# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ratho Primary School - Newsletter 18-8-26

# data[].attributes.headline
Mindroom - Parent&Carer Peer Support Group for parents of Neurodivergent Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Mindroom - Parent&Carer Peer Support Group for parents of Neurodivergent Children

# data[].attributes.headline
P6 & P7 girls football - Edinburgh Emerging Talent Centre 2026 Trial Information

# data[].attributes.subject
P6 & P7 girls football - Edinburgh Emerging Talent Centre 2026 Trial Information

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone,

We are delighted to invite girls in P6 and P7 to trial for the Edinburgh Emerging Talent Centre, that runs in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, The Scottish FA and Coerver Coaching.

Please see below the link to sign up for the trial:

Edinburgh - Emerging Talent Centre 2026/2027 Trial Sign-Up  – Fill in form

This application, on completion, is to be returned no later than 5pm on Friday 4th September 2026

Trial Information:

Phase 1 - Friday 11th September 2026
2pm-4pm
Meggetland Sports Complex - Grass

Those successful from Phase 1, will be invited back for Phase 2.

Phase 2 - Friday 18th September 2026
2pm-4pm
Meggetland Sports Complex – Grass

For your convenience, I have also attached a small PDF document, with some more information on the ETC and the trial process.

More information on the trials will be sent directly to the contacts provided on the forms once the submission deadline has passed.

If anyone has any questions in the meantime, please contact Thomas.steedman@ea.edin.sch.uk and Craig.Livie@ea.edin.sch.uk in the same email. Our working patterns are slightly different so including both of us in the email will ensure your enquiry will be answered sooner.

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Parents,

Pentland Junior Singers are looking for new members! If your child loves to sing and play games then come along for a FREE taster session on Tuesday 1 September from 6-7pm at Balerno Parish Church.

We believe that music and singing is for all abilities and children do not need any previous musical experience. We sing a range of pop, musical theatre and traditional music. Suitable for age 8+.

The choir meets every Tuesday night from 6-7pm at Balerno Parish Church during term time. We have two concerts a year (Christmas and Summer) along with our adult choir Pentland Singers.

For more information please see our website  https://pentlandjuniors.org/  or email alimarr24@gmail.com

# data[].attributes.body
Please see the slides from the Parent/Carer Camp Presentation 17.6.2026

# data[].attributes.headline
Welcome back! Session 2026-27 first Newsletter & key information.

# data[].attributes.subject
Welcome back! Session 2026-27 first Newsletter & key information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ratho Primary School - Welcome Start of Term Letter 11-8-26

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With the new school year now underway, we’ve got information and support on ways to save money and ease the cost of the school day.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bitesize Parenting Support @ Edinburgh Libraries

# data[].attributes.subject
Bitesize Parenting Support @ Edinburgh Libraries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parenting can be challenging at times. We are here to help! Sometimes we all need a bit of help and advice. Topics Parents and Carers have told us they would like more information on includes:

# data[].attributes.body
Huge Congratulations to the 2026 Glee Choir who WON the Regional Final of the Frisson Foundation Glee competition at the Usher Hall and represented Ratho PS at the National Finals!  Congratulations and a massive well done to all the Children…They have performed superbly this year and thoroughly deserved the win with their amazing performance!  Thank you and congratulations to Mrs Raeburn, Stacey, Tanya and Anna for their achievement and all they do to lead and support the children!

# data[].attributes.body
It's been a great year for the Football Teams of Ratho PS. Congratulations to the P6 squad, the P7 squad and the combined P6 & P7 combined EPSSA Cup winning squad! Huge thanks and congratulations to Mr Stewart and Mr Collins for coaching and running the teams!

# data[].attributes.body
Ratho PS combined P6/7 squad won the Centenary EPSSA cup with a resounding win over Prestonfield PS! Every single player was outstanding. Huge congratulations to the boys and coach Mr Stewart on their success and thank you to the many families who turned out to support them! It's the 2nd time Ratho have won it... The last time was back in 1989! A great achievement!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RPS Class and Teacher announcement 12-6-26

# data[].attributes.body
Children First support line offers free emotional, practical and financial support to families across Scotland.

Call free on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline

Further information and resources are available at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.

# data[].attributes.headline
Class Organisation / Composite Class FAQs

# data[].attributes.subject
Class Organisation / Composite Class FAQs

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

Please take some time to read this week’s newsletter, there’s a lot of information relevant to parents & carers.

Tomorrow will be the final Friday of the month and so will be a Dress Down Day… Donations can be made in class or via ParentPay as usual and the House Captains have chosen the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity for our charity donations.

Many thanks for your support of the school!  Please contact us via the above contacts if you have any queries or need assistance.

Kind regards,

Peter Gibb,

Head Teacher.

# data[].attributes.headline
SSAA Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships 2026

# data[].attributes.subject
SSAA Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships 2026

# data[].attributes.body
Well done to our runners who ran at the SSAA Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships 2026 in Kirkcaldy!

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations to the Cross-Country runners who ran at the Meadows in the final week of term ran brilliantly… well done to all of them and a huge well done to Ella and Callum in P7 who both won, coming in 1st in their respective races!

# data[].attributes.body
Good luck to the Ratho Quiz team who will compete in the Rotary Club Primary Schools Quiz CENTRAL AND CITY AREA FINALS on 14th May.  They will compete against 16 other Round 1 winning teams from across the Lothians!

# data[].attributes.body
The Glee choir are through to the next round of the Frisson Foundation Glee competition!  They will perform and compete in the Regional Final on Friday 29th May at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.  Huge congratulations to them and good luck! Thank you to Mrs Raeburn, Stacey, Tanya and Anna for all they do to teach, lead and support the children!

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you to the Lawrie family for the visit to the School from their Spring Lambs! What a wonderful experience for all the children in the final week of last term!

# data[].attributes.headline
Nursery to P1 transition events and dates

# data[].attributes.subject
Nursery to P1 transition events and dates

# data[].attributes.body
Please see the attached document with all key dates and information for Nursery to P1 transition.

# data[].attributes.headline
HT Newsletter - 1st May 2026 (including all May & June dates)

# data[].attributes.subject
HT Newsletter - 1st May 2026 (including all May & June dates)

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

I hope all families enjoy the upcoming long weekend!  Children are off on Monday and Tuesday, returning to school on Wednesday 6th May.

As is always the case, the final 2 months of the session are packed full of exciting learning opportunities and events!  Please see all recent highlights, relevant dates and events information in the Newsletter attached.

Many thanks for your support of the school!

Kind regards,

Peter Gibb

# data[].attributes.body
A huge well done to these Superstars who have been working hard to show our school values and try their best in learning!

# data[].attributes.body
Keep up the efforts you are making in your learning, wider achievements and in displaying the school values, we are so proud of you all!

# data[].attributes.body
Our Stars of the Week from before the holidays, including our ND Group Representatives, who led and shared learning about Neurodiversity across the school. Well done to all!

# data[].attributes.body
A massive congratulations to our P6 and P7 Ratho Representatives at the Edinburgh Schools Cross Country competition at the Meadows. We are so proud of you all- you displayed positivity, determination and your fantastic athletic skills.

All of our pupils finished in fantastic positions out of over 150 pupils and should be very proud.

Special mention to Callum and Ellie in P7 who both came 1st in their categories- a wonderful achievement, well done!

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

We continue to have a busy term here at school, not least with the RSV Bake Off & Coffee morning  and  a visit of HMIE Inspectors for a Thematic Inspection on our Curriculum here at Ratho PS on Monday and a day of Quality Assurance Shared Classroom Experiences with our Quality Improvement Education Officer on Wednesday!

Please see the newsletter attached and many thanks for your continued support of the school.  I hope all families have a good weekend.

# data[].attributes.body
Please see links to individual Class Padlets to see what the children are doing across the school:

Primary 1a – Mrs Brown

Primary 1b – Mrs Marshall

Primary 2 – Mrs Walker

Primary 3 – Miss Tudor

Primary 4/3 – Mrs Lloyd and Mrs Raeburn

Primary 4 – Miss Ogilvy

Primary 5 – Mrs Collins

Primary 6 – Mr Anderson

Primary 7 – Mr Chmiel

# data[].attributes.body
Well done to all our Basketballers who took part in the Tournament at the Crags! They won all their games!

# data[].attributes.body
Well done to all the Rotary Quiz teams that took part in the Currie & Balerno Rotary Quiz! Our top team are through to the next round! Congratulations!

# data[].attributes.body
Well done to all our Netballers at the tournament at Meadowbank this week!

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

Many thanks to all families who participated and engaged with our Family consultation evenings this week… As always the attendance was very high and the feedback received on the evenings was very positive.  If you have any subsequent feedback you wish to share (whether about family consultations or anything else) please send into the school via Admin@ratho.edin.sch.uk or request a phone call!  All classes had their photos taken this week.  The link will be available shortly, we’ll send that on for families to order prints if they wish.

Many thanks as always to our Parent Council; the Ratho School Voice (RSV) for their good work.  The RSV will be holding a “Great Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning Event” on Monday 23rd March, 9.30-11.30am in the Ratho Community Centre.  All are invited to enter, participate and enjoy!  Please see the attached poster and leaflet for details.

Please also see a leaflet from Ratho Parish Church and some Easter holiday activities leaflets for your information.  Many thanks for your continued support of the school.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

Peter Gibb | Head Teacher | Ratho Primary School | 1 School Wynd, Ratho, Edinburgh, EH28 8TT  | Tel: 0131 333 1293 | admin@ratho.edin.sch.uk  | Ratho Primary School - Whole School Information | http://rathoprimary.org.uk/

# data[].attributes.headline
RSV - Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning on Monday 23rd March 2026

# data[].attributes.subject
RSV - Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning on Monday 23rd March 2026

# data[].attributes.headline
RSV - Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning details! (23/3/26)

# data[].attributes.subject
RSV - Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning details! (23/3/26)

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

There are a few notices and reminders in the attached newsletter.  Please also see attachments for your information.  Many thanks for your continued support of the school.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

# data[].attributes.body
The Great Easter Bake Off - Monday 23rd

March 2026

Easter Bonnet/Crazy Hair Day - Friday

27th March 2026

# data[].attributes.headline
Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band; beginner chanter (bagpipe) and drumming lessons

# data[].attributes.subject
Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band; beginner chanter (bagpipe) and drumming lessons

# data[].attributes.body
Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band; beginner chanter (bagpipe) and drumming lessons

Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band is delighted to offer beginner chanter (bagpipe) and drumming lessons for children in P4–P7, starting after the February break.

Ahead of our new classes, we will be running a number of short demonstration sessions over the next two weeks. These give children a chance to experience piping or drumming and see if it’s something they would enjoy. If your child would like to attend,  please complete the Google form here to book a place:  >>>> https://forms.gle/CYEoAobjzTqStdXr6

30 minute Demo sessions (Balerno High School):

Drumming – led by our Drumming Instructor, David Farquhar
• Friday 13 February at 4:00pm or 4:30pm
• Tuesday 10 February at 5:30pm

Chanter (bagpipes) – led by our Piping Instructor, Keith Dawes
• Friday 13 February at 4:30pm

You may have seen the band performing in local villages. We have a busy calendar, playing at galas, parades and competitions across Scotland. This year, the band also took part in the Tartan Parade down the Royal Mile and performed on stage at the Usher Hall — an unforgettable experience for our young musicians. Photos and videos from our recent events can be found on our Facebook page:
click here: Balerno and District Schools Pipe Band | Facebook

Lesson times (Balerno High School):

• Drumming: Tuesdays 5:30–6:00pm, or Fridays 4:00–4:30pm / 4:30–5:00pm
• Chanter: Fridays at 4:30pm

Children typically take around two years (depending on practice) to reach the standard required to join the full band. Once they do, band practices take place after school on Tuesdays and Fridays.

There is no charge for pipes, drums or uniforms. We do encourage families to purchase their child’s loaned pipes at a reduced rate within three years of joining the band. Lessons cost £6 per session, and children will need a practice chanter or practice drum pad (approximately £30). Financial support is available where needed — please enquire in confidence.

If you would like your child to join our beginner classes, please complete the Google form here:  >>>> https://forms.gle/CYEoAobjzTqStdXr6

# data[].attributes.body
🌐 Digital Safety Tip of the Week

We’re sharing Digital Safety Tips for Parents in the HT Update to help keep children safe in today’s digital world.

When thinking about online safety, it helps to remember:
The internet isn’t just a “thing” — it’s a place where children spend time.

Just like any place your child goes, it’s worth asking:

📍 Where are they going online?

👥 Who are they talking to or playing with?

🎮 What are they doing there?

👀 Do they need an adult with them, or can they go on their own?

If your child has access to a device at home, please see the attached poster for guidance on setting up parental controls to help keep them safe.

# data[].attributes.body
The information on this website lets families and professionals know how to access the service you are interested in. They have an online booking system and universal services where no diagnosis or professional referral is required.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We create thriving communities of support for disabled children, young people and their families, through our adventure play centres.

# data[].attributes.headline
We will be engaging with the UK Safer Internet Day

# data[].attributes.subject
We will be engaging with the UK Safer Internet Day

# data[].attributes.body
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026

Safer Internet Day 2026 will take place on the 10th of February 2026, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’.

# data[].attributes.body
We had a lovely time celebrating the end of 2025 at our annual festive celebration. Many thanks to Ratho Church for allowing us to use the Church which meant that so many of our families were also able to join us.

# data[].attributes.headline
School Nurse Drop Ins - first Monday of every month

# data[].attributes.subject
School Nurse Drop Ins - first Monday of every month

# data[].attributes.headline
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... Children return on Tuesday 6th January 2026

# data[].attributes.subject
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... Children return on Tuesday 6th January 2026

# data[].attributes.body
Please see the final newsletter of 2025!

# data[].attributes.headline
Ratho After School Club Opportunities Next Term

# data[].attributes.subject
Ratho After School Club Opportunities Next Term

# data[].attributes.body
Netball with Miss Ogilvy (P5-7)

Tuesdays:

24 Feb

3,10,17,24,31 March

3.15-4.15pm

Ratho PS

Games Hall

BAL – 212Hi

Balerno | Edinburgh Sports Unit (spydus.co.uk)

Edinburgh Karate Shizen (P3-5)

Thursdays:

22,29 Jan

5,12,26 Feb

5,12,19,26 March

3.15-4.15pm

Ratho PS

Games Hall

BAL – 213Hi

Balerno | Edinburgh Sports Unit (spydus.co.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Please see all the important information for our Christmas events!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ratho ELC - Nursery Christmas Stay and Play

# data[].attributes.headline
Want to become an Active Schools volunteer? Find out more from volunteers themselves

# data[].attributes.subject
Want to become an Active Schools volunteer? Find out more from volunteers themselves

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Want to become an Active Schools volunteer? Find out more from our volunteers themselves

# data[].attributes.headline
Some of our most recent Stars of the Week awards...

# data[].attributes.subject
Some of our most recent Stars of the Week awards...

# data[].attributes.body
Balerno High School, Friday 3.15 – 4.30pm (Primary), 4.30 – 5.45pm (Secondary)

Currie High School, Monday, Boys Session 4.30 - 6pm, Tuesday, Open Session 4.30 – 6pm, Friday, Swim Session 5pm– 6pm

Forrester High School, Wednesday, 4 – 6pm

Queensferry HS, Thursday, 3.30 – 4.30pm

To get involved contact –

Instagram – westedinburghstingrays

Facebook – West Edinburgh Stingrays Water Polo

Email – westedinburghstingrays@gmail.com

We also offer swimming lessons from 3.5 years at our venues, Only £8 per lesson no registration fee, to check availability and book use our link https://bookwhen.com/westingrays

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
West Edinburgh Stingrays Swimming Lessons - Booking by Bookwhen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stingray Swimming Lessons, fun and progressive group swimming lessons. Local lessons at Craigroyston HS, Balerno HS and Currie HS.
Affordable, only £6 per lesson.