Arrangements from 15^th March to 1^st April 2021

We are looking forward to welcoming more pupils back to school next week. We have sent out several emails this week in an attempt to provide you with as much information as possible. Normally it takes us about six weeks to construct a new timetable and we build this into our calendar each year. Last week we were very surprised by the announcement in the Scottish Parliament and had to respond quickly due to the timescale involved to make formal arrangements for the return of pupils to school.

Due to 2m social distancing we can only have a limited number of pupils in the school at the same time.

S4, S5, S6

We have written a new Timetable for a Monday and Tuesday that only includes S4, S5 & S6 pupils. S1-S3 pupils will not be in school on Monday 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th March as well as Tuesday 16^th and 23^rd March.  Each pupil in S4, S5, S6 has been emailed a copy of their timetable. They have also been told which extra day they should report, either Tuesday 30^th March or Wednesday 31^st March.

S1, S2, S3

We have split S1-S3 into three groups X, Y, Z, each group is only in for three days. The days that these groups will be in school will be as follows:-

• Group X                Wednesday 17^th March, Thursday 25^th March and Tuesday 30^th March
• Group Y                Thursday 18^th March, Friday 26^th March, Wednesday 31^st March
• Group X                Friday 19^th March, Wednesday 24^th March, Thursday 1^st April

S1-S3 will follow their original timetable exactly as it is printed, this will ensure they will see nearly all of their teachers over the three days.  We have printed a spare copy for each S1-S3 pupil.

Until this morning we had not expected to be permitted to offer any form of practical PE, however the guidelines were changed today to allow for small groups to participate in PE activities outside. Having spoken with the PE department at length this afternoon we have decided that S1-S3 classes will greatly benefit from these guideline changes.  So S1-S3 classes will be outside for PE, weather permitting, from Wednesday 17^th March.  As we are still not permitted to allow pupils to get changed for PE, Pupils in S1-S3 should come dressed for outdoor PE on the days that PE appears on their original timetable.  On the other days they should be in school uniform.

All pupils will return on the 19^th April to a Blue week Timetable.

School Uniform

We are aware that pupils have perhaps outgrown school uniform during the lockdown and appreciate the limited time left in this session. We do ask that you support our school dress policy as much as you can.

Safety measures

In order to keep school a safe place for all pupils and staff, all pupils from S1 to S6, across Scotland, are asked to wear a face covering when in the school building, this is because the new variant of the virus is 70% more effective at passing from one person to another. It is also estimated that 1/3 of all infected people do not develop any symptoms are asymptomatic, but are still contagious and can pass on the virus.

We all have a responsibility to keep each other and our families safe, the best way to do this is to the follow the guidelines, wear an appropriate face covering, wash hands and maintain a 2m distance.

Pupils will be outside when not in class as the chance of transmission is about 20 times less when outside in an open space.

As always if you have any concerns please contact the relevant Principal Teacher of Pupil Support in the first instance.

John Robertson

Headteacher

Calderhead High School