Bulletin – Friday 24th September

School Show “Into The Woods”: Please can all the Senior ensemble and Chorus come to the Drama Studio at break time on Friday for a very important meeting.

Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group: Are you in S1 to S3? Are you interested in current world issues? Would you like to understand more about children’s rights and share your own views and ideas? Would you like work with others to help Balerno achieve our Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award? Then sign up to join the Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group! Speak to Miss Templeton in G16/F45 to let us know you are interested or have any questions. The first meeting for anyone interested will be at lunchtime on Monday the 4th of October in F45.

Bronze DofE Group: Following on from last Thursday’s meeting, any pupils who started Bronze DofE with Pentland DofE last year and would like help completing their DofE profile, please come to the LRC on Thursday 23/9 and/or Thursday 30/9 at lunchtime. Come along after you have had your lunch and you can stay to upload evidence or you can drop in and ask any questions you might have. 

Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

Bulletin – Thursday 23rd September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 1C2 Business with C Mair.

Boys Hockey: If you are wanting to play in Boys hockey matches at the weekends this year it is essential that you attend a meeting in the Games Hall on Thursday at break time. If you have not handed back your hockey letter you must also bring this to the meeting. 

School Show “Into The Woods”: Please can all the Senior ensemble and Chorus come to the Drama Studio at break time on Friday for a very important meeting.

Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group: Are you in S1 to S3? Are you interested in current world issues? Would you like to understand more about children’s rights and share your own views and ideas? Would you like work with others to help Balerno achieve our Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award? Then sign up to join the Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group! Speak to Miss Templeton in G16/F45 to let us know you are interested or have any questions. The first meeting for anyone interested will be at lunchtime on Monday the 4th of October in F45.

Bronze DofE Group: Following on from last Thursday’s meeting, any pupils who started Bronze DofE with Pentland DofE last year and would like help completing their DofE profile, please come to the LRC on Thursday 23/9 and/or Thursday 30/9 at lunchtime. Come along after you have had your lunch and you can stay to upload evidence or you can drop in and ask any questions you might have. 

Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

S1 Football Team:  If you are interested in playing for the S1 football team this year, please come along to a short meeting in the PE games hall on Wednesday during morning break for more information.

Scottish Schools Team Ski Slalom: This competition takes place on Wednesday 29^th September at Hillend – this is open to experienced skiers only.  If you are interested in taking part then please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) or Mr May in PE dept by this Wednesday 22^nd.  This is a team event and entry is dependent on the number of skiers we have.

S5/S6 Senior School Football Team: If you are interested in playing there will be a sign-up sheet in the PE department.  We will play in a league against other Edinburgh schools as well as cup games.  The games will be held on Friday afternoons.  There will be no training.  Subs will be required.

Bulletin – Wednesday 22nd September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 1B2 Social with Ms Loy.

Boys Hockey: If you are wanting to play in Boys hockey matches at the weekends this year it is essential that you attend a meeting in the Games Hall on Thursday at break time. If you have not handed back your hockey letter you must also bring this to the meeting. 

Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group: Are you in S1 to S3? Are you interested in current world issues? Would you like to understand more about children’s rights and share your own views and ideas? Would you like work with others to help Balerno achieve our Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award? Then sign up to join the Junior Rights Respecting Schools Group! Speak to Miss Templeton in G16/F45 to let us know you are interested or have any questions. The first meeting for anyone interested will be at lunchtime on Monday the 4th of October in F45.

Bronze DofE Group: Following on from last Thursday’s meeting, any pupils who started Bronze DofE with Pentland DofE last year and would like help completing their EDofE profile, please come to the LRC on Thursday 23/9 and/or Thursday 30/9 at lunchtime. Come along after you have had your lunch and you can stay to upload evidence or you can drop in and ask any questions you might have. 

Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

S1 Football Team:  If you are interested in playing for the S1 football team this year, please come along to a short meeting in the PE games hall on Wednesday during morning break for more information.

Scottish Schools Team Ski Slalom: This competition takes place on Wednesday 29^th September at Hillend – this is open to experienced skiers only.  If you are interested in taking part then please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) or Mr May in PE dept by this Wednesday 22^nd.  This is a team event and entry is dependent on the number of skiers we have.

S5/S6 Senior School Football Team: If you are interested in playing there will be a sign-up sheet in the PE department.  We will play in a league against other Edinburgh schools as well as cup games.  The games will be held on Friday afternoons.  There will be no training.  Subs will be required.

Bulletin – Tuesday 21st September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 2.3 Art with Mrs Graham.

S6 only – Cambridge Assessment: I can now register pupils for admission testing, please see me this week to organise your assessment

Creative Writing: If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

S1 Football Team:  If you are interested in playing for the S1 football team this year, please come along to a short meeting in the PE games hall on Wednesday during morning break for more information.

Scottish Schools Team Ski Slalom: This competition takes place on Wednesday 29^th September at Hillend – this is open to experienced skiers only.  If you are interested in taking part then please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) or Mr May in PE dept by this Wednesday 22^nd.  This is a team event and entry is dependent on the number of skiers we have.

S5/S6 Senior School Football Team: If you are interested in playing there will be a sign-up sheet in the PE department.  We will play in a league against other Edinburgh schools as well as cup games.  The games will be held on Friday afternoons.  There will be no training.  Subs will be required.

Bulletin – Friday 17th September

S1/2 Girls Hockey: please meet Miss Duncan in the PE Hall at break time today (Friday) for information about the hockey match next weekend. 

Senior Girls Hockey: please meet Miss Duncan in the PE Hall at break time today (Friday) for information about team selection and next weekends match. 

Senior Boys hockey: if you are wanting to play in weekend hockey matches please meet Miss Duncan at Break time in the PE Hall today. 

S1 Football Team:  If you are interested in playing for the S1 football team this year, please come along to a short meeting in the PE games hall on Wednesday during morning break for more information.

Scottish Schools Team Ski Slalom: This competition takes place on Wednesday 29^th September at Hillend – this is open to experienced skiers only.  If you are interested in taking part then please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) or Mr May in PE dept by this Wednesday 22^nd.  This is a team event and entry is dependent on the number of skiers we have.

S5/S6 Senior School Football Team: If you are interested in playing there will be a sign-up sheet in the PE department.  We will play in a league against other Edinburgh schools as well as cup games.  The games will be held on Friday afternoons.  There will be no training.  Subs will be required.

Lost Property: There are lots of items in lost property including jackets and shoes.  Jackets are hanging outside the lost property cupboard and everything else is in the cupboard.

Please pop along to the print room at break or lunch if you think anything may be yours!

Bulletin – Thursday 16th September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 1.3 Art with K Simpson.

Creative Writing Club: We are excited to be starting a creative writing club on Thursday 16th September in the F32 at lunchtime. If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

Duke of Edinburgh 2020 Group: Can all S4s who started their Duke of Edinburgh last year with Pentland DofE please come to a short meeting in G16 this Thursday (16^th) break time.  Attendance is vital as I will be sharing updates from Pentland DofE about your Bronze award.  If you can’t make it, please see Miss Templeton in G16.

Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day 17/09/21: The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic disorder and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. Jeans for Genes day is Friday the 17th so we are having a dress down day to raise money for the charity! Just pay £1 and you can come to school in your everyday clothes to help raise money for charity. £1 donations should be handed to your tutor teacher in KAT on the day. Tutors, please forward all donations to Miss Allan in Biology (Room G36).

S5/S6 Senior School Football Team: If you are interested in playing there will be a sign-up sheet in the PE department.  We will play in a league against other Edinburgh schools as well as cup games.  The games will be held on Friday afternoons.  There will be no training.  Subs will be required.

Lost Property: There are lots of items in lost property including jackets and shoes.  Jackets are hanging outside the lost property cupboard and everything else is in the cupboard.

Please pop along to the print room at break or lunch if you think anything may be yours!

Bulletin – Wednesday 15th September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is1C1 Social with M Alto.

S5/6 – H&W/RRS lead team: Can those pupils who have signed up (in the LRC) to be part of the pupil team please attend a short meeting in M1 at break time today (wed) to discuss the role and our next steps.  Any questions or if you cannot make it please speak to Mr Russell.

Creative Writing Club: We are excited to be starting a creative writing club on Thursday 16th September in the F32 at lunchtime. If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

Duke of Edinburgh 2020 Group: Can all S4s who started their Duke of Edinburgh last year with Pentland DofE please come to a short meeting in G16 this Thursday (16^th) break time.  Attendance is vital as I will be sharing updates from Pentland DofE about your Bronze award.  If you can’t make it, please see Miss Templeton in G16.

Young Sports Ambassador Applications – open to S4:  We are looking to recruit new Young Sports Ambassadors to represent the school for the next academic year.  To apply you need to be in S4, have a keen interest in sport and be able to motivate others to get involved in sport and activity.  There will be a number of exciting events for you to be involved in over the next 12 months.  If you would like to apply please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in the PE base for an application form.  Closing date for applications is Wednesday 15^th September.

Scottish Schools Athletics Road Race Championships:  This event takes place on Wednesday 6^th October in Dunfermline.  If you would like to enter please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in PE base for an information sheet.  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15^th September.

Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day 17/09/21: The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic disorder and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. Jeans for Genes day is Friday the 17th so we are having a dress down day to raise money for the charity! Just pay £1 and you can come to school in your everyday clothes to help raise money for charity. £1 donations should be handed to your tutor teacher in KAT on the day. Tutors, please forward all donations to Miss Allan in Biology (Room G36).

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA): The first meeting of the GSA will be on Wednesday (15.09.21) at 1.15pm in room G38 (Ms. Atchison’s room). All are welcome so bring along your lunch and a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Bulletin – Tuesday 14th September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 2.2 Music with Ms Brownhill.

Creative Writing Club: We are excited to be starting a creative writing club on Thursday 16th September in the F32 at lunchtime. If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

Young Sports Ambassador Applications – open to S4:  We are looking to recruit new Young Sports Ambassadors to represent the school for the next academic year.  To apply you need to be in S4, have a keen interest in sport and be able to motivate others to get involved in sport and activity.  There will be a number of exciting events for you to be involved in over the next 12 months.  If you would like to apply please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in the PE base for an application form.  Closing date for applications is Wednesday 15^th September.

Scottish Schools Athletics Road Race Championships:  This event takes place on Wednesday 6^th October in Dunfermline.  If you would like to enter please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in PE base for an information sheet.  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15^th September.

Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day 17/09/21: The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic disorder and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. Jeans for Genes day is Friday the 17th so we are having a dress down day to raise money for the charity! Just pay £1 and you can come to school in your everyday clothes to help raise money for charity. £1 donations should be handed to your tutor teacher in KAT on the day. Tutors, please forward all donations to Miss Allan in Biology (Room G36).

S5/6 Rights Respecting School Team: This year we are looking to put together a new leadership team to build on the success of achieving our Bronze award last year. The Rights Respecting School Award is a key target for our school community and aims to enhance daily school life for all pupils and staff.

Being involved with the group would give you the opportunity to get involved with a range of campaigns based around the Rights of the Child, support fundraising in the school, as well as allow you to have a strong voice on topics that matter to you.

This would not only give you a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership, team and communication skills but enhance your CV/UCAS applications as we strive to achieve our Silver award. To sign up simply put your name down on the sheet located at the LRC desk. Or For more info please either see Mr Russell or Ms Templeton to register your interest.

S5/6 Health and Wellbeing Team: We are looking for a team of pupils to join our staff leadership group focussed on improving Health and Wellbeing across our school community. This year our focus will be on enhancing awareness and provision for Mental and Emotional support.

This will see the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders, a more expansive Mental Health Week, a new online Wellbeing newsletter, as well as further opportunities to put on events and raise awareness across the year.

If you would be keen to become a Mental Health First Aider or get involved in one of the other H&W initiatives this year please sign up on the sheet located at the LRC desk. For more information about anything H&W please see MR Russell.

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA): The first meeting of the GSA will be on Wednesday (15.09.21) at 1.15pm in room G38 (Ms. Atchison’s room). All are welcome so bring along your lunch and a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Bulletin – Monday 13th September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 1M1 English with Ms Brown.

Creative Writing Club: We are excited to be starting a creative writing club on Thursday 16th September in the F32 at lunchtime. If you enjoy writing creatively and would like the opportunity to prepare for writing competitions and experimenting with your writing amongst supportive peers, come to Ms Brown’s room, (F32) on Thursday lunchtimes from 1:20. Open to all year groups. If you have any questions, please speak to Ms Brown in the English Department.

Young Sports Ambassador Applications – open to S4:  We are looking to recruit new Young Sports Ambassadors to represent the school for the next academic year.  To apply you need to be in S4, have a keen interest in sport and be able to motivate others to get involved in sport and activity.  There will be a number of exciting events for you to be involved in over the next 12 months.  If you would like to apply please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in the PE base for an application form.  Closing date for applications is Wednesday 15^th September.

Scottish Schools Athletics Road Race Championships:  This event takes place on Wednesday 6^th October in Dunfermline.  If you would like to enter please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in PE base for an information sheet.  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15^th September.

Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day 17/09/21: The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic disorder and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. Jeans for Genes day is Friday the 17th so we are having a dress down day to raise money for the charity! Just pay £1 and you can come to school in your everyday clothes to help raise money for charity. £1 donations should be handed to your tutor teacher in KAT on the day. Tutors, please forward all donations to Miss Allan in Biology (Room G36).

S5/6 Rights Respecting School Team: This year we are looking to put together a new leadership team to build on the success of achieving our Bronze award last year. The Rights Respecting School Award is a key target for our school community and aims to enhance daily school life for all pupils and staff.

Being involved with the group would give you the opportunity to get involved with a range of campaigns based around the Rights of the Child, support fundraising in the school, as well as allow you to have a strong voice on topics that matter to you.

This would not only give you a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership, team and communication skills but enhance your CV/UCAS applications as we strive to achieve our Silver award. To sign up simply put your name down on the sheet located at the LRC desk. Or For more info please either see Mr Russell or Ms Templeton to register your interest.

S5/6 Health and Wellbeing Team: We are looking for a team of pupils to join our staff leadership group focussed on improving Health and Wellbeing across our school community. This year our focus will be on enhancing awareness and provision for Mental and Emotional support.

This will see the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders, a more expansive Mental Health Week, a new online Wellbeing newsletter, as well as further opportunities to put on events and raise awareness across the year.

If you would be keen to become a Mental Health First Aider or get involved in one of the other H&W initiatives this year please sign up on the sheet located at the LRC desk. For more information about anything H&W please see MR Russell.

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA): The first meeting of the GSA will be on Wednesday (15.09.21) at 1.15pm in room G38 (Ms. Atchison’s room). All are welcome so bring along your lunch and a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Bulletin – Thursday 9th September

Eco Project: Todays class for litter picking is 2.8 Science with Ms Allan.

S5 Prefects: If you are interested in becoming an S5 prefect please complete the application available on your Assembly Team and hand it into the main office by the end of the day Friday.

School Show Meeting: There is a meeting for everyone who has said that they were interested in being involved in the school show today at  1.15pm in the drama studio – you can bring your lunch.

Young Sports Ambassador Applications – open to S4:  We are looking to recruit new Young Sports Ambassadors to represent the school for the next academic year.  To apply you need to be in S4, have a keen interest in sport and be able to motivate others to get involved in sport and activity.  There will be a number of exciting events for you to be involved in over the next 12 months.  If you would like to apply please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in the PE base for an application form.  Closing date for applications is Wednesday 15^th September.

Scottish Schools Athletics Road Race Championships:  This event takes place on Wednesday 6^th October in Dunfermline.  If you would like to enter please see Mr Russell (Active Schools) in PE base for an information sheet.  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15^th September.

Jeans for Genes Dress Down Day 17/09/21: The Jeans for Genes campaign raises awareness of the daily challenges faced by those living with a genetic disorder and raises money to fund projects that make a tangible difference to the lives of those affected. Jeans for Genes day is Friday the 17th so we are having a dress down day to raise money for the charity! Just pay £1 and you can come to school in your everyday clothes to help raise money for charity. £1 donations should be handed to your tutor teacher in KAT on the day. Tutors, please forward all donations to Miss Allan in Biology (Room G36).

S5/6 Rights Respecting School Team: This year we are looking to put together a new leadership team to build on the success of achieving our Bronze award last year. The Rights Respecting School Award is a key target for our school community and aims to enhance daily school life for all pupils and staff.

Being involved with the group would give you the opportunity to get involved with a range of campaigns based around the Rights of the Child, support fundraising in the school, as well as allow you to have a strong voice on topics that matter to you.

This would not only give you a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership, team and communication skills but enhance your CV/UCAS applications as we strive to achieve our Silver award. To sign up simply put your name down on the sheet located at the LRC desk. Or For more info please either see Mr Russell or Ms Templeton to register your interest.

S5/6 Health and Wellbeing Team: We are looking for a team of pupils to join our staff leadership group focussed on improving Health and Wellbeing across our school community. This year our focus will be on enhancing awareness and provision for Mental and Emotional support.

This will see the introduction of Mental Health First Aiders, a more expansive Mental Health Week, a new online Wellbeing newsletter, as well as further opportunities to put on events and raise awareness across the year.

If you would be keen to become a Mental Health First Aider or get involved in one of the other H&W initiatives this year please sign up on the sheet located at the LRC desk. For more information about anything H&W please see MR Russell.

S6 – Holocaust Educational Trust Opportunity – Lessons from Auschwitz Online: The school have been allocated 4 student places and this is open to all S6 students. The selected students will take part in completing an online module which will teach you about pre-war Jewish life, explore the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and hear from a Holocaust survivor. This is an excellent opportunity to not only further your own knowledge but also have an additional wider-achievement course to add to your UCAS application.

If you are interested please send an email to Mrs Loy to find out more and get an application completed.

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Group (S1-S6): The GSA is Balerno’s group for LGBTQ+ pupils, friends and allies. We provide a safe space where you can share your experiences, celebrate diversity and access resources, as well as planning and taking part in fun events and activities.

If you are interested in joining or finding out more please submit the form posted on Assemblies pages and the Bulletin page or come and see one of us for more information. We are looking forward to meeting you!

GSA (S6): This year the GSA are aiming to help Balerno achieve its Bronze LGBT charter. We are looking for a team of pupils- led by 6^th years- to help us to achieve this. This is a great opportunity and would look excellent in personal statements and on CVs! If you’d like to get involved, either as a member of the LGBTQ+ community or as a friend or ally, please fill in the form on Assemblies and the Bulletin pages as previously and let us know there, or come and see one of us for more information.