Head Teacher Blog
Dear Parent/Carer,
As we approach the September weekend next week, it’s good to see that attendance in the school remains high in the current circumstances. Pupils are settling in well to the timetable and adapting well to the routine of hand cleaning and face coverings. It is important to remember that this is not a natural process for any of us and by establishing routines and practices, the need for reminders is becoming less frequent. We are grateful to parents who have informed us of health conditions for face covering exemptions, and pupils in this category have been issued with a sunflower pass so that they can show this if they are asked. As a reminder, face coverings should be worn
- When travelling on school or public transport
- When entering the school building
- When moving around the corridors and social area
- When leaving a class at the end of the lesson
- When approaching the servery in the cafeteria
- When going to the toilet or water filling stations
Should pupils forget to bring their own face covering with them, disposable masks are issued when they arrive in school.
School Captains
As part of a democratic process of election within the school 
involving a pupil vote; a staff vote; and an interview panel comprising a cross section of the school community, I am delighted to announce that the captains for session 20/21 are Alastair Condie and Georgia Knox. Work is already underway in establishing the Captains’ Cabinet and thereafter our school Pupil Parliament will re-form for this session. One of the developments already underway for this session is a monthly newsletter produced, written and edited by pupils featuring news items, stories and themes from a pupil perspective. This will allow pupils to further strengthen pupil voice within the school and showcase the talents of our young people.
GHS Generations Group
Our Generations group have once again ‘stepped up’ their efforts to recognise the importance of their links with Cumbernauld Care Home by taking part in the Alzheimer Scotland Memory Walk. They very thoughtfully planned their route to finish at the care home so that they could wave in to the residents and staff – making sure residents know they are still very much in their thoughts during these difficult times. Other staff and pupils in the school have also been encouraged to do their own walk over the weekend, as a means of remembering family and friends who are or have been affected by Alzheimers. A just giving page can be found at the following link if anyone would like to make a donation to Alzheimer Scotland
COVID-related absence from school
If a pupil is absent from school as a result of either being symptomatic themselves, or being part of a household where there is someone displaying symptoms, we would ask that parents contact the school to pass on these details. The length of this absence will then be determined by either a negative test result, or the end of the designated period of isolation. As described in the previous newsletter, should a result of a case of either a pupil or a member of staff return as positive, the protocols for sharing information with parents and the wider school community are directed and led by the public health authority and will be conveyed as a matter of urgency.
A letter to parents and carers across Scotland from Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director can be found here https://www.gov.scot/publications/common-cold-and-covid-19-symptoms-advice-for-parents-and-carers/
Car Parking Update
I am delighted to report that the flow of traffic has improved greatly over the past few weeks thanks to the car park management by the janitors at the end of each school day. I am deeply indebted to parents for their cooperation in helping us avoid potentially dangerous congestion in the car park and on the A73. Although the car park is still extremely busy, it is managed efficiently and disperses quickly at the end of each day.
Community Complaints
Unfortunately I can’t convey such a good news story in relation to community complaints about the conduct of a minority of our pupils at lunchtimes. Complaints are regularly made to the school each day from residents around the shops in the Condorrat, Greenfaulds and Ravenswood areas as well as the Scott Drive area where the ice cream van is situated. Rude and confrontational behaviour with residents, litter, and a general disregard for people’s property are common theme in these complaints. I am sure we all agree that as residents – wherever we stay – that we would find this type of behaviour unacceptable, and therefore I would urge parents who know their child/ren leave school at lunchtimes to please reinforce the need for socially acceptable conduct and to treat other people with respect. Any incidents which are reported are followed up in school and where culprits are identified, this has resulted in sanctions being imposed.
Visitors to School
Parents/carers are respectfully reminded that during COVID restrictions there can be no unannounced visits to the school. Please make contact with your child’s pupil support teacher if you have any concerns you wish to discuss.
Dates for your diary
Thursday 24 September is an in-service day and pupils should not attend
Friday 25 September and Monday 28 September are holidays
School re-opens on Tuesday 29 September at 8.55 am
Best Wishes
Head Teacher
