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.”

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

Many thanks to parents and carers who attended our two Helping Your Child Evenings this week, with very positive feedback. We are keen to understand how we can support more parents and carers engaging with the school through events like these and will shortly ask for views on how we can do this in the future.

S1 PARENTS’ EVENING

We will have S1 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 30 October 2024 from 4.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall. Information on booking appointments with class teachers through the online system will have been shared with the Main Contact email address we hold on our system.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The standard of students presenting to school in School Uniform remains very high. A reminder that acceptable dress for school is plain black trousers, leggings or skirt with tights and either school polo, sweatshirt or hoodie (with school polo or t-shirt underneath) and/or shirt and tie with optional blazer.

Designer clothing, fashion jackets, tracksuits, shorts, and cropped tops are not acceptable for school. Next week we will resume daily contact with parents and carers where there are issues, or where students are not in any identifiable form of uniform to ensure improvement.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

In August, the Scottish Government gave Head Teachers the power to put a ban on students using mobile phones in the school environment. Our policy emphasises responsible use, given that mobile technology is an everyday part of work and life. However, this week I reminded students of the need for mobile phones to be off and away in bags during lesson time and between classes, unless specifically permitted by staff for learning.

Recently I asked the Parent Council to strengthen our approach and gained approval on the part of our policy which involves mobile phones being confiscated from students where they are misused, are a distraction to learning, or being brought out in and around the school when not required. We will put this into place over the coming weeks to support our focus on young people learning together and achieving together.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT CONSULTANT

I would like to make parents and carers aware that I have commenced a piece of work alongside the leadership team with Gerry Lyons on a consultancy basis and he will be visiting the school across the coming weeks. Mr Lyons is a highly regarded and experienced colleague, currently interim Head of Education at Renfrewshire Council and former Head of Education at Glasgow City Council. He is a also formerly a very effective Head Teacher in two successful Glasgow secondary schools.

Mr Lyons will be working with us on priorities in our School Improvement Plan and associated activity and will engage with young people throughout his time. I know from his initial engagement day on Wednesday this week he was very impressed by our young people and their commitment to the school community.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS – SWAY

It has been a very busy start to the school year since we returned nine weeks ago. Look out for our mid-term Celebrating Success SWAY newsletter coming soon which will be packed with lots and lots of really exciting photos and snippets of our young people’s successes and achievements to date.

ASSEMBLIES

This week we commenced this half term’s assembly programme led by Principal Teachers of Pupil Support and the House Captains. Next Tuesday is Head Teacher Assemblies where I will ask students to reflect on the meaning of the School Value of Kindness, which will be a focus this term.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

As part of this I will share a little ‘quote of the week’ for us all to reflect on as part of the School Update – this week’s is below and was never truer.

“Kindness – it costs nothing but means everything”

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Just a quick reminder, we will be having a Parent & Carer Information Evening on Monday 7 October 2024 from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. in Barista for students in S3 who are considering starting the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. All welcome!

FAMILY LEARNING EVENT – HEALTHY LIVING

We are looking for as many young people and their parents and carers as possible to join us on Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall and other locations around the school, for a family learning event focussed on Healthy Living, organised by staff and students.

There will be lots of different things to try and do, either fun filled, energetic or relaxing, which will promote good wellbeing and bring us together as a school community. Free food and drink too. We hope it will be a very successful and enjoyable event for all!

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

We will have our Helping Your Child family learning evenings on Tuesday 22 October 2024 for S2/3 students and Wednesday 23 October 2024 for S4/5 students and their parents and carers between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. These will start with a short presentation in the Assembly Hall, followed by activity within different departments to help parents and carers know more about how to support their child at each stage in their learning. Please use the following links to sign up:

S2/3 https://forms.office.com/e/E87ghtL49c

S4/5 https://forms.office.com/e/mEw2vu4jXC

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Have you ordered your school photos yet? A polite reminder that the closing date for free delivery back to school is Wednesday 9 October 2024.  Order through the Tempest website using your unique link or visit www.tempest-orders.co.uk. If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 3).

RECOGNITION & REWARD

A team of staff are very shortly about to launch ‘Pupil of the Month’ in each department, where individual students will be nominated for special recognition of their hard work and effort, being helpful and kind, or for any other worthy achievement.

In addition, this week we will have our very first termly Reward activity, which will focus on S1/2 students and will be a film experience taking place on Friday 11 October 2024 during Period 4-5. Linked to our new Positive Relationships Policy, this will involve only those students who have shown excellent conduct in school, without having any Demerits, Referrals or other concerns to date. Students will be told if they are eligible to take part in PSHE this week, with those students not eligible attending classes as normal.

This will be reset again after the October break, and other year groups and planned activity will follow throughout the year. For the next block of Reward activity prior to Christmas, we will look to include students’ with satisfactory attendance to date, which is 90% or above.

ADULT LEARNING SESSIONS

Please see attached information on adult learning sessions taking place at the new Irvine Valley Training Hub in Galston, focussed on literacy skills and digital learning.

MID-TERM BREAK & IN-SERVICE DAY 3

A reminder that the school will be closed from Monday 14 October 2024 through to Friday 18 October 2024 for the mid-term break and on Monday 21 October 2024 for In-Service Day 3. We will re-open for students on Tuesday 22 October 2024.

Kind regards

David Falconer

Head Teacher

S3 PARENTS’ EVENING

A quick reminder this takes place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 from 4.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. in the Assembly Hall. Information on booking appointments with teachers will have been sent to the Main Contact email address we hold for students on our school records.

S6 UCAS INFORMATION SESSION

We are holdings an information session for all young people thinking about applying to further education via UCAS, and their parents and carers. This will take place in Barista on Wednesday 2 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Apologies for the short notice confirmation of this event as we were unsure if we were able to run it, but hopefully we will see many along.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

We will be having a Parent & Carer Information Evening on Monday 7 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in Barista for students in S3 who are considering starting the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. All welcome!

FAMILY LEARNING EVENT – HEALTHY LIVING

On Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall and other locations around the school, we are having a family learning event focussed on healthy living. There will be lots of different things to try and do, either fun filled, energetic or relaxing, which will promote good wellbeing and bring us together as a school community. Free food and drink too. Feel free to come along – we are hoping for a great turnout to make this a successful and enjoyable event.

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

We will have our Helping Your Child family learning evenings on Tuesday 22 October 2024 for S2/3 students and Wednesday 23 October 2024 for S4/5 students and their parents and carers between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. These will start with a short presentation in the Assembly Hall, followed by activity within different departments to help parents and carers know more about how to support their child at each stage in their learning. A sign-up link for booking will be shared next week.

S6 PHOTOGRAPHS

We are aware of an issue with the proofs provided to students in S6 from recent School Photographs. Whilst these look great, they are not quite what was expected and we are in discussion with Tempest Photography for a reissue, hopefully next week, so that everyone can order what they need.

As you can see, we have lots and lots going on in school for parents and carers to be involved and we are really keen to see as many families joining us in various ways. I have attached an updated version of the School Calendar for reference.

Kind regards

David Falconer

Head Teacher

 

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mrs Whiteside, Depute Head Teacher will commence her secondment to Doon Academy on return from the September Break. In the interim, members of the Senior Leadership Team will assume her various remit responsibilities and I will communicate further detail on this in the course of next week.

FIRE ALARM ACTIVATION

As you may be aware, we have had a few fire alarm activations since returning in August after a spell of nearly a year without any. We put a high priority on young people’s safety, wellbeing and learning in school and unfortunately the most recent have been identified to be coming from vaping in the toilets and excess deodorant in the changing rooms. I would wish to commend and thank our young people for how sensible and cooperative they have been throughout these matters and assure parents and carers that appropriate steps have been taken in connection to students responsible.

Any student identified setting off a fire alarm will be dealt with in the most serious of terms. Our position on unnecessary out of class time, students gathering in toilets and vaping in school has been made clear time and time again, although this involves a minority of students. We have seen big improvements in these areas of late and will ensure this continues through engaging with parents and carers where this is an issue for their child specifically.

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMME

Over the last week or so, Depute Head Teachers have led year group assemblies focussing on how we can get the best out of school, and be learning together, achieving together. As a team of staff, we also recently relaunched our Excellent Learning Framework setting out expectations for high quality experiences in every classroom and this was also shared with students. Our assemblies for next week will be led by the newly appointed Student Leadership Team on their roles and what they hope to take forwards this year.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

We will be having a Parent & Carer Information Evening on Monday 7 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. for students in S3 who are considering starting the Bronze Award. Last year we had nearly 40 students going through Bronze Award with almost all continuing to Silver this year. This is a fantastic programme for young people to take part in for their personal development and wider achievement and the evening will give parents and carers, and their young person, all the information needed to get started.

FAMILY LEARNING EVENT – HEALTHY LIVING

On Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall and other locations around the school, we are having a family learning event focussed on healthy living, organised by S4 students in English classes. Special thanks to Mrs McCrone, Principal Teacher of English for organising with the team of staff supporting. There will be lots of different things to try and do, either fun filled, energetic or relaxing, which will promote good wellbeing and bring us together as a school community. More info to come as we approach the date on the activities available. I really hope you will be able to make it.

S1-S6 TRACKING REPORTS

Tracking reports will be issued to all S1-S6 students early next week. These will indicate ratings for Behaviour, Effort and Progress and up-to-date working levels. For S4-6 students, these will also include Aspirational Grades that students should hope to achieve if they work hard in their courses and how close they are to this at present. These early Tracking Reports are issued following target setting conversations in classes with learners and are designed to give a good indication of how students have settled into learning since returning in August.

S1 & S3 PARENTS’ EVENINGS

S3 Parents’ Evening will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and S3 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 30 October 2024, both between 4.15 p.m. and 6.45 p.m. in the Assembly Hall. Information will follow to the Main Contact email we hold on our school records for each student on how to access the booking system to make appointments with individual class teachers.

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

In response to feedback from parents and carers which told us they wanted more information on how to support their child at each stage, we introduced our Helping Your Child evenings, which will run again very soon. These are informal opportunities to meet with staff in departments and learn alongside your young person about what they experience in their curriculum and across the school environment, allowing you to help them achieve their best.

These will run again on Tuesday 22 October 2024 for S2/3 students and Wednesday 23 October 2024 for S4/5 students between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. starting in the Assembly Hall, then across different departments. We hope to see as many young people with their families as possible and a sign-up link will come in the next few weeks.

LONG WEEKEND

I am sure you need no reminder that the school is closed tomorrow, Friday 20 September 2024 and Monday 23 September 2024 for the local holiday. It looks to be really lovely weather and I hope you have nice plans for quality time with your family.

We look forwards to seeing our young people back in school on Tuesday 24 September 2024, bright and early, in full school uniform, eager and ready to learn.

Take care and best wishes for now

David Falconer

Head Teacher

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

After a rigorous selection process and very high quality applications from S6 students, our Student Leadership Team for 2024/2025 has been confirmed. I am delighted to announce Grace Robinson (6Hoy) and Callum Riddell (6Skye) as our School Captains, with Mhairi Ballantyne (6Harris) and Max Neil (6Arran) as School Vice Captains. All are outstanding representatives of our School Values and demonstrated an appreciation not only what they have gained from their time at Loudoun Academy, but also were very clear on what they wish to contribute as a legacy for current and future pupils in their new roles.

In addition, each of our House Captains has also been appointed, as well as School Champions in a range of areas including primary transition, inclusion, poverty proofing, anti-bullying, mental health, LGBTQ+, celebrating success and participatory budgeting with a total of 28 positions filled. On behalf of the staff team, I’d like to offer warm congratulations to all. We are hugely looking forwards to working alongside our Student Leadership Team and I have no doubt their work will bring a very positive impact to the school community in the year ahead.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

Our very first Student Representative Council met this week, with students from each registration class S1-S5 engaging in very lively and energetic discussion. Students raised a range of areas which were important to them and the minutes of the meeting, as well as the class representatives, are displayed on the Student Representative Council noticeboard and will be shared during PSHE lessons. With over 60 members split into S1-3 and S4-6 stages, the Council will now meet on a monthly basis. This is a hugely exciting step for us and will make sure student voice is front and centre of future developments within the school community.

GRAEME ARMSTRONG

Graeme Armstrong, renowned author of The Young Team and presenter of the BBC Scotland documentary series Street Gangs will return to Loudoun Academy on Tuesday 17 September 2024 to speak with S3 and S5 students about his personal journey through trauma, addiction and involvement in gangs and how his life changed through education. With some very hard hitting messages, this is likely to be an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation.

DINNER HALL REFURBISHMENT – SURVEY

In conjunction with colleagues at Facilities and Property Management (FPM), we are asking young people to give feedback on the new Dinner Hall facilities. The survey can be accessed using the following link, closing Monday 30 September 2024:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/diningfacilities/

HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Just a quick reminder that next week is the Ayr Gold Cup weekend and the school will be closed for the local holiday on Friday 20 September 2024 and Monday 23 September 2024, with students returning on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM – CONTEXTS

I would be grateful if all parents and carers read the information communicated by letter earlier today, which can be accessed via the Latest News Section of the School App. It provides an important update on the context of the Senior Leadership Team at Loudoun Academy in the near future.

HOUSE ASSEMBLIES

This week we had S1-S6 students at House Assemblies led by Principal Teachers of Pupil Support. The main focus was on how we build a positive ethos in the school, to encourage young people to take part in opportunities and to be involved. Students also heard a proposal from staff on a Merits system where positive engagement would lead to termly rewards.

Should any young person need support with any aspect of school, they should access their Principal Teacher of Pupil Support or Principal Teacher of Communication in the first instance and the team are almost always available Period 1 in the day to do this in the House classrooms.

ATTENDANCE

At Assemblies, there were some key expectations set out around attendance at school. We know that young people learn and achieve best when they have good school attendance. Where there are attendance issues, this can limit progress, decrease confidence and impact on wider opportunities for achievement and social and emotional skills. Of course, there can be very legitimate reasons why students would not be attending school, but as a guideline:

Good = 95% on average (only two weeks missed from school)

Satisfactory = 90% on average (four weeks missing from school)

Cause for concern = 85% on average or less (six weeks missed from school).

We will shortly be in touch with any parents or carers of young people under the thresholds above to offer further supports where these are helpful and also set targets for improved attendance in the coming weeks.

 

S1 LEARNING WALKS & TALKS

This week, Ms Boyd – Depute Head Teacher (Acting) and I visited S1 students in a wide range of classes. We were both very impressed by how well the new intake have settled and the great work underway at secondary. Well done new S1- We have high hopes for your time at Loudoun!

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Next week will see the appointment of our School Captains, Vice Captains and House Captains as well as specific Champions in a range of areas. We also will hold our very first Student Representative Council meeting, with representatives from each registration class. This is a hugely exciting development and places children’s rights and student voice at the heart of future change within the school.

 

MAGIC BREAKFAST

Over the last week, our Magic Breakfast provision has got up and running in the Assembly Hall before the school day, with students able to access toast, bagels and pancakes and other breakfast items, free of charge. Uptake has been very good and will make sure that all young people are ready to learn in the mornings. We will work with young people to develop the offer as we move it forwards. Thanks to the team of staff leading this initiative.

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

Please find attached the programme of clubs and activities running at the start of the new term. We have lots going on throughout the week in different departments and we strongly encourage every student to join at least one. Extra_Curricular_Timetable_2024.25

ANNUAL DATA CHECK

Just a quick reminder that if you have not managed to do so, could the updated Annual Data Check please be with the School Office as soon as possible. It is so important we have the correct details for each student. Many thanks for your support with this.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING S1 OPEN AFTERNOON

A quick reminder also that The Support for Learning department are holding a Parent and Carer Open Afternoon for S1 students in the wider school with an additional support need. This will take place on Tuesday 10 September 2024 between 2.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

I hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy some of the nice weather to come in the next few days.

David Falconer

Head Teacher

TELEPHONE LINES

Unfortunately we are still without working telephone lines and cannot take incoming or outgoing calls. This is a matter that is completely outwith the control of the school and sits with Openreach to find a solution to the problem. We are liaising with Council services involved in networks and communications to progress the issue. In the meantime, calls to the school will divert to the school mobile. Staff making outgoing calls may show as “No Caller ID”. The school email address, should you need to get in touch this way, is ealoudoun.ac@eastayrshire.org.uk

S1-6 ASSEMBLIES

Following assemblies last week led by the Senior Leadership Team with each year group on expectations and routines within the School Code – ready, respectful, responsible – I met with each year group to explore our new School Vision and Values. We want all of our young people to be ‘proud to be Loudoun’ and to be learning together and achieving together. I asked young people to consider their best qualities and how our shared school values were important in their lives in school and beyond:

• KINDNESS – being helpful and always showing care and understanding;
• DETERMINATION – working hard to overcome barriers and reach goals;
• EQUALITY – valuing everyone equally, seeing differences as strengths;

Our School Vision and Values were recently developed from extensive consultation with students, parents and carers and staff and we hope to see these being more prominent across the school this Academic Session, particularly through student leadership activity.

STANDARDISED ASSESSMENTS

We will shortly carry out Standardised Assessments this term for all year groups. These take about two to three periods and are completed online, with students fully supported throughout the process with breaks at different stages. They are fully accessible and there is no revision or preparation needed. The assessments are internationally recognised and test a range of reasoning skills in the Cognitive Abilities Testing (CAT) set, as well as Pupil Attitudes to School and Self (PASS). The data from the Standardised Assessments will help us to have a good baseline for each student to better support their progress in learning and wellbeing. Should any parent or carer have any questions about the Standardised Assessments, please speak with Mr Hendry, Depute Head Teacher in the first instance.

IMMUNISATIONS

The School Nursing service will be in school on Monday 9 September 2024 to carry out immunisations for any student who may previously have been absent. Information will be provided separately for any student that is involved.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

An updated copy of the School Calendar for this year is attached, replacing the one from before the Summer Break. There are still a few events we are expecting to add in due course, but hopefully this gives you the information you may need for now.

ANNUAL DATA CHECK

Just a quick reminder that if you have not managed to do so, could the updated Annual Data Check please be with the School Office as soon as possible. It is so important we have the correct details for each student. Many thanks for your support with this.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING S1 OPEN AFTERNOON

The Support for Learning department are holding an Open Afternoon for S1 students on Tuesday 10 September 2024 between 2.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., which has been rescheduled from a date which may have been shared earlier.

It is open to all parents and carers of S1 pupils in the wider school who have been identified at primary school as having Additional Support Needs. Come along and meet members of the staff team and hear about all different types of support that are on offer in Loudoun Academy.

Just come to Main Office for 2.10 p.m. where a member of staff will bring you up to Support Department. Mrs McPike, Principal Teacher of Support for Learning and the team hope to see you there!

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

As you may know, the transport provider has changed at the start of the Academic Session for students who travel from Priestland, Darvel, Newmilns, Hurlford and Fenwick.

The school is not involved in any way at all in the arrangements, as this is coordinated by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) on behalf of the local authority.

Following a number of queries at the start of the new term, we have sought clarification on pickup times in the morning and have been provided with the information in the link below. I hope this is helpful.

Morning Pickup Bus Times