Friday, March 21, 2008
Tarves Scots Night 2008
Once again the boys and girls from Primaries 4-7 put together a show which they could be rightly proud of. Everyone was involved and had their say in what made the show the success that it was.
This Scots Night demonstrated that the hard work throughout the year paid off dividends when such an evening was put on.
The Scottish Country Dancing lessons that were taken by Mr Jim Stott and Mrs Rachel Discombe and their attention to detail, ensured that the children taking part had a real sense of pride in what they had learned and achieved. To have girls dancing to a high standard was an achievement in itself, but to have a mixed team of boys and girls striving to be the best in the North East was quite an achievement and it showed at the school’s Scots Night.
Then you had those children who had taken up an instrument and practised for many hours at home to develop their interest into a hobby or even a potential profession in the future. We were able to sit back and marvel at their efforts and their hard work and dedication. Add to this some natural ability and these pupils had already begun to reap the rewards for their efforts.
In an evening that had a variety of different performances, there were those children who took to the stage to act in sketches and plays. Their confidence had been built up in class by being able to give talks and demonstrations and they had learned how to act and appear in front of an audience. This led them to develop the ability to recite poetry and to inject their personality or humour into their performances that gave them a unique quality, loved by the audience.
To be able to identify potential talent is a complex process, yet Tarves School prides itself on being able to expose the children to a range of experiences when putting on an evening or show. The teacher’s task is not an easy one, as they guide the children to use the skills that they have developed throughout their time at school.
They cannot all be good singers, dancers or musicians, but a Scots Night brings into play the importance of working as a team. This allowed the children to be involved in designing the tickets for the event as well as the posters and programmes. It brought all the teachers together to utilise their talents and to work hand-in-hand with classroom assistants, visiting specialists and parents.
The parents’ involvement in everything that has been done continues to be crucial to a successful school and community. They have a large part to play to support their ’stars’ by giving them encouragement and help when it is needed. They support the school by being involved in the PTA and giving their time to bake and help out in any way they can at events that the school or they as part of the school community organise.
An evening such as a Scots Night is not just an end of term event. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by everyone. For some children that effort came naturally, for others it was more difficult, but their sense of achievement was there for everyone to see at the school’s Scots Night.
What are the benefits of having an annual Scots Night? They are central to everything done at Tarves School and shows the great pride in the community, an understanding of their proud Scottish heritage, an opportunity for the children to show their talents and feel valued.
For their parents, relatives and community it was an opportunity to see their children’s education at its best. As the curtain came down on yet another show, no one was left in doubt that it had been another resounding success. Everyone had been treated to unforgettable moments this year that would be talked about for many years to come.
This Scots Night demonstrated that the hard work throughout the year paid off dividends when such an evening was put on.
The Scottish Country Dancing lessons that were taken by Mr Jim Stott and Mrs Rachel Discombe and their attention to detail, ensured that the children taking part had a real sense of pride in what they had learned and achieved. To have girls dancing to a high standard was an achievement in itself, but to have a mixed team of boys and girls striving to be the best in the North East was quite an achievement and it showed at the school’s Scots Night.
Then you had those children who had taken up an instrument and practised for many hours at home to develop their interest into a hobby or even a potential profession in the future. We were able to sit back and marvel at their efforts and their hard work and dedication. Add to this some natural ability and these pupils had already begun to reap the rewards for their efforts.
In an evening that had a variety of different performances, there were those children who took to the stage to act in sketches and plays. Their confidence had been built up in class by being able to give talks and demonstrations and they had learned how to act and appear in front of an audience. This led them to develop the ability to recite poetry and to inject their personality or humour into their performances that gave them a unique quality, loved by the audience.
To be able to identify potential talent is a complex process, yet Tarves School prides itself on being able to expose the children to a range of experiences when putting on an evening or show. The teacher’s task is not an easy one, as they guide the children to use the skills that they have developed throughout their time at school.
They cannot all be good singers, dancers or musicians, but a Scots Night brings into play the importance of working as a team. This allowed the children to be involved in designing the tickets for the event as well as the posters and programmes. It brought all the teachers together to utilise their talents and to work hand-in-hand with classroom assistants, visiting specialists and parents.
The parents’ involvement in everything that has been done continues to be crucial to a successful school and community. They have a large part to play to support their ’stars’ by giving them encouragement and help when it is needed. They support the school by being involved in the PTA and giving their time to bake and help out in any way they can at events that the school or they as part of the school community organise.
An evening such as a Scots Night is not just an end of term event. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by everyone. For some children that effort came naturally, for others it was more difficult, but their sense of achievement was there for everyone to see at the school’s Scots Night.
What are the benefits of having an annual Scots Night? They are central to everything done at Tarves School and shows the great pride in the community, an understanding of their proud Scottish heritage, an opportunity for the children to show their talents and feel valued.
For their parents, relatives and community it was an opportunity to see their children’s education at its best. As the curtain came down on yet another show, no one was left in doubt that it had been another resounding success. Everyone had been treated to unforgettable moments this year that would be talked about for many years to come.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Parent Involvement Area Meeting
Both Martin Sisley and myself attended this evening meeting held on Tuesday, 18th March, at Meldrum Academy and were pleasantly surprised by the large turnout of people.
A 7.30 pm start saw a Parent Council Up-date being given by Heather Hamilton, one of the Heads of Service, on Disclosures, Budget, Length of the School Day, Parent Council Focus Group, Transport and accommodation. The minutes of the previous meeting were given out and an explanation was given regarding the invitation extended to Head Teachers to be present at this meeting. There had been 'a whole meeting request' for more feedback time at the last meeting and consequently there had been some adjustment to the Agenda.
Very little seemed to have moved forward in a number of areas, such as the school day or Parent Council Budgets, as those were governed by ministerial or governmental action and information was not yet available regarding budgets from April 2008 onwards.
Mr Gordon Bulloch then spent time explaining and reviewing the process associated with the Appointment of Headteachers/Depute Headteachers in both secondaries and primaries.
Members of the Meldrum Pupil Council gave a presentation to the assembled audience on the CfE and about their involvement in developing pupil ideas, expressing concerns and generally improving communication between the School Management team, teachers and Parents.
Following this, two workshops were held, the first relating to Pupil Councils and examples of good practice and the second on the Role of Headteachers in working with Parent Councils.
The first workshop examined Pupil Council engagement with Parent Councils.
We were pleased to note in our discussion group that we already had this form of engagement taking place at Tarves by having representatives of the Pupil Council at selective Parent Council Meetings.
In the second workshop, the role of the Headteacher in working with the Parent Council was discussed, but was cut short by a lack of time.
Once again it appeared, to Martin and me, that there had been insufficient time allocated to the tasks.
If the intention of this meeting was for it to be a consultation exercise and to promote early thinking, then it was probably a success, however it disappointed us by not offering us anything 'new' to try out and develop.
A 7.30 pm start saw a Parent Council Up-date being given by Heather Hamilton, one of the Heads of Service, on Disclosures, Budget, Length of the School Day, Parent Council Focus Group, Transport and accommodation. The minutes of the previous meeting were given out and an explanation was given regarding the invitation extended to Head Teachers to be present at this meeting. There had been 'a whole meeting request' for more feedback time at the last meeting and consequently there had been some adjustment to the Agenda.
Very little seemed to have moved forward in a number of areas, such as the school day or Parent Council Budgets, as those were governed by ministerial or governmental action and information was not yet available regarding budgets from April 2008 onwards.
Mr Gordon Bulloch then spent time explaining and reviewing the process associated with the Appointment of Headteachers/Depute Headteachers in both secondaries and primaries.
Members of the Meldrum Pupil Council gave a presentation to the assembled audience on the CfE and about their involvement in developing pupil ideas, expressing concerns and generally improving communication between the School Management team, teachers and Parents.
Following this, two workshops were held, the first relating to Pupil Councils and examples of good practice and the second on the Role of Headteachers in working with Parent Councils.
The first workshop examined Pupil Council engagement with Parent Councils.
We were pleased to note in our discussion group that we already had this form of engagement taking place at Tarves by having representatives of the Pupil Council at selective Parent Council Meetings.
In the second workshop, the role of the Headteacher in working with the Parent Council was discussed, but was cut short by a lack of time.
Once again it appeared, to Martin and me, that there had been insufficient time allocated to the tasks.
If the intention of this meeting was for it to be a consultation exercise and to promote early thinking, then it was probably a success, however it disappointed us by not offering us anything 'new' to try out and develop.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Active Schools Netball Project
In partnership with the Netball Development Officer, Active Schools intend to run a netball project over the coming terms. The purpose of this project would be to initiate and/or support the provision of netball as an extra curricular activity within our school (lunch time or after school).
The project will include offering schools:
Foundation netball workshop to staff/parent volunteers
– Term 4 07/08
Assistance and support with setting up the club
– Term 4 07/08
Programme of extra curricular games for the small schools and large schools
– Term 1 08/09
Inverurie small school and large school festival
– Term 2 08/09
National Governing Body accredited Mini Netball coaching course
– Term 2 08/09
Invitation to take part in the Garioch Mini Netball Festivals
– Terms 2 & 3 08/09
Invitation to take part in the Aberdeenshire Mini Netball Festival
– Term 4 08/09
Funding for lesson cards, 10 netball balls, 2 sets of bibs, markers and NGB coaching course may be available to schools who can establish an after school club and take part in the local games and festivals.
I would like our school to take part in this project, as it has been an area of sport that has been very popular before.
In the past I have been grateful to a number of mums who have come forward to help out. If we could find a number of you to come together once again, then this would open up the possibility of the children playing competitively/for pleasure.
I will be indicating an interest by sending an email to register the school.and distributing a paper copy of the handout reproduced below.
The project will include offering schools:
Foundation netball workshop to staff/parent volunteers
– Term 4 07/08
Assistance and support with setting up the club
– Term 4 07/08
Programme of extra curricular games for the small schools and large schools
– Term 1 08/09
Inverurie small school and large school festival
– Term 2 08/09
National Governing Body accredited Mini Netball coaching course
– Term 2 08/09
Invitation to take part in the Garioch Mini Netball Festivals
– Terms 2 & 3 08/09
Invitation to take part in the Aberdeenshire Mini Netball Festival
– Term 4 08/09
Funding for lesson cards, 10 netball balls, 2 sets of bibs, markers and NGB coaching course may be available to schools who can establish an after school club and take part in the local games and festivals.
I would like our school to take part in this project, as it has been an area of sport that has been very popular before.
In the past I have been grateful to a number of mums who have come forward to help out. If we could find a number of you to come together once again, then this would open up the possibility of the children playing competitively/for pleasure.
I will be indicating an interest by sending an email to register the school.and distributing a paper copy of the handout reproduced below.
After School Club Opportunities
More information for you about after school clubs!
I would like to give feedback as to the number who would be interested in sending their child/children to a French Fun Club after school.
Really, the results were a bit disappointing and were grouped as follows:
P1 = 3 children, P2 = 2 children
P3 = 2 children P4 = 0 children
P5 = 2 children P6 = 1 child
It may be possible for a P1 - 3 club to commence if a further 3 children from P1 - 3 were to attend. Please come forward if you have not already done so.
FDS Brazilian Football.
I’m also in the position of offering the possibility of having an after school club on Mondays. The form of this club would be based on developing skills through FDS Brazilian Football.
Depending on numbers, there would be a P4-7 group and/or a P1-3 group. Coaching would commence from 3.30 pm and finish at 5.00 pm thus allowing each group to have 45 minutes coaching.
With 10 people participating in each group the weekly charge would be £1.75 per person, with a cheque for £10.50 made payable to ‘Tarves School’ for a block of 6 lessons.
Before this option can be put into place. I require to have a commitment from you regarding your child’s attendance at this after school club.
Please complete the pro-forma, semt out to you in hard copy or email, indicating whether you would commit your child to go to this training for six weeks. Please do not send any money at this stage.
Should we achieve the necessary numbers, we will be in contact to obtain the £10.50 payable.
Thanking you in advance.
I would like to give feedback as to the number who would be interested in sending their child/children to a French Fun Club after school.
Really, the results were a bit disappointing and were grouped as follows:
P1 = 3 children, P2 = 2 children
P3 = 2 children P4 = 0 children
P5 = 2 children P6 = 1 child
It may be possible for a P1 - 3 club to commence if a further 3 children from P1 - 3 were to attend. Please come forward if you have not already done so.
FDS Brazilian Football.
I’m also in the position of offering the possibility of having an after school club on Mondays. The form of this club would be based on developing skills through FDS Brazilian Football.
Depending on numbers, there would be a P4-7 group and/or a P1-3 group. Coaching would commence from 3.30 pm and finish at 5.00 pm thus allowing each group to have 45 minutes coaching.
With 10 people participating in each group the weekly charge would be £1.75 per person, with a cheque for £10.50 made payable to ‘Tarves School’ for a block of 6 lessons.
Before this option can be put into place. I require to have a commitment from you regarding your child’s attendance at this after school club.
Please complete the pro-forma, semt out to you in hard copy or email, indicating whether you would commit your child to go to this training for six weeks. Please do not send any money at this stage.
Should we achieve the necessary numbers, we will be in contact to obtain the £10.50 payable.
Thanking you in advance.
Monday, March 17, 2008
EXTRA! EXTRA!
George Davidson from P7 has done it again! He won the P7 section of 'The Burns World Federation - Scotland" competition by playing his violin, in Summerhill, in Aberdeen this weekend.
To add to family pride, his brother Stuart, came Runner-up in his P4-5 category.
Both boys have qualified for the Burns Federation National Competition in Greenock on May 10th.
We wish them well!
For the moment, CONGRATULATIONS to them from everyone!!!
To add to family pride, his brother Stuart, came Runner-up in his P4-5 category.
Both boys have qualified for the Burns Federation National Competition in Greenock on May 10th.
We wish them well!
For the moment, CONGRATULATIONS to them from everyone!!!
Young Musician of the Year
I'm always delighted to share with you any successes that our children may have, in or out of school, as we are hopefully preparing your children 'as all round individuals' who have skills and talents that we can help to bring to the fore.
One such success must be George Davidson's success in playing his violin. George is in his final year with us and has been taught violin by his school violin instructor Mrs Nicolson, who has obviously succeeded in pinpointing George's talents.
Nothing comes easily itself and George has obviously put in a lot of practice to achieve the high standard that he now plays at.
This paid dividends because, at the recent 'Young Musician of the Year Awards' held by the Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum, George scooped first place in the P5-7 category.
Well done George!! Everyone at the school wishes you further successes. Keep practising and enjoying what you are doing!!
One such success must be George Davidson's success in playing his violin. George is in his final year with us and has been taught violin by his school violin instructor Mrs Nicolson, who has obviously succeeded in pinpointing George's talents.
Nothing comes easily itself and George has obviously put in a lot of practice to achieve the high standard that he now plays at.
This paid dividends because, at the recent 'Young Musician of the Year Awards' held by the Rotary Club of Oldmeldrum, George scooped first place in the P5-7 category.
Well done George!! Everyone at the school wishes you further successes. Keep practising and enjoying what you are doing!!
Easter Eggstravaganza
Can I thank everyone from the whole community for turning out for our Coffee Afternoon on Friday. It was a great successs with so many people turning out to support us and join with us. The children's Easter egg cups, candles and cards flew out the door and the children were very happy that they were so well received.
The children all produced their own designs for their hard boiled Easter Eggs and I was delighted that Mrs Lynch and Mrs Gauld were able to judge the class categories and present the winners with an Easter Egg.
My thanks must go to the 'home bakers' and to all of the PTA members for their hard work in preparing and serving at the event.
Many thanks Ladies and Gentlemen!!
The children all produced their own designs for their hard boiled Easter Eggs and I was delighted that Mrs Lynch and Mrs Gauld were able to judge the class categories and present the winners with an Easter Egg.
My thanks must go to the 'home bakers' and to all of the PTA members for their hard work in preparing and serving at the event.
Many thanks Ladies and Gentlemen!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)