HT Update: Week-ending Friday 22nd November 2024

Friday 22nd November 2024

This concise weekly HT Update is generally published every Friday afternoon. It’s a simple opportunity for you to also feedback/ask questions via the link at the bottom of each Update.  Feedback received, where appropriate, will be responded to and published on Monday afternoon on the school website.  

Key messages from this week  

Calendar:  Significant events week beginning 25/11/24;  on Monday our Senior Phase Assessment Window 1 opens;  on Wednesday we’ll have students from Advanced Higher Modern Studies attending a national conference, and at the end of the school day our Ski Trip students will have a further practice opportunity and we’ll hold our S2 to S3 Course Choice Information Evening (note this is on-line);  on Thursday evening we’ll hold our first ever S5/6 Winter Ball, and;  Friday is our Dress Down Day  

Staffing:  As stated last week, this week has been a particularly challenging week from a cover perspective.   We are experiencing a higher than usual level of staff absence.  This past week did result in members of SLT covering more than one class at a time in the Atrium.  This is likely to continue.  

S5/6 Student Progress Consultation Evening (SPCE):  If any parents/carers of S5/6 students suffered technical issues during our consultation evening on 19 November 2024, or missed appointments due to teacher absence, please contact the relevant Student Support House Team in the first instance: click here for details.  In addition, we have our regular evaluation aimed at S5/6 parents/carers. Your response to this could also be helpful in establishing any issues and supporting our learning, please access the evaluation here.

Google Guardian: Google Guardian has now been live for several weeks and we are keen to hear some feedback from S4 parents. We will use this feedback to refine the information parents are receiving, as far as we can, and use it to inform the roll out of Google Guardian with other year groups.  Click here to access the form.

School Photography Update:  Coldwell’s have just launched some exciting Christmas Specials available online only, visit coldwellsart.co.uk and look out for the free Christmas gifts we have to give away. Online orders are available until 4th December to guarantee delivery to the school before Christmas.  Please use your unique ID to view your images as shown on your proof, if your ID is lost or not to hand click the ID finder on the top tab.

Data Cleanse:  Families are encouraged to keep the school informed of any changes to names, addresses, contact numbers, email addresses or emergency contacts.  Keeping this information up to date helps ensure smooth communication, supports student safety, and maintains accurate records.  If your details or emergency contact details have changed for your young person, please let us know.

UCAS Update:  This week we reminded our S6, and any S5 we know of considering a UCAS application,  of the deadline for applications to be completed and sent is 18th December 2024. Personal Statements should be completed and saved on each student’s UCAS application by Monday 25th November.  Students were reminded they must speak with their teachers and email them to request a reference.  That then makes it’s way to Student Support staff who cannot write a full and final reference without it. A main message to students was not to leave things to the last minute as our ability to support students is compromised if they do. 

S2 into S3 Course Choice: Online Information Evening, 27/11/24:  This coming Wednesday we have our online S2 into S3 course choice event from 6pm to 7pm. It is designed to guide you through the process and highlight supports, and future pathways for our students. Please see our recent website post for further details.

Creative Industries Showcase:   Thanks to all who were able to attend this showcase last night.  From a perspective of putting creativity into practice your children, our students, are phenomenal. 

Curriculum Survey:  Please take the time to complete this short survey.  The response to date has not been wat we hoped for.   We completed a Parent Council response last week and they suggested a direct message to parents/carers,  this will be issued later this week.  All ASG schools will ask our parents/carers the same short survey across November.  Click here for access. 

If you have any feedback/questions relating to this update please submit them via the link below

Feedback here

Take Care

Campbell Hornell,  Head Teacher

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