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Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Kathryn Purchase from History Alive to the P6/7 classroom! The pupils have been investigating Scotland at the time of Wallace and Bruce and Kathryn’s presentation brought this history period alive and visual – and what an amazing morning we all had!

Kathryn took us on a whistle-stop tour of Scotland (and England and France!) at the time of the 1280s onwards. We learnt about the influence of the French Normans, the rule of Edward I, the importance of the Church and the power struggle which was taking place in Scotland caused by the death of King Alexander III. We enjoyed sharing what we had already learnt about this – we have researched as far as Wiliam Wallace so far – and Kathryn told us about the battles and key figures which followed next culminating in the reign of Robert the Bruce.

My goodness but the battles were gruesome! Kathryn had some replicas and explained about the Scottish victories and defeats and how important weaponry was.

The class enjoyed exploring the replicas and costumes – it was such a great way to learn!

Just  take a look at the photos below…

 

The pupils of Leswalt Primary have had a super busy month with all things Scots! Each pupil was set the challenge of learning a Scots poem, writing it out in the very best handwriting and creating some fabulous artwork to go with it. These formed January’s homework tasks.

On Monday, Mrs Buchanan had the unenviable job of judging this  – she was ably assisted by Mrs Cash Leswalt Church’s minister. Phew! They had a very tricky job on their hands!

But, to keep the excitement going…. the pupils only found out who were the winners today at our annual Scots’ Showcase Afternoon to which friends and family were warmly invited to attend!

The audience were treated to Scots’ songs, wonderfully expressive recitations and a display of fantastic artwork and handwriting. Well done to all the weans!

Leswalt Primary School Burns Results 2025

Class 1

Poem – Wee Red Motor

Recitation winners:

1. Erin

2. Ada

3. Jessica

Illustration winners:

1. Erin

2. Betty

3. Jessica

Handwriting winners:

1. Gregor

2. Jessica

3. Erin

Class 2

Poem – The Elephant

Recitation winners:

1. Cameron

2. Jorgie

3. Beathan

Illustration winners:

1. James

2. Cameron

3. Beathan

Handwriting winners:

1. James

2. Jorgie

3. Cameron

Class 3

Poem – The Circus

Recitation winners:

1. Hannah

2. Kiera

3. Emma

Illustration winners:

1. Kiera

2. Thea

3. Emma

 

Handwriting winners:

1. Hannah

2. Eilidh

3. Aira-Rose

Class 4

Poem – Magic Pizza

Recitation winners:

1. Ellie Burton

Illustration winners:

1. Lily Bennewith

Handwriting winners:

1. Lily Bennewith

Class 6

Poem – A Dug a Dug

Recitation winners:

1. Colin

2. Roman

3. Murray/ Rachael

Illustration winners:

1. Murray

2. Roman

3. Rebecca

Handwriting winners:

1. Rachael

2. Rebecca

3. Ben

Class 7

Poem – Anything by Burns

Recitation winners:

1. Ela

2. Daisy

3. Holly/Isla/Ben

Illustration winners:

1. Ellie

2. Sean

3. Ela

Handwriting winners:

1. Holly

2. Amelia

3. Ewan/Ela

UNCRC Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

 

 

Another fabulously fun session with Niamh today (who did say  this class was her favourite one to visit!) Every pupil listens well, follows instructions and gets stuck in – oh my do they get stuck in?! The state of their clothes and hands  is testament to that!

Niamh is super keen for each and every one of them to come along to the Junior Rugby sessions on a Sunday as  they all show great promise! It would be fantastic to see some of them take her up on this offer… 🙂

UNCRC   Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

Big thank you to Ellie and Sean for representing Leswalt Primary so well at the recent Rotary Lunch. Their polite manners were as expected from this pair and we were delighted to nominate them to attend.

Mr Alec Ross talked about To a Mouse by Robert Burns and gave an excellent recitation  and explanation of this. Ellie and Sean enjoyed the chat with Rotary Club members and other P7 pupils representing our local area. They also enjoyed a slap-up lunch!

A lovely way to start the week – and a chance to thanks 2 very Responsible Citizens for their great behaviour!

UNCRC

Article 31 – Rest, Play, Culture, Arts.

Article 29 – Aims of Education

Primary 1-4 were delighted that their input from Lighthouse musicians today had the added bonus of a special visitor in the form of Mr John Harvey and his bagpipes.

John played some traditional, and not so traditional songs on his bagpipes for all to jig along to.  He also allowed pupils the chance to have a go playing them and try on some kilts.

This musical input ties in perfectly with the current Scots literacy focus we have in school for the month of January.  The children enjoyed the pipes being played – and Mrs Baillie had some explanations to people on the phone to her this afternoon!

Today P6/7 enjoyed their first rugby session with Niamh Wilson from the Rugby Development Team. It was a muddy affair – which the pupils loved!- and lots of fun!

They enjoyed a game of SWAP where pupils marked a cone and then swapped over – though others could intercept and take over a cone. A game needing quick movement. They also played ‘Capture the Flag’ which was a team game to encourage dodging the opposition and effective communication.

The session ended with lots of flushed faces (under the mud!) and happy smiles! And they even continued their rugby fun at breaktime too!

Roll on next week!

Article 29 Aims of Education

Article 31 Rest, Play, Culture, Arts

 

The staff and pupils got together today to toast in the New Year and enjoy some Scottish traditions as it was the first opportunity we’d all had to be together and to wish everyone all the best for 2025!

A toast was raised with some Irn Bru and a piece of shortbread followed by a rousing rendition of Auld Lamg Syne. We also had a chat about the significance of Rabbie Burns – as Scots poems are being issued this week!

Then it was through to the hall for our very own Leswalt Primary Ceilidh!

The Gay Gordons had everyone smiling and a little out of breath then it was on to a birl through the Canadian Barn Dance! We ended with an attempt at Strip the Willow – great fun but we might have a few more shots to get it right!

We have decided to enjoy some Scottish dance throughout January Scots Month as part of our P.E.. We can’t wait for Ceilidh Mondays when we’ll be twirling and jigging like pros in no time!

 

Article 31 – Rest, Play, Culture and Arts

 

The stage was set, the glitter and fake beards had been applied, the cast were ready and the audience sat in anticipation of the annual Leswalt Primary Christmas Show! It was time to launch ‘It’s Chriiiistmas!”

Friends and family had flocked from far and wide – clearly word had got about as to just how amazing all of our pupils perform. And perform they most certainly did! The roof was well and truly lifted with the sound of their happy singing as they put on their production of ‘It’s Chriiiiistmas’ –  the story of  a Christmas Chart show which retells each step of the Nativity and ends with a rousing and cheery song inviting everyone to sing along and remember the importance of togetherness at this time of year.

We cannot express just how proud we are of each and every one of our performers! They were absolutely AMAZING!

PS – Next stop The Christingle in Leswalt Church on Christmas Eve when you will be treated to another fabulous singing performance! Hope we see you there!

Article 31 – Rest, Play, Culture and Arts

 

House Captains Daisy and Isla have been planning this event for weeks and today was the day!

Wearing their best togs, the boys and girls were ready for an afternoon of Christmas partying fun – and that’s exactly what they got!

All the favourites were there: Musical Islands, The Grand Old Duke of York, Christmas Corners, Pass the Parcel – a quick refreshment break for juice, crisps and a delicious sweet snack provided by Hannah and Rachael’s mum from Simpson’s Bakery – and then a visit from a very special visitor! You may have an idea who that might have been…

Fortunately – but totally unsurprisingly to the teachers of course! – each and every pupil was on the Nice list and so Santa had a little gift for all! He then headed off to a rousing farewell song of Jingle Bells – he’s a busy man with a lot to do in the next few days!

Check out these lovely photo memories…

The school and community came together for the Parent council organised Santa dash this afternoon, after school today.

To the festive tunes from the brass band, little Santas raced round the village to raise funds for the Parent council.

All entrants were provided with a Santa hat at the start and medal at the end – many thanks to Leswalt village stores for this sponsorship.

At the end, hot chocolate, mince pies and shortbread was on hand for all – many thanks to Lidl for donating this.

Thank you also to the musicians and members of the community association who also helped out.  It was a fun event that spread the Christmas cheer round the streets of Leswalt!  The fundraising total will be announced next week.