St Boswells Bulletin - Excerpts from Winter 2006 Edition

BOSWELLS BULLETIN WINTER 2006

ST BOSWELLS NURSERY, PLAYGROUP AND TODDLERS
It has been a busy few months for everyone at the toddlers, playgroup and nursery. We all had fun on our autumnal walk and sponsored scavenger hunt at Harestanes in October. Early November saw the annual nursery visit to the Firestation in Galashiels which was a huge success – not sure who enjoyed themselves more the children or mums and staff. Throughout this term the nursery children have enjoyed taking part in the minikickers programme once a week and we hope to do something similar with Yogabugs in the New Year.
We got into the Christmas mood early with a group outing to the “Singing Kettle” in Kelso – fully equipped with Santa hats and scarfs. Currently, the nursery and playgroup children are busy rehearsing for the nativity play later in the month and there is also the Christmas Fayre in the village hall on the 16th December and the Christmas Party to look forward to before the end of term.
In the New Year we go “Round the World” experiencing food, stories and songs from various countries including Australia Day, Burns Night and the Chinese New Year. We are also planning a trip behind the scenes at one of the new supermarkets. Finally, we hope to take part once more in World Book Day and Shades Day to support Guide Dogs.

News that affects all parents with children at St Boswells Primary School - You are now a member of the St Boswells Parents Forum…

In June 2006 the Queen gave the royal assent to a new law in Scotland that gives parents additional rights and opportunities to become involved in their child’s education.

This new law is called the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006. The Act acknowledges in law that children do better at school when their parents are involved in their child’s education.

One of the immediate effects of the bill is that as a parent you automatically become a member of the St Boswells Primary School Forum.

The range of opportunities to become involved in your child’s education are huge. Some, as parents, we do automatically like reading with our children at home and making sure that they do homework on time. Other areas to become more involved in – helping at events and activities, like fund raising events or sports days. You might have ideas that would help to improve the school grounds or contact with businesses and the village. Whatever the level of involvement - it is welcomed by the school.

The Forum at each school must then set up a Parent Council that represents all parents and makes views known to our Headteacher and to the Education & Lifelong Learning Department at Scottish Borders Council.

The role of the Parent Council is suggested to be a combination of the current School Board and the PFA. It is up to us at St Boswells Primary School how we make this combine and work for us.

All Parent Councils must be in place by the end of June 2007 and we need to decide by April 2007 how we would like the Parent Council to be formed and run. This does not need to be formal elections and it includes everyone willing to be involved.

All parents are welcome to a meeting in January 2007 to hear more about the new Parent Forum and Council and have a say in deciding how they are to be set up and run. Please do look out for a letter from school with the date of the meeting – all parents should attend.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS NEWS
GREAT EXCITEMENT!
My first Moto X race is coming up. I am really excited. I am hoping to be the next Sebastian Tortelli. He has a KTM 450 and I have a KTM 65. I am starting racing in a couple of weeks. I always wear the gear. I wear boots, shin pads, Moto X trousers, body belt, Moto X t-shirt, gloves, chest armour, helmet and goggles. Be safe!
Kyle Oliver P5

MY FOOTBALL MATCH
One Saturday I was playing a football game. It was St Boswell’s v Lauder. I played in defence. We scored two goals in five minutes. Then it was half time. We all got a drink of water. Then we played downhill. One of the Lauder squad hacked me. It was a free kick .I skied it. The final whistle went. We had won the game. After we got our juice and crisps we all went home.
Fraser Henry P4

BUDDING STAR
One of the new pupils, Louise Hall in P5 took part in a play called “Don’t Judge a Book” at the Wynd Theatre in Melrose on 23rd November. The show was performed by the Jedburgh Drama Club.

THE SINGING KETTLE
Three P3s told us about their exciting experience earlier this month.
On Friday 1st December, Primary 1, 2s and 3s went to see the “Singing Kettle” in Kelso. The people were called Artie, Cilla, Kevin and Gary. They introduced us to the show. First they said we had to find five kettles. The colours were red, green, yellow, blue and another very big red one!
The people that went up onto the stage were Jemima, Bobby, Lani and Finlay.
Caris Watson P3
We went to see the “Singing Kettle” in Kelso. We travelled by bus. It was in the Tait Hall. We all wore Santa hats and some of us wore scarves. One of my favourite parts was when we had to find the Singing Kettles.
Gavin Ross P2
My favourite parts were when Kevin climbed up the mountain and Gary went in the sea.
Molly Russell P3

PRIMARY 4 & 5 GO SWIMMING
When P4/5 go swimming to Galashiels we travel on a bus. We get into groups and line up. Murray Corcoran
We have to do the swimming lessons so we can learn to swim without armbands. It is fun. Jasmin Scott
I can float on my front and on my back. I have learned a lot from swimming lessons. Clare Mann
When I first went to swimming lessons I found out that it was really fun. We go on a coach and it takes us to Gala Swimming Pool and it’s great.
Joel Entwistle
We do warm-ups like jumping up and down. We go underwater, and I even like it when we dive in! I like it best when it’s playtime. You can dive, glide, swim and throw balls.
Ryan Bell

SCOTLAND v AUSTRALIA
On Saturday 25th November the Mini-Hornets travelled from Melrose to Murrayfield on the bus. When we got there it was very busy, and when we got into the stadium it was even busier!
The match was Scotland versus Australia, and, ten minutes later, it kicked off. Scotland had ten points in the first half, but Australia caught up and the half-time score was 10:16. In the second half Australia got into the match and scored a try and a conversion to make the score Scotland; 10 and Australia; 23.
About a quarter of an hour later Sean Lamont scored a try, but as Chris Patterson missed the conversion, the score was only Scotland; 15 and Australia; 23. However, Australia scored a bucketload of tries and won the match.
The final score was Scotland; 15 and Australia; 44. Man of the match was Australia Number 10, Chris Latham. We really enjoyed our day out.
Ruairidh Campbell, P4 and Ruairidh Ferguson, P4

HALLOWE’EN DISCO
On 1st November P 6-7s had their annual Hallowe’en Disco at the Cricket Club. We had a dancing competition between the boys and the girls, but unfortunately the girls won! We had a “Design a Creepy Crawly” and, even though I didn’t win, the whole night was a huge success – and great fun!
Many thanks to the DJ and also to the PFA for organising and funding it.
Elliot Douglas P7

WORLD WAR II TALK
Recently Mr Rankine came in to talk to P7 about his experiences in World War II. He was in the Air Force and spoke to us about it. He showed us lots of pictures and even showed us his air force helmet, it was very interesting. All the class really enjoyed the talk and found it very moving. We thought it was better to have first hand experience from someone alive in the war rather than reading it in a book.
Thank you very much Mr Rankine for sharing your experiences with us.
Jodie Snook P7
Clare Bridges P7

OLIVER!
This year, G.A.O.S. (Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society) is doing a production of “Oliver!” In August, I (and about forty other boys) auditioned to be in, and I was one of the lucky twenty-eight who were chosen.
Since then we have been frantically practising, performing at a Centenary Concert in October. We will be performing such classics as “Food, Glorious Food” and “Pick a Pocket or Two,” which we will be singing at the show, next March.
I hope it will be a great success!
Elliot Douglas P7

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The School Christmas concert was last week.
The Primary sevens sang famous World War ll songs such as “In The Mood” and “Sergeant Major.”
We do hope you enjoyed it, we did.
Jodie Snook P7

P6 PLAYGROUND GAMES
The playground games day which was led by P6 pupils was a big hit!
All the children enjoyed themselves and so did we!!!
We played games such as “What’s the time Mr Wolf?”, Polo and Jungles on Fire.
Ella Warner P6
Primary 6 taught us playground games. They had been learning them with Mr Graham. We learned great games called Jungles on Fire, Polo, Stony and French Cricket. It was lots of fun.
Alisha Mann P5
Emma Cowan P5

EMOTIONS
Recently we were talking about emotions with Miss Lawrie.
First we started talking about how emotions affect our learning. Emotions can make the presentation of our work better or not as good eg If we were angry our writing would be scruffy. Teachers can tell what we’re feeling by simply looking at our work.
Afterwards we started to look at lots of different emotions like happiness and sadness. We were then put into groups of three and four. Everybody got their say to tell the other people in the group a time when they had been angry. We might get angry if our brother or sister tried to do something to us.
Next we talked about body language. We can make lots of different body movements. We obviously need to understand what the movements mean. If someone were to put their fist to your face and you didn’t know what it meant you might smile back and be punched in the nose. People recognise how we’re feeling by watching how we walk. If we slouch then people will know that we are upset. Stomping generally means we’re angry. If we skip people will know we’re happy. Arm movement shows how you feel as well. If you wave you’re either happy to see someone or sad to see them go. Swinging your arms means you’re happy.
Next we got folders and then we looked at four pictures of people being angry. We had to put them in order starting with the highest degree of intensity downwards.
We learned a lot about emotions.
Gemma Watson P5

Miss Lawrie is a Depute Head at Kelso High School and is currently on secondment. She has been working with the P7 class over an extended period, initially teaching the pupils about “The Brain and How it Works.” She concluded an exciting set of lessons by allowing the pupils to ‘Mindmap the Rainforest.’
This term Miss Lawrie is working with P5, 6 and 7. She is sharing her knowledge of Feurstein theories by encouraging pupils to think about emotions. Pupils are now aware of, and able to read, all types of facial expression and body language.
Mrs Mabon P7 teacher

DRAMA
In drama we have been doing things relevant to World War ll. Mr Jermieson is a really good drama teacher. We have so far covered evacuation and the Black Market. Both have been very interesting and I am looking forward to doing more drama lessons.
Clare Bridges P7

THE LUNCH CLUB
Every Friday I go to the lunch club in the church hall. When you get there, you order your soup and sandwich and then you eat it at a small table.
Zoe Bruce P4
On Friday I go to the lunch club with Lee, Gail and Stephanie. I have tomato soup and a roll with cheese spread and tomato on it. Lee eats the tomato because I don’t like them. My soup was very hot and I had to blow on it.
Shannon McKie P4

ME AND MY ANIMALS
I have a lot of animals. I have a rabbit that is called Treacle. She is grey and extremely fluffy and cuddly. She has had babies once.
I have another rabbit called Angel. He is not hairy and does not like cuddles. He is white. It is my job to look after them.
Kaska Green-Roberts P4

PRIMARY FIVE ENJOY TAG RUGBY
After a block of rugby skills the primary five pupils went to the Greenyards in Melrose to take part in a tag rugby tournament. We went in a bus. We got changed and then Ross blew a horn. He called out the team colours.
I was in the blue team and we won 6-4. It was fun!
Johnston Rodgie P5
I was wearing black. I was on pitch 4. I got two tries in my first match. I had a great time.
Jack Barnes P5

ST ANDREW’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
On Thursday 30th November we had an Assembly. It was a very special one with everyone in the school taking part. The Primary 1, Primary 2 and Primary 3 children wore their pyjamas. They sung “Wee Willie Winkie” and “Coulters Candy”. Primary 4/5 sang “Wild Mountain Thyme.”
Primary 5/6 told us all about “The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede” in song and dance. Primary 7 sang “Mull of Kintyre” and some children played musical instruments. Miss Ross told a story about a hare. We all enjoyed it.
Emma Grieve P4
At lunchtime we sat to have our Special St Andrew’s Day Lunch of haggis or lamb. It was lovely, and with a nice trifle to finish off, we were quite full! All in all, it was a great day of celebrations that helped us to remember the Patron Saint of Scotland.
Elliot Douglas P7

THE JRSO COMPETITION
One JRSO, William, has organised a competition for the senior pupils, P6 and P7.
Their task is to complete a crossword, and it is very hard too! For the P4 and P5’s, they have the task to complete a word search.
I, on the other hand, have been organising a competition for the lower part of the school, P1, P2, and P3. Their task is to design an item of clothing that will allow you to be safe and be seen. This is mainly for raising the awareness of the dark nights we have, we all hope they do very well!
Jodie Snook P7

BUDDIES
Every Friday the P7 pupils go down to the infant classroom at about 11.30am to see their buddies. These are younger children in P1/2 who get looked after by P7s.
We read books to them and do other fun things with our buddies. I think buddies is a great idea as it lets you bond with the younger children.
Clare Bridges P7

RAISING MONEY
Stephanie Richard and Gail Rodgers baked top hats and chocolate crispies and sold them in the school hall to raise money for Children in Need. We could all buy them. They raised £20 all together!
Elspeth Jackson P7

TUCK SHOP
Our P7 Tuck Shop opened on Monday 4th December. It is all healthy food because we are trying to become a health promoting school.
Mrs Morton, a Home Economics teacher at High School, came in to talk to us about cutting our fruit and vegetables properly. It is important not to cut yourself as you could end up really hurt. A message is “be safe and sensible around knives” and hopefully you will never get hurt!!
So far the Tuck Shop has been a huge success and P7 pupils have had great fun managing it. Hopefully it will continue to be such a success.
Clare Bridges P7

WORLD WAR II
Primary seven’s topic this term is history so we are doing World War II.
For this topic we have to make folders to display our work. We have also been doing a personal topic that we work on at home. I am doing my personal topic about Charlesfield because it used to be the most popular munitions factory in the Borders.
We have so far covered life in Britain and Germany in the 1930s, evacuation, the Blitz and what women did during the war.
Elspeth Jackson P7

RUGBY
Primary six and seven pupils have been doing rugby with Ross Miller on Thursdays for the past three weeks. We have been learning how to tackle properly and how to play games. We have stopped for the winter now and will be continuing in the New Year.
I really enjoy playing rugby especially with the weather conditions getting muddy. Mostly boys go but there also are a lot of girls.
Elspeth Jackson P7

EARLSTON HIGH SCHOOL
Check out the upgraded website:
Earlston High School

A meeting of the EHS Parent Forum was held on 29th November. An invitation was extended to all parents and friends of Earlston High School to discuss the way forward for the new School Council, which needs to have a constitution in place by March 2007. The interactive evening concluded that the views of those present suggested the Parent Council be similar to the existing School Board but without the need for elections and that a sub committee be formed to focus on social and fundraising events.

Schools Scottish Cup
The U15 rugby team (including Mark Stewart) defeated Dumfries Academy, Selkirk and Aberdeen Grammar to reach the quarter finals, in which they were beaten by George Watsons
The U18 team (including Josh Whiteley, Christopher Dodds, Neil Vint, Craig and Arran Jackson) defeated Knox Academy 39-23 in the second round of the Bell Lawrie Scottish Cup. The next round saw them beaten by a bigger and stronger Peebles team.
The car boot sale held in Nov raised £200 for this year’s charities which are Mangu Secondary School in Ghana, Borders Children’s Charities and a Stroke Charity
The school is twinning with Mangu School in Ghana where Mr Smart, head of Biology, spent some time. With his help, £5000 has already been raised and sent out to help fund the rebuilding of the school. The incomplete building had previously collapsed.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The sixth year committee organised an excursion to the Edinburgh Playhouse for the first year pupils. The outing was greatly enjoyed and the work of the committee was much appreciated.

RALLYING
In October Ryan Borthwick drove his Peugeot 206 cup car in the Tour of Mull Rally. He finished about 99th over all. Ross Hunter drove his Peugeot 205 and finished 120th over all. Ryan is looking forward to going to Norway on a frozen lake at the Haugland Rally School.
Peter Hunter took part in the rally called the Kingdom stages at Crail in the air field. He finished 15th over all and 1st in class 5. He enjoyed the rally. I was there at the rally, they had lots of spectators.
David Hunter P7

St. Boswells Drama Club
Rehearsals are under way for the production of Surprise Package, a comedy by Duncan Greenwood and Derek Parkes, which will be staged in the Village Hall 7th - 9th March 2007. Anyone who can offer help with back stage, or front of house duties will be most welcome. Tickets will be on sale at our Coffee Morning on Saturday 24th February.

Calling all Gardeners
As a fund raiser for the Parish Church we are once again selling Suttons Seeds at greatly reduced prices - all 75p. per packet. A list of seeds available/order form can be picked up from the church vestibule or Mary Sargent, 9 Jean Lawrie Court. In January the summer plant catalogue will be available from the same places. All the seeds and plants are high quality and we have many satisfied customers in the area. No carriage is chargeable on any orders.

THE BAND
My sister, Emma Douglas, is in Jedforest Brass Band and plays the cornet. In October she won the Youth Slow Melody Competition, and became the Borders Champion.
More recently, her band won an Entertainment Contest in Selkirk. Then, a few weeks ago, in November, she and the band members travelled to Glasgow to take part in the Annual Scottish Championships. They won last year, but had to make do with a Silver this time round. However, considering the competion they were up against, it was still a great achievement.
We all hope for good things for Jedburgh Band in the coming future.
Elliot Douglas, P7

ST BOSWELLS GIRL GUIDES
The Brownies and Guides had a Christmas Fair on the 28th November. Before hand we all made Christmas crafts and then sold them at the fair. There was also baking for sale. The Guides made around £70.
The Brownies sang Christmas carols and the Guides sang some of their Guiding songs.
Elspeth Jackson P7
We had a party on 5th December. We did lots of dancing, we had some tasty snacks and we ate lots of Celebrations chocolates.
It was finally time to go home and we finished Guides as usual by singing a song.

St. Boswells Curling Club
The season is now well under way. The Ellis Cup was our first competition of the year. This was won by Ron Shaw, Isla Forsyth, Margo Harper and Kirsty Robb.
The annual President versus Vice-President has also taken place. The President managed to retain the trophy.
The Club Championship has now started and there are several rinks in the running at the moment. For more results visit our website.
There is going to be a “Come and Try Day” at Kelso Ice Rink. Anyone can come along and have a go at curling. All ages and abilities welcome. It’s being held on Saturday 20 January 2007 from 7.30 p.m. onwards and it’s FREE. If you would like more details please contact Isla Forsyth on 01573 460222 or go to http://www.boswellscc.fsnet.co.uk and email us.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
HOCKEY
Suzanna Ruthven was a member of the South U18 squad which recently participated in the Scottish Inter District tournament at Peffermill.
Over the two day tournament the girls faced the other six districts and although they did not secure a win they played some great hockey to equalise many of the matches.
Susan Lawrence was team manager.
CRICKET
Elliot Ruthven has been included in the Scotland U12 winter training camp recently.
RUGBY
Neil Vint, Christopher Dodds and Craig Jackson played for the Western Warrior U16s against the Eastern Stormers at Poynder Park and recorded a hard fought 20-5 victory.
[b[TENNIS[/b]
Lewis Armstrong, Rebecca Bruce and Ailsa Jackson have been involved in Border squads, receiving coaching over the autumn months.
Lewis is a member of the Borders team which continues training over the winter months in preparation for the national Inter District tournament at Kilgraston in the spring.

TENNIS CLUB
Although it is winter time, tennis has continued outdoors with the completion of the Borders Veterans Mixed Winter League with St Boswells coming runners-up to Duns - the only match lost on a very wet Sunday morning.
The minis tennis coaching programme for Under 9s has continued in the village hall and three members represented the club at the Queen's Centre, Gala on Sunday 10th December at fun event - Jack Fleming, Harris MacDonell and Callum Arnott.
The Lawrie Quaich was played at the end of October with a great turn-out of junior and senior members. The cup was won by Lewis Armstrong and Lynn Bruce.
The Ladies Singles final was played out between Hilary Jackson and Lynn - a hard fought match over 2.5 hours and a full three sets with Hilary winning - congratulations to her.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Body Shop Party which raised £250 towards the cost of re-surfacing the courts.
Lynn Bruce

YOUTH GROUP
It is planned to begin a youth group for young people in school classes P6 – S1 inclusive. The start date will be Friday 12 January and young people are invited to come to the Church Hall in St Boswells at 6.30 pm. The programme for the evening will be a mix of activities and Christian teaching and will end at 8.00 pm.

BADMINTON
Every Thursday I go to the junior badminton club in the village hall. You pay £1 and then you play!! You bring your own racquet and shuttlecocks are provided. If you want to come you should ask to join. There is a waiting list just now. The juniors play 6.45 til 7.45pm, then adults play 8 til 10pm.
Clare Bridges P7

CHESS
Every Tuesday a group of people from primaries five to seven stay after school for Miss Johnstone to teach us how to play chess.
We normally start with some pointers then use them in games. We play for a certain amount of time then switch partners.
We keep on doing this until four o'clock when we go home.
Thank you Miss Johnstone for helping us.
Caitlin Jackson P5

ORIENTEERING
Roxburgh Reivers has two local "Come and try it" events in the New Year, with courses available for those new to Orienteering and also for those requiring more of a challenge. No need to pre-enter, come ready to start between 10.30am and 12.00 noon and we will provide the map. Bring a map case and a compass if you have them.
Please ring the organiser prior to the date for confirmation that each event is going ahead.
Saturday 20th January.
where: Bowmont Forest, Kelso. Turn south-west off B6436 Kelso to Morebattle road, 3 Km south of Kelso onto minor road to Eckford. After 2 Km, follow signs from the sawmill on left. NT 729288
organiser: Kirstin Maxwell, Tel. 01835 863268
Saturday 10th February
where: Bowhill Estate, Selkirk. Enter estate from Selkirk to Moffat road at General's Bridge, about 4Km from Selkirk. Follow signs to car park.
organiser: Robin Sloan, Tel. 01896 822548
Both events: starts from 10.30 to 12.00 noon
courses: Yellow (easy) and Orange ( a little experience needed)
fees: Adults £2, juniors £1

Last May I went to a 'come and try' orienteering event at Eildon with some of the P5 & P6s which the PFA organised. It was great fun and since then I have done two more with Mummy and my sister. We went to Gala Hill on a lovely Saturday morning, met at the school and decided which course to do.
There are several different courses to do from the easy one, to a more difficult one and then there is a really hard one which is for the people who have got all the right kit, compasses, running trousers and shoes, who take it quite seriously.
We also did an event at Selkirk just below the golf course recently, again it was a lovely morning and we took Vaila (the dog). We struggled to find one of the points but got there eventually, it is no good watching other people because you don't know what course they are doing.
Orienteering is a great way of keeping fit, getting fresh air, finding new walks to take friends and the dog and learning to read a map and look out for
features to help you try and keep on course. I would recommend it to anyone.
Zoe Bruce P4

Alpha Course
A new course is starting in mid January at the Church Hall, St Boswells.
To book your place or to find out more phone
Gordon 01835 822155 or Hugh /Catherine 01835 824317
www.alphacourse.org

EXTEND EXERCISE CLASS for the over 60`s.
On Tuesday mornings, 10-11 am, in Church Hall.
For more information ring Amanda on 01835 823470

LUNCH CLUB
The Lunch Club is held every Friday in St Boswells Church Hall from 12 noon to 1.30pm.
The Lunch Club is open to everyone, and we hope in 2007 to welcome many more.There is a transport service to and from the hall – to take advantage of this please phone Fiona Lynn (01835 822053) or Ann Smith (01835 822239). We are always pleased to have more volunteers to augment our five teams, either as a cook, waiting, or driver to welcome at the door or on transport, or even as a relief helper. Do please contact Fiona.

This is your newsletter - WE WOULD LIKE YOUR NEWS, INFO, DATES etc.... for the next issue. Please post into the box at the Post Office or in school or e mail to hilary@hjackson5.wanadoo.co.uk
Deadline date for the next issue is Friday 16th March.