Author: Mrs Hetherington Cree

Headteacher’s Update June 2021

Hello,

The Summer Holidays are now upon us, what a year it has been for us all!  I would like to express my sincere thanks to all pupils, parents, staff and the community for working so hard alongside us to ensure that the children of Sanquhar Academy have had the opportunity to succeed, despite all the challenges this academic year has brought.

Staffing Update 

The following staff are leaving Sanquhar Academy to take up new opportunities and challenges and we wish them every success in the future.

  • Stephen Raikes
  • Krystin Black
  • Derryth Hope

New staff joining us will be:

Kieran Pagan as Teacher of Design and Technology and Euan Gibb as Teacher of Music.

I can advise that the School Leadership Team for session 2021/22 will include:

Sharon McLean will be Depute Headteacher for S4-S6.

Diana Taylor will be Depute Headteacher for S1-S3.

  • Oliver Rowe will be Acting Principal Teacher Pupil Support for Wilson House, PE and HE.
  • Alison Menzies will be Principal Teacher Pupil Support for Duff House and Expressive Arts.  Alison will be taking a break during session 2021/22 and Sophie Nisbet will be Acting Principal Teacher in her absence.
  • April McGuchan will be Principal Teacher of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
  • Roisin Tweedie will be Principal Teacher of Languages.
  • Gemma Moodie will be Principal Teacher of Humanities.

As always if you have any queries or support that may be required for your child, please get in touch with their Pupil Support Principal Teacher in the first instance.

COVID Update

We are hopeful that some of the mitigations currently in place to manage COVID may be able to be reduced into next session. At this point in time the COVID risk assessment in place within the school continues to stand.

I will provide an update in August to advise of any changes that may occur following the Summer Holidays.

I hope that the whole school community enjoys a well earned rest and we look forward to welcoming back all of our learners on the 19th of August.

Final thoughts…

To our fabulous S6 leavers remember

It has been one rollercoaster of a year for you all!
You have worked through it – Survived it! and you are about to continue thriving through it.
Life is always tough – it flings things at us that we are not expecting.  As Oprah says no experience in life is ever wasted.
Your strength is the ability to keep smiling and continue to look for the positives, no matter how big or small they are.
Enjoy whatever comes next for you all.

 

 

Coronavirus Testing

Hello

Coronavirus Testing continues to be available across the local authority and can be booked online via the website. PCR testing by post is also available.  PCR’s can be accessed via the pharmacy in Sanquhar and Kirkconnel.

Please continue to complete Lateral Flow testing for learners in school.  Lateral Flow testing will be available throughout the Summer Holiday’s through community settings at Sanquhar fire station and Hillview in Kirkconnell.  Please ensure that you have enough Lateral Flow kits to undertake a test prior to returning to school in August.

https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/

 

 

Coronavirus testing available this weekend

MOBILE TESTING UNITS (MTUs)

Coronavirus testing is available for all members of our community who require Coronavirus testing, through the Mobile Testing Units (MTU) that move around Dumfries and Galloway on a daily basis.

These units offer tests for people who have symptoms of COVID-19.

Times are 1100-1600

  • Saturday 12 June 2021 – Sanquhar –  Sanquhar Academy, DG4 6JN
  • Sunday 13 June 2021 – Kelloholm –  Kelloholm Primary School, DG4 6QJ

Appointments can be made at these centers daily from 9:30am, by logging on to the website: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

If you do not have access to the internet please phone

0800 028 2816

S1 Outdoor Learning at Crawick River

1.2  had a great afternoon yesterday at the Crawick River.  They took part in some sampling activities and learned about the factors that affect the species found in the river.  They were very enthusiastic and all got involved.

Thank you to the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust who ran the session, it was very informative and enjoyable.

 

 

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