Author: Owner

August 2015

MAURICEWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Dear Parents / Carers
On behalf of all the staff I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our pupils and their families. Our pupils have settled in very well and are enjoying catching up with friends and getting to know new teachers . We have had several new pupils and we look forward to getting to know them and their families really well in the coming weeks.
Our new P1s look fantastic in their new uniforms and have attended their first school assembly where they showed off how well they can sit and listen already!
Primary 7 pupils look equally good in their red sweatshirts and have been learning about their new roles and responsibilities across the school. They have received a lovely response from their buddies and are particularly good at helping with playground games and in the dining room. Thank you Primary Sevens!
If you do have any concerns about your child please let us know by phone or by dropping into school so it can be addressed quickly.
Judith Mathers

Vandalism
Over the summer we have been the victim of extensive vandalism which has been very distressing to staff and children. Twelve large windows were smashed with bricks ; the nursery outdoor tap was pulled off; pipes were pulled off the wall flooding an area of playground , a shade sail was torn of its fixings and air vents damaged. All have been reported to the police and every effort will be made to find the culprits. The cost to the school will run into thousands of pounds and we would be grateful if anyone has any information to let the school or the police know.
We are determined not to be put off and to continue to improve our playground . To bring back some cheer we are holding an early Ground Force Day on Saturday 12th September from 10 to 12 noon. If you can spare some time to tidy the garden, and plant up some new tubs we would love to see you. All ages are welcome but children need to have an adult with them. Refreshments will be provided but if you have a spade or trowels and fork please bring them with you.

School Uniform
Children have returned to school looking very smart in their school uniform. We are grateful for the support of parents in keeping a high standard of uniform in Mauricewood . We will be encouraging children to wear uniform every day and to remember that all classes except P7s wear navy blue sweatshirts, jumpers and cardigans. Red is reserved for our Primary 7s who are very proud of their special role in school.

Food in Mauricewood
We continue to have children with a range of medical conditions affecting diet including life threatening nut allergies and have developed a policy around food to keep children as safe and healthy as possible. The main points are below .
No items of food containing nuts should be brought into school . Please note many chocolate spreads have nuts in them and it would be a great help if you are using a nut free one to pop a note in the packed lunch box to let us know.
We do not give out cakes / sweets brought from home as treats for classmates
We liaise with parents when necessary to give correct foods at school special events e.g. Christmas parties, food tasting
We encourage healthy choices for snacks and lunch through our Pupil Healthy Living Group

Parent Council / PTA AGM
Thursday 3rd September 6.30pm
Support for Learning Room
Mauricewood Primary
All parents/ carers are invited to our AGM. There will be an opportunity to hear about the Parent Council and PTA as well as a short presentation about the school’s priorities for the new term. There will be elections to posts but absolutely no pressure on anyone to be involved! at that level ! If you just want to keep up to date, would like to be an occasional helper or join the PTA or Council we would love to see you. You will receive a warm welcome, get to meet the wider school community and be more involved in your child’s education.

Schools Environmental Art Exhibition
We were very pleased to work with Penicuik Community Arts Association to involve schools in the local area in an environmental art project. Children from Mauricewood, Cuiken, Roslin , Strathesk, Cornbank and Beeslack High Schooll, all took part in creating work around the outdoors, photographing their creations. The photographs been made into a film by Ms Wood and will be shown as part of Penfest. The showings are listed below and I would recommend that you pop into watch one of them and see the wonderful creativity of our children and young people.
Saturday 5th, September 2 shows: 10am in the Town Hall and then 2pm in Penicuik Community Arts West Street
Sunday 6th and Friday 11th September the film will be shown in the afternoon in the library.

Dates for the Diary
Please note the school will be used a s a polling station and closed to all pupils on Thursday 10th September
Tuesday 25th August 9.00am P2 classes to the Book Festival
Thursday 27th August P1 parents’ lunch 11.50
Friday 28th August Active Schools Assembly
Thursday 3rd September 6.30pm Parent Council / PTA AGM
Friday 4th September Penicuik Silver Band visit
Saturday 5th September Penicuik Schools Environmental Art fist showing in Town Hall ( other showings on page 3)
Thursday 9th September By Election School used as polling station closed to pupils
Tuesday 15th September 6.30pm P1 and P2 Curriculum Evening
Thursday 17th September Pupil elections for Healthy Living Group and Learning Council
18th September and 21st September School Close September Weekend
Monday 28th September Book Fayre
Tuesday 29th September Parent Evening 6.00 to 8.30 pm
Wednesday 30th September Parent Evening 4.00 to 6.30pm
Friday 2nd October Sponsored Walk—pleased join us for this annual walk along the railway line. All money pays for events for children
October Break
Last day for pupils Thursday 8th October
Friday 9th October In service Day for staff only
All resume Monday 19th October
Please