Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the last few days of term, we begin to put plans in place for Session 2021-22 as well as taking a moment to reflect on the year ending.

This has been another challenging year in so many ways for pupils, parents and staff alike. Thank you and well done to everyone who kept going when times got tough and followed the rules to keep everyone safe – and perhaps even smiled through it.

It hasn’t been easy but we embraced what was needed – changes in class times, lack of access to teachers and the general restrictions on what we have been able to do this year. I do hope that by the return to school in August, things will be a little more normal for all of us.

The Art Auction has raised a little over £2,500 which is fantastic. Thank you to everyone who contributed works, helped prevent the wind from blowing them away and those who made bids. It was an exciting final hour or so last Friday. Our sincere thanks go to Fiona, Cassandra and Elspeth for putting on a fantastic show. It was truly wonderful to see so many great pieces of art but also see residents and neighbours to the school enjoying it too. It really has been a great end to the session.

As you know, we have been without any crossing patrol guides this year. Eddie passes on his best wishes to all of you with grateful thanks for the gifts he received. I’m pleased to say that we have received confirmation CEC have successfully recruited one new crossing patrol guide who will be in post from August. We will continue to work with the road safety team in the council to continue to advertise and recruit to fill the vacant role and also to improve the signage in and around the school and adjacent streets to ensure all our children are safe.

This has been a really testing time to be Chair – the last 18 months have brought a huge number of challenges that we would never have foreseen nor planned for. As you know, I will be standing down at the AGM in September and whilst I haven’t achieved any of the things on my ‘to-do’ list, I have tried to keep you informed, represent you within CEC meetings and if nothing else be an ear for your worries and concerns.

We now look to the future and a great opportunity for a new team to get onboard and help us ‘build back better‘ – developing a stronger, more representative Parent Council.

There are many areas that the Parent Council has an interest in pursuing and which we need to consider as part of our future plans. We would really like to get more of you involved as this lightens the load for everyone, ensures there is greater representation and builds resilience into our activities.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, take a few minutes to let us know and we will be back in touch ahead of the return to school. Click this link.

That said, there is a need for specific roles to be covered for the return to school if we are to be able to restart clubs and events. These three specific roles are

  • extra curricular clubs coordinator
  • events and fundraising coordinator
  • health and safety (Risk and Covid) coordinator

All three of these roles have great handover notes from previous incumbents and we can put you in touch with those who have done it before. These roles are fantastic to be shared between friends.

Please feel free to get in touch directly if you would like to discuss these across the summer. You can email me directly on [email protected]

My final comments for this session must go to all our leavers, especially our P7s. Thank you for being a part of the Bruntsfield community. I am sorry we have been unable to celebrate and see you off in the traditional ways but I hope that August 2021 sees a fresh start for all of you in your new school, whether here or in a new cluster, city or country. We wish you and your families all the very best of luck.

I hope that you all have a restful (and warm) summer break with your family and friends that you stay safe and well.

Best wishes,
Karen Galloway
Chair
Bruntsfield Parent Council