Cumbernauld Academy

Dear parent/carer,

As you may be aware, two of the teacher unions, the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), intend to carry out industrial action over the national pay offer and their members plan to strike on Wednesday 7 December 2022.

I wanted to get in touch with you directly as the impact of the industrial action may mean that you will need to consider additional childcare arrangements on that day.

We have made an assessment on the impact this will have on our school and on the school day for pupils.

(Please click on the link below to access the full details from this letter.)

Industrial action letter to parents

Skills Development Scotland careers advisers are hosting a webinar for parents and carers of S2 and S3 pupils on 7 Dec at 6:30pm to discuss option choices and the support and resources available from Skills Development Scotland to support both young people and parents and carers at this time.

Parents and carers can register for our session here: https://optionchoiceswebinar.eventbrite.co.uk

Info about upcoming events for parents and carers of a child who is considering entering higher education in Autumn 2023.

 These sessions will explain the funding packages available from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for those planning to undertake higher education courses (HNC/HND/Degree courses) as well as how and when to apply and an opportunity to ask any questions.

 These sessions will be online and will take place in the evening during December. Parents and carers can check the available dates and times and book a place on these talks here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/137287290983

Once booked, they will receive a booking confirmation with a link that will allow them to access the meeting.

Our DYW page is now up and running with all the latest DYW news within the campus https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/nl/CAcad/careers/

Please click on the link below to see this week’s DYW opportunities for Work Experience and Apprenticeships. DYW OPS 20Nov

Follow us on twitter @CumberAcadDYW

The supported study timetable for this session is available to view in a separate screen by clicking the link below.  It is also available to download from our school app.

Can pupils wishing to attend please confirm that the supported study class is running by speaking with the teacher delivering the sessions prior to attending.

Supported Study Time Table  2023

We are looking forward to welcoming along to our online event this Wednesday 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 9pm tomorrow night (Tuesday 15th Nov) can be taken
• Meetings will be open for up to 4 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.

Monday 14^th – Friday 18^th November marks Anti-Bullying Week and the theme is REACH OUT.  As a school we will be trying to banish the stigma around bullying especially what to do if you are a bystander. During Skills for Life classes, we will have discussions around bullying and who to contact. Around the school there will be a QR code with a fun quiz to complete. On Wednesday 16^th Nov we are hosting TOPSY TURVY day!! This is where you can wear your uniform back to front, inside out, upside down, odd socks, odd shoes etc. We are doing this to spread awareness and celebrating our differences and uniqueness. Also, throughout the week we will be sending round Reach Out cards to send nice messages to people we think need a wee smile. So, get ready CA to get TOPSY TURVY! From LGBTQ+ & Equalities Committee

The upcoming S5/6 Parent’s Evening is scheduled for Wednesday 16th of November. This meeting will take place online via our “Parents Evening Booking + Video” meeting portal.

This will be the second year we have utilised this online system and we hope that you will continue to find this digital arrangement informative and beneficial in allowing you to further support your children with their education at Cumbernauld Academy

With regards preparing for the parents meeting 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.

CA Parent-Video-Meeting-Invite-Letter-1

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. This links can be accessed below.

Booking Information for Parents

The Prelim Exam timetable for S4-6 Pupils working towards National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2023 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 Prelim Exam timetable.

CA Prelim Exam Timetable 2022