At our assembly, yesterday, we had a visitor from the Boy’s Brigade.  Ian, a development officer, with the organisation told us all about the fun things you can do when joining.  He also showed us a power point presentation about the water cycle and how you can help to support the environment by reducing the amount of water you use on a daily basis.   

Here are some fascinating water facts: 

• Our bodies are made up of 65% water.
• Our world’s surface is two-thirds covered in water. 
• 80% of the human brain is water.
• Water is made up of a mixture of Hydrogen and Oxygen and the chemical name for water is H(2)O – which represents two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom.
• Water takes on three different forms:
  1.)  Solid – frost , snow, ice.
  2.)  Liquid – rain, lakes, oceans, streams, ponds and rivers.
  3.)  Gas – water vapour.

Not all children in the world have access to clean drinking water.  The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child has ‘the right to the best health care possible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help you stay well’ (Article 24).

Many of the rights listed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are reflected in the work that we do in school. Some of the display boards around the school now have a sign displaying the right and article of the convention that the work reflects. Some examples are pictured below. See if you can spot any more in the school over the next few weeks!

We raised funds for UNICEF on Friday, 10th February by participating in the Day for Change event.  Day for Change 2012 focused on UNICEF’s Education through Sport programme in Uganda, where sport and play are used to improve the health and happiness of children. Sport can enrich children’s lives, building confidence and respect, and helping them learn the importance of teamwork. 

In Uganda, UNICEF uses sport and play to reach vulnerable children who are often excluded such as orphans, children with disabilities, former child soldiers, child refugees and children left homeless by conflict.  Find out about one child’s story by clicking on the link below:

http://www.unicef.org.uk/Latest/Photo-stories/Carolines-Story/

Last week all our classes were visited by Robyn from the Scottish SPCA.  She spoke to us about the work of the Scottish SPCA, wildlife welfare, responsible pet ownership and the health and hygiene of animals.  Robyn also focused on the world of work and we were able to ask her questions about her job and career path.

The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s animal welfare charity.  They receive no government or lottery funding and rely on public donations to rescue abandoned and neglected animals across Scotland.  Further information about this charity can be found at:

http://www.scottishspca.org/

Robyn gave a chat to P1-3 and then spent Wednesday and Friday visiting the P4-7 classes.  Her visit was very informative and as well as being a good role model she promoted positive citizenship values.