I hope everyone in our school community had a wonderful summer break. I am really looking forward to welcoming our young people back to school on Monday 16th August. I have included below some key information to ensure pupils and families know what to expect from next week.
Covid-19 Health and Safety
The country has made great progress over the summer weeks in moving beyond many of the restrictions placed on our lives during last 12 to 18 months. There does remain, however, certain risk mitigations we all need to follow in school to continue to keep everyone safe. These are outlined in the recent letter sent to all parents from the Director of Children’s Services. It is hoped these measures will be eased in the next 6 weeks.
To emphasise the key points for all children and adults:
- get vaccinated as soon as possible if you are eligible
- take lateral flow tests twice per week (test kits available from school office – isolate if positive result)
- stay at home and book a PCR test if symptoms of Covid-19 occur
- sanitize their hands on entry to the building and regularly throughout the day
- wear a face covering (unless exempt) in classrooms and when moving around the building
- wipe down work surfaces after use
The Council will continue to provide an enhanced cleaning service. Classrooms will be well ventilated and adults will continue to physically distance from young people and each other.
Pupils will no longer necessarily need to self-isolate if someone in their class tests positive and they will not need to keep to ‘bubbles’ at break and lunch.
Everyone in our school community played a part in keeping us safe last session and I am sure I can rely on the same effort at this time.
First Day Arrangements
On Monday pupils will enter the building on the same ‘staggered’ basis as last session: S4-6 followed by S1-3. Staff will be on hand to guide pupils to their first class to collect their timetables.
S1 pupils will be welcomed in class groups in the theatre and will be guided around classes by senior pupils. They will remain on the school premises at break and lunch for the first few weeks and thereafter allowed to go out for lunch if they choose to.
Senior Phase Pupils (S4-6)
SQA results from last session were issued to pupils last week. I am incredibly proud of the efforts and successes of our young people and for the support they received from our staff and families. Overall, pupils achieved an extraordinarily positive set of results – the best yet in the school – and this is so impressive when we consider the challenging circumstances of last session.
As ever, some may be disappointed with aspects of their results. I always emphasise that one year’s results does not define a young person – it is a step along the path and there always options and support to move forward.
Senior staff will meet with S5 and S6 pupils next week to discuss their attainment and the best courses and choices for them for this session. We will recommend they choose their strongest subjects which give them the best chance of success and match their career aspirations. Most will not need to make changes but some will benefit from rethinking their initial choices from earlier this year.
Nut Allergy
Due to the potential risk of serious harm to an individual in the school community we are requesting that all pupils, staff and visitors do not bring any products containing nuts or peanuts. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
The Year Ahead
I wish all our young people, families and staff all the very best for the new school session. I am hopeful we can soon return to more of the ‘normal’ activities which make the school experience so valuable for all. I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead.
Best wishes,
Billy Burke
Head Teacher