Dear Parent/Carer

It’s been an unusual week to say the least, with the introduction of face coverings around the school from Monday. I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about how that might go. Usually, with an important step like this, we would use assemblies to engage, deliver the message, lay out the case for change and persuade. However, the rules on gatherings mean that assemblies are not allowed at present. We needn’t have worried at all. The kids have been brilliant, and we’ve had complete cooperation so far.

Thanks to parents and carers for your support with this. Of course, if a pupil forgets their covering, we gift them a new one and for those who are exempt due to a respiratory condition or any other “hidden disability”, we are using a wee red badge to signify their exemption. What we are finding is that for most of our learners, they understand that we need to do everything to keep the school open and operating, almost in the “normal” way. None of us want lockdown or “blended learning”. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that but please be reassured that we do have a credible plan should that be necessary.

So, right now we are mainly trying to steer the ship on a “normal” course, and lessons are proceeding well across all the stages. Like other schools, we have a higher pupil absence rate than we would usually expect. This is largely due to young people staying off as a precaution. Please continue to keep your kids at home if they show any symptoms of the virus and book a test if your suspicion lasts. That said, please be reminded that the usual cold signs such as a runny nose are not thought to be enough to justify the booking of a Covid test.

We’ve also had quite a few enquiries about the requirement for face coverings. Please note that there is a general expectation that we’ll all be using these around the school. A condition such as asthma would not necessarily mean that a face covering can’t be worn. It’s usually worn only for a few minutes between lessons and typically won’t cause breathing problems. That said, for those who genuinely cannot cope with face covering, we do have our red badge scheme.

As I say, all in all we’ve been very impressed by how smoothly things are going in the circumstances. Our teachers are getting used to new ways of working and pupils are being exceptionally cooperative. You can help us avoid crowding at the end of the day. If you are picking up your kids in a car, please arrange to do this at a distance from the school.

Apart from the health and safety issues, on Monday past, we were delighted to take delivery of a substantial quantity of hi-tech scientific equipment from Exxon Mobil at Mossmorran. The company has a schools’ engagement programme and we are very happy to be part of it. The consignment included safety equipment, scientific calculators, specialist cameras and storage equipment. Many thanks to Exxon Mobil. the gear will support our “STEM” learning, that’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Next week the teachers will be completing tracking reports for S5/6. These are more important than ever as it is not looking like parents’ evenings will be possible for some time to come. We are looking at that particular issue and will be back in touch soon.

This morning we’ve got a reporter and a photographer from The Courier in school, doing a report from the educational “frontline”. There will be spread in the paper, and video coverage on the Courier website, on “Back to School” under the new arrangements, probably next week. Many thanks to the pupils and staff who are contributing to the reporting.

As always, please be in touch if we can help. I’m afraid that it’s not possible to have visitors without an appointment, so please call in first.

Many thank. Best wishes … and take care.

Derek Allan

RECTOR

4 September 2020