Calderwood Tackles Climate Change

Ness, Rannoch and Tay clan have been learning about COP26 together, finding out what it stands for, what it is, why it is happening, and what it means for us and have been learning about climate change with Miss Christie in our STEM lessons.  Through our learning, we wanted to explore climate change even further.

Today, Ness, Rannoch and Tay clan were visited by Miss Connor, our RAISE Primary Science Development Officer in West Lothian, who gave us an introduction to the science behind climate change.

We discussed what the words climate and climate change meant and why climate change is happening.  We then looked more deeply into greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, learning about the links between CO2 and climate change.

Following this discussion, we all carried out an experiment to see if we ‘could see CO2’.   After making predictions of what we might see happening in the experiment, we added sugar to a test tube of warm water and mixed it till the sugar had dissolved.  We then added some yeast to the mixture before, finally, placing a balloon over the top of the test tube.  We waited for approximately 10 minutes to see what might happen.  We found that the balloon inflated, showing that a gas had been created.  This helped us to understand how carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and trapped, causing the planet to become warmer.   We really enjoyed carrying out the experiment and checking our predictions.

After completing the experiment, we discussed why climate change matters to us and what we can do to help.  We look forward to looking deeper into this in the coming weeks.  Thank you so much to Miss Connor for allowing us to learn and think more about climate change.

#WL_STEM

Autistic Missing Person Protocol

The Autistic Missing Person Protocol has been developed by Police Scotland in consultation with Scottish Autism and is being piloted throughout Lothian and Scottish Borders. It is a simple risk reduction tool to help individuals, families, schools and other organisations assist Police in the event of an autistic adult or child going missing. The form can also be used for child who have autism traits but no formal diagnosis or who are currently undergoing assessment for ASD.

 

It consists of a form which contains vital information about sensory needs, communication abilities, responses and reactions, favourites places and a photograph with consent to share on social media (if needed). The form can be passed to Police at the point the vulnerable child or adult is reported missing and avoids unnecessary delays in gathering information at a time of crisis. As well as keeping a copy of the form at home, we would also be happy to keep a copy in your child’s Personal Pupil Record at school.

 

A copy of the form and further information can be found here: https://bit.ly/AMPP77 and school staff will be happy to support with completion of the form.

Nursery Parking for Parents

Dear Parent/Carer,
Please note, we are currently awaiting signage for our car park. Below are our requests to keep our car park running smoothly and safely.
If essential/ in an emergency you have to use the car park, whilst dropping off and picking up your child from nursery please:
  • Use the one-way system – entering from the left of the car park.
  • Park in a bay in the back two rows (bays nearest the electrical ports and furthest away from the nursery).
  • Walk your child down to the nursery.
The first two rows of parking bays are reserved for staff members and visitors.
Many Thanks for your co-operation.

Nursery Flu Vaccinations Additional Slot

Dear Parent/Carer,
On Tuesday 9th November children will receive their flu vaccination in nursery, if you have provided consent. If your child does not attend nursery on a Tuesday please complete the form below to book a slot for your child to receive their flu vaccination.

Validated Self Evaluation Report

Prior to the October holidays, Calderwood Primary had a Validated Self Evaluation from West Lothian Council. Mr Iain McDermott, our Education Officer, and Mrs Geraldine Armstrong, Quality Improvement Manager, had discussions with children, champions, parents/ carers and partners about our transition to Calderwood Primary. Miss Miller, Mrs Scott and I also shared our Calderwood journey with them. It was a very positive experience, which is reflected in our report. Bella and Matthew from our Ben Lawers and Lomond Clans, did a fantastic job of being tour guides for our visitors and supported with the learning walk around our clans. Thank you to all involved in the process, especially our champions and children.

I presented the report at Education Quality Assurance Committee this week, where we had lots of positive feedback and compliments from councillors and it was recognised we will be able to support other new schools in the future.

You can read the report here:

Calderwood Primary_VSE_Report

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