Author: Amy Dunnett

Sleep Scotland Workshop

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Last week, Orchard Brae Connect were delighted to host a Parent Workshop in conjunction with Alyson O’Brien from Sleep Scotland.

In this informative session Alyson spoke about why we sleep, what happens when we don’t sleep, why we wake through the night and general ideas on how we can get a better nights sleep and she has kindly shared the following information booklet from Sleep Scotland.

There is also a mini version of the session available for those who were unable to attend the session and this can be viewed using the following link;

Sleep Scotland Online Session.

Superheroes In Room 5

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This term our book study has been based on the book ‘Traction man’ by Mini Grey. You can listen to the story on YouTube using the link below.

In class we have listened to the story and enjoy hearing about the ways in which Traction man saves the day.

AS part of the book study we designed our own super hero character. This was so much fun that even the staff got involved. After we designed our superheroes we named them –

Traction Man
Ash Attack
Quantum Conor
Cosmic H
Electric Jamie
Super Lulu 
OJ Man
TamaHawk
Wonder Granma
Scarlet Debz
Phantom Dede
Agent Lilla
Captain Robbie 

As well as designing our own superhero, we also set up and actively participated in a fun and lively science experiment. Traction Man needed a new suit to wear and so we investigated a range of materials to find out which ones would be best. Dressing Traction man in plastic, tinfoil and cotton wool we put him in water to see which material was water resistant and which material was not! We thought the plastic bag would win but actually tin foil was the best keeping Traction Man dry and absorbing the least water.

It has been so much fun learning with Traction Man in Room 5 he has inspired us all to be superheroes!!

Letter To Parents & Carers – 3rd June 2021

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At last the sun has made an appearance and the temperature appears to have recovered when the haar doesn’t make an appearance.

I am pleased to announce following interviews on Wednesday 2nd June, that Elaine Thomson is the preferred candidate for the Head Teacher post. I am sure you will all join me in sharing our congratulations. Elaine will be in touch in due course with more information regarding end of term activities and any information relating to next term.

As the end of term approaches in 3 weeks I have been invited into classes to join their snack. I have had great fun spending time in many classes. I have had such an array of snacks and treats and been very well looked after. More visits over the next few weeks. 😊

I am delighted to say our Holiday Fun Club will be running for the first 4 weeks of the holidays. More information on how to book sessions will follow shortly.

I have attached the most recent updated Covid-19 risk assessment with the changes highlighted in green. Despite the fact that we move to protection level-1 from Saturday 5th June there has been no changes to the guidance for schools.

I hope you all have a good weekend when it comes.

Kind regards

Caroline

Storytime In Room 3

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Room 3 pupils have been having a great time exploring the story ‘Mrs Vicker’s Knickers, written by Kara Lebihan and illustrated by Deborah Allwright.

In the story, poor Mrs Vickers is pegging up her pretty pink knickers when a gust of wind whisks them up into the sky. Her pink frillies spiral away on the breeze, causing quite a commotion. They land on a fire-engine’s windscreen, get hooked over the traffic lights, twirl through a classroom, twist over the zoo and even round a rollercoaster. Finally Mrs Vickers’ knickers startle a parachutist who spins down to earth, crashing into Mrs Vickers’ washing-line and sending all her other knickers off on their own adventures.

Using Mrs Vicker’s knickers as their inspiration, we have been looking at movement and forces. This included using toy cars and ramps, creating artwork using salad spinners, pushing Big Macs, passing objects to our friends, feeling water spray on our faces.

Why don’t you have a look at all the fun we’ve been having!

Science In Room 8

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Who would have ever thought that a plastic bag, some water and a few bamboo skewers would have kids enjoying so much? Learn how to poke holes in a plastic bag filled with water without spilling a drop. Well, that’s the theory we were testing…and it’s wise to practice your liquid trick over the tray, just in case!

Supplies:

  • zip-up bag
  • water
  • bamboo skewers /sharpened pencils

We filled a zip-up bag about half-way with water and sealed it up. We held the bag high over a tray and the kids poked the sticks straight through the bag, from one side to the other.

We had to be sure that the stick didn’t travel through the bag. We didn’t want to have water leaks.

We kept adding sticks until we had enough. Before removing the sticks, we took a moment to talk about what we saw. When the sticks went into the bag, the bag seemed to magically seal itself around the sticks.

When we were done, we removed the sticks over a tray. So much fun! And so much water everywhere!

More Sensory Fun In Room 7

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The pupils in Room 7 have continued to participate in and enjoy their sensory exploration of food. Remember, the sticky and messy fun they had with jelly from their last web post? This time they have been using Angel Delight! But they haven’t just been having fun exploring the different textures and smells, it was also an opportunity to learn about measuring and volume as well as practising mixing (yes even with your hands!) and pouring skills.

Sleep Scotland Workshop

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Orchard Brae Connect are delighted to be hosting a Parent Workshop in conjunction with Alyson O’Brien from Sleep Scotland. This will take place online on Tuesday 8th June between 10-11 am.

In this session Alyson will talk about why we sleep, what happens when we don’t sleep, why we wake through the night and general ideas on how we can get a better nights sleep. Although Alyson might not be able to discuss specific individual sleep issues, it would be useful for her if you are able to briefly describe your child’s sleep problems, to allow her to focus on any common themes, only if you are happy to do so of course.

Please note that this event is only open to parents and carers of pupils attending Orchard Brae School and nurseries.

If you are interested in attending this event or would like to find out more, please email rebecca.j.duncan@gmail.com

Things Are Growing Well In Room 2!

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This term Room 2 pupils are growing sunflowers, cress and salad leaves from seeds. Each morning one pupil has responsibility for watering them – they all like to take their turn.  Our pupils have done a good job of nurturing the plants and this week it was time to transplant our sunflowers, which are about 4cm tall, into individual plant pots.

Look out for sunflowers coming home for you to grow on a windowsill.