Author: Mr Byers

The Prelim Exam timetable for S4-6 Pupils working towards National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2022 has now been published.

All pupils undertaking exams during this period are advised to take note of the dates well in advance of the start of the exam diet and plan a study timetable. This will hopefully maximise their chances of success.

As a word of caution can I ask that pupils check back the day before their exam to confirm timings or/and venues on the timetable.

Please click on the following link to access the full Prelim Exam timetable.

Prelims-Time Table – Nov/Dec-2021 

 

 

 

We are looking forward to welcoming along to our online event this evening the parents/carers of our S5/6 pupils. We anticipate that this evening will run smoothly and to further support its success there are just a few points to highlight. Namely:

• Teachers will be available from 4.00-6.20pm to undertake appointments.  Only appointments that have been pre-booked up until 7pm last night can be taken
• Meetings will be open for up to 5 minutes at which point they will automatically close. There is a 1 minute buffer built in between appointments to allow staff and parents to prepare for their next meeting
• The video technology in use requires that participants have a web cam and microphone. This should be tested prior to the meeting starting
• Chrome (internet browser) is recommended for use on a laptop/PC/Tablet or smartphone as it’s best for connectivity.  Safari (internet browser) is recommended for iPhone/iPad.
• Microsoft Teams, Zoom or any other software that may have control over your microphone/webcam should be closed before joining the parents evening video meeting
• If you encounter a grey screen where you expect a video meeting it is an indication that your device/computer cannot connect to the video meeting server.  If possible, we recommend trying a different internet connection or even a different internet browser. If still unsuccessful and if you have access to another device then it should be used.

Video help guides are available in a previous post should you require further assistance.

 

 

GN is currently on site near Lye Brae in Cumbernauld where there is a significant gas escape.

SGN engineers are working to safely make repairs to the gas main but due to the complexity of this work, it’s too early to say when those repairs will be completed.

To ensure everyone’s safety, a cordon has been put in place and Lye Brae has been closed in both directions.

SGN has provided reassurance to the local community that the gas network remains safe and there is no risk to their safety.

Please note – due to the potential for local firework displays planned for today and this evening, if you live within the exclusion zone shown on the map below, it’s important that no fireworks are set off for safety reasons.

SGN apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.

There may be a smell of gas across the local area but despite this SGN recommend  that if anyone can smell gas or has any safety concerns, they should call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.

https://www.sgn.co.uk/news/gas-escape-cumbernauld

Scottish Gas have been in touch with Mr Cairns to reassure him and the school community that although there may be a pungent smell of gas in the air outside the school there is no danger to the pupils and staff in school. It appears there was a leak in the local area yesterday that has now been fixed.

Unfortunately, due to ongoing covid restriction it is not possible for the upcoming S5/6 Parent’s Evening, scheduled for the 10th of November, to take place in the school building.  However due to the importance of the event taking place we are proposing that the meeting will now happen online via our “Parents Evening Booking + Video” meeting system.

This will be the first time we have used this online system and while we realise that this is different to your past experiences of meeting your children’s teachers in person we hope that it will be just as informative and beneficial in allowing you to further support your children with their education at Cumbernauld Academy.

With regards preparing for the meeting parents I have attached a link inviting S5/6 parents/carers along and detailing the timeline for booking and attending. Please click on the link below.

Parent-Video-Meeting-Invite-Letter

I have also placed a link to a step by step guide and to a short video that give instructions on how to access the online system, book time slots and meet with staff via the digital platform on the night. These links can be accessed below.

Booking Information for Parents

Video Call Information for Parents

Additionally, I have drawn up a FAQ table below that may help with your initial queries.

Frequently Asked Questions	Answers
When will I receive details on how to access the parents booking site.	The address details for the site are given on the Parent Video Meeting Invite Letter that accompanies this post
When will I be able to access the online site to begin booking time slots	The online site link will open for bookings from 7pm On Monday 1st November.
How long will the booking site remain open	The booking facility will close 6 days later on Sunday 7th November at 7pm.
How will I gain access to the booking system	You will be required to input information that matches the information we store in our system to gain access.
How many appointments can I make	You can make an appointment with each of your child subject’s teachers up to a maximum of 5.
Can I amend or cancel a booking	Once booked there is a facility to cancel or amend the booking(s)
Can I use my mobile device to meet with teachers	You can access the system via PC, laptop, Tablet or mobile devices.

WEBINAR session with Professor Ken Muir for parents/carers – Reform of THE Scottish qualifications authority and Education Scotland

About this Event

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills announced on 22 June 2021 the intention to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and remove the function of school inspection from Education Scotland.   Professor Ken Muir, University of the West of Scotland, has been appointed to act as an independent advisor to the Scottish Government to consider and advise on the implementation of these changes and consider all functions currently delivered by both the SQA and Education Scotland.

Professor Muir wants to hear the views and ideas from all those with an interest in Scottish Education.   This webinar is an opportunity specifically for parents and carers with children and young people in education, to hear first-hand about this reform work, to express views and ideas about the kind of education system we want to see in Scotland for the future and to ask questions of Professor Muir.

When

The virtual webinar session will take place on Wednesday 27^th October from 6 30 p.m. till 8 p.m.

How to book

Please use the link below to sign-up for the event.   The event will be held via Microsoft Teams Live and the link to join will be sent the day before to the email address used by participants to register.

Please click here to book – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/193601315747

On Friday 8^th October pupils at Cumbernauld Academy will be celebrating World Mental Health Day by swapping their school uniform for wearing yellow clothing or yellow accessories. The funds raised will be given over to  Young Minds UK charity.

If you don’t have anything yellow, just wear something that makes you happy! Don’t forget to bring a £1 donation for the charity and there will also be a bake sale in the social area at break to help raise money.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing current Covid -19 restrictions in school we didn’t have the opportunity this term to host and celebrate the successes of our pupils along with parents/guardians at our traditional evening awards ceremony.

However as we felt it was very important to celebrate our pupil’s achievements we held a brief event with last sessions S4, S5 , S6 pupils during the school day on Thursday. At this time the Head Teacher presented our award winners with their certificates recognising academic excellence in their subjects.

Hopefully by now the young people have shared with you the news of their award. However to further highlight their achievements we have put together a short clip to reinforce the positive message from their success.

Please click on the link below to access the Award Presentation

Due to current Covid restrictions and the ongoing monitoring of pupil traffic within the school it is important that pupils follow the times given in the table below when accessing their lockers. As with entry and exit from class the times are staggered by five minutes to allow pupils to deposit/collect from their locker before exiting the corridors and stairwells prior to the next bell sounding for the following year groups.

In summary pupils will have an additional 5 minutes when leaving class to access their lockers. They should not return to their locker until the next 5-minute window is available.

This will help to ensure that health and safety in the corridors is maintained and that year group bubble groups remain intact.