Parents
News
Tuesday Notice no 5 autumn 2009
1 October 2009 in Tuesday Notice
MICHAELMAS - the festival of the Archangel Michael. Michaelmas comes at a turning point in the year when the world of nature appears to be less active and is fading and apparently dying. We, however, need to draw on inner resources so that we do not ‘fade away’ as does the natural world. The human qualities we need to draw on at this time are those of the will. We call on courage, on inner strength and on clarity of thought. Michaelmas is a good time for new initiatives, not only in our surroundings but in the wider world.
One way in which we mark this festival in our school is with an assembly where pupils of Class 2 – 4 perform a special Michaelmas play. This play will be performed for parents and friends on Saturday 3rd October 3pm in the Hall.
FLU POLICY - Since the summer of 2009 the Government has revised its strategy for managing AH1N1 (swine flu) from a phase of ‘containment’ to a phase of ‘treatment.’ While it is accepted that the number of cases of flu has risen over the last week or so, and is likely to rise further through the autumn and winter, there is no evidence that the virus is becoming more harmful or virulent. Scottish schools, including ours, have been advised to maintain, as far as possible, ‘business as usual.’ The extent to which this aspiration is possible will depend upon adequate pupil attendance and appropriate levels of staffing. The Care Commission in particular has issued guidance for registered children’s services which sets out clear and prudent steps that parents and providers can take to support ‘business as usual’ while ensuring that children are protected. This advice forms the basis of our pandemic flu policy. The full policy is available from the office and will soon be published on the ‘parents’ section of the website. The important elements of the policy are these: that the school will remain open where possible; that staff or pupils who are unwell should remain at home and seek medical advice; and that in the event of high levels of absence it may be necessary to temporarily combine classes of a similar age group. The Management Group will continue to monitor the advice issued by the Scottish Government, the Care Commission, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools and the Local Authority. We will inform parents where appropriate via the Tuesday Notice or, where there are dramatic changes to the advice we receive, by letter to all parents. Up to date information can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/health/AvianInfluenza/mexincanswineflu . The Management Group
‘NEW PARENTS’ Parents Evening in the Eurythmy Room on 30th September at 8pm.
All parents who have joined the school within the last year are warmly invited to the New Parents Evening on Wednesday 30th September. This is a chance to find out more about the school and meet the people involved in it.
CHICKEN POX – There is Chicken Pox going round in the Kindergarten.
DANCE WORKSHOP/PARTY with Walter, Twyla and Celina Dill in the School Hallon Wednesday, 7th October, 6.30 – 8.30pm. No dance experience necessary, just a willingness to have a good time! The Dills will show you dances from around the world. Singles, couples, families and all ages welcome, £5 per adult, £3 for the under-18s. Check out the website at www.everyonecandance.com.
JUMBLE SALE – CLASS 8 JUMBLE SALE - Sat 10th October at 10.30 am – 1.00pm
Class 8 welcomes any donations for the Jumble Sale. Books you’ll never read again, old records & CD, Videos that you have got tired of watching…., toys, clothes, shoes & handbags, Bric a Brac and some small furniture etc. Please bring any donations to the school on Friday 9th October. Large items/ quantities can be collected.
We also need helpers on the Friday evening for sorting jumble and set up and on the day itself for selling at the stalls. If you have some spare time and could offer a couple of hours please phone Chris Lord on 01620 825 205.
EDINBURGH AND MIDLOTHIAN SCHOOLS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009
If you have a child aged 12/13 years (born 1996/1997) or older and are interested in swimming for the school then please contact Vivienne Mackay on 476 1013 to find out more. This year the heats will take place at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre from 1.0pm on Sunday 15 November 2009.
THE CHRISTMAS MARKET CRAFT GROUP now meets on Wednesdays from 9 – 10.30am, beginning 16th Sept.
TODDLER SLIPPERS - Would any parents from the school community be interested in knitting or felting little toddler slippers for the parent and toddler group. Wool supplied if necessary and unlimited supplies of toddler biscuits in return! Please call Anne on 01875 320 791 if you would like to help. Thanks.
Please note: The School does not necessarily endorse or warrant the following information relating to activities or articles for sale. All notices for inclusion should be signed and dated and handed into the office, with appropriate payment, before 10.30am the preceding Friday. £2.00 for school ads, £3.00 out with.
ARTISTS’ OPEN STUDIOS, Saturday 3rd October 11am – 5pm and Sunday 4th October 12am – 5pm at Wasps, West Park Place, Dalry. Damian Callan (school parent) and other artists participating. For further information 07951898560. All welcome.
AUTUMN ECHOES. On Friday 9th October, Pishwanton Wood, Longyester near Gifford hosts a Musical evening. The Skampa-Rezek Duo will perform works from Vivaldi, Beethoven, Dvorak and Martinu on the cello and piano. At 5pm – 6.30pm. Refreshments available. Suggested donation adult £8 children free. For further information tel: 01620 810 891 or 01620 810 259. All welcome.
ANTHROPOSOPHICAL STUDY GROUP. My name is Evan and I am a first year student of the Steiner-Waldorf Kindergarten Diploma. I’m looking for people interested in taking part in an anthroposophical study group. It would hopefully meet on a weekly basis in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Please contact 0131 467 3006.
FORM CREATING FORCE – Crystals, Polarization and light with Malin Starrett, D. Phil. Sunday 11th October
A one day event with many beautiful experiments to explore the mysterious world of crystals and light. Suitable for anyone interested in crystals. Sunday 11th October, 10am to 3.30pm at Columcille Centre, 2 New Battle Terrace, cost £25. For booking contact Terry Mullen on 0131 447 9571
VIOLIN LESSONS available in school. If you are interested please contact Songsue Williams on 0131 337 5102 or email sonsueoh@hotmail.com
SPARKLE & SHINE DOMESTIC CLEANING. One-off cleans, students flats. Mobile 075 45 52 6570.
ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEG – Thinking about a local organic fruit + veg box? Oxenfoord Organics can deliver a box of your choice to your doorstep. Contact us at our stall at the Friday Market, visit our website oxenfoordorganics.com or give us a call on 01875 320 359.
NEED HELP AROUND THE HOUSE? Joinery & maintenance - kitchens, bookcases, repairs, doors, flat pack, windows, renovations, traditional and bespoke. Call Dorian or Andrew for a quote 07834315138