Dear Parents and Carers

• Welcome to Mrs Jane Jenkinson, our new Clerical Assistant who started this week.
• Building Resilience: this month’s theme is ‘Look on the Bright Side’. Even the title made me smile today!
• This is Dyslexia Awareness Week. Dyslexia Scotland would like to make Scotland a dyslexia friendly destination, where everyone understands how dyslexia impacts on children’s lives. Please see their website for information, useful links and online events at:  https://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/dyslexia-awareness-week-scotland
• Black History Month: some of the learning in school focused on:
  • the 1963 ‘Bristol Bus Boycott’, Children discussed the resulting impact on equality for black communities in Britain.
  • Others made Mini-book fact-files on Influential Black People from the past. The children were assigned a range of e-books to read via ‘Epic’ and selected one person of interest to research. They created fact-files including key facts, illustrations, front cover, blurb, contents and index.
  • Some focused on Black History Timelines by revisiting influential moments in Black History and discussed how those events have shaped the equalities landscape today. The children then condensed the information into what they felt were the most significant factors and created their own timelines displaying their chosen events in chronological order. They spent some time sharing and justifying their selections.
  • Some looked at the Cotton Trade as part of their Industrial Revolution project and the impact this had on the growth and economy of British cities. They looked at where cotton came from, the transatlantic slave trade, the contribution this made to the industry, wealth of British Citizens and the cost to the African people.
  • Some learned about the story of Rosa Parks and the far-reaching impact it had on black communities all over the world. They updated the story to modern times by creating news reports on iMovie, using transitions and text to enhance the production quality. The children learned how to create a script and use ‘journalistic language’ throughout to ensure the reporting was realistic.
  • Others learned about different styles of music which were introduced through black communities such as blues, jazz and reggae. They discussed the influence of these styles on music today and then listened to music from a variety of influential black music artists from the past. The children used iPads to scan QR codes and access each piece of music before using data handling skills to record information about each track in an organised table. They chatted about music appreciation and discussed how the mood of songs can appeal to our personal tastes.
• School Lunches: Please remember to select your child’s lunch choice via Parent Pay, even though they are free. This allows the kitchen staff to know the daily numbers and order fresh fruit, vegetables and prepare the correct amount without waste. We have had up to thirty children not booking per day and we really want to be able to offer their first choice.
• Road Safety: as the days are shorter now, please consider reflective badges on children’s jackets and/or bags. Bright, reflective colours do help the children be seen on the pavements and as they are crossing the road. We are still looking for another crossing patrol guide if you know of anyone who is interested please let us know.
• COP26: The National Museum of Scotland is showcasing an art installation ‘And if not now, when?’ to coincide with COP26. The installation invites the audience to experience a transformed urban reality in response to the climate emergency. To accompany this work our P3/4, P4A and P4B pupils were invited to draw their vision of a more environmentally friendly Bruntsfield. A selection of the children’s artwork will be on display alongside the installation in the museum until 14 November. The pupils will also be visiting the museum.   https://www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events/events/national-museum-of-scotland/and-if-not-now-when/
• We have been given a copy of ‘It’s Up to Us’ by Christopher Lloyd, a book for our library which explores and explains the history, causes and climate change. It is illustrated by 33 artists from around the world and well worth reading!
• P1 Registration for August 2022: If your child’s date of birth is between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 they are due to start Primary 1 in August 2022. Please register them online between 1^st to 19^th November 2021 www.edinburgh.gov.uk/p1registration Information for new P1 parents and carers has been posted on our website in the ‘Transition to Primary One’ section: Primary One at Bruntsfield Primary School: Ready for School August 2022. Translations in Arabic, Gaelic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Polish and Urdu are also on our website with links to the application form.
• P7 Virtual Open Afternoon: P7 parents and carers have been emailed details of the programme and how to access the videos and information links. The 3 day transition programme, for current Primary 7 pupils, will take place from Tuesday 14^th to Thursday 16^th June 2022.  If your P7 child is in the Boroughmuir catchment area, they will automatically be given a place. If you would like an out of catchment school, please apply via the City of Edinburgh Website.
• Fire Safety: the classes have been reminded of Fire Safety. Taking care during Bonfire Night has been discussed with the children. It would be really helpful if you could please discuss fire safety with your children too.
• Save the Date: Parent Council Events Team are organising a Winter Event for Saturday 27 November: Details to follow.

As always, if there is anything we can do to help, please contact us at admin@bruntsfield.edin.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Carol Kyle