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Andover Primary School February Newsletter

Dear Parents/Friends

Burns Competitions
Our two Burns competitions have been very successful with keen competition between the
participants.
Congratulations to the winners.
Music
Recorders P7 1st Alilean Swan Highly commended
2nd Carly Mitchell Duets Courtney Pearton and
3rd Courtney Pearton Carly Mitchell
Recorders P6 1st Martha Grieve Ailean Swan
Jenna Smith Jordan Collie
Caitlyn Tough

Choral 1st Catherine Wales

P7 2nd Jordan Collie
3rd Jamie Cochrane
P6 1st Rhiannan Jones
2nd Martha Grieve
3rd Shannon Young

Strings 1st Ellie Dalgarno

2nd Ross Scorgie
3rd = Amy New
Ben Harper

Well done everyone and a big thank you to Mrs Barrow, Mrs Judge and Mrs Heron for their
commitment given to training everyone.

Poetry
P1H 1st Keinin Campbell – Traffic Signals by JK Annand
2nd Heather Dallas – Traffic Signals by J K Annand
P1M 1st Isabella Mimiec – Traffic Signals by JK Annand
2nd Mia Clubb – Traffic Signals by JK Annand
P2 1st Stuart Cameron – Roguey Poguey
2nd Hayley Fraser – Roguey Poguey
P2/3 1st Juliette Simpson – The Puddock
2nd Courtney McLean – Oor Cat’s Deid
P3/4 1st Charlie Hancox – Elephant
2nd Lauren Strachan - Snowman
P4 Allyn McLaren - The Circus)
Craig McDonald - My Wish ) All First Equal
Wallis Mathieson - My Wish )
Elena Williamson - My Wish )
P4/5 1st Kain Bisset - The Boy in the Train
2nd Carly Ross - The Boy in the Train
P5/6 1st Samantha Chalmers – Burns Ode the School Bairns on Potato Crisp Bags
2nd Ricky Adam – The Hippopotamus
P6 1st Jenna Smith – The Kirk Moose!
2nd Andrew Johnston – The Kirk Moose
P7T 1st Jamie Cochrane – Fi’baw in the Street
2nd Hayley Leal – Cuddle Doon)
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Amy Reid - Cuddle Doon) 2nd equal

st
P7R 1 Jodie Jackson – Fi’baw in the Street
2nd Beth Simpson – Cuddle Doon

Rights Respecting School

You will probably have seen the article in the ‘Brechiner’ highlighting work being done at
Andover on promoting pupils rights and responsibilities. We are continually highlighting how
we can make Andover a safe and welcoming school but sadly some pupils continue to be
aggressive towards each other both physically and verbally. Please remind you child/children
to tell their teacher or report any incidents to Mrs Kennedy or myself. We can only deal with
these concerns if we are kept informed.
Through our assemblies and Make Ten Time we encourage a sense of worth and values
which will hopefully encourage our pupils to respect each other and also themselves.

We need your support!

Our school rules are in place to set clear boundaries and make life easier for everyone
however of late some pupils have been failing to adhere to them. Please note the following
advice which is also available in the school handbook.
Water in school
Drinking fountains are available in each area of the school but pupils may also bring a bottle
of water to keep beside them for consumption in class. Fizzy drinks and juice are not
permitted. Please send a clear container if possible.
Jewellery for PE
For safety reasons bracelets, necklaces and earring are not permitted for PE. Although a safe
place will be provided for jewellery it would be much more secure left at home. If a pupil
wears earrings for PE they will be asked to put tape on them
P E Kit
It is expected that PE kit will be kept in school during the whole week. This gives flexibility to
the beginning of lessons. Kit will be sent home at the end of each block for laundering. Please
check that your child does have gym shoes that fit and correct kit.
School Uniform
We pride ourselves on the fact that almost all our pupils wear uniform and the public often
comment on the smartness of groups on visits however once again a few children are letting
things slips. Jeans/jogging strips/sports tops etc are not permitted for school wear. If possible
footwear should consist of dark coloured shoes – not red/white trainers.
As this time of year strong outdoor footwear is essential. The playground continues to be very
wet and muddy – children are often arriving with soaking socks. Wellingtons are quite
acceptable. Children can change footwear on arrival.
Your support to the above would be much appreciated.

Parent Council Race Night 27 February

- Invitations sent out on Friday
- Next meeting Wednesday 4th March 6.30pm
Students in School
Throughout the year student teachers have teaching practice in all our classes. This term
students will be working alongside staff in
P2 Colin Greig
P5/6 Joanne Aitchison
P2/3 Stacey Robertson
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Students liaise closely with the class teacher to ensure progress and consistency for the
pupils.

Book Week
As a lead up to World Book Day on 5th March Andover is holding a Book Week. This will
include several author visits, a puppet show and story telling services. Once again we hope to
engage pupils in activities that will lead to a love of reading and an interest in literature.
Each child will be given a Book Voucher which can be used to receive £1.00 off books worth
£2.99 or more and is valid 2nd – 29th March 2009 inclusive.

Charity Disco
The school Disco organised by P5/6 and Mr Troon last week was a great success. Everyone
had a super evening and the behaviour was excellent. Over £500 was raised. Perhaps there
will be another one in the near future? A big Thank You to Mr Pyper for supplying the lively
music!

Andover Nursery
As a result of additional staffing there are still places for the afternoon nursery session.
Please pass this information to friends who may have pre-school children.

Andover Website
The parent of a prospective P1 entrant telephoned recently to enquire about enrolling his child
at Andover. During the course of the conversation he told me that he had been looking at our
website and was very impressed with its content. He then told me this was his line of work .
Our website is continually updated due to the efforts of Mr McKay and the school website
group. It is the ideal place to view recent photos of events and to find our what is happening.
If you haven’t logged on yet visit www.andoverprimary.org The group are always keen to
receive suggestions and contributions.

Andover Newsletter
Our Newsletter is now circulated to local businesses, care homes, the library, Damacre
Centre etc to inform the community about what we are doing. If you know of anyone else who
would like to receive a copy please contact Miss C Fitchett Principal Teacher.

Shrove Tuesday

Throughout today there has been a delicious smell of pancakes wafting through the school .
The children all love our cooking sessions and today this activity has led to some excellent
functional writing as well as links to RME and Health . Some of the children have asked for
the recipe so I have attached a copy from P4/5 .(Matthew Brown)

Andover Nursery Andover Nursery

As a result of additional staffing there are still places for the afternoon nursery session.
Please pass this information to friends who may have pre-school children.

The Scottish Care Commission are responsible for ensuring that care in Scotland continues
to improve. We have recently completed a self assessment for the Nursery provision at
Andover which is linked to National Care Standards and I envisage an inspection will take
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place shortly. We have evaluated the quality of experience that is provided, the environment,
staffing and management and leadership.
After the Nursery has been inspected a grade will be awarded based on our evaluation and
the Inspection Report . Copies of this will be made available for parents.

Yours sincerely

E.A.Howson
Head Teacher