It is the primary aim of our school that everyone in our school community should be valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly.  We are a caring community who value the rights of all through mutual trust and respect.  We are a Level 1 Rights Respecting School, an award given to schools on behalf of UNICEF.

We believe that by understanding their own rights, children learn to appreciate and uphold the rights of others. Children learn that although they have their rights, they have a responsibility to ensure the right of others are met.  At Torphichen Primary School, our children learn about their rights by becoming familiar with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Children learn the value of a rights based culture by experiencing learning in a community where all adults take responsibility for ensuring that all children enjoy their rights.

Children take on leadership roles within the school and play a full and active part in the decision making processes that help to improve the education provided by the school.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. In 1989, governments worldwide promised all children the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential.

The ‘Rights Respecting School’ award (RRSA) will help our pupils to grow into confident, caring and responsible young citizens both in school and within the wider community. By learning about their rights our pupils, your children, also learn about the importance of respecting the rights of others i.e. their responsibilities.

Baby News at School

I informed the Parent Council last night that Mrs Johnston, our PT, is expecting a baby in March. We are all very excited and pleased for her but she will be a huge miss not only to myself but to the whole school for the duration of her maternity leave. I have already discussed various scenarios with our Education Officer and when concrete decisions are made I will inform the Parent Council and the school community.

I am sure you will pass on your congratulations when you see Mrs Johnson.

Change of Date

We have been extremely fortunate that we have secured the use of the Community Centre for our Christmas Show; this does unfortunately mean that we have a change of date. The afternoon show will be on the 11^th December at 1.20pm start then on the 12^th December at 6.30pm start. We have been able to do this because we now have our sound system and show lights donated to the school by the Parent Council – a huge thank you to them.

Yesterday, Primary 4 and 5 attended the Sky Sports Games at Bathgate Sports Centre. They were given the opportunity to participate in a number of sports including rugby, football, bowls, rhythmic gymnastics, cricket, dodgeball and judo! The children showed great enthusiasm in all activities and demonstrated a sense of fair play and team spirit throughout. We met the Sky Sports Mentor for the area, Andy Mayor, who has competed for both Great Britain and Scotland,  reaching the Commonwealth Games. All in all it was a fantastic day out and hopefully it has inspired  some of our pupils to take up a new sport as a result! A big thanks to Mrs. Ewing for helping on the day.