On Tuesday 29th January 2013, Leswalt Primary held its fourth annual Burns Supper.
The whole school sat down alongside invited guests, including staff and parents. Cameron Walker, P7, was a very able and organised chairperson who ensured the proceedings ran smoothly. Jack Rickard, P3, said the ‘Selkirk Grace’ before Mr Andy Ross piped in the haggis. Iona Rickard, P1, proudly carried the haggis into the company. The haggis was presented to Ben Cowan, P7, who confidently addressed it with great gusto. Mr Douglas McClure educated the company about the early life of Robert Burns, in saying ‘The Immortal Memory’. Recitations were also delivered from pupils in primary 1 to primary 7. Classes also entertained by singing Scots songs. The senior class sang “The Bonnie Ship the Diamond”, with every pupil playing an instrument to accompany. The younger pupils sang “You cannae shove your Granny off a bus”. Craig Anderson, P5, proposed an amusing toast to the lassies before Abbie Mc Quillan in P5 gave him an appropriate reply. Tommy Kerslake in Primary 5 provided an articulate and amusing toast to Leswalt School The Burns Supper concluded with Erin Topping giving an appreciative vote of thanks. The company sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at the end of a highly successful and entertaining Burns Supper at Leswalt Primary.Christmas Show – Spectacular!!
P7 Christmas night out
Christmas Party
Watch out Tiger Woods!
Laura Mc Clymont (Active Schools co-ordinator) recently organised a tri-golf festival for all Primary schools in the local area. Each school had to send 2 pupils to take part in a variety of golf related challenges.
This festival was supported and led by James Erskine PGA professional golfer. The eventual winners were named as Abbie Mc Quillan and Craig Anderson from Leswalt Primary. They worked well through all of the activities and ended up with the most points on the day.
The whole of Leswalt Primary school will now receive one full day of golf tuition with James Erskine, as their prize for their classmates doing so well.
Runners up at National awards in Edinburgh
Leswalt Primary School were recently thrilled to be told they were nominated in the “School of the Year” category in the Bikeability awards organised by Cycle Scotland.
This nomination was in respect of the school and community promoting cycling through participation and subsequently winning “The Big Pedal” National competition. The school was also nominated in relation to the way they embraced the Bikeability cycle training scheme (previously Cycle Proficiency) though parental, community and community warden involvement.
Mrs Sheila Baillie, head teacher and Mrs Fiona Topping (parent volunteer who has helped deliver the Bikeability training scheme) both travelled to Edinburgh to the awards ceremony in November.
Leswalt Primary was amongst 6 schools across the country that were shortlisted and were delighted to be named runner up “School of the year”. The winning school was Lainshaw Primary in Stewarton, Ayrshire.
The photograph shows Jamie and Emma Drennan who both cycled approximately 5 miles to school every day to help their school win “The Big Pedal”. This was a considerable distance over hilly terrain and in all weathers for anyone, but all the more remarkable as Jamie was a Primary 2 pupil at the time.
Childern in need
The boys and girls at Leswalt Primary decided to “Show their spots” and raise lots for Children in Need.
The pupils all came to school in a variety of dotty outfits. The winners from each class were judged as follows- p1-Charlotte Gaw, P2 Finlay Mc Millan, P3 Jack Rickard, P4 Finlay Cowan, P5 Freya Bathgate, P6 Tommy Kerslake and P7 Ben Cowan.
On the day a huge Pudsey bear was covered in coins, a tuck shop was held at playtime and various competitions were held. The final amount raised was £110.
Halloween fun
Nina’s leaving afternoon
Fire station fun
Primary 1-4 at Leswalt Primary recently concluded their study of “People who help us” with a trip into Stranraer Fire station. The boys and girls went in to learn all about the role of the Fire Brigade in the community.
The visit began with pupils learning all about the uniform and why the Fire Brigade wear it. Some of the small pupils even got to try on the large uniform themselves. Fire safety was also discussed, with pupils being reminded about the importance of having a smoke alarm in their home.
Tanya Ellis explained to the pupils all about the role of the Fire Brigade before they went outside to meet Tony Reid and see the fire engines up close. Pupils learnt all about water hydrants before being allowed to use the fire hose. The highlight of the visit for all was a seat in the Fire Engine.
It was a very active, informative afternoon for all. Kathryn Topping in P4 summed it up by saying “It felt like I was a proper fire-fighter when I was using the hose!” To which Jack Rickard in P3 added “Yes, the hose was awesome!”