Oxgangs Primary School Active Learning News

April 2009 Susan Banks and Louise It takes full advantage of from mainly whole class Mercer were invited to the opportunities for teaching, to more focused make a presentation to the learning presented by: group teaching Head Teachers’ ● spontaneous play 3 Children having some Conference on Active ● planned, purposeful choice over the structure Learning in Oxgangs. play of their day During the session ● investigating, exploring 4 There are more 2007/2008 we became ● events & life opportunities for children involved in a pilot experiences to work independently and programme to promote ● focused learning and collaboratively with their active learning in the early teaching peers years. This has meant 5 Children are encouraged looking closely at what we The emphasis is not only to think about what they have been doing in the on ‘what’ the children are are learning and what the early years and deciding learning, but also on next steps are. what can be ‘how’ We continue to use direct done in our Aspects of the teaching to introduce new setting to take programme will What changes skills to the children. This a more active have we made in however, is now balanced approach to be rolled p1 and p2 at with planned activities learning. throughout P1 Oxgangs? where children can to P7. practise their new skills

What do we and work co-operatively mean by active learning at 1 Layout of the learning in small groups. Oxgangs? environment is more similar to nursery than Learning which engages previously to enable a and challenges children’s smoother transition for thinking using real-life children. and imaginary situations. 2 We have moved away May Fair 9th May Miss Banks (P1) Miss Mercer (P2)

Sue Ballantyne has stepped As an early introduction to the work of the PTA, organising down as Chairperson of the this year’s May Fair is certainly a barnstormer. It is a big P.T.A. Committee. On event in the schools calendar made an awful lot easier with behalf of the Committee, help from the parents/carers. It really is true to say that many parents and staff, we would hands make light work. So, a simple plea from me to you as a like to thank her for her parent, that if you have time to help, even in a small way, we hard work and dedication will make sure we use your time wisely and to good effect. over the last three years. Examples of where we could do with some help are manning stalls, help with delivery and pick-ups; or last minute running We would also like to around. However, the list of jobs is almost endless. The main welcome Caroline Woolley thing to bear in mind is that it’s a great fundraiser for the who has taken over the community and the children love it. position. We wish her every success in this challenging If you would like to help in the May Fair – planned for 9 th May role. - get in touch with me at c.woolley164@btinternet. com or leave your details in the PTA envelope on the notice board.

Inside this issue: We are also looking for fresh ideas for a social evening for parents later on in the year. Something fun which raises money Our Head 2 but which encourages involvement of parents in our school

PARENT COUNCIL NEWSLETTER community. Again get in touch with me at my e-mail or place Nursery and Skiing 2 a note in the PTA envelope. Update on Past Events 3 Finally, a reminder to parents ordering school uniforms in May PDG 3 to remember that this order covers the P7 Camp 3 period of August when children are starting or returning to school. More School History 4 information will follow nearer the time.

Club Timetable 4

Oxgangs Primary - News Hope to see you all at the May Fair. Tennis Pro in our Midst

My Life So Far successes of schools in the last ten years One of the down side of tennis is that or so, I would say that the majority of sometimes it is a bit like work in that if I I try not to think of this very often but I pupils leaving Oxgangs are now articulate am a captain, president or coach I can have to confess that I have now been at and confident young people. spend a great deal of time doing similar Oxgangs for nearly twenty years. Many of tasks which I do in my day job! you will be wondering why I did not move Like many people, I seem to spend a large on years ago but I have chosen not to proportion of my time at work. When I am because I really do think that there is not working, my main interest is playing Local Bobby something special about the atmosphere tennis at least two to three times per week. My name is Jim Gillanders and I have been which the children, staff, Although not blessed with great a police officer for twenty years and started parents and the wider talent, I have gained a lot of my career in London in 1989. I transferred community bring to the pleasure from some of the to Lothian and Borders Police in November school. successes I have achieved on the 1997. court. I have now decided I must th I started off my teaching be a late developer because the On 16 February 2009 I took up a position career in Inverkeithing majority of any achievements I of the High School Link Officer Primary in Fife where I stayed have experienced have been as a and work within the school. There are six for three years, moved on to veteran if only because everyone school link officers within Edinburgh and Sighthill Primary in else who owned a racquet has Lothian & Borders Police are just one of Edinburgh for five years, was given up or died along the way! the many agencies that now work within promoted to an Assistant Veterans age groups in tennis start these schools to support the pupils. Head post at Almondbank at over 35s and go up in five year Primary in Livingston for intervals (over 40s, 45s and so on.) I take part in the Personal and Social nearly three years before I I started playing when I was about Education Classes with the guidance staff became Head Teacher at twelve and did win some to assist and promote what ever subject is Mr Keith Berkley tournaments, played for some very being taught. At this time I have been Polkemmet Primary in Whitburn Wimbledon Cup? where I stayed for seven years successful teams as a senior and involved in 30 classes and I have used these before returning to Edinburgh. represented my County at British County classes to introduce myself to the pupils, to Week which is still a major annual event tell them about my role here and how I can played at various centres in England on assist them. I will also be working with the My main educational reason for applying grass – a surface foreign to Scottish P7 children from our feeder schools when to become a Head Teacher was to have the players. As a veteran I was absolutely they attend the high school for their opportunity to try to change what I delighted when I was first chosen to introductions. considered to be some of the boring and represent and I have been pointless teaching practices which existed fortunate enough to play and, usually at the time. I think we have now moved The school is still responsible for all captain, one of the various age groups at disciplinary issues within the school or away from the days when children did a the Four Nations (Scotland, England, involving their pupils. If a crime occurs disproportionate amount of listening and Ireland, Wales) ever since. The Scottish involving the pupils either on their way to writing in a classroom where the teacher championships attract a sizeable number or from school I can deal with it but in the did nearly all of the talking. I believe we of the better English players and I have first instance anything must be reported to are now in the position where children’s had my moments of glory by being the Management Team of the school who views are encouraged and valued. If you Scottish Champion on one or two can refer the complainers to me. were to ask me for one of the main occasions. I will be going on a course on restorative justice soon and we will be using this method to deal with disputes and minor What’s Going On incidents.

A big thank you to everyone who helped

NURSERY raise £104 for the Comic Relief appeal. Another busy term in Nursery. In January We came to Nursery in fancy dress or we had a visit from Lilian and her friend wearing red. We had our red noses of PJ Bear (he really likes his pyjamas). They course came along to say thank you for the money we raised for the Sick Kids at our Christmas Celebration. P6 SKIING Did you know that all P6 pupils are All our children have enjoyed a visit to offered skiing or snowboarding lessons in Farm and we are hoping to arrange P6? These are taking place in the summer more successful outings after Easter. term on Thursday mornings from 23 rd April until 4 th June. We do still need Now is the time to work on our garden parent helpers to accompany the classes so area. We are going to be really busy soon if you are available and interested please planting seeds. contact the school office

Page 2 OXGANGS PRIMARY - NEWS Well Done YOU!

Oxgangs sees RED for the Primary 2 classes also carried out a survey These events could not take place without British Heart Foundation. of staff and their favourite books. the support of parents both in purchasing books and helping during the week. A big

Primary 4b made their own Oxford thanks to all those who contributed to the Over £250 was raised by pupils and staff th Reading Tree books, which they shared success of this event. Please continue to on Friday, 13 February when Mr Alan with the Primary 2 classes who are also support the book fairs in school by Hawke came to Oxgangs to explain the making their own. volunteering to help on viewing and work of the British Heart Foundation. buying days. Children wore something red to show their support and ran in the playground to give As in previous years, World Book Day their own hearts a good work out! coincided with the Spring Book Fair. This Red Nose Day th was a great success with over £1,500 On Friday 13 March it looked like pupils worth of books being sold and over £800 Red for Heart pins were available to buy and some teachers were running late for of commission made. for £1 donation. school; arriving still dressed in their This will be used to buy pyjamas. Watching P6 boys try to play new books for the library, football at break in pyjamas and dressing World Book Day new group novels for gowns was quite amusing. Many others Primary 2, 6 and 5/6 classes, new books for were dressed up and lots had red hair and celebrated World Book the Nursery as well as noses. Almost £570 was raised by pupils Day earlier this month by some books for and staff. A lot of fun was had by all. The dressing up as their individual class libraries. infant corridor was full of comedians and favourite character. The talent shows galore.

Playground Development Group (PDG) The pictures say it all - the new pavilion is here!

Our aim is to provide a playground environment that the children are happy with and create a good first impression of the school. A major achievement has been the environmental garden. Some time ago the children were given a health questionnaire asking them what they felt was important in the playground. The majority response was ‘shade and shelter’. The pavilion (see photograph) was constructed to provide this. It is also envisaged that the pavilion will be used for nature studies during class-time. We were able to provide this through a fundraising event organised by the PTA together with a number of grants and donations. We have received a new ‘Grounds for Awareness’ grant and this will be used to purchase: Meadow flowers, wooden planters, a bat box and bird boxes. These will be used at or near the environmental garden. The Morrison’s ‘Let’s Grow’ vouchers that were handed into school last term have enabled the PDG to order: watering cans, plant pots and saucers, garden gloves, hand forks, spades and spring sowing seeds. So, thank you for your help! Thermo-plastic road markings in the playground for cycling proficiency are currently being investigated. This is a costly procedure so, look out for any fundraising events. As with all gardens, the grounds are a continual work-in-progress. There are many ways you can become involved: help at garden work parties, attend meetings or give suggestions for improvements, grow plants for the May Fair or join the ‘100 club’ to help raise funds.

P7 CAMP

Each year P7s can attend a camp, usually This year the P7s are off to Lendrick running from Monday to Friday, and Muir near Kinross, but the school varies normally during the summer term. The P7 the venue depending on facilities available teachers are helped by other adults trained each year, and costs involved. Some years Please remember to have all fees paid on to deal with a squad of 11 year- olds! Oxgangs joins with other schools in the time. If you are experiencing any Firrhill cluster, but this year the difficulty, please contact Mr Berkley. Lots of activities are included in the week accommodation suits only one school. and this year the P7s chose a range of activities including orienteering, archery, Everyone usually agrees it's great fun to tree climbs and visits to Dundee Science be away from mum and dad for the week! Centre and Camperdown Wildlife Zoo.

OXGANGS PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS Page 3 1955-1974 Mr James Corbett PARENT COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 1974-1982 Mrs Agnes Wright For further information please contact (Parent Council); 1982-1989 Miss Marion McGrouther Mr Keith Hargest (Chair) P3 & 5 EEEmail: E [email protected] Mr Gerald Murphy (Vice-Chair) P1 EEEmail: E [email protected] 1989- Mr Keith Berkley (longest serving) Mrs Audrey Timmins (Clerk) P5 & 7 EEEmail: E [email protected] The most newsworthy event in the school history was the fire on Ms Carol Munro (Treasurer) - EEEmail: E [email protected] 25th October 2001. A total of 10 classrooms were damaged - 4

Sub-Committees: completely destroyed. PTA: Mrs Caroline Woolley (Chair) P1 EEEmail: E [email protected] Sandy McCaskey (Vice-Chair) Three youths (not former pupils) bought petrol from the local garage Mrs Sue Murphy (Secretary) P5 EEEmail: E [email protected] before heading up to their original target, . Their James Thorburn (Treasurer) P3 EEEmail: E [email protected] attempts there were thwarted by the janitor who chased them off the PDG: premises. Regretfully, intent on causing mindless damage, they Mrs Audrey Timmins (Secretary) P5 & 7 EEEmail: E [email protected] made their way to Oxgangs Primary School. Telephone enquiries to Mr K Hargest 0131 444 0062 While the youths were quickly apprehended by the Parents and teachers working together Police, the school was closed following the fire and P3 for a better future and a better school to P7 were unable to attend school until classrooms were made available for them at Firrhill.

Oxgangs’ Past Oxgangs has had its successes also. In addition to achieving excellent attainment results last year, the Oxgangs Primary was officially opened on 25th August 1955 school can even boast that some of the former pupils with 427 pupils. The Acting Head Teacher was Mr Henry are now in the lime light. Stephen Whitson performed Nicola Roy Vickers. in Chicago, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the Producers.

Despite the school being in its 54th year there have only been Nicola Roy, a former pupil, plays a lead role in River City and Hope four Head Teachers; Springs, both on the BBC. She has also had numerous theatre roles. Clubs and Activities Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Gym Hall eve Lesley Coutts Gymnastics 664 6537 School 3.20 Mrs Frew Recorder P5-6 Dining 3.20pm Rev McQuarrie Chess Nursery Miss Knight Brass Group Firrhill High Lunch Time Club Mrs Penman P5-7 Choir Ox Pitch 1.30 Ms Norman Cluster Rugby P5-7 Gym 4.30, 5.15 or 6.15 Just Judo JUDO 334 0027 Lunch Time Club Gordon McBirnie Jaffa Club P5-7 Braidburn 5.45 Mr A Coventry Football P4 445 1338 Braidburn 5.45 Ali Johnston Football P5 445 4680 Ox Pitch 6.45 John Falconer Football P6 455 7477 Ox Pitch 4.45 Ken Timmins Football P7 441 2711 School to 5.30 School to 5.30 School to 5.30 School to 5.30 School to 4.00 Mrs Robertson Mrs Robertson Mrs Robertson Mrs Robertson Mrs Robertson Afterschool Club 443 9300 443 9300 443 9300 443 9300 443 9300 The are a number of other groups such as basketball, rugby, kickers, tennis, chanters, cycling, swimming and skiing. Please contact the school for further details

Green Free / Red Fee If no contact details - refer school office