street but the registered address is 12 High Street in the school data. Please check to make sure the myaccount data matches the school records.
  
  For child details not matching, check the following:
   

• Check you’ve used their correct forename and not a nickname. For example, Christopher/Chris or Alexandra/Alex.

• The forename field SHOULD also include any middle names

• Be careful entering the date of birth – if that’s wrong, it won’t link

• Make sure you’re entering their address details correctly. Please enter the postcode and select the address from the list.

If you are still having problems linking with your child(ren), please raise a helpdesk ticket with our helpdesk team.  To do this go to the “Help” section at the foot of the following Parents Portal login page:

www.parentsportal.scot

In the “Help” section, click the option “Above sections have not answered my query”.  This will take you through the process of raising a helpdesk ticket with the appropriate team.

MUIRFIELD RIDING FUNDRAISER

Hello there,

​

Summer Teas & Plants Sale 

Sunday 19th June, 1.20-3.30pm

The Garden @ Stamford Hall, Gullane, EH31 2BA

​

We're delighted to welcome you back to the garden of Stamford Hall, courtesy of the Lang family. This year come and enjoy cream teas on the lawn, our legendary baking & fabulous plants. 

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🍰 Cream teas on the lawn, no pre-booking, £10 payable on the day - a typical cream tea includes plain/cheese and blueberry scone, ginger shortbread, tiffin, strawberry tart, strawberry and cream meringue.  Bring your picnic rug, or choose to sit at one of our tea tables under our marquee - 

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🍓Fresh punnets of strawberries for sale

🪴 Huge array of plants and seedlings for sale

🌺 Natural flower bouquets for sale

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All proceeds support Muirfield Riding Therapy - there might be a therapy pony or two making a special appearance at our event! 

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​Thank you very much,

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Deborah

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WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 30th MAY