As we approach a well-earned rest for our pupils and staff this mid-term, I wanted to provide various updates on progress so far and plans moving forward. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to our school community for continuing to work together with care, fairness, respect and trust as we deal with the ongoing challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid-19 Health and Safety
The Covid-19 risk reduction measures set out in the previous update will continue to apply after the October break. Please ensure pupils have their own face covering to bring to school and continue to take part in asymptomatic testing. Further information will be provided if anything changes in the government guidance.
Improvement Priorities
Our summary of standards and quality from last session and improvement priorities this session can be found on the dedicated area of our website. We continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our school community as we respond and recover from the impact of the pandemic, while striving to further improve learning and achievement for our learners.
National Qualifications 2022
SQA has provided an update on the current plan for pupil assessment in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications – read here.
School prelim assessments will take place during December for Higher and Advanced Higher, and January for National 5. A timetable will be issued nearer the time.
Extra-Curricular
It has been a particular highlight of this term so far to see so many clubs and activities being enjoyed across the school, following many months of not being able to operate them. We encourage all young people to get involved with something they enjoy or want to try – this is so important for health and wellbeing.
Opportunities are advertised internally to pupils and shared via our various digital channels. We also provide an overview in the dedicated area of this website.
Parent Council
The new Chair of our Parent Council is Maureen Kerrigan, who has a child in S3. My sincere thanks to Catherine Thomas for her support and contribution in this role over the past 3 years, particularly during the ever-changing phases of the pandemic. Catherine will continue to serve as a member.
Maureen and the other members of the Parent Council are very keen to invite new members and to gather views on how we can further improve communication and engagement between the school and our parents. They will be in touch with all parents in the near future.
You can contact Maureen by email: renfrewhigh@renfrewshire.npfs.org.uk
Parents Meetings and Tracking Reports
We have all missed the opportunity for ‘normal’ face-to-face contact in many aspects of our personal and working lives. Although various restrictions have been eased in society, schools remain subject to additional measures. This means we continue to be unable to have large numbers of visitors in the building. We are hopeful this will change soon, however in the meantime secondary schools are working to source a digital scheduling / video meeting tool to enable us to schedule appointments with parents. We will be back in touch with you as soon as we have further information.
We will continue to issue progress tracking reports at key points in the school year and will follow-up any questions or concerns with a phone call. We also encourage parents to get in touch at any time to share information or request updates.
Launch of Pupil Parliament
I am excited to let you know that our staff and pupils have been working together to devise and implement a new approach to pupil voice / pupil council. The Renfrew High Pupil Parliament will be launched in November and will provide a strong structure to further empower young people to engage in and lead various aspects of school life. The process of electing MRPs (Members of Renfrew Parliament) and forming Committees is well underway so keep an eye on twitter for updates: Learner Leadership Twitter
Charity Collection
This past week, members of the school community have been contributing to our annual collection for Renfrewshire Foodbank. Thank you to everyone for the generous donations. Even in these tough times for our families, the kindness and willingness to help those most in need has shone through.
Finally, I wish you all the very best for the mid-term break and the remainder of the year ahead.
Billy Burke
Head Teacher