This morning we officially launched the upcoming project Bridge of Don Remembers that will mark the centenary of the Armistice. All the schools from Bridge of Don were represented, including our very own Liam Dickson from P6. Barney Crockett, the Lord Provost, met with the children as well as members from the Legion and Poppy Scotland. Look out for more information in the local press. I’m sure they’ll have a better photograph compared to my poor effort!

Please read the information below from Police Scotland regarding pupils having sharply pointed articles in school and take any necessary action.

Thank you,

Jamie Mundie, Acting Head Teacher.

“As you may know, Police Scotland’s School Liaison Officers (SLOs) deliver classroom inputs to schools across the north east on several topics.  During a recent delivery of ‘Knives and Other Weapons’ to a class within the North East, the SLO was in discussion with the pupils about Section 49(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation)(Scotland) Act 1995 which states that it is an offence to have in a public place a bladed or sharply pointed article, and that a school premises is considered to be a public place.  At this juncture several pupils removed a small pair of scissors in a sheath, similar to the illustration below, from their pencil cases and asked if they would be considered a sharply pointed article.  The pupils added that the scissors had been part of a ‘Back to school’ pack they had bought that included items such as a ruler, protractor etc.  The SLO confirmed that the scissors would indeed be considered a sharply pointed article and, with the class teacher, took the scissors from the pupils.

As the scissors had been purchased as part of a ‘Back to school’ pack in good faith, no Police action is being considered regarding the possession of same by the pupils.  However, in all likelihood there will be other pupils across the north east who have purchased similar ‘Back to school’ packs that contain scissors, or who simply carry scissors in their school bag not knowing that they are deemed a sharply pointed article.”

We are excited to be taking part in an event entitled “Bridge of Don Remembers” next term.  All schools in the Bridge of Don will take part in the WWI Centenary event, working in collaboration with the BOD churches, the local community and the British Legion.  The school will participate in a series of events leading up to a special Service of Remembrance at the Balgownie Memorial on Sunday 11^th November.  These events include:

• Whole school Remembrance Assembly.
• Some children will visit the Legion to entertain members with songs and poems.
• Researching local war heroes.
• Artwork around the poppy theme.
• Use of a ‘Peace Wall’ to allow reflection.

If you have any artefacts, photos or stories about family members involved in the war, we would love to hear from you.

This week we welcome representatives from NSPCC who are coming in to Scotstown to deliver the Speak Out. Stay Safe. programme. Pasted below is information about the programme for parents with some very useful links to explore:

The NSPCC’s Speak out. Stay safe. programme is visiting Scotstown school to make sure the pupils have the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse.

I’m pleased to tell you that we will be working with the NSPCC, the UK’s leading children’s charity, who’ll be delivering their Speak out. Stay safe. programme on 11th September. This is a nationwide programme for every primary-school-aged child in the UK and Channel Islands. With the help of their friendly mascot Buddy, they’ll be presenting an assembly to the children in our school as well as a workshop for P6 and P7.

 “NSPCC has helped me to build the confidence to tell people about my worries and problems.” Child’s feedback

What is the Speak out. Stay safe. programme?

Through child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops their specially trained staff and volunteers will give our children information about how to keep themselves safe from harm and how to get help if they have any worries, sensitively discussing issues like bullying and sexual abuse, without using scary words or adult language.

We have studied the content of the materials and heard from other schools who have participated and are extremely confident that they are appropriate for primary-school-aged children. By the end of their visit, we’re convinced children will feel empowered – knowing how they can speak out and stay safe.

“This service provides important information in a child-friendly way – it should be made mandatory in all schools. A brilliant service!” Teacher, Wistaston Primary, Crewe

If you would like any more information about the NSPCC Speak out. Stay safe. programme, including frequently asked questions, you can find it on the NSPCC website nspcc.org.uk/schools or please come into speak to me and I can provide more information.

Talking about the Underwear Rule with your children

The NSPCC’s work in schools will help encourage conversations about staying safe – and they have a number of child-friendly materials to help you carry on the conversation afterwards. That includes ‘The Underwear Rule’, a simple way for parents to help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex.

The guide uses the rules of PANTS to teach children that their body belongs to them and them alone. You can find out more and download the free resources at nspcc.org.uk/pants

If you’d like to know more about the NSPCC’s work, or take a look at the wide range of information and advice which is available for parents and carers, please visit their website nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/

As this is our first post of the new session I’d like to welcome everyone back and say how much we’re looking forward to the new term. There will be a newsletter out very soon with lots of dates and information about upcoming events.

We did have a special lunchtime yesterday with a surprise for our very own super jannie,   Callum. The school gave a rousing version of Happy Birthday and he was presented with a very special Pie Cake to mark the occasion. As you can see he was fair chuffed!

To round off the session we organised a Health Week for the whole school to benefit from. This included obstacle courses, cricket coaching, smoothie bikes, team dodgeball, mini marathons, hockey sessions, pound (a mix of aerobics and drumming!) and other health related activities. It was a great way to finish the term. Thank you to all the coaches and volunteers who gave up their time to make this week a brilliant experience for everyone at Scotstown

Farewell and good luck to our P7 pupils who are moving on to secondary school. Our P7s have been fantastic role models this year and although we will really miss them, we wish them all the best as they embark on the next step of their schooling.

We spent our last full day with a nice, relaxing paddle down the River Spey…or so we thought! The P7s were in 4 boats, white water rafting down about a 5 mile stretch of the river. Each crew did really well as it was hard work in what has been quite a windy day. There was a few unexpected dips into the water where some accidentally fell in and others were more strategically done…but they didn’t manage to get Miss Hay into the river. We have just finished our disco where the boys were the winners of our Dance Off although they’ve still got a few moves to learn as demonstrated by Mr Mundie. All the staff at the centre, Miss Brash, Miss Hay and Mr Mundie have all been really impressed with the behaviour and excellent attitude that the group have had throughout the week. They’ve been a credit to the school. The packing starts now…oh no!

We spent the day on Loch Insh today doing canoeing and stand up paddle boarding. We had great fun working together to paddle in the right direction and then great fun working together to try and throw the teachers and instructors into the loch. There was not a dry patch of clothing in sight, particularly amongst the teachers as the P7s took this unique opportunity of payback for (quote) all the years of maths, reading comprehension and homework they’ve had to endure! Great fun!!!

On Day 2 we spent the day in the Gorge, canyoning through the Falls of Truim. There were lots of nervous looks as we headed for the big zip wire, abseiling and the big jumps during the Gorge walking. However, it always amazes me how fearless our P7s are as they threw themselves into all the activities. We had a brilliant day that ended with some games up in the hills and forests. These are just some of the action shots taken today. Miss Hay also used her waterproof camera so I’ll be sure to post these when we return to school. Canoeing and Mega Stand Up Paddle Boarding tomorrow!