RETURN TO SCHOOL
It has been very positive return to the new Academic Session for staff and students alike. It has been a pleasure catching up with everyone and coming back together as a school community.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for your very strong support of our School Uniform policy at the start of the new term, which I can absolutely say is the very best we have seen. It makes such a huge difference and really promotes a positive ethos. It is very much appreciated.
ASSEMBLIES
All year groups had assemblies with their Depute Head Teacher this week setting out routines and expectations for the return to school, including the School Code. A quick reminder of stage responsibilities:
- Ms L Boyd, DHT (Acting) S1/S6
- Mrs L Egerton, DHT S2/3
- Mr B Hendry, DHT S4/5
- Mrs L Whiteside, DHT S1-6 Communication Centre
Next week I look forwards to Head Teacher Assemblies with each year group on how we put our School Values into action and how young people can be further involved in developments for the school moving forwards in lots of different ways.
SQA RESULTS
Congratulations to our students in last year’s S4-6 on receiving their SQA Results. Individually there are many, many successes across students’ courses reflecting both the hard work and commitment of our young people, and indeed, the high quality of delivery and support from the team of staff.
We expect our overall school attainment at S5/6 Higher to be stronger against previous trends, although our S4 overall attainment is less strong but in line with our expectations. A key factor relating at this level has been lower attendance and engagement in certain key groups. Our School Improvement Plan reflects a number of priorities related to this so that we can support our students’ achievement further moving forwards.
Any remaining students who wish to discuss their results, potential Appeals or change of coursing should speak to their Principal Teacher of Pupil Support or Principal Teacher of Communication Centre in the first instance.
ANNUAL DATA CHECK
It is vital at the start of the new Academic Session we have the correct information on our system for students. All pupils have been issued with the Annual Data Check form, which should be completed by parents or carers and returned via students to the School Office early next week. Many thanks for your assistance with this critical work.
HEALTH CARE PLANNING
It is important in this process that the school has an updated picture of students’ individual medical needs. In many cases, conditions are often well-managed and students are able to take steps independently to meet their healthcare needs. If you need to keep medicines in the school for your child, we need your parental permission to administer these and a form can be obtained through the School Office.
For some children and young people with more serious conditions, we may need additional planning in place should they take unwell and a Health Care Plan would be required so everyone is clear on the right steps to take. Please speak with the School Office in the first instance if you think this may apply.
SUMMER REFURBISHMENT WORKS
As you may know, our hotly anticipated refurbishment of the two Dinner Halls has been completed, with very positive feedback from young people. The halls are fresh, modern and bright, with an increase in overall seating capacity too.
We are working with the Catering Team on the best model of service to meet demand, but it has been great to see how well the halls have been used already. A new pre-order system will also come onstream in the Autumn with more information to come in due course. This will reduce queuing further. We will continue to work with the student leadership group involved in the design process to customise the new dinner halls further in the coming months.
We also had additional refurbishments works commissioned for the second floor to create a Faculty of Support for Learning and Wellbeing, which included a refresh to The Snug. The new rooms are looking great and have already been very well used.
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Tempest Photography will be in school this Wednesday, 28 August 2024 all day for School Photographs for S1, S3 and S6 students. Should any parent or carer with a child or young person in this year group wish to have a family photo with a sibling in another year group, please let the School Office know by the end of the day on Tuesday so we can try to accommodate this in the planning.
Best wishes
David Falconer
Head Teacher
