bruntsfieldprimaryschool

Head Teacher’s Update 30/08/2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

Uniform

Most children have been looking very smart in our school colours.  We ask if every child wears at least their school sweater/cardigan every day.  Should you require more than one, we have lots of seconds in school.  Please send me a quick email at family@bruntsfield.edin.sch.uk ask at the School Office.

Homework

You may be aware we held a really interesting discussion on homework at a Parent Council Meeting last session.  We also had over 90 responses to our parents survey.  Staff and children were also consulted.  Homework is a polarising subject with every parent/carer in every school, but we want to get it right for at least the majority of our families.  We do feel overall that it has a benefit and we would like it to continue.  Here are the other collective statements we feel will accurately reflect our approach to homework in Bruntsfield:

Homework Essentials

  • Homework in Bruntsfield is recommended to support learning at all stages.
  • All homework should be consolidating what is done in class. Things need to be done in repetition.  This helps embed concepts and processes.
  • Set homework should take the child/family no longer than 30 minutes per week.
  • There will be a small weekly maths challenge and an aspect of literacy (reading, spelling or writing) 
  • There will be a longer set piece of work (perhaps over a month) linked to the IDL/topic.  It will be a family friendly challenge.
  • Class teachers may set a family discussion topic related to the weekly learning.
  • Classes will set homework to be completed online or in a jotter/on a worksheet.
  • Assessment of work completed will be done in class as appropriate.

Teddy Bears Picnic

It was a real pleasure to have a chance to meet most of our new P1 Parents and carers last Friday in the Hall at the Teddy Bears Picnic.  The hall was full of families enjoying a lunch and meeting new and like minded people from our community.  I left happy and a few pounds heavier!  Thanks to the Parent Council who organised the event.

Triple P course for parents and carers of 6 – 10 years

7 weekly course to support parents and carers to explore strategies to manage common behaviours such as aggressiveness, tantrums, shouting, answering back and refusing to follow rules.  Delivered in group sessions with the support of trained facilitators.   

 Goodtrees Community Centre, 5 Moredunvale Pl, Edinburgh EH17 7LB

Starts Thursday 12 September- 9.30am – 11.30am

We welcome applications directly from parents and carers or you can apply on their behalf, thank you.  Apply to attend a Primary Triple P course 

Football

Please see below information regarding our upcoming block of term-time football classes for boys and girls.  All sessions take place at our Forrester / St Augustine’s Community Sports Hub and range from age 3 to S1. 

  • Friday Football –  Friday Football is a fun, developmental football programme for boys and girls aged P1 – S1. The sessions focus on developing confidence on the ball through 3 main themes: ‘Protect The Ball’, ‘Beat The Player’ & ‘Attack The Space’. These themes are delivered primarily through skill practices, game-related practices and small-sided matches. These sessions are outdoor.

 P1-P4 : Fridays 2.00-2.55pm https://getedinburghactive.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=123854

 P5-S1 : Fridays 3.00-3.55pm https://getedinburghactive.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=123871

  • Mini Kickers – Mini Kickers is our fun, developmental introductory programme, which focuses on building motor skills and physical literacy through the enjoyment of football. These sessions are indoor.

 Age 3-4 : Saturdays 9.00-9.45am https://getedinburghactive.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=123818

 Age 4-5 : Saturdays 10.00-10.45am https://getedinburghactive.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=123836

 If you would be interested in finding out more information or booking a place, please visit the links above.

Financial Support and Advice for Families

The Advice Shop is City of Edinburgh Council’s welfare rights and debt advice service. It is accessible to all Edinburgh residents and aims to improve people’s financial situation by ensuring they have access to any welfare benefits that they may be entitled to and addressing any personal debt that is causing difficulties. Advisors can assist with filling in forms, advocacy with the DWP, Social Security Scotland, creditors, representation at benefit appeals etc.

They are able to provide all information and advice remotely or in person, including home visits when this is essential. They operate a telephone Advice Line on 0131 200 2360 which is open 5 days a week from 9am to 1pm, except Tuesdays start at 10am. These hours may increase toward the end of 2024. They are also accessible by email at advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk for non-urgent enquiries. People with urgent enquiries can attend their drop in at 249 High Street on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

More information on their webpage www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adviceshop where you can also submit an enquiry form to seek information and advice.