Dear Parents and Carers

Update from SJHS:

• All schools and early learning and childcare settings in Shetland will be closed next week (Monday 23 March – Friday 27 March 2020) and beyond the Easter Holidays. Following the First Minister’s announcement yesterday, there is no date for when Shetland’s settings will return

• This afternoon, John Swinney, Depute First Minister announced that exams will not go ahead this year, 2020. Mr Swinney anticipated that the SQA will use coursework, teacher assessments of estimated grades and prior attainment as the basis of certification. We are working with the School Service to find out exactly what this will mean for our S4 pupils. Rest assured we will be doing everything in our power to make sure all our S4 pupils gain the certification they merit and deserve

• All our staff are working incredibly hard to upskill with Glow and other forms of ICT. I have asked staff to make sure there is sufficient work available for pupils up until the Easter holiday. With the school closed to all staff since Tuesday, and access only available again as of Monday, it has been very challenging. Next week we will look at a strategic plan, with support from the School Service , about how all schools in Shetland continue to deliver the learning for all pupils after the holidays.

• If pupils need any help with logging onto GLOW, or have other technical issues, they can email questions to Pupilglowsupportshetland@shetland.gov.uk.

• Support is also available on our website,    https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/sh/sjhs/

• I will continue to communicate with all parents/carers on a regular basis through email, school website, twitter and our Parent Council Facebook page

The school will be open again for staff next week and do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can support you in any way possible.

Regards

Stuart Clubb

HT SJHS