Author: Mrs Hetherington Cree

School Uniform Update

Hello Parents and Carers,

The following message was put onto Team’s yesterday for all pupils.

Hot Weather Pupil Update
Jackets and Water
Hello,
Due to the hot weather you will be asked to take your jacket off in class.  The temperature is due to be 22 degrees tomorrow and it is to stay warm over the next few weeks on the run up to the summer holiday. If you are bringing a jacket to school, wear either your shirt and tie or if you no longer have a shirt that fits, a t-shirt you would be happy to wear in class.  No football tops please.  If you have PE you can wear your PE kit on those days.
Enjoy the sun, don’t forget sun cream if you are outside and drink water throughout the day.
I am sure by now your children will have shown you the message on Team’s – I have been made aware that one or two of our learners may be unsure of what this means for them.
I am sure that you will help them to understand:
  • On the days that your child has PE they may wear PE kit – Due to the fact that the changing rooms remain closed because of COVID restrictions.
  • If you child has outgrown their shirt, they may wear a T-shirt – I would not ask parent/carers to purchase new school uniform 4 weeks before the end of term.

Thank you to all parent/carers who despite all the challenges this year, continue to support their children to wear the smart Sanquhar Academy school uniform.

John Wallace Trust Scheme

The scheme awards bursaries to secondary school pupils living in the upper Nithsdale area who are about to enter, or are attending, Higher Education.

Financial assistance may be available for up to five years. The amounts paid can change each year depending on the number of applicants received. Successful students are required to complete a certificate of attendance form each year to ensure payment.

Award criteria

Awards may be allocated to pupils who are about to enter or are attending:

  • The Barony College or another institution specialising in Agriculture and allied sciences
  • University or another institute of Higher Education,
  • Open University courses

Travel grants

Financial assistance can also be awarded to students who may be travelling for an educational purpose.

https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/16432/John-Wallace-Trust-Scheme-

SUMMER HOLIDAY FOOD PAYMENT 2021

Hello,

Secondary Pupils who meet eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (low income/qualifying benefits) will receive the Holiday Food Payment of £17.50per week. This will be paid fortnightly throughout the Summer Holidays. Payment will be made automatically for all eligible children registered to receive Free School Meals – no need to reapply. Families that did not receive the Spring Payment and they feel they are eligible will need to apply.

https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/schoolmeals

 

Head Teacher Update, 7 May 2021

Hello,

Thank you to the whole school community for working with us through a difficult few weeks for us all.  My thanks to learners, parents and staff who are taking part in Lateral Flow Testing. We hope that this continues to help keep COVID at bay for us all. A mobile  testing unit will be situated in the school grounds this weekend.

Learners in school have continued to work through their SQA assessments. The schedule of assessments is available on the school website. Learners who have been absent due to self-isolation will have the opportunity to complete any assessments missed on their return to school.

Learners in S2 and S3 are in the process of having their subject option interviews for next session and will be bringing home their forms for parents to sign and return to school.

The next Parent Council meeting will take place on the 17 May between 7:30-9:00pm, virtually on Vscene. Any new parents who would like to attend should get in touch with the school office for the room number, new parents are always welcome!

Parents Information Evening Update

Hello,

Thank you to all the parents who attended out very 1st Virtual Parents Information Session via VScene last night.  We learned a few tricks last night that will make it easier in the future for parents.

  • If you are happy just to listen login through the App.
  • If you want to be able to see any presentations using PowerPoint or use the chat function login using the link on a PC or laptop.

Weblinks request by parents to day to support planning for choices and changes for learners included:

The new school website –

https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/sanquharacademy/

SQA courses information –

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45625.3728.html

My World Of Work

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/

 

Attending a VScene Meeting

The Vscene platform is a secure platform and approved for use within Sanquhar Academy to host private and confidential meetings.

You do not need your own Vscene login to join a meeting, the login option on the website is purely for licence holders/admin.  We will not ask you for anything other than the details below and your name to access a meeting.

In order to join the meeting you will need to:

  • Use one of the below joining methods:
    • On your device download the Vscene App from the App/Play Store (see below for app screen when accessing meeting)
    • Click the link below to access the meeting via a computer (see below for browser, hardware, and software support). This will not work on D&G devices from home.
    • Use the ‘phone in’ option and take part as a conference call.
  • Allow the app to access your camera and microphone (you will have full control to switch this off/on when in the app)
  • To access the meeting room please
    • Type the unique Vscene room number xxxxxxx into the App, then your name (as you want it to appear in the meeting)
    • Click on the link if accessing via a computer: Then add your name (as you want it to appear in the meeting)
    • Call +44 (0)300 201 0142 then enter the extension room number xxxxxxx#

The meeting room will only be available for the time of the meeting. As you will see from above at no point are you asked to register with an email address or input any personal data.

Weblink Brower Details

Supported Browsers*

  • Google Chrome:Two most recent versions
  • Mozilla Firefox:Two most recent versions
  • Opera:Two most recent versions
  • Microsoft Edge Chromium

Browsers Not Supported*

  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge (this can be updated to Edge Chrome)
  • Internet Explorer

*We will continue to update this list as things advance

Hardware and Software

Minimum Requirements

  • USB 2.0 for USB camera and audio USB 2.0 for USB camera and audio devices
  • We recommend where possible to use a headset when using any browser-based system.
  • If required you can use speakers and a separate microphone, but we recommend they are not in close proximity to each other as this may create audio feedback.
  • Laptops will have built in camera and mic which is compatible with the Vscene platform

Operating Systems

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 7, 8.1 until Extended Support ends
  • Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later