We will do our very best to keep this up to date but please do let us know if you notice any inaccuracies.

Ratho Primary School – A Curious Creative Community

Our P6s and P7s have responsibility for looking after their own charger and if lost or damaged then there will be a charge requested to replace these. These need to be passed up to the High School (with the ipad) at the end of P7.

There are three options for the Kiltwalk, so that anyone aged 5+ can take part, with walks from 4.6 to 20.5 miles long.

We’d love you to take part!

There is a fee of between £6.50-£20 per participant and all of the entrance fees are passed back in full to RSV. You can also fundraise if you’d like to help raise extra funds.

To register for the Kiltwalk, click here: https://in.justgiving.events/edinburgh-kiltwalk-2024?currentPage=select-competition and select the length of walk you’d like to participate in and for how many people. As the Kiltwalk will sell-out at some point we’re keen for participants to register as soon as possible if up for it! We’ll be selling RSV branded t-shirts closer to the time and you can wear something tartan or a kilt if you’d like to but it is not essential.

Important point when you get to “please type the charity name you would like to fundraise for” please ensure you select Ratho School Voice to ensure we get the ticket funds.

When it asks if you are participating in a team please select “Yes I will be a member of a team”.  For team captain name: Ratho School Voice / Nathalie Dubanowski.

For start time if you’d like to walk with the RSV group select 10.30am for the Wee Wander and 9.30am for the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll.

When it asks for your charity’s JustGiving page, skip this section as RSV is not a registered and regulated charity so can’t appear on the list, but you can still support using the crowdfunding page below. (same goes for the link you’ll get once you’ve registered) 

Once you’ve added the first participant there is a button underneath “add participant” to add family members.

If you’re happy to fundraise too, please direct donors to the JustGiving page here: 

Crowdfunding to Ratho School Voice is fundraising £12,000 to pay for new IT equipment for the school, so we can buy 10 smart boards, one for each classroom. on JustGiving

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Ratho-School-Voice

If you have any questions or need any help registering, please ask Nathalie who is coordinating, natdubanowski@gmail.com / 07985 595510

C

All Padlets are also available to view via each class tab on the school website and the direct links to each Padlet are as below: 

Primary 1 - Mrs Brown

Primary 1/2 - Mrs Walker

Primary 2 - Mrs McColm

Primary 3a - Miss Buckle and Mrs Marshall

Primary 3b - Mr Mullen and Miss Buckle

Primary 4 - Miss Ogilvy

Primary 5 - Miss Feld

Primary 6 - Mr Anderson

Primary 6/7 - Mr Chmiel

Primary 7 - Miss McGhee

Thank you to all who took part.  The organisers were very impressed with all of our entries!

P1 Enrolment is online it will be open from Monday 31^st October until Friday 18^th November.  https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/school-places/start-primary-school/1

As usual, part of the Harvest Festival is collecting donations for our local Ratho foodbank "the Storehouse". We encourage all pupils to make donations of any dried, tinned or otherwise non-perishable foods to the food bank... See Ava's poster attached!

Many thanks to those who donated for the Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day last week, we raised £104!  Well done!  Children are to wear School Uniform as normal this Friday. 

Finally, we have had concerns raised about parents'/carers' cars driving/parking in the car park and dropping off at the disabled spots in front of the school.  As always, please can parents refrain from using the car-park and 'park and stride' please.  

Please see the latest newsletter attached... Updates on recent highlights, upcoming events and lots of relevant info to the school community!

At Ratho Primary School we want all our pupils to grow up happy, confident, secure and able to cope with life’s challenges, however we recognise that at times this can be a challenge for everyone - parents as well as educators.  

We are going to be in a position to offer parents and carers the opportunity to participate in a 6-session course where you can meet with each other and learn more about all aspects of parenting. From understanding child development to offering strategies to help build resilience and prepare our young children for the future.  There will be lots of opportunity to learn together and to talk to parents about strategies and ways to support our children, whatever age and stage they are in the school.

A warm welcome back to all children and families for Term 2 of the session! Please see below, there are several important notices for the School Community for start of term:

RSV Christmas Cards:

All pupils (including Nursery) will have their RSV Christmas Card designs sent home with them today.  Please follow the instructions to place your order and support the RSV!  Parents/carers are also advised to take a photograph of their child’s order form with unique code just in case there are any issues with missing artwork and return the form/design to school by this Friday 25^th October for the RSV to send the designs off in plenty of time to get orders back well before Christmas!   Many thanks for your support!

RSV Halloween Disco:

See Poster/Flyer attached in the next column!

School Staffing Updates:

Miss Janet Buckle will be leaving Ratho Primary to take up a new post at Gracemount Primary.  We thank Miss Buckle for her work and support of the children over her time at Ratho Primary and she leaves with our very best wishes for the future.

Also, Mrs Jenny Lewry, our P7 Transition Teacher will be leaving to take up a new post with the Support for Learning team at Balerno High School. Again, we thank Mrs Lewry for her work and support of the children and wish her all the best for the future.

We are currently exploring options for filling these posts, however to cover Miss Buckle in the interim, Mrs Marshall will take P3a on a full-time basis and Ms Gordon will cover Miss Buckle’s other class commitments in P3b, P1 and P4.

Congratulations are in order to Miss Alice McGhee (P7 teacher) who is now Mrs McIntyre following her marriage over the holiday and congratulations also to Miss Anna Ogilvy (P4 teacher) who announced her engagement over the holiday as well!  Best wishes to both of them!  

Place 2 Be :

Please see the attached letter and flyer about our new Mental Health Support from Place 2 Be in the next column!

Raising Children With Confidence:

Please see the info attached and the Form in the next column!

School Crossing Patrol Officer:

A reminder that Lorraine the School Crossing Patrol Officer (Lollipop crossing) at School Wynd is on holiday from 22^nd to 25^th October.  There is NO crossing cover at School Wynd for this first week of the new term.  Please take care for children crossing the road.  There is also a vacancies for School Crossing Patrol Officers in the area… see here: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/city-edinburgh-council/jobs/school-crossing-patrol-guide-citywide-locations-399803

RSV Calendar Competition:

We encourage all children to participate in the RSV Calendar Competition to design the cover for the 2025 RSV Calendar!  Prizes available! Please see the attached information letter with all details.  The theme for this year is “What does Ratho Primary School mean to you?” and the closing date is 8^th November!

Dental Inspections:

Dental Inspections for all P1 & P7 children will take place on Monday 28^th October.  Can all P1 & P7 parents see the attached letter.  All P1 & P7 children will be inspected; please write into the school if you DO NOT want your child to be inspected.

Women’s Hearts v Hibs Derby (Capital Cup) - Free Tickets:

We have requested tickets for the Edinburgh Derby as Hearts Women take on Hibernian Women in the SWPL1 fixture (the Capital Cup) on 17/11/24.  Let us know if you’d like tickets for your family.   

The Bridge Inn Halloween Party – Friday 1^st November

Our neighbours at The Bridge Inn would like to draw your attention to their Halloween party on the 1^st November.  This is a free event with lots of games, puzzles and a pumpkin carving competition… They will supply the pumpkins!

Please see their poster/flyer attached in the Support for Families Column.

Events throughout the term:

Term 2 is always packed, please keep an eye on our School Calendar for all events this term. Events from 25 October – 28 November – Ratho Primary School   (You can also download and print the school calendar here: Calendar – Ratho Primary School)

I hope all children and families enjoy the term… as always it promises to be busy and full of learning opportunities, events and fun!

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

Head Teacher

Please be aware of the following updates and information.

Christmas Play at the Lyceum: Treasure Island – ParentPay amount adjustment instructions:  Please note, the cost for your child’s ticket to the Lyceum is £14.  We allow parents to make an additional voluntary donation of up to £3, if you wish.  On ParentPay, the payment automatically defaults to pay the maximum amount of £17, which includes the voluntary donation of £3.  It is not our intention to have this as the default, but is a problem within the Parentpay system as to how it allows you to make a voluntary donation.  To only pay the cost of the ticket, £14, you must enter this amount manually.  Please see the area marked in red on the screenshot attached for further guidance and please accept our apologies for any confusion caused.

Family Consultations Wednesday 13^th and Thursday 14^th of November:  Family Consultation evenings are on Wednesday 13^th and Thursday 14^th of November.  The booking system is live until 6^th November.  We encourage all parents/carers to book an appointment to discuss your child’s progress.

An email was sent previously giving details of how to login and book your appointment, please check your junk-mail/spam if this email is not in your inbox.  In most cases, this email should be received only by the parent/carer listed as the ‘Main Contact’.    The basic instructions are; login via https://parents-booking.co.uk/Ratho , enter your name and your child's name ([First Name] [Last Name]). The login details you enter must match those we have on record for you.  Please contact the office if you have any problems with booking your appointment.

Book Fair: Week of 11^th-15^th November:  The Scholastic Book Fair will be with us here in school for the week of Family Consultations. Parents can now pay for books while they’re at the Fair (on the Family Consultation evenings) using a QR code, and inputting their payment details on the parent pay website. Cash is also accepted. The book fair has enabled the school to add many books to both our school library and class novel collection in the past and we are looking forward to adding to this again.

Tempest Photography – 5^th November:  All pupils will have their school photo taken professionally by Tempest Photography on 5^th November.  We request all children attend in full school uniform that day.  We can provide school uniform for any child who doesn’t have theirs on that day.

School Crossing Patrol Officer:  Carol the School Crossing Patrol Officer (Lollipop crossing) at RATHO PARK ROAD junction will be absent on Monday 4^th November in the morning.  She should return for the afternoon.  There is NO crossing cover at Ratho Park Junction that morning. 

P1 & P2 Nativity: Wednesday 11^th December at 10am:  We have secured the Church Hall to put on a performance of the Nativity by all P1 & P2 children.  There will be one performance at 10am and each family can claim 2 tickets per child.  We will issue ticket details closer to the time.

Nursery Christmas Show: Wednesday 18^th December at 2pm:  Nursery will put on their own Christmas Show this year rather than joining the P1&P2 Nativity; hopefully in the new building – TBC!  There will be one performance at 2pm.  We will issue further details closer to the time.

P3 & P4 Christmas Sing-along Thursday 19^th December at 2pm:  We have secured the Ratho Parish Church Hall to put on a performance P3 & P4 Christmas Sing-Along  There will be one performance at 2pm and each family can claim 2 tickets.  We will issue ticket details closer to the time.

P1 Open Day: Wednesday 6^th November at 9.15am and 1.30pm:  P1 Open Day is on Wednesday 6/11/24.  Please see the poster attached. Prospective P1 parents/carers can visit Ratho PS for a tour through the school between 9.15-10.15am and 1.30-2.30pm with a P7 pupil!  P1 Enrolment is online and opens today until Friday 18^th November.  https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/school-places/start-primary-school/1

P5 Assembly:  P5 will host an Assembly on 28^th November, up to 2 parents/carers per pupil are invited to attend at 2.10pm in the School Hall. 

RSV Calendar Competition:  We encourage all children to participate in the RSV Calendar Competition to design the cover for the 2025 RSV Calendar!  Prizes available! Please see the attached information letter with all details.  The theme for this year is “What does Ratho Primary School mean to you?” and the closing date is 8^th November!

Class Padlets:  All Class Padlets will be updated from tomorrow with information on their curriculum coverage for the term.  All can be accessed from the Class Pages tab on our website here: https://rathoprimary.org.uk/

Events throughout the term:  Please keep an eye on our School Calendar for all events this term.    Please also see the Whole School Padlet for details of all happenings: Ratho Primary School - Whole School Information (padlet.com)  (You can also download and print the school calendar here: Calendar – Ratho Primary School)

Please see the latest updates for Ratho Primary School; upcoming events and relevant information for the school community! 

Many thanks for your support of the school.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

Headteacher

Family Consultations:

Family Consultation evenings are tomorrow, Wednesday 13^th and Thursday 14^th of November.  Appointment times are 10 minutes each.  Please do your best to remain within this timeframe to ensure a smooth running of the evening for all families.  Many thanks for your cooperation.  Please contact the office if you have any problems with booking your appointment.

The Book Fair is here this week:

Parents can pay for books while they’re at the Book Fair (on the Family Consultation evenings) using a QR code, and inputting their payment details, however adults will need to have their bank details/bank card as it’s just a QR link, not a POS reader (ie. Apple Pay/Google Pay/ Contactless won’t work, you need to enter bank details to make payment.)  Otherwise cash is also accepted, however please bring change as we only have a small cash float!  Many thanks.  

Charger/cable donation appeal:

Please have a look around the house and if you can please… During the Family Consultations appointments we will have a dropbox available for donations of:

• Apple Lightening chargers or charging cables (either USB- C to Apple Lightening or USB to Apple Lightening).

• Any ‘Over-Ear’ headphones. 

• Any USB-C charging cables.

Many thanks!

Children in Need Day- Friday 15^th November:

We will have a bit of a ‘Buddy Day’ for Children in Need.  All school children will go for a walk from the school around the Marina and back in the morning, P1&P2 / P6&P7 with their buddies, P3-5 with their own friends!  After break time the P1&P2 / P6&P7 buddies will then have a shared reading session where the P1s & P2s will be presented with their Bookbug Bags by their buddies!  This is a dress-down day for all, but Children in Need colours are encouraged (Spots, yellow, etc) and all pupils are encouraged to make a small donation to Children in Need!  Any parents/carers who wish to accompany us on the walk are welcome to do so… We’ll leave around 9.15am.  Parents/carers can wait outside the main gate and join their child’s class when they leave.

Tempest Photography Photo Proofs:  

All Tempest photography proofs have been distributed to pupils to take home for parents/carers to view and order online.  Families have a 14 day window from today for free delivery of orders to the school.  After this time there is a postage charge to the home address.

Women’s Hearts v Hibs Derby (Capital Cup):

All requested tickets for the Hearts Women v Hibernian Women Edinburgh Derby (the Capital Cup) on 17/11/24 have been distributed to pupils. There are 2 remaining tickets… Please let us know if you’d like these tickets for your family.   

West Edinburgh Stingrays Cluster water polo club

Please see opportunity below for your child to attend West Edinburgh Stingrays Cluster water polo club –

Follow the link in red to sign up 😊 -

West Edin Stingrays Water Polo

BAL-101EFG

Age Group –

P5-7

Dates -Tuesday

Term time

Club contact -

Julia Kerr –

westedinburghstingrays@gmail.com

Times -3.40-4.30pm

Venue -Balerno HS Swim Pool

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

🎄CHRISTMAS FAIR - DONATIONS 🎄

It’s that time of year again where preparations for the School Christmas fair are in full swing. We are now in a position to ask for donations of various items to support the fair. Items should be dropped off at the School Office from Monday the 18th of November onwards. 

All items must be in new or excellent condition (please do not donate broken or dirty items as we cannot use them). We are looking for:

🎁 gifts for mum/dad/grandparents - for our secrets room (candles, sweets/chocolates, gift sets, smellies, tea/coffee sets, dvds - NO books this year please)

🦄 Children’s Tombola prizes - games, toys, stationary etc

🧸 Soft toys - must be clean

🎄 Wrapping paper and Gift Tags

🍬 Sweets - to use as children’s prizes 

🍷🥂Mulled wine and Prosecco 

🧁 Home baking (Friday 29th November or morning of Saturday 30th November)

If anyone has any unwanted gift vouchers or higher value gifts they would like to donate for the Luxury Tombola then please send me a message.

Thank you 🙏🏻

______________________________

🎅🏻 CHRISTMAS FAIR - HELPERS NEEDED 🎅🏻

The Ratho Christmas Fair is taking place on Saturday 30th of November and we have a few gaps for volunteers:

Kids Crafts x 1 (1-2.30pm)

Kids Nails Salon x3 (2.30-4pm)

Santa’s Grotto entry x1 (2.30-4pm)

Luxury Tombola x1 (2.30-4pm)

The above roles do not require any prep - everything will be ready for you!

If anyone would like to help and/or would like to rope friends in to help too then please let us know 🙂 🎅🏻

They have have universal services where no diagnosis or professional referral is required.

They also have targeted services where specific criteria do exist which are clear on the website. These can be accessed by contacting the partner directly and contact details are provided on the website. If there are further enquiries about the services we offer EDAN Hub can be contacted at enquiries@edanhub.scot or 07526565672.

Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

Please see below a reminder and requests for donations/support for the RSV Christmas Fair this Saturday and also a list of our upcoming activities.  We hope to see you at something before the term ends…

Only 4 weeks until the Christmas holidays! 

Many thanks for all Parents & Carers who attended their Consultation appointments this month; we have met with almost all families this month to discuss their children’s learning.  We value this engagement so much as we work together to support your children.

Many thanks to Mr Riley-Morrison and Ms Shivas for organising and running the Raising Children with Confidence workshops every Tuesday evening at the school.

Thanks also to the School Community for their generosity this month raising £125 for the Poppy Scotland appeal ahead of Remembrance Day earlier in the month.  The organisers of the Ratho appeal sent a lovely note expressing gratitude to the School Community for their support.

Thanks also for a lovely Children in Need day, this year we had a lovely ‘buddy’ walk around the Marina and raised £109 for Children in Need!

Well done everyone and many thanks for your continued support of the school.

Yours sincerely, 

Peter Gibb,

Head Teacher.

Christmas Performances Information

The P1&P2 nativity and also the P3&P4 sing-along will be performed for parents and carers at the Ratho Church Hall. We want all parents and carers to see their children but to monitor attendance, these performances will be ticketed (e-ticket!) and families are limited to 2 tickets per child.  We will issue a form to complete to request tickets later this week.

Tickets will be free, but we will give the option for a small donation towards a fund for props & equipment, etc.  For both performances, we will release more than 2 tickets per child depending on uptake and Church Hall capacity.

Dress Down Day this Friday 29^th November

We have already had a fun dress down day for Children in Need as above.  We will still have anther for the last Friday of the month but Children are encouraged to wear something bright, fluorescent, reflective or Hi-Vis for the ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ Road Safety campaign by the Junior Road Safety Officers… There will not be any donations requested.  Pupils also have a ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ competition for the JRSOs as well!

Please see the attached flyer for this year’s Christmas Fair, come along, have fun and support the RSV and the School!

🎄CHRISTMAS FAIR - DONATIONS 🎄

It’s that time of year again where preparations for the School Christmas fair are in full swing. We are now in a position to ask for donations of various items to support the fair. Items should be dropped off at the School Office please!

All items must be in new or excellent condition (please do not donate broken or dirty items as we cannot use them). We are looking for:

🎁 gifts for mum/dad/grandparents - for our secrets room (candles, sweets/chocolates, gift sets, smellies, tea/coffee sets, dvds - NO books this year please)

🦄 Children’s Tombola prizes - games, toys, stationary etc

🧸 Soft toys - must be clean

🎄 Wrapping paper and Gift Tags

🍬 Sweets - to use as children’s prizes

🍷🥂Mulled wine and Prosecco

🧁 Home baking (Friday 29th November or morning of Saturday 30th November)

______________________________

✨HELPERS STILL NEEDED✨

We are still needing a few more volunteers to help make the Christmas Fair a success!

Currently looking for the following slots to be filled:

1.      Children’s pocket money stall (1-4pm, there will be breaks to wander ect)

2.      Children’s Craft area x1 1-2.30pm

3.      Children’s nail salon x3 2.30-4pm

If you are available and able to help please let us know.

We are in the final 2 weeks of the term and the Christmas holidays begin a week on Friday!  Lovely to see the school’s children singing for the village community at the Ratho Christmas Tree Light ‘Switch-On’ on Sunday evening!  Well done to them!

It will be a busy end of term so best to give a reminder of what’s happening each day; please see below!  Many thanks for your continued support of the school.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb,

Head Teacher.

The Ratho School Voice (RSV) Christmas Fair

Huge congratulations to the RSV and many thanks to all who contributed and who came to the Christmas Fair.  It was a lovely occasion and a great buzz around the school… They will announce funds raised in due course!

The Ratho School Voice (RSV) 2025 Calendar

Well done to the RSV for organising the 2025 calendar.  Many thanks to all who bought one for supporting the school and congratulations to all the winning entries from the children.  The photo of their prize giving is on our Whole School padlet and all their entries are in the RSV 2025 Calendar!  Ratho Primary School Padlet

New building for Nursery

We had hoped to have the Nursery’s Christmas sing-along in the new building but unfortunately the builders’ completion dates have all come and gone and we continue to be subject to delays.  We hope to have the new nursery building (Ratho Early Learning and Childcare) registered by the Care Inspectorate by the end of January and hopefully will transition to the new models of provision after the February holiday.

Dear Ratho Primary School Community,

Season's Greetings to all our families… The final day of term and the final day of school for 2024 is tomorrow!

We will have our final assembly at the church tomorrow (not a religious worship service) at 9.30am.  Parents/carers are welcome to attend in the balcony. 

Children can wear Christmas jumpers tomorrow and will be dismissed at normal times: P1-2 at 12.15pm and P3-7 at 12.25pm. 

We will also pass The Storehouse on the way in and children/families are encouraged to bring a donation of tinned/dried goods to carry to the Foodbank to donate if they can.  Sorry for the late notice on this… we just heard they were in need of donations and thought the school community could help!

As we approach the festive season, I’d like to thank all the staff who have worked so hard throughout the year for the benefit of all Ratho’s children.  We can certainly reflect on many successful events that have enriched our school community over this term thanks to the dedication of the staff team here!

A few recent highlights of note are:

We are accredited with the Digital Schools Award!  This is a prestigious award which we achieved with our Balerno High School Learning Community Digital.  Our commitment to integrating technology in education was recognised with this award, highlighting excellent Digital practice across the school… Well done Team!

We’ve had our Rights Respecting Schools validation and we look forward to hearing the outcome in January!  Well done Team!

We celebrated progress in our Global Goals Learning, encouraging all children students to engage with global issues and develop a sense of global responsibility.  This links closely to our work on Learning for Sustainability where Ratho’s work was recently highlighted as excellent practice across all City of Edinburgh Council schools… Well done Team!

Also a huge thanks to staff for their hard work on delivering:

·       The P1 & P2 Nativity performance!

·       The P3 & P4 Christmas concert!

·       The Nursery Christmas Concert!

·       The whole school trip to the Lyceum Theatre to see Treasure Island!

·       The Class Parties!

These have variously been delightful, joyful, exciting and have warmed our hearts and spread Festive joy amongst all children, their families and of course the staff themselves! 

Finally, a huge thanks to the Ratho School Voice (and all who contribute and help) for their support over the year.  Their Christmas Fair was a resounding success, bringing our community together for festive cheer and fundraising…. Well done RSV!

As we finish for the holidays we hope for health, peace, joy and happiness for all in the School Community and we look forward to continued wellbeing and progress for 2025!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warmest regards,    

Peter Gibb,

Head Teacher.

The Digital Schools Awards Scotland is a national award supported by Education Scotland to promote, recognise and encourage a whole-school approach to the use of digital technology in early years, primary, special education and secondary schools.  

Well done and congratulations to all the staff and pupils and especially Mrs Smith, Mrs Raeburn and the Digital Leaders!

Please see the Award letter and Certificate attached!

As you will know, there is a Red Weather Warning in place for tomorrow (Friday 24/1/2025). 

The City of Edinburgh Council have informed us that all schools across City of Edinburgh Council will be closed tomorrow. 

Please see attached letter.

Our school website and Padlets will have some ideas and links for home learning ideas should you wish for tomorrow. All children who have booked a packed lunch for tomorrow will be issued with these today. 

Please be safe tomorrow and over the weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb 

Peter Gibb | Head Teacher | Ratho Primary School | 1 School Wynd, Ratho, Edinburgh, EH28 8TT  | Tel: 0131 333 1293

I hope all families have a peaceful and restful February mid-term break.  We look forward to welcoming all pupils back on Monday 17^th February.

Nursery update

During the February break, indications are that the City of Edinburgh Council will take ownership of the new Nursery and Library.  We certainly hope that will be the case and if so, (pending registration, certification, etc) we hope to begin to use the building in March!  I’ll update further after the February break.

Congratulations!

It’s been a busy start to 2025, not least that we can celebrate the school’s success in becoming a Rights Respecting School GOLD award winner and also a Digital Schools Scotland Digital School!  Please see the attached reports detailing the merits of Ratho PS in achieving these awards and confirming both of these fantastic accolades!  Congratulations to all the pupils and staff for their hard work in achieving these prestigious awards, not least Mr Anderson for his Rights Knights work and Mrs Smith for her Digital Leadership!

RSV

Also, as we break for a week, a note of thanks to all who have contributed to the RSV… I’m delighted to announce that they have purchased 3 new Smartboards for the school (the school has stretched to pay for a fourth) and we look forward to them being installed in classrooms shortly!  

As advised in the whole school update before the February break, we anticipated that the City of Edinburgh Council would take ownership of the new Nursery and Library during the February holiday.

This did indeed happen on Tuesday 11th February and we promptly obtained Care Inspectorate registration last week as well. Therefore we are pleased to announce that we are ready to use the new building as our new nursery from tomorrow, Wednesday 19th February. This is for the current cohort on their current hours only at this time to aide our transition to the new building.

We will have an official opening around the time the Library are ready to open as well (they are hoping for 3rd March) and we will move to the new model of provision in due course. Confirmation of these details are to follow.

Between yesterday and today we have brought all the children in groups to see the new nursery and explore the playrooms and garden and invited parents/carers to see the new nursery and get cloakroom pegs set up ready for tomorrow… I’m pleased to report all went very well!

As from tomorrow, Wednesday 19/2/25 we will begin using the new building!

Can I request all in the Ratho Primary School Community are mindful of the use of the new building and to please give care and consideration to please reduce driving and parking anywhere in School Wynd whenever possible.

Many thanks in advance for your support and cooperation as we move to this new and exciting provision for Ratho Primary Early Learning and Child Care!

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

Head Teacher

P6 girls: 1st, 3rd and 4th

P6 boys: 2nd, 7th and 8th

P7 girls: 8th, 16th and 37th

P7 boys: 13th, 14th, 27th, 30th and 43rd

Absolutely tremendous effort from each one of them!

I have a couple of updates on which to end the week.

Family Consultations

The Family Consultation evenings will take place on Wednesday 26^th & Thursday 27^th March.  The link to book appointments was sent on Tuesday afternoon (11/3/2025) and we have already got nearly 80% of parents/carers booked.  If you haven’t received the booking system link, please check your junk mail from Tuesday afternoon.  Please contact the school office if you have any problems booking your appointment.

RSV

The RSV (Ratho School Voice – our Parent Council) are hosting an Great Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning Event on Monday 24th March, 9.30-11.30am in Ratho Community Centre!  Please see the attached letter and poster for all the information.  Many thanks to them and you for supporting the school!

Calendar

Although we plan the session as best we can and issue in August each year as a PDF, please remember this is subject to change as the session progresses and as additional events get booked in!  An up-to-date events calendar is on the website, link here (Events from January – 26 March – Ratho Primary School) or via the whole school Padlet and Website.  Also, we’ll email updates and update Class Padlets as necessary (See the ‘Class Pages’ tab on the website:  Ratho Primary School – A Curious Creative Community).

Please note – The Eco assembly will move to World Environment Day on 5^th June and next week’s Assembly will instead celebrate Neurodiversity Awareness Week which is 17-21 March.  We will also celebrate Lots of Socks Day for World Down Syndrome Day on 21^st March next week.

Tempest Photography

The class ‘Vista’ photographs taken this week are now ready to view and purchase at the following link - https://htmp.st/RathoPS-25

Tempest offer a free “deliver to school” option that is open for approximately 14 days, alternatively, home delivery is available at a cost of £5 postage and packing.

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding placing an order, please call 01736 751555 (option 3) or click on the “contact” button on their website home page (htempest.co.uk) where they will be happy to help.

Bikeability for P6s starts next week

Special thanks to Ms Wallace and also parents Mr Bagnall and Mr Carroll who have been able to service and repair our fleet of bikes ready for Bikeability next week. Their help and expertise have been invaluable to the school and we are very grateful for their help!

P5-P6 Spring Showcase

The P5-6 Spring Showcase on their WWII learning is on Wednesday 2^nd April at 1.30pm in the school .  An email has been issued to all P5-6 families with details.

Padlet - Ratho Primary School - Whole School Information

Recent Highlights:

• We had a fabulous World Book Day – Well done all!

• We had a fun ‘Opening Ceremony’ for the new Nursery!

• We had some excellent runners and places at the Cross Country Running at Saughton Park

• The Netball team played very well at the Netball Festival at Meadowbank

• Ratho PS Placed 1^st and 2^nd at the Balerno & Currie Rotary Club Primary Quiz

• Good luck to the Glee choir for their Heat on 20^th March!

Many thanks to all for your support of the school.

I hope all families have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gibb

Peter Gibb | Head Teacher | Ratho Primary School | 1 School Wynd, Ratho, Edinburgh, EH28 8TT  | Tel: 0131 333 1293 | http://rathoprimary.org.uk/ |

Please see below for some updates in advance of tomorrow and the weekend!

Kind regards,

Peter Gibb

Head Teacher

Baking this weekend?!  Bake Off and Coffee Morning on Monday morning!

The RSV (Ratho School Voice – our Parent Council) are hosting a Great Easter Bake Off and Coffee Morning Event on Monday 24th March, 9.30-11.30am in Ratho Community Centre!  Please see the attached letter and poster for all the information.  Any baking can be dropped off at the Community Centre on Monday morning.

Many thanks to them and you for supporting the school!

Lots of Socks Day tomorrow

Tomorrow pupils are encouraged to wear odd/mismatched socks or their boldest and most colourful socks.  This is to support World Down Syndrome Day (21^st March).

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/lots-of-socks-campaign

Sickness and Absences

We have several instances of sickness and absence at the moment.  Please remember that no child should attend school until they are 48 hours clear of symptoms of either vomiting or diarrhoea.  Please see link below for further information on winter vomiting

Norovirus | NHS inform

Family Consultations

The Family Consultation evenings will take place on Wednesday 26^th & Thursday 27^th March.  The link to book appointments was sent on Tuesday afternoon (11/3/2025) and we have already got over 90% of parents/carers booked.  If you haven’t received the booking system link, please check your junk mail from Tuesday afternoon.  Please contact the school office if you have any problems booking your appointment and we'll help you get booked in.

The Hub is a space where families can access support from a team of over 40 professionals across 7 services. Together, we’re building an understanding community with play spaces, guidance, and information to help children, young people, and their families feel they truly belong.

Highlights: Captain Chaos and the Zones of Regulation Parent Information Sessions and How to know which support & advocacy service to choose

If you didn’t already, please give us feedback and suggestions for improvement for next year and beyond via this Form: https://forms.office.com/e/xaczWuHTtw

Further information:

Canal View Primary School is based in Wester Hailes, just beside the Union Canal. This year the children asked that we organise the school into ‘houses’ and through consultation with children, staff and families it has been decided that the houses will be named after different points of interest along the canal. The houses will be named; Leamington, Slateford, Almond and Ratho. The points along the canal were chosen to give the children a wider sense of place within the city – many of the children were born and brought up in Edinburgh but do not regularly leave Wester Hailes and have little sense of the geography of their city or the way in which this area links to others. Their school community is also richly diverse – 25% of their learners are black and minority ethnic – many of their learners have arrived in Edinburgh from towns, cities and countries very unlike this one and are adapting to and learning about their new home.   They wanted to support their learners to find out more about each of the locations along the canal and find stories of people who are connected to those locations.

They worked with a professional storyteller to help the learners shape the stories and a digital content creator to help the learners create a limited podcast series to share the stories.

Please see the attached presentation delivered on 15th May 2025.

We are excited to share some fantastic news Jets Activity Clubs is expanding to Ratho Church Hall, with our new club launching on Wednesday 13th August 2025!

As part of this new venture, we’ll be offering a convenient pick-up service from Ratho Primary School, making it easier than ever for your child to join us for an afternoon of fun, learning, and creativity. Alternatively, you are welcome to drop your child off at the club.

Jets is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to providing safe, engaging, and enjoyable after-school activities for primary-aged children. Our enthusiastic team of coaches and leaders deliver a diverse and exciting programme, including:

• Baking

• Arts & Crafts

• Sports & Games

• STEM Activities

• Woodland Adventures
  ...and so much more!

Club Details:
Location: Ratho Church Hall
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Days: Monday – Thursday
Pick-up: Available from Ratho Primary School

Spaces are limited and bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis. If we're fully booked, your child can be added to our waitlist, which is also managed on a first come, first served basis.

If you’d like to find out more or reserve a space, please get in touch:

📧 jetsadmin@jetsactivityclubs.org

Designed for young people in P4–P7, this 4-day club explores how STEM is shaping the future of football – from performance analysis and smart equipment to the science behind the game.

There are three weeks to choose from, each running Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm:
🗓️ Week beginning July 14th
🗓️ Week beginning July 28th
🗓️ Week beginning August 4th
Please note: participants may attend only one week to ensure fair access for all.

Here’s what’s included:
⚙️ Hands-on projects using real-world tech
⚽ Fun, football-themed STEM challenges
🧠 No prior experience needed – open to all interests and ability levels
🥣 Soft drop-off from 8:30 am with breakfast included during the morning window
🕒 Soft pick-up available until 4:30 pm

It’s the perfect way for kids to stay active, get inspired, and have fun this summer – all in a supportive, stress-free environment.

🎟️ Spaces are limited – reserve your place today! Tickets are available from Friday 30^th of May at 5 pm. As always, these clubs are free!

👉 Register Here: Heart of Midlothian Football Club – Digital Education - Universe or linktr.ee/HeartsInnovate

Please see attached a newsletter detailing the class and staff organisation for next session.  All children have been told their class and teacher for next session today in school.  Parents/carers will receive an individual email confirming your child’s class for next session.

Many thanks for your support of the school.

This year, the Rights Knights chose to organise a ‘Ratho’s Got Talent’ show to raise money for the local Children’s Charity, Hopscotch! Based in South Gyle, the charity’s vision is to provide respite breaks for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. As a Rights Respecting School, we are aware of how important it is for children to be nurtured through play and a wide variety of different opportunities. This is what Hopscotch aims to do. The talent show took place on Monday 16th June and was a great success! It was amazing to see so many of our Ratho learners perform and demonstrate a wide variety of talents!

Drumming - Friday 1.30 - 2.00 in Balerno High School (with potential option for Tuesday at 6)

Piping - Friday 12.40 - 1.10 in Balerno High with option for  Balerno High pupils to be taught on Friday morning

 
Lessons are £6 a session although support with funding can be requested. Practice chanter or drum pads would be required and the cost of this is c£30. Other than that, instruments and uniforms are provided by the band. Most learners would be in a position to join the band within a couple of years of starting lessons.
 
Please contact balernoschoolspipeband@gmail.com with expressions of interest.
 
Please see some videos below of what we've been up to recently!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AYJNdDmE1/
https://www.facebook.com/100034744073600/videos/pcb.1318144866020303/913509480731889
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18uZhdp95v/

Pupils resume on Wednesday 13th August 2025 for next session!

https://www.youtube.com/live/j_gdoDkvQdM?si=SHwU08dp6wvv8W5Y

Please see opportunity below for the Active schools cluster West Edinburgh Water Polo club based at Balerno HS. Please follow the link below to sign up. The club begins Tue 2^nd Sept 2025. Instructions also below if you have never used the Spydus sign up system before 😊

Follow online link below.

West Edin Stingrays Water Polo

BAL-111HIJ

P5-7

Tuesday

Term time

Julia Kerr

westedinburghstingrays@gmail.com

3.30-4.30pm

Swim Pool

Search results | Edinburgh Sports Unit

 How do I book my child’s place?

We have a new booking system launching from this term. Follow the steps below to book online at:  https://getedinburghactive.spydus.co.uk/

Step 1: Register.

Follow the link above and click register in the top right hand corner. When registering please use the main contact email address that is on your child’s school record ie SEEMIS/School Database to register. This will be the easiest and quickest way to book.

Step 2: Book your child’s place.

Follow the link below or beside the chosen activity on the matrix on page 2. Your place will be reserved for 15 minutes while you complete your booking, and a confirmation email will be sent on completion.

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

Step 3: View booked activities.

Visit your dashboard to see the activities your child is booked into and the times.

Al 😊

 Al Reid | Active Schools Coordinator | Sports and Outdoor Learning Unit |Schools and Lifelong Learning | Communities and Families | Currie CHS and Balerno HS | Mobile 07799 861 494 | Alan.Reid@ea.edin.sch.uk| @ActiveSchoolsED |www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Check out supports available by visiting the Neurodiversity pages on the City of Edinburgh Support for Families webpages.

Find a range of other supports at on the other Support for Families webpages.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/supportforfamilies

or email supportingparentsancdcarers@edinburgh.gov.uk  

#SupportForFamiliesNeurodiversity2025

https://youtu.be/j0ryV81XMC0

What can we help with?

We can provide a sounding board and listening   ear from a skilled and experienced support worker. We can provide access to information, resources and guidance as needed. We can also refer you to our own services where suitable as well as our partners or signpost you to other services across the city that will best fit your needs.

How does it work?

Simply get in touch by emailing NDwell@barnardos.org.uk and booking a slot at a Drop-in. If you can’t make it along to  drop-in we can arrange an Online meeting.

These groups are to help parents and carers to share their knowledge and lived experience of supporting neurodivergent children. Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other.

What will the Parent and Carer Peer Support Group consist of?

Each monthly online group will have a topic where parents and carers can share information, resources, and strategies.

Where and when will the groups be held? This monthly parent-led group, supported by Edinburgh Council, is hosted online on Teams by Salvesen Mindroom Centre. 2025/2026 session dates: Each session will be held on Teams on Thursday mornings at 10.30am -11.30am.

All children doing really well and having a great time 👍😀.

We are on track to arrive at 12.50-1pm! It's always a bit congested when we arrive back and children greet parents. Please allow baggage space to unload the hold of the coach and have space and patience in mind to ensure a safe end to the trip! Many thanks. 😀

Ratho United Youth Football Club are currently looking for boys and girls born in 2020 to register their interest in joining the new 2020's team. The registration link is https://www.rathounited.club/players

We plan to run taster sessions in September/October time, so please register using the website shown in the flyer attached and we’ll be in touch ahead of these sessions.  Please get in touch if you would like to find out further information.

Friday Football : ages P1 – S1

Starts Friday 22^nd August @ Forrester HS

 P1 – P4 (click here)

P5 – S1 (click here)

In this 8-week after-school club, your young innovators will level up their STEAM skills, gain hands-on experience in video game development, and upgrade their creativity to make a real impact.

This edition focused on the challenges of healthy eating, as your child transforms these everyday obstacles into exciting, interactive games that educate and inspire. From concept to creation, they’ll design, develop, and showcase a game that not only entertains but makes a difference!

Attendees: ALL young people in P4-P7

Days: Every Tuesday from 19 August to 7 October

Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm

Location: Media Suite | McLeod Street | Tynecastle Park

Link: https://www.universe.com/events/arcade-academy-p4-p7-tickets-FQJGN9

P6s and P7s are able to bring a change of PE kit to wear fresh clothes throughout the day if they wish.  If so they should wear uniform and they can change.  Many thanks for supporting our children wearing uniform.

·       Please can children bring water, not juice.

·       Please can children bring healthy snacks, not sweets.

·       Wrapper free Thursdays are promoted by the Eco warriors.

·       No nuts (or nut-based snacks)are allowed in school.  We have children with allergies.  Please keep them safe!

As part of our Learning Community Improvement Plan we will be focusing on Digital Health this session so please look out for more information about this throughout the session.

In advance of a Newsletter on Friday, please see the following…

‘Meet the Teacher'

A final reminder that we have our Schol ‘Meet the Teacher' evening tonight, Wednesday 3rd September from 4.30-6pm.

The format is to repeat the sessions for those families who have more than one child.

• Whole school welcome / information (1) in the Gym Hall at 4.30pm

• ‘Meet the Teacher’ session (1) in classrooms at 4.50pm to 5.15pm

• ‘Meet the Teacher’ session (2) in classrooms 5.20pm to 5.45pm

• Whole school welcome / information (2) in the Gym Hall at 5.45pm

Wider Achievements at Assembly

Tomorrow (Thursday 4/9/25) we will highlight any and all wider achievements of pupils on at Assembly, please send something if we should celebrate their achievements.  Wider Achievements can be submitted through the Form on the Padlet or alternatively emailed to admin@ratho.edin.sch.uk with the title "Wider Achievement".

Pupil Voice Groups

Pupil Voice Group applications must be submitted by end of next week (Form on the Padlet https://padlet.com/9027249_/ratho-primary-school-whole-school-information-iic7yy03ki9pg1w4/wish/AL83Wzg75oO7a0Pg ).  We will introduce the Pupil Voice Groups at Assembly on 18/9/25.

I have 50 FREE tickets for this Sunday’s Edinburgh Derby: Hearts Women v Hibernian Women in the Capital Cup!

• Date: Sunday 7^th September.

• Time: 1pm Kick Off. 

• Venue: Tynecastle Park.

If you wish tickets for the match, email/ask at the office admin@ratho.edin.sch.uk or collect from me tonight at Meet the Teacher.

As you may know, our Nursery was inspected by the Care Inspectorate on 20^th – 21^st August 2025.  Many thanks to those of you who contributed to the inspection process by taking time to complete the survey related to this.  The Inspector reported that lots of constructive and informative feedback was submitted; thank you.

We are very pleased to share the initial verbal feedback with you.  The official report is yet to be published and will be shared with families when available, but the Inspector informed us that we were evaluated on the Care Inspectorate six point scale as follows:

How good is our setting?

5 – Very Good

How good is our care, play and learning?

5 – Very Good

How good is our staff team?

5 – Very Good

How good is our leadership?

5 – Very Good

To know more about the Care Inspectorate evaluation scale please see here: Quality grades

Our evaluation is that we are “Level 5 - Very Good: major strengths”.  Very Good means that:  “There are major strengths in this aspect of the setting’s work. There are very few areas for improvement and any that do exist do not significantly diminish children’s experiences.  An evaluation of very good represents a high standard of provision for all children.”

The Ratho ELC team are pleased that their hard work in establishing the new setting is recognised and validated by this inspection and evaluation.  We can share that the Inspector reported that the children at Ratho ELC experience a very nurturing and stimulating environment, supported by skilled and passionate staff who are proactive in driving forward improvements that make a very apparent impact on the learning and development of the children in their care.

Thank you again for your support during this inspection, we look forward to sharing the full report with you in due course.

Kind regards

The Ratho Early Learning and Childcare Team

Check out supports available by visiting the Neurodiversity pages on the City of Edinburgh Support for Families webpages.

Find a range of other supports at on the other Support for Families webpages.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/supportforfamilies

or email supportingparentsancdcarers@edinburgh.gov.uk  

#SupportForFamiliesNeurodiversity2025

https://youtu.be/j0ryV81XMC0

•                     Cotton reels

•                     Sewing materials

•                     Wool

•                     Wallpaper

•                     Dried flowers

•                     Old picture frames

•                     Fabric scraps

•                     Glass gems

•                     Baking trays

•                     Cardboard tubes

•                     Wooden pegs

•                     Stones

•                     Chop sticks

•                     Sticks

•                     Bottle tops - plastic and metal

•                     Conkers

•                     Shells

•                     Curtain rings

•                     Pine cones

•                     Ribbon spools

•                     Corks

•                     Nuts

•                     Bolts

If you have any of these items, we would really appreciate them handed in to the school office by Friday 10th October! Many thanks for your support!

Start date: 11 November 2025
Register by: 3 November 2025

Place2Be has developed this free online parenting course. 

Course details

·                4-week programme, broken down into 15-minute sections to fit around your day.

·                Flexible access to the programme via any device and at a time that suits you.

·                Dedicated Place2Be professional to join discussions and aid online learning.

·                Dynamic and safe learning community offering the opportunity to learn from other parents' and carers' experiences.

·                The course is split into six modules. Each module focuses on one parenting skill that will help improve your relationships with your children and respond helpfully to challenging behaviour.

Modules

1. Connecting: How to build a strong bond with your child

2. Praise & Reward: How to encourage desired behaviours

3. Selective Ignoring: How to discourage unwanted behaviours

4. Clear Instructions: How to ensure your child understands what is expected of them

5. Boundaries and Consequences: How to set limits in advance in an effective way

6. Time Out to calm down: How to manage extreme behaviours

Frequency:

Up to 1 hour per week at a time convenient for you

Start date: 11 November 2025

Register by: 3 November 2025

For more information, please follow https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/support-for-families-in-place2be-schools/parenting-smart-online-course/ 

You might also be interested in a website that offers free practical advice for parents and carers on how to support children and manage their behaviour. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3AVMPXi

Sessions are back on Friday 31st October P3-5 session runs from 3-4pm and P6-7 session runs from 4-5pm on the 2G pitch at Balerno High School.

Shin guards and mouth guards must be worn by participating children and hockey sticks can be borrowed.

More info here:

https://deanparkprimaryschool.co.uk/pta-clubs/hockey/

Please click HERE to register your child and the club coordinator will be in touch with you to let you know if your child has secured a place. 

We look forward to welcoming children to the club. 

Kind  regards

Heather Dick

Family Consultations – 12^th & 13^th November 2025 

As was highlighted in the Newsletter sent on Thursday, please book Family Consultation appointments ASAP.  Many thanks to families who have already booked. The invitation link and reminders have been sent but we have a much lower uptake on appointment bookings than usual.  Bookings were due to close tonight but we will extend to Wednesday in the hope that more families book their appointments. 

We have these appointments twice a year; these meetings with your child’s Class Teacher and the end of session Progress Report are our main methods of reporting children’s progress in their learning and we urge all parents/carers to take advantage of this and book their appointment. 

Please use this link to make your booking:  https://parents-booking.co.uk/Ratho

This will now close on Wednesday 5^th November at 6pm.

If you have any problems accessing this then please don't hesitate to call the school office on 0131 333 1293 for assistance.

Many thanks.

Tempest Photography:

The Tempest school photographer is coming tomorrow (4^th November) for Individual and Siblings photos.  Please have your child wear their uniform as usual.  We have several volunteers from the RSV helping make sure the children are photo ready!

She will visit the Nursery for a separate session on 6^th November.

P1 Open Day - 

P1 Open Day is on Wednesday 5^th November 2025.  Families of next session’s prospective P1s are welcome to visit and tour the school.  The tour times are between 9.15-10.15am and 1.30-2.30pm.  See the poster attached and on the Padlet.

To enrol a child at school please visit Apply for a school place – The City of Edinburgh Council and follow the instructions.

RSV meeting on Thursday 6^th November and Christmas Fair news and appeal!

The RSV will meet online this Thursday evening.  All parents/carers are welcome.  Please find attached the agenda and the meeting link is below.

RSV Meeting 6.11.25
6 November 2025
20:00 - 21:00 (GMT)

Meeting link: RSV Meeting 6.11.25 | Microsoft Teams | Meetup-Join

Meeting ID: 931 475 228 040 93 

Passcode: bz3tg9 

Ratho Primary School Christmas Fair - Saturday 29^th November 1-4pm

The School Christmas Fair is fast approaching and we're looking for volunteers to help us make this year's Fair a big success! A huge thank you to those that have already offered to help.

The stalls that still need helpers are listed below. For those that are new to the school we have attached a short description of what each role involves. Most don't involve much work at all and it's a really nice way to be involved with the school.

Santa's Grotto 1-2.30pm

Santa's Grotto 2.30-4pm

Sweetie Stall

Children's Tombola 2.30-4pm

Kids Crafts and Snacks 1-2.30pm

Kids Crafts and Snacks 2.30-4pm

Kids Salon, nails & tattoos 1-2.30pm

Kids Salon, nails & tattoos 2.30-4pm

Other stalls that could do with another helper or 2...

Barrow of Booze, selling raffle tickets

Pocket Money Stall

If you are able to help please get in touch with us via the RSV facebook page, your class rep or you can email us at rathosv@outlook.com.  

Many thanks,

Lindsay and Emily

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

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)

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

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.

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

March 2026

Easter Bonnet/Crazy Hair Day - Friday

27th March 2026

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

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/

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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. 

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

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.