As we reach the end of our first term I would like to start with some positive news about our 2015 SQA Examination results. Once again we have made improvements in our whole school attainment and I hope you saw in the local press that a number of our pupils did exceptionally well. With no time to stand still we are already working towards the 2016 examinations. I make no apologies for repeating myself but there is no secret to exam success, it is about hard work and a willingness to make sacrifices. Homework is a vital part of ensuring our young people fulfill their potential. From S1-S6 pupils are set regular homework and I would ask for your continued support in ensuring your young person is getting homework done and handed in on time. Following feedback from last year all our pupil progress reports have a homework box which will tell you if your young person is doing what is required.

Our new S1 have settled in well and are showing a real enthusiasm to become involved in the life of the school. Uniform continues to be a priority with the majority of pupils looking very smart and arriving at school with a bag. Once again, thank you for your ongoing support with this.

This year I will issue an end of term bulletin in December 2015, March 2016 and June 2016. You can of course keep abreast of our pupils’ achievements and successes on both our Facebook and Twitter (@northfieldaca) accounts.

I am delighted to announce that since I last wrote to you, we have made a number of appointments: Mrs Angela Cowie – Targeted Support, Mr David Lawrence – Targeted Support, Mr Peter Todd – Maths, Mrs Karen Henderson – PSA, Mrs Lorna Cumming – Science Technician, PC Russell Minty – School Based Police Officer, Mrs Tina O’Boyle – Pupil Counsellor and Mrs Louise Forbes – Admin support. We welcome all our new staff to our fantastic school. Sadly we say goodbye to Mrs Katie Mackintosh – English and we wish her every success in her new role.

Following on from feedback on our new live reporting system that was piloted last year, we have decided to send out three live reports this year (S1/2/3 – November, February & May and S4/5/6 – October, December and February). This will help us all to ensure our young people are reaching their potential.

I would also like to remind you of the following events at school as we look ahead to Christmas 2015.

• Monday 26 October – Term begins
• Monday 16 November – In-service Day
• Wednesday 18 November – S3 Parent Consultation Evening
• Monday 23 November to Friday 27 November – S2 Consultation Week
• Tuesday 8 December and Wednesday 9 December – ASG Christmas Concert
• Friday 18 December – Last Day of Term

Finally I would like to wish everyone a relaxing October break.

18^th November 2015

7.00pm – 9.00pm

Harlaw Academy

Come and learn about the unique opportunities available
for your son or daughter in their Senior Phase though Aberdeen City Council City Campus

More information will follow after the October Break
about how you can register and sign up for the mini workshops

We are writing to ensure you are clear of the details for the first day back for S5/6 pupils at Northfield Academy.

All Senior pupils should report to the Assembly Hall at 8.40 am on Wednesday 3^rd June.  During this meeting the expectations of Senior Pupils at Northfield will be explained, timetables issued and crucial information shared.  It is vital that all returning pupils attend this meeting, failure to attend will delay admission into S5/6 for 2015-2016 session.

As was explained before exam leave we are expecting Senior Pupils to play a significant leadership role within the life of the school in 2015-2016 and beyond.  Included in this is the increased expectations of school uniform. We do not expect a blazer between 3^rd June and the end of the summer term. Pupils should arrive on the morning of the 3^rd June 2015 in black trousers, black leggings or skirt, along with the same black sweatshirt you will have worn in S4. Further details of the uniform for August 2015 will be issued later this term.

We look forward to welcoming returning pupils back into S5/6 and working with them all to ensure that they contribute to the wider life of Northfield Academy while ensuring their own individual aspirations are achieved.