Grange Academy

Dear Parents/Carers and Pupils,

As we reach the end of yet another busy and productive term at Grange it is incredible to reflect on what has been achieved by our young people and staff at a time when there are many pressures on our school.   Although learning and teaching has been hampered by pupil and staff absence, our young people have made a determined effort in their studies, and this will stand them good stead for the future.

The young people of Grange Academy have been a credit to themselves, their families, and the school throughout all the challenges this pandemic has presented.  Their attitude to giving of their best, to showing responsibility and to demonstrating resilience has been outstanding.  We have asked so much of them in terms of learning to work and behave in new ways and they have stepped up to the mark.  They are wonderful young people, and it is a privilege working with them each day.

We never cease to be amazed by the achievements of our young people and our weekly bulletin is an excellent opportunity to capture these – a huge thank you to Mr Smith (Maths) who has compiled our bulletin over the last term. If you haven’t had a chance – please take the time to look through some of our previous bulletins which are all available on our school website.

SCHOOL CALENDARS (JAN – JUNE 2022) 

In preparation for January 2022 a copy of the key dates for January to June 2022 are now available on our school website.

Individual year group calendars in addition to a collated full school calendar are also available below:

Whole School Calendar

S1 Calendar

S2 Calendar

S3 Calendar

S4 Calendar

S5/6 Calendar

SENIOR PHASE ASSESSMENT BLOCK 

Our Senior Phase Assessment Block will take place from Friday 7^th until Friday 21^st January 2022.  The schedule is available on our school website here.  If a pupil requires to be absent when they should have an assessment – please contact the school office.

STAFFING 

Today we say farewell to Mrs Worrall (English) and Mr Keachie (Music).  We wish them every success in their future careers and thank them for their contribution to Grange.  In January we look forward to welcoming a number of new staff to the school:

Mr S McArthur (Music)
Ms H Anderson (English)
Miss S Ramage (Social Subjects and Modern Studies)
Mr C Mann (Social Subjects and History)

In addition, we offer our continued thanks to our supply staff who have been helping out across the school this year:  Mr Hollywood, Mr Taylor, Mrs Miller, Mrs Harvie, Mr Donaldson, Mr McLaughland, Mr McGarvey and Miss Crossland.

JANUARY 2022 

We start back in the New Year on Thursday 6th of January at 08:45 and it’s my hope and prayer that there will be little or no disruption to schools in the New Year.  We are learning to live and work in a climate of uncertainty, and I believe we will emerge stronger from this experience. 

Wishing you all the very best on behalf of myself and my colleagues here at Grange Academy. 

Robert Johnston
Head Teacher

Dear Pupils, Parents and Carers,

Health & Safety
With the increasing number of Omicron variant cases it is essential that as a school community we redouble our efforts to stay safe over the remaining 8 school days before Christmas.  As challenging as it can be at times we are asking pupils and staff to wear masks, wash/sanitise their hands regularly and to socially distance from each other whenever possible.  It is also important for us to test regularly (twice weekly) using the LFT kits available from the school office.

Senior Phase Assessment Block
Our Senior Phase Assessments are due to take place from the 7^th – 21^st January 2022.  Mrs McLean (PT Science and SQA Coordinator) issued a letter yesterday afternoon (available on our website here) and spoke with all Senior Phase pupils in class throughout the day.  A paper copy of the schedule will be issued next week.

S3 Parents Evening
Thanks to all our S3 Parents and Carers who joined us on Wednesday for our virtual Parents Evening.  A survey has been issued to capture your feedback and is available to complete here.

Supported Study
Well done to all those pupils who are turning out at our various Supported Study classes.  A massive thank you to all staff who are offering these opportunities for our pupils.  Next week is the final week before the Christmas Holidays – please take up the opportunities on offer in advance of the January Assessment Block.  An update to Week 3 is attached to this message and available on our school website here.

Grange Advent Revision Calendar
Our Advent Revision Calendar continues to provide a variety of tips and suggestions for effective study.  You can view the entire playlist to date here.

School College Courses
Ayrshire College will close on Tuesday 21^st December at 4pm.  School College courses will run as normal on this date but any class which normally finishes at 5pm will now finish at 4pm.

Christmas Holidays
Please note that we will close for the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday 22^nd December 2021 at 2:30pm and reopen on Thursday 6^th January 2022 at 8:45am.

Have a lovely weekend!

Robert Johnston
Head Teacher