Mr Cooper and some of his pupils from Bridge of Don Academy came to visit P7 to work on some maths challenges. This was a great opportunity for the P7s to show Secondary staff how hard they are working in maths. This visit is one of many opportunities for the P7s to get to know some of the teachers they may have next year.

Luke, Danielle, Jack and Cormac (P6) all represented Scotstown School at the Aberdeen Big Language Quiz at the Beach Ballroom. They took part in activities in French, Spanish, Italian and German then they participated in the Big Quiz. Although they did not win, they scored very well and had lots of fun.

The gym hall had a slightly different appearance this week as some classes had a go at some of the Paralympic events that are happening in Rio at the moment. Some classes tried out wearing blindfolds to play Goalball, some tried Boccia and others had a chance to experience Sitting Volleyball. The children agreed on how enjoyable and challenging some of the games were and made them appreciate how talented the paralympic athletes are.

On Monday 12th September we were fortunate to have Paul Hay, an Internet Safety trainer come in and work with the children throughout the whole school.  This was a very successful day as everyone received really good advice and top tips about keeping yourself safe online. Below are the links Paul sent to the school that he would recommend on Internet Safety.

Internet Safety

Our children love to use the internet specially to play games and to communicate with their friends. The way they start using computers and the guidance they are given at this young age can set them on the right path to being safer in later life.

At Scotstown school we ensure that our children are taught the basic tips of Internet Safety in every year group.

We recently had an Internet Safety Day. It was run by Paul Hay who is an expert in Internet Safety. Paul worked with the teachers to lead an assembly and run class lessons.

For the younger years, we use a cartoon which was created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection agency (CEOPs). You can see the cartoon on YouTube by clicking here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxYily6t4LQ

It tells the children the 4 Top Tips they need to remember.

* Top Tip 1 : People you don’t know are strangers. They’re not always who they say they are.

* Top Tip 2 : Be nice to people on the computer like you would in the playground.

* Top Tip 3 : Keep your personal information private.

* Top Tip 4 : If you ever get that ‘uh oh’ feeling, you should tell a grown-up you trust.

Click here to download and print your own poster http://www.pclstraining.com/app/download/2634043/Sids+Top+Tips+Poster.pdf

For the older year groups, we had a special lesson to help them understand social media and how to be careful using it.

They were shown a video to help understand. You can see that video on YouTube by clicking here

https://youtu.be/_o8auwnJtqE

We also held sessions for parents. It is important for all parents to learn about how children use the internet so they can carry on the discussion with their own children at home.

Paul has provided links to useful sites to learn more about Internet Safety and watch other related videos. Here is the site www.pclstraining.com/links

Paul is also happy for parents to contact him with any questions you may have. paul.hay@pclstraining.com

“Digital Parenting” magazine An organisation called Parentzone have created a great magazine for parents to help them understand how young people use the internet and provide help. Click here for the online version

http://vodafonedigitalparenting.co.uk/ or Click here to download your own copy

http://vodafonedigitalparenting.co.uk/offline/download.pdf

September’s whole school homework challenge is all to do with the amazing Roald Dahl, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month. The children can choose from either of the 3 activities from the sheet shown below. The challenge can be completed on A4 paper or on the computer and will be handed in before Friday 16th September. We’re expecting some scrumdiddlyumptious results as these will be displayed on the Scotstown Superstars board at the front door.

A huge congratulations to our P6/7 football team who beat Greenbrae 7-1 to win the Bridge of Don Cup. The boys had played really well through the group games and were deserving winners of the trophy. The last time Scotstown  held the cup was 1996. It was a fantastic team performance and huge credit must go to the coaches who have given up their time and got the boys playing super football. Well done from everyone at Scotstown.

Our final full day (a www!) was action packed with Gorge Walking, Abseiling and the Disco to finish things off. Jumping into rivers, bouncing down cliffs and dancing the night away…what better way to end a fantastic week. The children have had a great time and will have lots of fond memories to take home with them. See you all tomorrow.

The sunshine thankfully returned on Wednesday but that didn’t stop us getting wet as we were white water rafting down the River Spey. We had a brilliant day with a few people getting wetter than others because some sneaky splashing from other boats! No photos from the rafting but I’m sure you will hear all about it when we come home. Our evening activity was the Nightline where everyone had to work together round an obstacle course through the forest…blindfolded. Good fun was had by all. Gorge walking, abseiling and the disco for our final full day on Thursday.

Wet, wet, wet! We were treated to proper Scottish Highland weather today. We ventured to Loch Insh for a day of Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding. Unfortunately we had to cut the sessions short because of a spectacular thunderstorm. We came back to the Lodge and enjoyed some team challenges. Congratulations to Nathan, Blair, Matthew, Olivia, Rosie and Morven who won the Village Quiz Challenge. White Water Rafting tomorrow. Minus the torrential rain hopefully.

We had a sizzling start to our Newtonmore trip with glorious sunshine on our arrival. However, after getting our factor 50 lotion slapped on, the Aberdeen weather decided to follow us. We got a little bit wet at the Highland Folk Museum but then it cleared up for our Wildcat Trail walk in the evening. Hopefully we will have a quiet first night at the Lodge…or is that wishful thinking! Canoeing and Team games are Tuesday’s activities so fingers crossed for sunshine.