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- In recent weeks, school practices have evolved in response to changing circumstances. I am pleased to report that lessons are progressing ‘normally’ but, for example, in areas where there would ordinarily be pupils moving around and interacting we have had to change how we do things. A good example of this has been in PE where lessons have been outdoors. We are fortunate to be located in one of the most beautiful areas in Edinburgh affording us access to some wonderful green spaces close to the school. Earlier today I shared with parents that, in line with the latest Government advice, PE lessons will be indoors from Monday 9 November. It is likely that COVID-19 is going to be with us for some time and so we will have to continue to adapt to live with it. Well ventilated classrooms, hand washing, surface disinfection, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing continue to be effective in suppressing virus transmission and keeping everyone safe.
- During this past week, we were made aware of two further pupils (one in S1 and one in S6) who tested positive for COVID-19. The two cases are unrelated. All those who were deemed to be ‘close-contacts’ have been traced and are now self-isolating as per NHS guidelines. I take this opportunity of thanking everyone in our school community for your support and efforts in making our schools as safe as it can be.
- Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
- We are now starting to receive more detailed information on assessment arrangements for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher for certification in 2021. We will keep you informed of arrangements for prelims etc when we know a bit more for all subjects.
- The next Parent Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th November at 7pm (please note the change in date). As for previous meetings it will be held online on Teams, and a link to join the meeting will be circulated in advance via the school email.
- Reminder – we still have some S6 school photograph proofs which need to be collected from the Classroom Assistants’ office in Bruntsfield House. The photographs can be viewed online at www.tempest-orders.co.uk - enter your reference number and web access code which you will find on the photo proof. To limit the handling of papers just now, we would ask that orders are placed online. However, you can return the completed order form to the school in the sealed Tempest Photography envelope. The deadline for orders has been extended, if returned by Friday 20th November, you will avoid extra p&p costs. The photos will be sent directly to the school for your child to bring home.
- The University of Edinburgh’s next Virtual Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th November from 10:00 to 12:30. To facilitate interaction and better tailor the activities, this Maths Circle will be split into two slots: 11:30- 12:30- for age 11-14. The event is free to attend but booking is required. For further details about the event and to book a ticket (free of charge), please click on the links below: 11-14 years old (lower secondary school) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-maths-circle-november-2020-second-slot-age-11-14-tickets-127285029951 Please note that all minors will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian for all the duration of the online event.
- The entries for the first round of the Scottish Maths Challenge have now been posted. A huge well done to all who entered from across every year group. We will let you know when the results are out and of course the next round!
- Senior UKMT Competition. Well done to all the S5 and S6 pupils who took part in the challenging 90min paper on Tuesday evening. Ms Dolan will be in touch via teams when the results are available.
- S4 Study Support Session for National 5 Maths We have been so impressed with the numbers of pupils joining the teams meetings after school on Tuesday and Wednesday with Ms Dolan and Mr Hoyland. This is a great first step towards improving pupils’ understanding and gaining confidence. Next week’s session in on Statistics at 4.30pm. If pupils have not already signed up to one of the previous sessions then please speak to your maths teacher for more information or see the recent parent email for the code. We plan to have further meetings on Linear and Quadratic Algebra the following week.
11. Good luck to the 10 senior pupils who were invited to take part in online assessments for Oxford and Cambridge universities this week.
12. Edinburgh’s Children’s Partnership is really eager to hear the views of Parents and Carers across Edinburgh. If you are a Parent or Carer and live in Edinburgh we would like to hear how you coped during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period and how we can best respond to any new and existing needs that you may have. By completing this survey you will be help to shape future Family Support Services across the city. We would be very grateful if you could complete the survey before Friday the 20th of November.
- Thanks to all who contributed and Mrs Oatman (Support for Learning Department) who coordinated the efforts of others to raise £255 for YoungMinds. With an estimated 3 children in every classroom with a mental health problem, YoungMinds is leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.
- Dates for reports and parents’ evening for this session are as follows:
Year Group
Report Distribution
Parents’ Evenings
S1
Wed. 2 Dec. 2020
Tues. 18 May 2021 (Practical)
Thur. 20 May 2021 (Non Practical)
S2
Wed. 26 May 2021
Tues. 26 Jan. 2021 (Non Practical)
Thurs. 28 Jan. 2021 (Practical)
S3
Wed. 5 May 2021
Tues. 17 Nov. 2020
S4
Wed. 9 Dec. 2020
Mon. 8 Mar. 2021
S5/6
Wed. 16 Dec. 2020
Wed. 17 Mar. 2021
My quote for the week: “There's always a new challenge to keep you motivated. (Sir Sean Connery)
Wishing all a lovely weekend.
Donald j Macdonald
Headteacher
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