So many milestones have been achieved this week, in spite of staff and pupils fighting coughs and colds. We are nothing if not resilient at Meadowpark.

Almost all of our pupils have now been kayaking on the water and we anticipate that all pupils will have managed this by the October week. A change of clothing on Mondays is really helpful.

We had a number of visitors and specialists visit the school this week.

Marion Barclay, East Lothian’s PE Specialist and Heather Lowdon from Scottish Disability Sport brought along a charming young man, Lewis McConnell, SDS Coaching Futures Apprentice who was able to inspire Meadowpark pupils in the exciting and strangely addictive game of Boccia.

I first became aware of Boccia or Petanque as it is known in France when I stayed with a pen pal near Lille. I noticed that all the villages had a patch of dirt, usually in partially shaded areas near a local park or village green where, mostly men, would throw small silver boules (balls). Since then I have played the game in several locations, including France and Battersea Park when I lived in London. It would be great to encourage all our young people to take up this sport. Equipment is easily transportable and not very expensive. Perhaps we can create a permanent Boccia/Petanque area in the grounds of Meadowpark for pupils and the local community? I think I know just the ideal place…

The ever bubbly Kelly Clarke from Loose Parts Play arrived on Wednesday morning with a camera crew to film Class 2 using the wide range of materials we have acquired that make break times and PE lessons so much more interesting. I will let you know where and when this short  film which promotes Loose Parts Play can be viewed.

Fraser Stewart, photographer, popped in to meet pupils and staff with a view to volunteering and offering his expertise to all classes in photography and film making.

I am delighted that Chris Aien from YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative) who has been supporting Build-a-Band at Meadowpark and Knox Academy since 2015 has joined us again.

All our young people enjoy and engage in opportunities to develop music skills and interests. Chris will be working 1-1 with 2 of our pupils for whom life has dealt a few challenges recently. I know that Chris’ calm level-headed enthusiasm will further enhance the approaches to curriculum planning that benefit all our pupils. .Chris also encourages young people to play music from their favourite bands and I’m sure the walls of Meadowpark will soon be resounding to White Stripes Seven Nation Army and My Chemical Romance Welcome to the Black Parade. If it puts a smile on the face of a Meadowpark pupil or staff member then we are doing our jobs effectively.

I was sad to have cancelled the parents’ evening which had been schedules for Thursday 28th September, but with so many call offs it was all I could do. Class teachers will contact parents about review meetings for pupils.

Can I please ask that if anyone is interested and has the time to offer, to come forward and assist us in setting up a Meadowpark Parent School Partnership.

There is a lot to fit in before the October break and I am confident that we will continue to see all Meadowpark pupils flourish.

Charli Prime