Newsletter Apr 2022

School Leadership

Mrs Rooney continues her secondment as Head Teacher of the Chryston Campus.  She is still in regular contact with the school and sends her best wishes to all within the Braidhurst HS community.  At present there is no indication of exactly when this will end.  In the interim, Mr David Gardiner will continue as Acting Head Teacher with Mr Brian O’Neill Acting Depute Head Teacher.

Summer Term Events

As restrictions continue to lift, we will be returning to a more normal programme of activities in the summer term.  These will include:

  • S1 – 2-day Skills Project (Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th May)
  • P7 – 2-day transition visit (Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th May)
  • S3 BGE Graduation Ceremony (Wednesday 1st June Periods 6 & 7)
  • Senior Prom (Wednesday 1st June)
  • School Concert (Wednesday 15th June 7.00pm)
  • Prizegiving (Thursday 23rd June 7.00pm)
  • Inter House Competitions (TBC)
  • School trips (TBC)

Covid 19 Restrictions

In line with the latest Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Guidance face covering will no longer be mandatory in classrooms or in communal areas however as infection rates are still high in the area, we would still encourage all to sanitise hands and cover their faces when entering the building or moving around the school.

Scottish Qualification Authority – Exam Arrangements

Study leave, for senior pupils who are sitting at least one National 5 course will begin on Monday 25th April.  Pupils will return on Monday 6th June.

Pupils who are sitting National 4 courses only and have no exams will be able to participate in the ‘Skills Development Week’, at the Forgewood Community Centre instead.  This will take place from 10th – 13th May.  If you require further details, contact Miss McKenna or Mr O’Toole.

Study facilities will be available in school for any senior pupils who need a quiet space to work.  If you require these, contact Mr Hendry who will be able to book you in.

Subjects will be offering some additional study and revision classes; individual class teachers will be able to provide more details on when these will take place.

Study Leave Gym Memberships: North Lanarkshire Council are providing free access to leisure facilities for pupils who are on study leave.  You can register your interest by using the following link to complete the online survey.

https://forms.office.com/r/W5dnQWbiDP

School uniform: Full uniform will be required for any visit to the school.  This includes sitting exams, attending study classes, or using the study space.

SQA Estimates: The school is required to submit an estimated grade for every subject that a candidate is being presented for.  These are evidence based and reflect the work produced in assessments by each pupil.  If any pupil is unsure of their final estimate, they should ask their class teacher.

It should be noted that these estimates have still to be quality assured by the SQA and as such should not be taken as a guarantee of an appeal.

Illness: Any pupil who is unwell on the day of the exam or who have experienced any specific circumstances that may affect their exam performance should report this to Ms Kerr as early as possible on the day of the exam.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches: In line with SQA policy no mobile phones or smart watches will be allowed in the exam hall.  A candidate guide produced by the SQA will be made available to all pupils.  It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that they follow the procedures and policies set down in this document. Any queries surrounding this should be directed to Ms Kerr.

School Holidays

The following days will be school holidays for pupils.

  • Monday 2nd May
  • Thursday 5th May
  • Friday 27th May
  • Thursday 2nd June
  • Friday 3rd June
  • End of term – Wednesday 29th June (1pm)

Although the school will be closed to pupils on the above dates it will still be open for any pupil sitting an SQA exam.

Charity Fund Raising

The pupils have decided that the £610 raised during the non unform day that was held before Easter should be donated to the Ukraine appeal.  Thanks to all who donated to this worthy cause.

Parents Group

The AGM for the Braidhurst Parents/Carers Group will take place on Tuesday 24th May at 6.00pm in the school library. The group has two main functions, the first is to act as an advisory body to work with the school, the second is to raise money for the school fund.  If you would like to get involved in either or both of these of these aspects, then you will be very welcome to turn up on the night.  Alternatively, email the school to express your interest via the school website.

Kind regards,

David Gardiner

Acting Head Teacher