- Having now had clarity from the Scottish Government on arrangements for examinations in 2021, we will firm up dates for parents’ nights, prelims, reports etc. We would normally publish these key dates in June but, given current circumstances, have been unable to finalise the details. We will get these out to parents in the next week.
- Thanks to all who contributed to Wednesday night’s Parent Council meeting and AGM. It was great that so many parents attended and keen to get involved in the Parent Council for the coming year. Thanks to the outgoing office bearers and especially so to Ailsa Macintosh who has been the Parent Council chair for the past 4 years. Ailsa has been a tremendous support to me and the wider school community. Best wishes to Sarah Scott who is our new Parent Council chair. Our next PC meeting will be on Tues 17th November.
- During recent weekends we have had pupils climbing over the boundary walls to access the school playing field at Thirlestane. Pupils should not be using this facility unless being supervised by a teacher.
- As part of our ongoing support for pupils, and to ensure that we organise supports appropriately for future year groups, we need all pupils in S4, 5 and 6 to complete the following survey: https://tinyurl.com/y3c5x8qj. This short survey gathers information regarding when they plan to leave school, what route they plan to take and what their preferred future occupation might be.
- In response to parents who have asked about vaccination arrangements I can confirm the dates are:
- Teenage Booster (Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV),Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)) on Tuesday 02-Mar-21
- HPV on Wednesday, 31-Mar-21 and Thursday, 01-Apr-21.
- It should be noted that the school has no influence on the dates, they are chosen by the NHS. No information has been given to the school about how parents may, if they wish, make alternative arrangements.
- Notice for Pipe Band Pupils. We are delighted that face to face lessons can resume on 29 Oct. Please check the music notice board for your lesson time. Also note that the rooms for these lessons have changed and are marked on the timetable. If you have any questions, please see Mr Duhig in Music (S1.08).
- Although we are not able to attend any live events at the moment, you might be interested to see this concert which features some music composed by S6 pupil Alika Arnott. Skip to 8 minutes in the video to hear her piece being performed by a professional ensemble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miil7iDbZos Well done Alika!
- Well done and thanks to Mrs Conroy’s S3 class who have developed a range of posters to remind and encourage everyone to wear face coverings whilst in corridors and communal spaces.
- Congratulations to Sadie Drye (S5) whose story has won the September round of the Scottish Book Trust 50 Word Fiction Competition in the Gaelic category.
- I take this opportunity of informing/reminding all that teachers do not set homework for pupils in S1, 2 and 3 during holidays. Instead, it is expected that pupils take every opportunity to read for pleasure, engage in physical exercise and, subject to Government Guidelines, interact with others. It is left to the discretion of pupils in S4,5 and 6 if they wish to engage in their academic studies during designated holidays.
- With current restrictions likely to limit how pupils can celebrate Halloween this year, we would like to invite all pupils and staff to dress up in an appropriate Halloween costume, should they wish to do so, on Friday 30th of October. There will be more information to follow next week, including rules relating to costumes [if there is fundraising] and fundraising activities.
- We are on holiday from Monday 19 until Monday 26 October. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 27 October.
My quote for the week: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
Best wishes to all for a restful and safe October holiday.
Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher
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