Cumbernauld Academy

Last night we held our first online parents evening through our Parents Booking- Video call portal.  In order to fully evaluate its effectiveness and plan for improving future events we would really appreciate if you could dedicate 5 minutes of your time to complete the questions in the survey below. All responses would remain private and unseen by other viewers.

S5/6 Parents Evening 10th November Survey

 

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.

Future Fridays Activities, 5^th November

 

Handball (S1-4)- PE

Volleyball (S5/6)- PE

Fitness (S1-4)- PE, Fitness Suite

S1 Football Trials- sign up sheet outside PE classroom

STEM Challenge (S1-6)- see Mr Cairney/Mrs Watson in Science to sign up

Cupcake Club (S2 ONLY) FULL- Home Economics

Coding (S1-6) FULL- Library

Social Work (S1-6) FULL- OLHS

You can still join any of the sports activities even if you haven’t been before- just pick up a consent form from the PE base. See Miss Small for more information.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze) is open to pupils aged 14+ and will take place at Garrell Vale Community Centre, Kilsyth, Fridays 1.30-3.30pm. There are four sections to complete: helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, and planning, training for and completing an expedition. For more information go to https://www.dofe.org/do/

The North Lanarkshire Challenge is open to S1/2 pupils and will take place at the Tryst Sports Centre, Cumbernauld, Fridays 1.30-3.30pm. There are four sections to complete: a service to help other people, physical activity like a sport, game or keeping fit, learn or get better at a skill, and go on an adventure. For more information go to https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/learning-in-the-community/youth-work/north-lanarkshire-challenge

Numbers are limited for both activities so speak to Miss Small in S015 by Wednesday 3^rd November if you are interested.

Are you interested in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)? Come and take part in a STEM challenge focusing on water. Water access across the globe is one of the main topics at the COP26 climate conference taking place in Glasgow just now. Unfortunately, millions of people still do not have access to clean water, they have to walk and carry their water great distances, and it can be dirty and contain pollutants.

 

If you would like to know more about global water access and water waste and conservation in the home, speak to Mr Cairney or Mrs Watson (Science Technicians) to sign up.

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.