Summer Fair and End of Year Event

The arrangements for this came home in an email earlier in the week. All are welcome! The games at the fair will be free. The stalls selling items and the Tombola will be paid. You child can bring some spending money if you’d like them too but there will be lots to do for free as well. Coins rather than notes would be appreciated.

Thursday 4th July

This is the last day of school.  The new term starts on 18th August for staff and 20th August for pupils.

Playing Out in the Village

A member of the public has made me aware that she has seen children/young people playing in a dangerous manner in the hall grounds, breaking up stones and rocks and causing damage. We have also had an issue that some of the newly installed handrails have come loose from the ground the day after their were safety tested and found to be sound. The contractor feels is is likely that they had been kicked or hit repeatedly with some force – they would not have come loose because of a primary aged child swinging in them.

I am making the Community police team aware of this damage on school property. Please can I ask that if you live near the school you keep an eye out and report/address any anti-social behaviour you may see. If you allow your child to play out unsupervised, I think it might be worth having a chat with them about this to make sure they are not seeing older children/teenagers behaving in a way that worries them.  Many thanks

Community News

gauldry gala poster 1

Free cafe inc 2025

Free Family Activities St. Andrews – Summer 2025

Archeology workshops

The Wardlaw Museum invites you to their  upcoming free family activity day ‘Future Makers’ being held at the Wardlaw Museum on Saturday 12^th July 12pm – 4pm: Future Makers Family Day. I’m also pleased to invite families to our free summer holiday workshops, running alongside our current exhibition, Rewrite the Future. These interactive sessions are a great way for children to get creative, explore new ideas, and have fun during the holidays! Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 4 weeks throughout the summer holidays.

2-2.45pm Ages 3-7 years

3-4pm 8-12 years

• Week 1: Hack the Future       15^th & 17^th July
• Week 2: Build the Future        22^nd & 24^th July
• Week 3: Animate the Future Tuesday   29^th & 31^st July
• Week 4: Travel to the Future     5^th & 7^th August

All sessions are free, but booking is essential due to the limited capacity available for each session.

Bookings can be made on the University website:
Exhibition-related | Events

A parent l has asked me to share these:

Blue and White french lesson Flyer

Latin and Lore-4

In the summer months, we recommend you check your child regularly for ticks as occasionally, a child can pick one up.  If your child should have a tick which we notice at school, we would contact you to come and remove it or seek treatment.

Next Week

Monday – no woods for P1/2/3

Tuesday – P7s going on Mountain Biking, P1-6 will be going to the woods in the afternoon. Please bring woods clothes.

Wednesday – P4/5 are doing PE today as they missed yesterday

Thursday – P1-7 woods day. No need for uniform come dressed for the woods. Your child will need a packed lunch – please send them with one or order cold.

Playground Update

We had a really positive assembly today with the children doing great collaborative work to discuss what works and what could be better in the playground. Everyone is really well aware of the playground charter and the need to play in a way that is fun but doesn’t get rough. The children agree that tig can cause problems if people fall out over who is ‘it’. We are going to buy some tag rugby belts as a way to make it more clear. The children don’t have to use these for tig but they will be available if they want. The children have also suggested that balls games should be on the grass pitch only and that there should be days for different groups. E.g. a girls day, a boys day, a competitive day and a non-competitive day. We love this as a way to let children play with like minded peers and promote sport for everyone so we are going to begin to put that in place. Finally, the children have asked that we have a no judgement playground e.g. no one is made to feel bad by other children if they miss a goal. Everyone has agreed to this and we will continue to promote our playground charter with an emphasis on King and Gentle. I have reminded the children that Mrs Cargill and Mr Brown are in charge in the playground – they will make decisions to keep children safe and having fun. Both of them are in the playground each day except for a Tuesday when it is only Mrs Cargill. This staffing change happened while I was off. Until the end of term, I will provide cover so that there are two adults in the playground each day and from August 2025, Mrs Cargill and Mr Brown will both be working full time.

Job opportunities

There are two Pupil Support Assistant Jobs at Wormit PS currently being advertised. Please share this link with anyone who is interested: Search Jobs – Fife Council Jobs and Careers Careers

Community News

Click here to find out about the Rotary Sandcastle Competition

Click here to find out about the Gauldry Charity Afternoon Tea

Click here to find out about the Future Makers Family Day

Newport Festival Information

Girl Guiding

Staffing News

Next week will be Mrs Mitchell’s last week in post at Balmerino and Wormit. She will be returning to her substantivate post in Dunfermline for the remainder of the term.

“It has been a pleasure to serve the children, families, staff and communities of both schools and their nurseries.  I have loved getting to know the children and playing a small part in their education. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. I wish you all a wonderful happy and healthy summer”.   Mrs Mitchell

“I  want to take this opportunity and place on record the thanks of Fife  Education Service to Mrs Mitchell for providing ongoing leadership and stability over the past 6 months” Donnie Macleod, Executive Director of Education

I would also like to extend my great thanks to Katie Mitchell for leading the schools while I was not well enough to do so. I also want to thank her for the support she has given me to phase back to my full role. I am delighted to be back at work full time but will miss working with Katie and I wish her well for the future.

On Monday I will be able to confirm the arrangements for classes and staffing for the new school year in August and later in the week, the children will have a chance to meet their new teacher as part of the transition process.

Best wishes

Lucy Jess

Our Playground Charter

I have been over the playground charter with the children today and made a couple of practical updates. Click here to read it: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/fi/balmerinoprimaryschool/our-playground-charter/

We have spoke about the adults in the school having a responsibility to keep all children safe as this is a right which is protected by law in Scotland now that the UNCRC has been incorporated.

I have asked the children to agree not to play tig for one week. The game is tending to get a bit rough. We are going to trial some ‘non-contact’ games through the week and then on Friday, Mr Rose, Mrs Cargill and Mr Brown will work with the whole school at assembly to agree games we play and rules for contact activities like tig to keep things safe.

If your child complains about not being allowed to play tig, please remind them it is only for one week and it is to make sure everyone gets their right to play while still feeling safe.

P7 Transition

Next week is an exciting week for our P7s as they will have their 3 day visit to Madras on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. I look forward to hearing how it went on Friday.

Information from The Communities in Cupar Team

The team have asked me to share the following:

Christmas Shows

A reminder both the dress rehearsal and main performance of the Christmas shows will take place on Monday 16th December. The dress rehearsal will start at 9.30 and the afternoon performance will begin at 1.30. If you have tickets for either performance we will look forward to seeing you then!

Party Day

No need for uniform on Friday 20th, children can come to school in their party clothes!

Polite Reminder

We are asking for a donation of £10 per child towards the cost of the panto trip on 11th December. Please pay for your child when you are able by using the ipayimpact fund called ‘Byre Panto’ – the fund will stay open until the date of the performance.

Mrs Mitchell

We are happy to welcome Mrs Mitchell to our schools on Monday 9th December. She is very much looking forward to meeting everyone in our school communities!

Pantomime Trip

Thank you to every one who has paid for the panto trip. If you haven’t done yet, please do so before 11th December using the ipayimpact fund called ‘Byre Panto’ – the fund will stay open until the date of the performance. If you want to order a cold packed lunch for your child for this date please order on iPayimpact.

Internet Safety Information

This advice is relevant to all parents and particularly to those whose children have a smart phone or are in the upper school.

Staying-Safe-Online-Advice-for-Parents-and-Carers

switched_on_apps_2022

Moving to Secondary School – guide for parents

Money Matters: 

Please click here to see the  Money Matters poster: Money Matters November Dates 1

• Support, hints and tips with budgeting
• 2-day course in Cupar County Buildings on 18^th and 19^th November
• 10:00 – 12:00 both days
• First come first served, limited spaces
• Last sign up date 14^th November at welfaresupport.northeastfife@fife.gov.uk

Please make sure you have all the dates for this busy term:

Wednesday 11^th December

Whole School going to St Andrews Byre Theatre Panto – Beauty and the Beast

The bus will leave at 9am and return in time for a late lunch. You will need to order a cold school lunch in advance or send your child with a packed lunch. All children should take a water bottle and snack for the interval. Please make the contribution of £10 per child on iPayImpact when you can. This contribution covers roughly half of the cost of the trip and we are very grateful to Parent Council who are paying the rest from their funds.

Friday 13th December

All children will bring a wrapped gift home for their parents.

Monday 16^th December

Nursery-P7 Christmas Show

Each family can buy 2 tickets for the show (£2 each). We can’t offer more than two tickets per family due to the capacity of the hall. But each family will also be able to purchase 2 tickets for the dress rehearsal in the morning (£1 each) so a total of 4 people per family can see the show if they want. Please note that we can’t make an exception for parents who live apart – if this is true for your family, please decide together about buying the tickets and who will go to each performance.

Friday 20th December

Party Day – no need for uniform, come to school in your party clothes.

Remembrance

Poppies will be on sale at the school office all of next week. Send your child with a coin if you’d like them to buy one.

Toy Drive

Balmerino Primary will be a collection point for this year’s Toy Drive which will run between 1st November—30th November. We will be collecting gifts for boys & girls ages between 0-18. Gifts must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. Donations can be handed in at the school office and will then be collected and distributed to Children and Families in need.

Girls Football

Parent Council Minutes

Click Here to read

Cupar Youth Musical Theatre presents;

Alice in Wonderland – click here for details

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday 29^th October

P1-7 parents invited into school to join in with some literacy and numeracy learning with their child – 2-3pm

Thursday 31^st October

All children invited to come to school in costume.

Pumpkin Competition – bring a decorated pumpkin to school and a £1 contribution to school funds

Friday 15^th November

Inset Day 3 – School Closed to pupils for staff development

Wednesday 11^th December

Whole School (Nursery and P1-7) going to St Andrews Byre Theatre Panto – Beauty and the Beast

The bus will leave at 9am and return in time for a late lunch. You will need to order a cold school lunch in advance or send your child with a packed lunch. All P1-7  children should take a water bottle and snack for the interval. Nursery staff will take water and a snack for their children.

We are asking for a donation of £10 per child towards the cost of the trip. Please pay for your child when you are able by using the ipayimpact fund called ‘Byre Panto’ – the fund will stay open until the date of the performance.

P7 Transition Information

Click here for a reminder of the up coming open evenings

P7 children have brought this poster home but I sharing it again here just in case it hasn’t made it out of the schoolbag:

Poster Youth ambassadors Poster Nov 25th

Halloween Safety Information

horror-films-and-age-ratings

horror-games

Bonfire Night Safety Information

fire-safety (1)

SFRS-Bonfires-v3.6

Poetry Competition

Click here for details

Newport-on-News in conjunction with The Newport Podcast and The Rio are looking for entries to our Newport Poetry Competition and we wondered if the children at school would like to take part.  I have attached a poster for your information. It can be in any form, long or short, a sonnet or a limerick.  If we get more than 20 entries, we will publish them in a special book.  We will also read them out on the podcast (or you can read your own) and have a special evening at The Rio where we can read them out.

All ages and prizes will be given out.

It just has to have a connection to Newport or Wormit

All entries to newportontaytv@gmail.com or hand into The Rio.

If you would like any further information, please contact Simon at newportontaytv@gmail.com

Message from Active Schools

Calling all local dancers! Starting this Thursday 31st, Halloween Day, from 16:00 – 17:00, we’re offering a FREE 4-week dance class for kids! They’ll explore a variety of dance styles including Lyrical, Highland, Ballet, and Hip-Hop!
📅 Every Thursday (October 31^st – November 28^th)  | 15:45 – 16:45
📍 Hosted by the University Dance Club at Saints Sports
💃 Open to all skill levels!
Bookings can be made via telephone on 01334 462190 or emailing the reception team at Sportsreception@st-andrews.ac.uk
The University Dance Club can’t wait to see them shine on the dance floor! Limited spaces available – Sign up now!

Lego Club at the Library

The Decider Skills – Parents and Carers Workshop

This workshop is for parents and carers of children and young people aged 8 years and over. The aim of this workshop is to learn fun filled strategies, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills to support your child or young person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/2ib1FySHgf

Fife Council Funded Course

• Introduction to Microsoft 365, including:
  • PowerPoint
  • Excel (spreadsheets)
  • Word
• AI for work
• Maths anxiety
• Digital numeracy skills

• Age 19+
• Lives, works or volunteers in Fife
• Does NOT have a Nat 5 maths or equivalent (Intermediate 2 pass; Standard grade Credit, grade 1 or 2; O’Level grade C+)

This term our assemblies have focussed on the theme of Anti-Bullying. Our current policy is available here:

Quick Read Version

Full Version

Everything within these policies remains relevant but our work this term has introduced a few new ideas which I am keen to share with you.

Firstly, as has been the case since its launch in Dec 2021, the most important part of our Anti-Bullying work is Stand Up – Get Help!: click here to read in full. 

Stand Up – Get Help! creates an ethos where asking for help with friendships is part of the expectation of our school. Please encourage your child to ask for help if they are worried about friendships or come to us on their behalf to let us know if there is a problem. If you know about issues at an early stage, they can usually be nipped in the bud before anyone starts to feel as if they are being bullied.

Our School Values of Friendship, Inclusion and Respect help us to be an anti-bullying school:

Friendship – not everyone is your friend – particularly as you get older, you don’t have something in common with all your peers. BUT, we do treat everyone with friendship at our school – we let them join in (inclusion) and we respect them.

THINK before you speak:

For example:

• telling someone they have a spot might be true but it is unnecessary and a bit unkind to draw attention to it.
• Telling someone quietly that they have a blob of paint on their face and might want to wash it off is kind and necessary but laughing and pointing at the blob of paint and telling everyone about it is unkind and unnecessary even if it is true,
• repeating something unkind that you have heard is unnecessary as well as unkind – it is much better to use Stand Up – Get Help! to help a friend if you feel someone is unkind.
• Asking someone if they’d like you to show them a new game is inspiring as it gets people playing together.

The Golden Rule:

If we keep the golden rule, we don’t retaliate when someone is unkind are hurts us. If we don’t like it we don’t do it back. This doesn’t mean that you need to put up with someone being unkind – you can stick up for yourself by using Stand-Up Get Up! Or stick up for friends by asking someone to stop or by asking for help.

All the major world religions and atheism and humanism have a version of the Golden Rule.

At assembly last week, I asked the children what do we do at our school to help us be a zero-bullying school. They gave all of the above examples which shows me that they understand these principles well. I would ask you to also discuss them at home.

Later this year, we will carry out a formal review of our anti-bullying policy and will include these new ideas brought by the children as well as seeking your feedback.

Please don’t hesitate to come to me sooner if you have any questions or concerns or if you are worried in any way about your child’s friendships or happiness.

Lucy Jess

lucy.jess@fife.gov.uk