Assemblies In Drum Department

The pupils in Drum have been meeting every Monday morning for assembly.  We sit together in a circle and are becoming used to the routine.  We start by saying hello before singing favourite songs the classes bring.  We then explore a theme or story before finishing our assembly and saying goodbye.

Last week we explored Burns Night.  We dressed up in tartan, had a little taste of shortbread and oatcakes, sang Scottish songs and had a wee ceilidh!

This week we learnt about Chinese New Year and tried on some clothes, looked at artefacts, did some movement and then did a dragon dance.  We opened up some fortune cookies and shared what they told us!  Our youngest pupils in the school are in Drum and there is lots of learning in a busier environment where it is less predictable and noisier than our classrooms.  On top of that we get out of our seats to dance and are learning to return to them so well.

 

We have a great time learning together and there’s lots more assembly fun ahead!

Fruit/Vegetable of the Fortnight

One of our new initiatives for Healthy Eating in 2020 is ‘Fruit/Vegetable of the Fortnight’. A fruit or vegetable will be introduced at snack time and served regularly over a two week period. In this way we aim to expose the children to fresh fruit and vegetables and encourage them to try new fruit and vegetables, develop a taste for healthy foods as well as  offering children the experience of preparing and tasting a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. We will also be sharing our Healthy Eating successes … WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Our ‘Fruit of the Fortnight’ is APPLE.

Room 5 Trip to BA Store

Today we enjoyed a fantastic trip to BA Stores.

When we first arrived at BA Stores we enjoyed a short walk around the Christmas display. The boys enjoyed looking at the Christmas characters and had a wee biscuit and drink.

We then enjoyed a great tractor ride around the farm track. This was particularly fun because we love the Barefoot book “Driving my Tractor.” The boys were so happy bumping along the road.

We then returned to the store and had the opportunity to meet Santa. The boys waited patiently in the line and got to meet the Big Guy himself. Together we met Santa who gave each boy a small toy and Christmas sweetie.

We had a wonderful time at BA Stores, their generosity and kindness to our class demonstrated the true spirit Christmas.

Merry Christmas from Room 5!

Room 6 Explore The Local Community

Room 6 have been enjoying exploring the community this term.

We walk to the ducks daily and have seen the number of ducks increase from in the teens to 34.

We have a weekly visit to the library where we enjoy investigating the DVD’s, sensory box and looking at books.

We enjoy playing on the toys at the park in Sheddocksley and have enjoyed exploring the ice when walking to the horses.

 

Room 3 Christmas Outing

The pupils and staff in Room 3 headed into Aberdeen for our Christmas outing.  We travelled on the school bus and our first stop was the Bon Accord Centre where we spotted all sorts of different lights, trees and decorations while listening to Christmas music.

We tried out the smells of different candles in the Yankee shop and practised our skills in communicating which ones we liked and those we didn’t – our reactions were very clear!

We took a little trip to the Disney store to look at the toys, one pupil loved giving the teddies biiiiig hugs and we were all given a special sticker.

After that we wrapped up very warm to head out to the Winter Village!  There were lots of sights, sounds and smells to take in before we embarked on a little ice skating.  Everyone loved having a turn to whiz around the ice and there were big smiles!

We headed to the Recharge café for our well-needed lunch who gave us lots of help and even brought some lovely sensory toys for us to explore.  We enjoyed having some time to relax and socialise together.

Special thanks to the OB nursing team and Charlie House for their support in making our day out run so smoothly.

 

Festive Fun

It has certainly been a busy week at Orchard Brae and we have enjoyed participating in a range of festive fun and yesterday was the busiest day of all!

In the morning, the Primary department had a dress rehearsal for their Christmas Show, which we will performing next Friday.

A big thank you to Lynn and the catering team who put on a splendid Christmas lunch for us yesterday.

We all enjoyed tucking into our turkey and all the trimmings and festive shortbread and ice cream for dessert while listening to some Christmas tunes.

In the afternoon, we were joined by the St Margaret’s School choir who performed some Christmas tunes for us.  We would like to say a HUGE thank you to the pupils and staff from St Margaret’s who joined us.  This has become an annual event and it is one which we always look forward to.  The hall was packed and everyone enjoyed their performance immensely.  Thanks also to Room 9 staff and pupils who hosted a short snack and get together with them afterwards.

After such a hectic week, we look forward to seeing what excitement next week will bring!!

 

Christmas Jumper Day

Orchard Brae Pupil Council have organised a Christmas jumper day in school on Friday 13th December. This is just for fun – no need for any donations.
Staff and pupils, feel free to wear a something festive – it doesn’t have to be a jumper, all Christmas clothing and accessories are welcome!

 

PE With Room 4

PE is always such a big hit for the children in room 4!

Physical Education offers so much to our children:

Social skills, turn taking and collaborative team work are just some of the benefits of a balanced physical education program.

Shoebox Appeal

A huge thank you to everyone who sent in items for the Shoebox Appeal.  We filled an amazing 100 boxes which will go to people who would otherwise have had no gifts for Christmas. David, from the Rotary, came to pick the boxes up last week. He also wished to pass on thanks from the Rotary and to let everyone know what a huge difference this will make to the lives of those who have less than we do. This was a great learning experience for the pupils from shopping for items, collecting and sorting the items donated, decorating and packing the boxes. But the lesson of giving to others was the most important thing achieved.

From all the Howes Hoose Staff and pupils

Basketball Coaching Clinic

One of our Senior pupils from Howes Hoose has been very busy this morning.

He participated in a basketball coaching clinic at Oldmachar Academy run by Active Schools.  This clinic was open to teachers, senior pupils, coaches and volunteers and designed to give them an overview of how to structure basketball sessions along with offering a range of activity ideas, drills and practices.

We can’t wait for him to put these new skills he has learned into practice in school!