St Cuthbert's RC Primary School

     St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 39– Friday 18^th June 2021

             St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter, the penultimate one of the year. As we approach the end of this school term and year, there is a lot of very important information to impart. Please take time to read through this information and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

End of Session Reports – Published Today

Please note that these will be published by close of play on Friday 18^th June via our Learning Journals platform. Please contact us if you have any issues with accessing our Learning Journals and Mrs Holden, our Depute Head Teacher, will be glad to help. Please also let us know if you have any feedback on these reports. Thank you.

Message from Active Schools

Active Schools have reviewed our priorities to make sure we help pupils who need more support to be physically active. We are aiming to narrow the gap between those pupils who can and can’t access physical activity. We will work together with St Cuthbert’s and other partners to provide both in-school support and after school clubs for pupils. Clubs provided by Active Schools (or school staff) will be free of charge whilst those provided by partner providers will have a small cost (no more than £2 weekly). We are currently engaging with staff at St Cuthbert’s to plan for August 2021 and will share more information with you as soon as possible next term.

Please also look out for further information on some of the summer camps we will be running.

Fr Duffy Memorial Fundraising Activity – Monday 14^th June

Although the day did not go as hoped on the football field for Scotland on Monday, our Scots themed day was a success. Thanks to your generosity we were able to give a donation of £136 to the fund set up in Fr Duffy’s honour by St Augustine’s High School. This fund is intended to send a sick or disabled pilgrim to Lourdes. Thanks for your support!

Classes and Staffing for Next Year

We had hoped to communicate this information to you on Thursday but due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to delay this announcement for a short time. We will now inform you on Monday, the same day that our pupils meet their new teachers. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Please also note that Mrs Mulvagh had hoped to return to school next week but that this will not now be possible.

P7 Transition Days – Tuesday 15^th to Thursday 17^th June

Despite the challenge of both class and teacher self-isolating, these were a success. Thanks to the pupils and Miss Munro for their adaptability and to you for supporting your children through the 3 days.

KIC Forms and Photographic Permission Forms

These forms should all be returned to the class teacher no later than Wednesday 23^rd June.   Please note that if the completed forms are NOT returned, your child may be unable to take part in any visits which may be planned for the new academic year.

ParentPay – School Lunches

I have been informed that the school lunch menu starting August 2021 has been changed.  This means that any bookings made prior to 11^th June have been deleted.  Can you please go into ParentPay, check your lunch bookings and rebook if necessary.

If you wish your child to have a school lunch on the first week back after the summer holidays, please remember that this will have to be booked on ParentPay NO LATER than Wednesday 23^rd June.   There will be no facility to book for w/c 16^th August after this date.  If you do not book a school lunch, please remember to send your child with a packed lunch. Please note that from August 2021 all P4 pupils will be entitled to a free lunch.

Medication

All medication held in school will be returned on the last day of term with a new form to be completed for next year.  Please remember that it is your responsibility to return this completed form with any required medication (in the prescribed packaging) on the first day back at school.

School Uniform

BE Uniforms (formerly known as Border Embroideries) have opened a shop locally at 187a Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1DH (Tel 0131 378 9509).   All our branded schoolwear will be available to purchase from either this new store or by using the ‘Find your School’ search bar to find the school’s online shop at www.beuniforms.co.uk.

P5 and P4 School Swimming – 2021-22

This will take place on Thursdays at Dalry Swim Centre from 1 – 2pm on the following dates and times:

P5 (10wks) 26/8/21 – 4/11/21

P4 (10wks) 11/11/21 – 27/1/22

A letter will come out early next term with more details but if you are able to help as a parent volunteer (if we are allowed to have them under covid regulations by then) can you please let us know.

P7 Leavers Commemoration Plans

All parents/carers should have received a communication from Miss Munro with full details of our plans. Please let us know if you have any questions.

New P1 Induction Programme

Thanks to all those parents who have collected their welcome packs so far. It was nice to meet you. I hope the information on the e-mail and power-point we sent was also helpful. Please fell very welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

If you did not manage to pick up your pack, please contact us to arrange this.

P4 Presentations

Congratulations to our P4 pupils who created some excellent presentations relating to their home cultures. Mrs Peake was very impressed by your efforts.

End of Term Message from City of Edinburgh Council

Please see letter on associated pdf file attached with this newsletter.

Nursery Update

We have some great news that we know will be of interest to our nursery families! We will be opening over the summer, 8:30am – 12:30pm, Monday – Friday from the 28^th of June until July 30^th. these morning sessions will be open to returning nursery children and to our children that have left for school. These sessions will be drop-in, meaning no need to book in advance, but children will be admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis, to keep within our staffing ratios. Please note; lunch will not be provided over the summer and we cannot accept packed-lunches, we will provide the usual health snack.

This year’s nursery graduation will take place on Thursday. Unfortunately, due to current Covid restrictions families will not be able to attend. A video of the whole event will be uploaded to Learning Journals shortly afterwards.

A final reminder to families: Our term-time places have now been allocated for children returning/starting nursery in August 2021 (option 1). We still have Option 2 and Option 3 places available, see below for details.

Option 2	Option 3
2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

If you would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

      St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 38– Friday 11^th June 2021

              St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. As we approach the end of this school year there is a lot of important information to impart. Please take time to read through this information and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

End of Session Reports – Friday 18th June

Please note that these will be published by close of play on Friday 18^th June via our Learning Journals platform. Please contact us if you have any issues with Learning Journals and Mrs Holden, our Depute Head Teacher will be glad to help.

Fr Duffy Memorial Fundraising Activity – Monday 14^th June

Monday 14^th June is the day of Scotland’s first Euro Championship match versus the Czech Republic. Following on from the success of our India Solidarity Day, we thought it would be nice, if on that day, anyone who wished to could wear tartan or some item of Scottish themed clothing and if they also wished, contribute a small optional donation to the fund set up in Fr Duffy’s honour by St Augustine’s High School. This fund is intended to send a sick or disabled pilgrim to Lourdes.

KIC Forms and Photographic Permissions for Session 2021-22

Please note that in order to avoid asking you to fill out a plethora of different forms at the start of next session that we have tried to spread the load by dividing the information requested between this term and the start of next term. Therefore, we will send out the two above forms for completion next week. Thanks very much for your cooperation with this.

P1 Staffing

Mrs Mulvagh sends her best wishes to all. She hopes to return for the final week of term.

P7 Transition Days – Tuesday 15^th to Thursday 17^th June

These will take place digitally for all pupils in our own school building. Pupils should attend St Cuthbert’s in full school uniform on these days. We wish all of our pupils good luck for the 3 days. 

P4 and P5 School Swimming – 2021-22

This will take place on Thursdays at Dalry Swim Centre from 1 – 2pm on the following dates and times:

P5 (10wks) 26/8/21 – 4/11/21

P4 (10wks) 11/11/21 – 27/1/22

A letter will come out early next term with more details but if you are able to help as a parent volunteer (if we are allowed to have them under covid regulations by then) can you please let us know.

Summer Reading Challenge

Our classes were all given the opportunity to visit the library book bus yesterday and received details for how to take part in Edinburgh Council’s fun and educational summer reading challenge. If your child did not bring this information home yesterday they will do today. Good luck to all those who take part.

Staffing/Class Teachers for Next Year

Our pupils will take part in a meet the teacher afternoon on Thursday June 17^th. On that same day we will share details with parents/carers re teaching staff for next year. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

P7 Leavers Commemoration Plans

Although Covid restrictions are still in place, we have plans to make the final week of term a memorable one for all of our P7 leavers. Miss Munro will write to you at the start of next week with full details of our plans.

School Lunches for August 2021

If you wish your child to have a school lunch on the first week back after the summer holidays, please remember that this will have to be booked on ParentPay NO LATER than Wednesday 23^rd June.   There will be no facility to book for w/c 16^th August after this date.  If you do not book a school lunch, please remember to send your child with a packed lunch.

Please note that from August 2021 all P4 pupils will be entitled to a free lunch.

School Milk for August 2021

In the new academic year, it remains the policy of the Education Committee that milk is to be made available in schools for consumption by pupils at the mid-morning break. Milk will be provided, free of charge, to pupils who are entitled to free school meals as a result of their parents being in receipt of eligible benefits.  All children in receipt of universal free school meals in P1 – P3 are required to pay for milk except for those entitled to free school meals and milk in respect of their parent’s benefit eligibility status.

The cost remains the same as last year at 17p per 200ml tetrapak.  Parents may pay £32.30 for the whole year to 1^st July 2022.  To enable the school to place a milk order for w/c 16^th August, payment should be made into your ParentPay Account NO later than Wednesday 16^th June.

P6 & P7 Sports Days

Our final mainstream school sports days took place this week. Well done to all pupils who took part and to all staff who organised and facilitated the events.

New P1 Induction Programme

Thanks to all those parents who collected their welcome packs today. It was nice to meet you. I hope the information on the e-mail and power-point we sent was also helpful. Please fell very welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

If you did not manage to pick up your pack today, please contact us to arrange this.

Nursery Update

Another week of sunny weather has meant more and more time spend in our nursery garden. The children have been creating wonderfully imaginative and complex structures in our outdoor block area. The team consulted the children and, at their suggestion, have developed a quiet area at the other side of the building. This is our most shady spot, where the children can read, draw and relax in our wicker tepee.

With only 2 weeks left of the nursery term our pre-schoolers have been having fun in our new ‘schoolroom’ area of the nursery. The children have been roleplaying teachers and pupils, packing their schoolbags and working on their mark making on the blackboard and in jotters.  We even have a school bell to ring, it has been tremendously enjoyable for all!

All our term-time places have now been allocated for children returning/starting nursery in August 2021 (option 1). We still have Option 2 and Option 3 places available, see below for details.

Option 2	Option 3
2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

If you would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy.

Message from Balgreen Library

Please see information poster attached below.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

     St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 37– Friday 4^th June 2021

            St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. It seems hard to believe that there are just three weeks left until the end of term and as always, there is a lot of information included within this edition. Please take time to read through and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

Fr Duffy Memorial Fundraising Activity – Monday 14^th June

Monday 14^th June is the day of Scotland’s first Euro Championship match versus the Czech Republic. Following on from the success of our India Solidarity Day, we thought it would be nice, if on that day, anyone who wished to could wear tartan or some item of Scottish themed clothing and if they also wished contribute a small optional donation to the fund set up in Fr Duffy’s honour by St Augustine’s High School. This fund is intended to send a sick or disabled pilgrim to Lourdes.

Staffing/Class Teachers for Next Year

Our pupils will take part in a meet the teacher afternoon on Thursday June 17^th. On that same day we will share details with parents/carers re teaching staff for next year. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Reconciliations, Confirmations and Communions

After 2 cohorts of Reconciliations, 4 First Holy Communions and 2 Confirmation celebrations, our Sacramental year will conclude with a final celebration of First Communions on Saturday. We wish all of our communicants luck for their big day!

We thank our pupils, staff and you, our parents and carers for the hard work that has been done to prepare for these celebrations and make them the successes they have been. Big thanks also to our parish community pass keepers and musicians, to Fr Aidan and of course for the contribution of the late and much missed Fr Duffy.

P7 Epic Day – Tuesday 1^st June

The Epic Day visit to Bonaly Camp was a real success and P7 took part enthusiastically in all activities whilst representing the school really well. Thanks to Miss Munro, Mrs Rodger, Mrs Skelly and Fiona Damen for their organisational and personal support too.

P7 Leavers Commemoration Plans

Although Covid restrictions are still in place, we have plans to make the final week of term a memorable one for all of our P7 leavers. Miss Munro will write to you shortly to confirm our schedule.

School Lunches for August 2021

If you wish your child to have a school lunch on the first week back after the summer holidays, please remember that this will have to be booked on ParentPay NO LATER than Wednesday 23^rd June.   There will be no facility to book for w/c 16^th August after this date.  If you do not book a school lunch, please remember to send your child with a packed lunch.

Please note that from August 2021 all P4 pupils will be entitled to a free lunch.

School Milk for August 2021

In the new academic year, it remains the policy of the Education Committee that milk is to be made available in schools for consumption by pupils at the mid-morning break. Milk will be provided, free of charge, to pupils who are entitled to free school meals as a result of their parents being in receipt of eligible benefits.  All children in receipt of universal free school meals in P1 – P3 are required to pay for milk except for those entitled to free school meals and milk in respect of their parent’s benefit eligibility status.

The cost remains the same as last year at 17p per 200ml tetrapak.  Parents may pay £32.30 for the whole year to 1^st July 2022.  To enable the school to place a milk order for w/c 16^th August, payment should be made into your ParentPay Account NO later than Wednesday 16^th June.

P1, P4 & P5 Sports Days

Well done to all 3 classes who managed to hold their sports successfully this week thanks to their teachers and staff for organising these events.

P6 & P7 Sports Days

Our final sports days take place next week. As with other classes a letter will be sent out via the school app and Learning Journals.

New P1 Induction Programme

The Schools transactions team have now completed a second round of placement allocations, dealing with late P1 registrations, placing requests, catchment area changes etc. 

If you have been allocated a place at St Cuthbert’s for your child, you will receive an e-mail on Monday 7^th June asking you to confirm this place.  It is important that you respond to this email as there has been an exceptional amount of applications this year and if you do not wish to take up this space, another child will be given it.

Also attached, with this e-mail you will see a Presentation which will give full information about our school, including links to a video tour of the school and messages from staff.  On Friday 11^th June, you will be allocated a time to collect a ‘Welcome to P1 pack’

Learning Conversation – P1

I had a lovely learning conversation with P1 this week. They were able to tell me about their learning in relation to numbers: they have been adding to 20 (and some pupils as far as to 100). In Literacy, they shared their learning of the ea sound as well as tricky words. They also told me about their learning in Spanish, during which they have learnt the numbers to 10 and the names of family members. Finally, they enthusiastically shared details about their African animals project telling me lots of interesting facts about lions.

Message from CEC re Session Date Change Christmas Holidays 2021

At its March meeting, the Education, Children and Families Committee agreed to change the scheduled Christmas holiday dates from Friday 24 December 2021 – Monday 10 January 2022 to Monday 20 December 2021 – Tuesday 4 January 2022.

The change was based on a similar amendment to the previous year’s holiday dates.  The reasons for the change are set out in this committee report:

The report did not include consideration of the in-service day after the holidays.  This will be Wednesday 5 January 2022.  To ensure that pupils are in school for the required 190 days, the summer term will be amended to finish on Friday 1 July 2022 instead of Thursday 30 June.

The agreed changes are now on the Council website, along with dates for 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Nursery Update

We enjoyed a fabulous sports day on Thursday.  All the children performed like champions in the relay race, egg & spoon race, jumping race and the long jump, and were delighted with their medals and ice-lollies. Please have a look on the Learning Journals to see footage of the day.

Transition Reports for our pre-school children have been sent home. Please read them, leave comments in the space provided and return them to nursery by Monday 7^th June. These reports will be sent to your child’s Primary School in the Autumn.

The children have building shelters and dens in the garden this week, as we talk about staying safe in the sun. Please remember to put sun-cream on your child before they start in the morning, and hand in some sun-cream for staff to reapply on your child in the afternoon. If you have a sunhat for your child please give it to a member of the team.

All our term-time places have now been allocated for children returning/starting nursery in August 2021 (option 1). We still have Option 2 and Option 3 places available, see below for details.

Option 2	Option 3
2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

If you would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy.

Fogging – Deep Clean This Weekend

Please note that our regular monthly deep clean (technical term is fogging) will take place in the school this weekend.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

      St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 36– Friday 28^th May 2021

    St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. As always, there is a lot of information included within this edition. Please take time to read through and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

Fr Duffy

Thanks to all who passed on their thoughts and memories of Fr Duffy this week. He will be much missed. We hope to share a short, child friendly memorial service (made by the pupils and staff at St Augustine’s) with our P5-7 pupils on Monday next week. We feel this communal act would benefit both pupils and staff, all of whom had a great deal of affection for him. If you do not wish your child to view this please let us know and we will make alternative arrangements. For parents/carers in P1-4. Please see link below, if you wish to watch on your own or with your children at home.

No Bank Holiday on Monday – School Open as Normal

Please note that although Monday is a UK Bank Holiday, it is not an Edinburgh Holiday and pupils should attend school as normal.

School Switchboard Extensions

Please note that these have been updated as below:

Press

1 for      School Absence

2 for      School Office

3 for      Nursery Office

4 for      Kitchen

5 for      Main Nursery

Staffing/Class Teachers for Next Year

We are currently finalising our staffing plans for August 2021and hope to share these with you next week.

Confirmations and Communions

After the sadness of Fr Duffy’s funeral on Tuesday, it was lovely to see the prayerfulness and respect with which our families and pupils celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Thank you to all of you and to Fr Aidan and Miss Munro for their hard work preparing for these celebrations.

We also wish our first of two groups of First Communicants the very best of luck for Saturday. Mrs Peake, Mrs Holden, Miss Munro and myself look forward to seeing all involved at St Cuthbert’s Church.

P7 Epic Day – Tuesday 1^st June

We wish P7 well for their Epic Day visit to Bonaly Camp on Tuesday. Miss Munro, Mrs Skelly, Mrs Damen and myself look forward to joining them.

P1 staffing

We had hoped to welcome back Mrs Mulvagh this week but unfortunately that is not now possible. Please be assured that we will continue to cover her absence in a consistent fashion until she returns. Thanks for all your good wishes which I have passed on to Mrs Mulvagh.

School Milk

In the new academic year, it remains the policy of the Education Committee that milk is to be made available in schools for consumption by pupils at the mid morning break. Milk will be provided, free of charge, to pupils who are entitled to free school meals as a result of their parents being in receipt of eligible benefits.  All children in receipt of universal free school meals in P1 – P3 are required to pay for milk except for those entitled to free school meals and milk in respect of their parent’s benefit eligibility status.

The cost remains the same as last year at 17p per 200ml tetrapak.  Parents may pay £32.30 for the whole year to 30^th June 2022.  To enable the school to place a milk order for w/c 16^th August, payment should be made into your ParentPay Account NO later than Wednesday 16^th June.

P1 School Sports Afternoon – Rescheduled for Next Tuesday 1^st June

Unfortunately, the weather let us down on Friday. We hope to try again this coming Tuesday. If pupils can dress in house colours and bring an extra drink that would be great.

P4 & P5 Sports Days – Wednesday 2^nd June and Thursday 3^rd June

These will take place next Wednesday and Thursday. A letter will be sent out via Learning Journals and the school app today.

New P1 Induction Programme

The Schools transactions team have now completed a second round of placement allocations, dealing with late P1 registrations, placing requests, catchment area changes etc. 

If you have been allocated a place at St Cuthbert’s for your child, you will now receive an email (with a letter attached) in the next week or so asking you to confirm this place.  It is important that you respond to this email as there has been an exceptional amount of applications this year and if you do not wish to take up this space, another child will be given it.

Also attached you will see a Presentation which will give full information about our school, including links to a video tour of the school and messages from staff.  In mid June, you will receive further information on a date for a ‘Welcome to P1 pack’ to be collected from the school playground.

Bilingual Support Assistant (EAL) – in School for Next 2 Weeks on Mondays and Tuesdays

Our Bilingual Support Assistant, Ms Agnieszcka Orchowska will join us on Monday and Tuesday for the next two weeks. She will be working to support pupils in  P1, P2, P3 and P5.

Learning Conversation – P2

I visited P2 this week to observe their learning in relation to Maths; specifically money, buying and receiving change up to the value of £1. The class were attentive, involved and even created their own success criteria to follow. At the end of the lesson, they were able to describe what they had learned (strengths) and also what their next steps in learning were. Well done P2.

Nursery Update

Next week Transition Reports for our pre-school children will be sent home. Please read them, leave comments in the space provided and return them to nursery as soon as possible. These reports will be sent to your child’s Primary School in the Autumn, along with their All-About-Me booklets.

The children have been spending lots of time in the garden this week, planting our carrots and tomato plants. As the good weather approaches, and we spend more of our days outdoors, please remember to put sun-cream on your child before they start in the morning, and hand in some sun-cream in to the nursery for staff to reapply on your child in the afternoon.

As stated last week, all our term-time places have now been allocated for children returning/starting nursery in August 2021 (option 1). We still have Option 2 and Option 3 places available, see below for details.

Option 2	Option 3
2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

If you would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

     St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 35– Friday 21^st May 2021

                St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. There is a lot of information included within this edition. Please as always take time to read through and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

Monday Holiday  – Staff and Pupils Return to School on Tuesday 26^th May

Monday 24^th May is a Monday holiday. Both staff and pupils return to school on Tuesday 26^th May.

Confirmations – Change of Date (see letter issued this week)

As advised earlier this week, Tuesday’s celebration has had to be moved to Wednesday 26^th May. Thursday’s Confirmations remain unchanged. We look forward to celebrating this Sacrament with our pupils and their families on both occasions.

School Milk

In the new academic year, it remains the policy of the Education Committee that milk is to be made available in schools for consumption by pupils at the mid morning break. Milk will be provided, free of charge, to pupils who are entitled to free school meals as a result of their parents being in receipt of eligible benefits.  All children in receipt of universal free school meals in P1 – P3 are required to pay for milk except for those entitled to free school meals and milk in respect of their parent’s benefit eligibility status.

The cost remains the same as last year at 17p per 200ml tetrapak.  Parents may pay £32.30 for the whole year to 30^th June 2022.  To enable the school to place a milk order for w/c 16^th August, payment should be made into your ParentPay Account NO later than Wednesday 16^th June.

P1-3 School Sports Afternoons

Please see letter shared this week via Learning Journals and app. Once again, apologies that we are not allowed to host any families at this event. We hope however that our pupils will enjoy the occasion.

NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe Training – All Classes During Week Commencing 17^th May

City of Edinburgh Council have agreed to 100% participation from their schools in this programme. Teaching took place this week across our classes. Please refer to the letter sent out via the school app, if you have any questions about this programme. Alternatively, please contact me via the school’s mailbox or phone number.

End of Session Reports – Date Change to 18^th June 2021

Due to the pressure of work for our teachers this term, we have taken the decision to delay the publication of our final reports on Learning Journals until Friday 18^th June. Thanks for your patience and support with this.

India Solidarity Day – Friday 14^th May – Final Total Raised £420

Thanks to all those who took part last week, the final total of funds raised was an amazing £420. This has been forwarded on to the Missionaries of Charity who have kindly agreed to distribute these funds on our behalf. Thanks to them for their help and to all of you for your incredible generosity.

New P1 Induction Programme

The Schools transactions team have now completed a second round of placement allocations, dealing with late P1 registrations, placing requests, catchment area changes etc. 

If you have been allocated a place at St Cuthbert’s for your child, you will receive a letter at the beginning of June asking you to confirm this place.  It is important that you respond to this letter as there has been an exceptional amount of applications this year and if you do not wish to take up this space, another child will be given it.

Once we have received confirmation from you, we will send a presentation by email which will give full information about our school, including links to a video tour of the school and messages from staff.  We will also give information on a date for a ‘Welcome to P1 pack’ to be collected from the school playground.

P5 Homework Reminder

Mrs Banks has asked that I remind parents that P5 homework is being posted  weekly via Class Team. Paper copies are also available upon request.

Traffic Issue/Crossing Patrol Officer

The Council have informed us that they are now advertising for 4 crossing patrol officers – one of which they hope to allocate to us. If any parents/carers are interested in applying for these posts, they can be found at  www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

English as an Additional Language Teacher (EAL) – in School for Next 2 Weeks

Our EAL Teacher Ms Samina Mushtaq was in school this week supporting pupils in all classes with Literacy. She provides feedback and resources to all of our teachers to help them support our EAL pupils.

Learning Conversation – P3

I met with P3 on Wednesday to discuss their learning. We talked about measurement, times tables, doubling numbers, reading with expression and fluency as well as underarm throwing in P.E. The pupils were able to discuss their strengths and how they knew they had achieved them: teacher feedback, peer feedback  and self-assessment. There was a real sense of pride in what they had learnt this week, which was great to hear. The class also identified next steps and could explain how they planned to attain them: reflecting on their learning, proof reading their work, chunking challenges down into smaller parts, listening, concentrating, working with others, practicing and learning from mistakes. Well done P3!

Nursery Update

We’ve had a busy week in nursery. Our pre-school children have been working very hard; drawing pictures and working on their mark-making for their All-About-Me transition booklets that will go off to school with them in August

The whole nursery has been extremely creative, inspired by the book The Smeds & The Smoos by Julia Donaldson. They have been creating magnificent space rockets out of junk, making Smed and Smoo puppets and even launched a real rocket in the school field – we all found it very exciting!

Please be aware that all our term-time places have now been allocated for children returning/starting nursery in August 2021 (option 1). We still have Option 2 and Option 3 places available, see below for details.

Option 2	Option 3
2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays  Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

If you would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy.

Fr Duffy Funeral – Tuesday May 25th

This will take place on Tuesday 25^th May at 12pm in St Cuthbert’s Church. Attendance is limited to by invite only, due to Covid restrictions. We have not been advised of any plans to live stream the service but if this situation changes we will share any link that becomes available.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

     St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 34– Friday 14^th May 2021

          St Cuthbert’s CARES

We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. There is a lot of information included within this edition. Please as always take time to read through and feel very welcome to ask if there are any questions.

Fr Duffy RIP

I am sorry to have to tell you that Fr Duffy sadly passed away on Wednesday morning. His passing was peaceful and his family have passed on their gratitude for the support our pupils, families and staff offered to him during his illness.

Fr Duffy was a massive part of the St Cuthbert’s community: a much loved school chaplain whose ministry was appreciated by pupils, staff and parents/carers alike. He will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

One of our parents very kindly handed in a framed photograph of Fr Duffy which now has pride of place in our school foyer.

P3 First Reconciliations

Congratulations to our P3 pupils who made their First Reconciliations this week. Fr Aidan complimented them on their prayerfulness and on the hard work they had done in preparation for the reception of this sacrament. Thanks to all of our families, Miss Pusker and all other staff members who helped the children prepare for this sacrament.

First Holy Communions/Confirmations – Additional Guest Spaces

Fr Aidan has explained that due to the easing of restrictions, we can now offer all families an additional 2 spaces for their child’s celebration. This will mean that each candidate can now have a total of 7 guests in attendance in addition to themselves.  The total of 7 guests includes parents and siblings. Each candidate will receive a sheet requesting contact tracing information for any additional guests, please return these to our office, as before. Please note that we will not be able to offer any live stream of these celebrations. Thank you.

P6 Euro-Quiz Team

Since February, our Primary 6 class have been preparing to take part in the Edinburgh Heat of the Euroquiz. Organised by the SEET (Scottish European Education Trust), the Euroquiz challenges pupils’ general knowledge. Our team of 6 pupils prepared for the quiz independently online as well as in school. They competed in the virtual quiz event on 12th May, achieving a very positive score, including the achievement of full marks in the languages round. We will now wait to hear if we have done enough to make it through to the final. Thanks to the pupils concerned, their families and Miss Delaney for their hard work.

P7 Transition Information

Please see link below to some transition information and support materials from City of Edinburgh Council.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/transitiontos1

Transition this year, will be similar to last year and done virtually. Pupils will attend school from Tuesday 15^th to Thursday 17^th June but engage in online and paper based learning provided by City of Edinburgh Council and the High Schools. For those pupils attending St Augustine’s there will be interactive activities involving staff from that school over the course of these 3 days.

NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe Training – All Classes During Week Commencing 17^th May

City of Edinburgh Council have agreed to 100% participation from their schools in this programme. Its aim is, in an age appropriate way, to help children in all primary classes understand what abuse is and recognise the signs of it. Children are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or Childline. Please contact me, if you have any questions about this programme. Learning resources provided by NSPCC will be used to teach this learning over the week commencing 17^th May.

End of Session Reports – Date Change to 18^th June 2021

Due to the pressure of work for our teachers this term, we have taken the decision to delay the publication of our final reports on Learning Journals until Friday 18^th June. Thanks for your patience and support with this.

English as an Additional Language Teacher – in School for Next 2 Weeks

Our EAL Teacher Ms Samina Mushtaq will be in school next week supporting pupils in all classes with Literacy.

Ascension Day Mass

Thanks to Archbishop Cushley for providing an online Mass, through which many of our classes were able to enjoy and celebrate this important Feast Day.

India Solidarity Day – Friday 14^th May

Thanks to all those who took part today.  To date, we have collected £215 which we will pass on to The Missionaries of Charity in Edinburgh. They have kindly agreed to help us by passing these funds to their London house who will distribute it to India on our behalf.

Eid Mubarak!

I hope that all of our Muslim pupils and families had a lovely celebration on Thursday.

Our Vision, Values and Aims – Your Feedback

We shared a draft copy of our new Vision, Values and Aims last week. If you have any specific theme or area of focus you would like included in this statement please let me know via our Admin mailbox. If anyone missed last week’s newsletter and would like to see the draft copy, please let us know.

Traffic Issue/Crossing Patrol Officer

The Council have informed us that they are now advertising for 4 crossing patrol officers – one of which they hope to allocate to us. If any parents/carers are interested in applying for these posts, they can be found at  www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

Learning Conversation – P4

I met with P4 on Tuesday to discuss their learning. We talked about writing, times tables and spelling. The pupils were able to discuss their strengths and how they had achieved them: listening, concentrating, following success criteria. They also identified next steps and could explain how they planned to attain them: reflecting on their learning, peer assessment, teacher feedback, practicing and learning from mistakes. Well done P4!

Dyslexia Scotland South East

Please see message below and associated letter posted with this newsletter.

Hello

Dyslexia Scotland South East is a volunteer-led branch of Dyslexia Scotland covering Edinburgh and the Lothians.

We would be extremely grateful if you could share the attached information sheet with parents, particularly those who are known to have children with dyslexia at your school. 

Nursery Update

Please note that although some communication has taken place between our Nursery Team and parents/carers re places for each of our 3 attendance patterns next year, that we are still awaiting full and final confirmation of the allocation of these places. We will contact anyone who may be affected by this over the course of next week to update them. Apologies for any confusion.

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Aidan

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book a place.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

     St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

                            Newsletter 33– Friday 7^th May 2021

             St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.

Sacraments Update

As advised over the last 2 last weeks, please note that, First Reconciliations will be held within the school on Tuesday 11^th May. Unfortunately, due to Covid regulations, we are unable to invite parents and carers to this celebration. Celebrating this sacrament this term will however enable pupils to celebrate First Holy Communions with families in attendance next year. Fr Aidan visited the classes for a practice this week and all (including certificates) is ready for the big day.

Can parents of First Communion and Confirmation candidates, please ensure track and trace details for all guests are returned to the school office, as soon as you are able to.

NSPCC Speak Out, Stay Safe Training – All Classes during week commencing 17^th May

City of Edinburgh Council have agreed to 100% participation from their schools in this programme. Its aim is, in an age appropriate way, to help children in all primary classes understand what abuse is and recognise the signs of it. Children are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or Childline. Please contact me, if you have any questions about this programme. Learning resources provided by NSPCC will be used to teach this learning over the week commencing 17^th May. Please contact me if you have any questions.

India Solidarity Day – Friday 14^th May

We are aware of the dreadful suffering being endured by the people of India at this time. We know that many of our St Cuthbert’s families have links to the Indian subcontinent and wanted to make you aware that you and the people of India are in our thoughts and prayers. We also thought it might be a nice idea for those who wished to do so to wear green or orange (the colours of the Indian flag) on Friday 14^th May to show solidarity with the people of India. If pupils wished to bring in a small optional donation to support healthcare in India, we would pass this on to The Missionaries of Charity to distribute.

Eid Mubarak!

this is the last week of Ramadan and Eid will be celebrated next Thursday 13^th  May,(depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid may actually fall on Wednesday or even Friday, but it is most likely to be on Thursday). Every class in the school will do something to acknowledge this holy day and show our respect for our Muslim pupils and families.

Our Vision, Values and Aims – Your Feedback

Please see a draft copy of our new Vision, Values and Aims. Any feedback you are able to offer would be most welcome.

At St Cuthbert’s Primary School, we are committed to providing an inspiring learning and teaching experience, based on our shared school values: St Cuthbert’s CARES

Our Pupils are: Creative, Active, Respectful, Equal and Supported.

Children and their families are at the heart of our school. We believe that children should have a strong voice in our school and that they should own their own learning; knowing their strengths and next steps across the curriculum. We also believe that parents and carers are valued partners in learning and that communication with our partners is key. St Cuthbert’s school also esteems and supports its staff, who are skilled and committed professionals. Together we will work to ensure that all of our pupils are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included.

We celebrate individuality: supporting all children to grow and develop their confidence, skills and knowledge through high quality teaching and learning experiences suited to their needs and learning styles. We are aware of the changing world around us and of the need to continually change and adapt. This adaption includes the use of digital learning.

We also celebrate community; priding ourselves that our school is an integral part of the local community, including our local parish. Promoting Catholic and Gospel values whilst committing deeply to promoting equality and inclusion for all.

Traffic Issue/Crossing Patrol Officer

We are continuing to liaise with the council re when this position will be filled, in the meantime, it would really help our pupils would be if families could avoid parking on the main road at the side nearest the school. Similarly, if people were able to avoid double parking on the side of the road opposite the school that would also aid our children’s safety.  Thanks very much for your support with this request.

Fogging

Please note that the latest of the regular deep cleans of our school will take place this weekend.

Key Dates This Term

We posted the overview below last week but thought it would be worth sharing again. Separate communications, with further details will be sent to parents about these events in advance of them taking place.

Week	Events
1 – w/c 19th April	Start of Ramadan to be acknowledged in all classes.
2 – w/c 26th April
3 – w/c 3rd   May	Monday Holiday 3rd May In-Service Day – Tuesday 4th May
4 – w/c 10th May	P7 Bikeability – Monday 10th May Reconciliations to be held in school on Tuesday 11th May.
5 – w/c 17th May	P7 Bikeability – Monday 17th May
6 – w/c 24th May	Monday Holiday – 24th May Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated this week: Tuesday 25th May and Thursday 27th May both at 7pm in St Cuthbert’s Church. Pentecost to be acknowledged in weekly learning Early Years School Sports: Tuesday 25th May – P1 Wednesday 26th May P2 Thursday 27th May P3
7 – w/c 31st May	Sacrament of First Holy Communion Group 1 to be celebrated on Saturday 29th May at 9.30am Mass. P7 Epic Day – Tuesday 1st June School Sports: Wednesday 2nd June – P4 Thursday 3rd June – P5 Festival of Corpus Christi to be acknowledged in weekly learning.
8 – w/c 7th June	Sacrament of First Holy Communion – Group 2 to be celebrated on Saturday 5th June at 9.30am Mass in St Cuthbert’s Church. School Sports: Wednesday 9th June – P6 Thursday 10th June – P7 Learning Journals – End of Year Reports published Friday 11th June
9 – w/c 14th June	P7 Transition Days – Tuesday 15th-Thursday 17th June
10 – w/c 21st June	Term ends on Friday 25th June at staggered times

Nursery Update

Another lovely week in our nursery. The pupils have been enjoying learning about different cultures; listening to music and tasting foods from different countries. Next week we will celebrate Eid with our Muslim children.

As mentioned last week, parent/carers of children returning in August 2021 should now have received their application form for the Autumn term. Please return these as soon as possible, selecting your 1^st and 2^nd choice from the three options below.

If you have not received an application form or would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

St Cuthbert’s Early learning and Childcare Models of Attendance from August 2021
Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
5 DAYS – Term-time (38 weeks) Monday to Thursday 8:30am-3:00pm Friday 8:30am-12:30pm	2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory-record/1146138/early-years-childcare-admissions-policy.

 Nursery will be closed next Monday and Tuesday for the May Day holiday and in-service day. We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 5^th May

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie/Fr Duffy

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future. Please note that Fr Duffy is still in hospital, unwell. Please keep in your prayers. Thanks to all those who have asked for him. I have passed your best wishes on to him.

Please see website for details of times and how to book.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a restful weekend.Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School

St. Cuthbert’s RC Primary School

Newsletter 32 – Friday 30th April 2021

St Cuthbert’s CARES We are: Creative Active Respectful Equal Supported

Good afternoon,

Please find below this week’s newsletter which contains important information about the life of the school in the coming term. I hope you enjoy reading it but as always, please ask if you have any questions.

Monday Holidays and In-Service Days This Term

Please be advised that Monday 3rd May is a holiday for pupils and staff. Tuesday 4th May is an in-service day for staff and pupils should not attend school on this day. Monday 24th May is the final public holiday of the term. (See events calendar below)

Sacraments Update

Letters were sent out this week re the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. We are sorry that due to Covid restrictions that we have had to restrict the number of guests to 5 for each candidate (that is the candidate themselves plus 5 guests, the term guest includes parents/carers and sponsors for Confirmation).

We understand that these limits can be frustrating and are investigating the possibility of filming these celebrations ourselves; either live streaming or videoing then sharing securely for families to watch afterwards so that more people than can come to the church can view them.

If you have any expertise in this field and would be able to help us with this endeavour, please contact us via the admin mailbox.

As advised last week, please note that, First Reconciliations will be held within the school on Tuesday 11th May. Unfortunately due to Covid regulations, we are unable to invite parents and carers to this celebration. Celebrating this sacrament this term will however enable pupils to celebrate First Holy Communions with families in attendance next year.

Traffic Issue/Crossing Patrol Officer

As was mentioned in last week’s newsletter our Crossing Patrol Officer retired at Easter and we are still awaiting the appointment of her successor. This means that pupils are currently having to cross the road unaided. We are continuing to liaise with the council re when this position will be filled, in the meantime what would really help our pupils would be if families could avoid parking on the main road at the side nearest the school. Similarly, if people were able to avoid double parking on the side of the road opposite the school that would also aid our children’s safety. Thanks very much for your support with this request.

P1 Staffing

Whilst Mrs Mulvagh recovers from her broken arm, Mrs Peake will teach P1 from Monday – Wednesday and Mrs McCulloch will continue to teach the class on a Thursday and Friday. We wish Mrs Mulvagh a speedy recovery.

Learning Conversation – P5

I visited P5 this week and had a really rewarding conversation about their learning. They outlined a number of strengths in Maths and Writing and how they had attained them.

They were great at identifying next steps and the strategies they would need to use to achieve them: listening, concentrating, thinking before they answered, practice, asking questions, following success criteria and assessing their own progress for strengths and next steps.

Sharing our Learning via Twitter @StCuthbertsRCP

Now that we are all back at school again, this popular feature will resume from next week. The days for each class are as below:

Monday – P1/P2

Tuesday – P7/LCC1/2

Wednesday – P4/P6

Thursday – P3/P5

Friday – Star Learners/Pupil of the Week.

Key Dates This Term

Please see overviews below. Separate communications, with further details will be sent to parents about these events in advance of them taking place.

Week Events

1 – w/c 19th April Start of Ramadan to be acknowledged in all classes.

2 – w/c 26th April

3 – w/c 3rd May Monday Holiday 3rd May In-Service Day – Tuesday 4th May

4 – w/c 10th May P7 Bikeability – Monday 10th May Reconciliations to be held in school on Tuesday 11th May.

5 – w/c 17th May P7 Bikeability – Monday 17th May

6 – w/c 24th May Monday Holiday – 24th May Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated this week: Tuesday 25th May and Thursday 27th May both at 7pm in St Cuthbert’s Church. Pentecost to be acknowledged in weekly learning Early Years School Sports: Tuesday 25th May – P1 Wednesday 26th May P2 Thursday 27th May P3

7 – w/c 31st May Sacrament of First Holy Communion Group 1 to be celebrated on Saturday 29th May at 9.30am Mass. P7 Epic Day – Tuesday 1st June School Sports: Wednesday 2nd June – P4 Thursday 3rd June – P5 Festival of Corpus Christi to be acknowledged in weekly learning.

8 – w/c 7th June Sacrament of First Holy Communion – Group 2 to be celebrated on Saturday 5th June at 9.30am Mass in St Cuthbert’s Church. School Sports: Wednesday 9th June – P6 Thursday 10th June – P7 Learning Journals – End of Year Reports published Friday 11th June

9 – w/c 14th June P7 Transition Days – Tuesday 15th-Thursday 17th June

10 – w/c 21st June Term ends on Friday 25th June at staggered times

Covid Situation in India

We are aware of the dreadful suffering being endured by the people of India at this time. We know that many of our St Cuthbert’s families have links to the Indian subcontinent and wanted to make you aware that you and the people of India are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nursery Update

We have had a lovely couple of weeks back in nursery – even the variable weather hasn’t stopped the children playing outdoors. We have started planning variety of plants and seeds in our raised beds and there has been a lot of exploration of water – from jumping in puddles to experimenting at the water tray.

Parent/carers of children returning in August 2021 should now have received their application form for the Autumn term. Please return these as soon as possible, selecting your 1st and 2nd choice from the three options below.

If you have not received an application form or would like to apply, please find below a link to the City of Edinburgh Council website, where you can download a nursery application. https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/download/12890/apply-for-nursery

Please bring (or post) the application, along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of home address – e.g. Council Tax letter or utility bill, to:

St Cuthbert’s Early learning & Childcare

St Cuthbert’s R C Primary School

9 Hutchison Crossway,

Edinburgh

EH14 1RP

Alternatively, you can email your application along with supporting documents to: Admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

St Cuthbert’s Early learning and Childcare Models of Attendance from August 2021

St Cuthbert’s Early learning and Childcare Models of Attendance from August 2021
Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
5 DAYS – Term-time (38 weeks) Monday to Thursday 8:30am-3:00pm Friday 8:30am-12:30pm	2 DAYS + 19 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Monday    8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday     8:00am – 6:00pm 1st & 2nd Friday of each month	2 DAYS + 11 Flexi Fridays Full Year (50 weeks) Wednesday 8:00am – 6:00pm Thursday      8:00am – 6pm 3rd Friday of each month

Please be aware that a place at St Cuthbert’s is not guaranteed, as places are allocated using the City of Edinburgh Council Admission Policy https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory-record/1146138/early-years-childcare-admissions-policy.

Nursery will be closed next Monday and Tuesday for the May Day holiday and in-service day. We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 5th May

St Cuthbert’s, Slateford and Our Lady’s, Currie

Fr Aidan, will be saying Mass at both St Cuthbert’s and Our Lady’s Currie for the foreseeable future.

Please see website for details of times and how to book.

https://www.stcuthbertschurch.com

Finally

If you have any feedback on our newsletter, please let us know. All comments gratefully received.

Similarly, if you have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter please contact us on (0131 443 2621) or via our admin mailbox (admin@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk). Our nursery can now be contacted separately at: stcu-nurmail@st-cuthberts.edin.sch.uk

Wishing you all a happy holiday weekend.

Mr P Brack, Head Teacher and all at St Cuthbert’s School