UPCOMING DATES

Just a quick reminder that we will have S5/6 Parents’ Evening on Monday 2 December 2024,with information on online booking sent to the Main Contact we hold on our records. Skills Development Scotland will be holding an online support session for parents and carers for S3-6 pupils to prepare for making Option Choices on Thursday 5 December 2024, with booking via the link: https://ow.ly/b3vO50T4RVV

S4-6 SUPPORTED STUDY

Next week’s S4-6 Supported Study timetable is attached. Staff are hugely committed to running these sessions, but we do need minimum numbers to make them worthwhile. I would ask parents and carers to encourage their young person to attend for any Courses they are sitting ahead of the Assessment Diet in January.

ATTENDANCE

As you know, one of our priorities as a school is to improve student attendance overall, aiming for the majority of students to have satisfactory attendance of over 90%. We also ask parents and carers to make sure that if your child is off school, please contact the School Office to provide a reason for absence and likely duration. This is a statutory requirement for parents and carers to provide a reason for all absences, and for us as a school to maintain this on our records. Finally, if for any reason your child or young person needs to go home during the school day, please ensure arrangements are made only through the School Office – students should not leave the building until they have been given clear authorisation from the school via parents and carers to do so. Many thanks for your ongoing support with this matter – it makes such a difference.

DEMERITS

A quick reminder that staff are now issuing Demerits to students without Reflective Exercises, following an early review of our Promoting Positive Relationships Policy. This should normally take place as part of a staged approach where there is ongoing support and guidance, a reminder, then a warning, then a consequence so that when the Demerit is issued, a student has had ample opportunity to change their approach prior to the concern being shared with parents or carers. I hope this information is helpful. Once again, thank you for your ongoing support – only a very, very small minority of students are in the situation of receiving Demerits either during class or across the school day and for almost all students, conduct and relationships are excellent at all times.

REWARDS ACTIVITY

Staff are currently finalising details of this term’s Reward Activity, which will be extended to S1-3. This will be for pupils who have shown consistently good conduct and attendance in school, with very Demerits and no Referrals or other concerns. A range of activities will be offered to students ranging from a dodgeball tournament, swimming, board games, arts and crafts and a festive film experience. This will provisionally take place on Thursday 19 December 2024. Information will be shared with students through Personal, Social & Health Education classes very soon.

STUDENT SAFETY

It’s really hard to believe we are now at the end of November! As we are starting to see it getting quite dark in the mornings and later on at the end of the school day, can I please ask parents and carers to reinforce with students the importance of safe travel when walking to and from school, particularly around main roads. Sometimes it is quite hard for cars to see students at the zebra or pelican crossing because of the dark, and so I would ask that students take extra care, crossing only at these points and only when it is clear and safe to do so.

Have a lovely weekend!

David Falconer

Head Teacher

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – KINDNESS

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.”

PROMOTING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

As you will know, our Promoting Positive Relationships policy was launched earlier this year, setting out clear expectations for students to be ready, respectful and responsible. Thankfully, almost all students demonstrate excellent engagement and behaviour in class and around the school, following the School Code without any issues.

Effective next week, we will ever so slightly change the way in which we respond to low-level unacceptable conduct. Now, staff will note a Demerit for the very small minority of cases where students do not follow the School Code as a routine. This will generate a parental text message and email detailing the issue. The Reflective Exercise will be issued slightly differently to before, and not necessarily alongside the Demerit as we have been doing until now.

In the case of students receiving Demerits, parents and carers have a vital role to play to guide their child towards better behaviour and improved relationships on return the next day. Termly rewards, trips and activities will only be for students who have not received Demerits or Reflective Exercises in that period.

I hope this information is helpful as we implement the new policy across this Academic Session.

 

S4-6 SUPPORTED STUDY

We will start the first of our S4-6 Supported Study blocks next week, with the programme attached for each day in a range of Courses. The team of teaching staff are really committed to running this and for it to be worthwhile for students at this stage. I would be grateful if parents and carers can support good uptake from pupils to get the maximum benefit as sessions will have minimum numbers in order to run.

 

FLU VACCINATIONS

There will be a repeat offer of flu vaccinations for students on Tuesday 26 November 2024 for students who have already given consent but were absent this week, or who have not had their immunisation and bring consent on the day.

 

S5/6 PARENTS EVENING

We will have our S5/6 Parents Evening on Monday 2 December 2024 from 4.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. with information coming soon to the Main Contact email address we hold on how to make appointments using the online booking system.

 

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND – MAKING OPTION CHOICES

Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers are hosting a free webinar for parents and carers of S1 to S3 pupils on Thursday 5 December 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30pm to discuss option choices and the support and resources available from Skills Development Scotland to help young people and their parents and carers at this time. Register for the session here: https://ow.ly/b3vO50T4RVV

 

Best wishes

 

David Falconer

Head Teacher

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – KINDNESS

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

WHAT A WEEK!

As a school, it’s been a super busy week with lots and lots going on. We’ve had a total of three trips out of school– S5/6 at Alton Towers, Modern Studies pupils at the Scottish Parliament, and a trip to see & Juliet the musical in Edinburgh. All came back with great reports on how well the young people represented the school, and we even had great comments from members of the public to staff commending our students.

We’ve also had our S3 Careers Fayre, anti-bullying week and to top it off, Children in Need fundraising activities today. Each of these have been so positive and enjoyed by staff and students alike. I would like to thank staff for their tremendous commitment to our students to make these events happen, and to our young people who are outstanding at every turn. Well done everyone!

 

REMEBRANCE

Recently we observed Remembrance with our Senior Students selling poppies to staff and pupils, and there was an excellent bake sale run by students which alone collected £128 – a fantastic achievement. Our School Captains Grace, Callum and Mhairi joined Mrs Egerton, Depute Head Teacher to pay respects at the Galston War Memorial parade and service on Remembrance Sunday and on Monday 11 November 2024, we observed the minute’s silence as a school community. Next week, a range of students will see the Poppy Scotland ‘Bud’ mobile museum will be visiting Loudoun Academy on Monday 18 November 2024.

I also wanted to share with parents and carers that I have received contact from Kilmarnock Branch RBLS / Poppy Appeal Scotland about their experiences of our young people in Galston while collecting for this year’s appeal. They gave the highest of praise to our students, in their conduct, attitude, respect and in their generosity too. This is such great feedback and very well deserved for our young people. I am sure you will be just as proud as I am.

 

GIFT PACKAGES FOR WOMEN’S AID

This year S1 students are working in RME to make gift packages for Women’s Aid in Kilmarnock. They are looking for donations of items including toiletries, sweets and chocolates, mindfulness colouring books and pencils, and fluffy socks and any other gift ideas. They are also looking for empty shoeboxes and any spare wrapping paper too. The students will make these up to give to Women’s Aid as part of their Christmas support for women and families affected by domestic abuse. All donations gratefully received.

 

S1-S6 IMMUNISATIONS – INFLUENZA

NHS Ayrshire & Arran nurses will be in school on Monday 18 November 2024, and Tuesday 19 November 2024 to deliver flu vaccinations to S1-S6 students who have given consent – pupils must bring these forms with them if they have not already done so. Arrangements have been shared with students ahead of the programme. I would wish to draw attention to the letter attached specifically for children and young people with asthma.

 

S4 PARENTS’ EVENING & S4-6 TRACKING REPORTS

A quick reminder S4 Parents Evening is on Wednesday 20 November 2024, from 4.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. with information going to the Main Contact email address for students on our records to book appointments on the online system. In addition, S4-6 Tracking Reports are due to be issued early next week with an up-to-date picture of progress at this stage in courses.

 

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – KINDNESS

“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness in people.”

PARENT PAY

A few young people and parents and carers have had some issues with Parent Pay when pupils have gone to pay at Catering Services and there are insufficient funds. This is despite a payment being made on their Parent Pay account.

We have been advised that payments appear on your ParentPay account instantly, however the process for collecting the funds from your bank account can take up to 5 working days to complete with the funds being transferred to the school account at the end of this period.

The simplest way to ensure your child’s account remains in credit is to set up an Auto Top-Up.  Auto Top -Up is an automated service that uses One-click payments to add credit to a child’s ParentPay meal balance when it falls below a certain value.

Further information regarding ParentPay payments, including One-click payments can be found by accessing the link below: https://parent-support.parentpaygroup.com/hc/en-gb/sections/17315480179857-Payments-Purchases

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

Next week is anti-bullying week, with a range of activity to focus on the theme of ‘Choose Respect’. S1-S3 students have already completed an online survey in PSHE classes this week, which will help shape the lessons which will be delivered next week.  A range of different subjects will link into the theme, with year group assemblies led by our Inclusion and Equalities Champions.

A key aim of our activity is that all members of our school community – students, staff and parents and carers – know how to identify bullying behaviours, how to report these and how they will be effectively addressed and monitored so that we continue to have a safe, respectful and protective school environment for all.

 

S6 YOUNG DRIVERS EVENT

Our S6 students will attend an event at Kilmarnock Fire Station on Wednesday 13 November 2024 organised by Ayrshire Roads Alliance Road Safety Team, in partnership with Police Scotland Road Policing and Scottish Fire & Rescue. This will cover a range of topics around safe driving, particularly for new drivers, such as behaviour change techniques, peer pressure, passenger safety and basic car maintenance. I am sure this will be a really worthwhile event.

 

S3 CAREERS FAYRE

Next week we will also have our S3 Careers Fayre in the Assembly Hall on Thursday 14 November 2024, with 18 employers in attendance. Students will visit in smaller class groups and get to hear about different job roles, expectations and experiences of the world of work, and important skills employers are looking for and pathways to future careers. This event has run very successfully in the past and we hope it will again be very beneficial in supporting our students’ positive post-school destinations.

 

CHILDREN IN NEED

It’s that time of year again, with Children In Need taking place on Friday 15 November 2024 with lots of fun activity planned and delivered by our S6 students to raise money for good causes. Tickets are now on sale via Parent Pay, and participation is subject to good conduct in school. More information on activities, criteria to take part and payment which is due by 12 November 2024 is on the file attached.

 

RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUAL HEALTH ASSEMBLIES

These were due to take place this week but due to unforeseen circumstances have been postponed to week commencing 18 November 2024.

 

S4 PARENTS’ EVENING

Our S4 Parents Evening will take place on Wednesday 20 November 2024, from 4.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. which will give the opportunity to discuss students’ progress with class teachers and set targets at this critical stage in courses. Information on booking appointments on our online system has been sent to the Main Contact email address on our system.

 

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Unfortunately, due to a range of circumstances, we will be unable to hold our Christmas Fayre this year. I am sorry as many young people, parents and carers and families will be disappointed since this is such a highlight for us as a school community, but the situation is completely unavoidable. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Kind regards

 

David Falconer

Head Teacher

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – KINDNESS

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give”

CELEBRATING SUCCESS SWAY

I am delighted to share with you our first half-term Celebrating Success newsletter. As well as students’ achievements in a range of wider activities and events, you will also gain an insight into some of the excellent learning and teaching taking place at the school and how engaged our young people are in doing well. I believe it is a really true reflection of our School Vision  – Learning Together, Achieving Together. I hope you enjoy!

You can access the newsletter with the following link: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/T0UFLM6OM4K7qHFs

 

MENTORS IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION (MVP)

Recently a group of S5-6 students were trained in MVP, a national programme which aims to help young people to be able to better identify bullying, harassing or abusive situations and to be equipped to take an active bystander approach, with a number of options to minimise harm and take steps to protect themselves and others.

The S5-6 students have then been supported by a team of staff to then deliver learning in S1-3 Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) classes which started this term, with a great response from student leaders and younger pupils.

This is a really important activity within our anti-bullying strategy as a school – thanks to Mr Patterson, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support and the staff team supporting.

 

FIRE SAFETY

Our S1-3 students have recently been learning about fire safety as we approach Bonfire Night. On Monday 4 November 2024, we will have colleagues from Scottish Fire and Rescue who will speak with students at assembly to reinforce important messages to keep everyone safe. Thanks to our Campus Police Officer, PC Rae for organising.

 

RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUAL HEALTH

Colleagues from NHS Ayrshire & Arran will visit the school on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to speak with students in S3-S6 about relationships and sexual health. These sessions have proved very engaging and informative in the past and aim to complement learning in the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. Thanks to Mrs Highet, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support for brining this together.

 

PUPIL SUPPORT QR CODES

Recently, the Principal Teacher of Pupil Support team launched QR codes which are displayed around the school where students can use their mobile device to complete an online form asking their PTPS to get in touch, particularly if they are not available. The Principal Teacher of Pupil Support team will receive a notification and will make a point of catching up with the pupil to make sure they receive support. Special thanks to Mr Irvine, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support (Acting) for supporting this great new way of working.

 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SERVICE

I would like to make you aware of further information which has been communicated by the Council following a Cabinet meeting around the Leisure and Culture Review:

https://newsroom.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/leisure-and-culture-review-obtains-council-approval

I would like to reassure all parents, carers and young people, that there are no plans to reduce or remove Instrumental Music Services as a result of the move of services to the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

QUOTE OF THE WEEK – KINDNESS

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”