Friday 20th September 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 this week, where appropriate, will be responded to and published on Monday afternoon on the school website.
Key messages from this week
Calendar: Significant events next week; on Monday our Student Voice S3 Year Council will meet; on Tuesday Tree of Knowledge will work with groups of S3 students, we’ll also hold a Student Voice S6 Year Council Meeting; on Wednesday it’s the turn of the Student Voice S2 Year Council to meet; on Thursday we’ll celebrate the European Day of Languages and issue our first Senior Phase Report, there will also be Student Voice S4 and S5 Year Council Meetings; on Friday we’ll hold our Student Voice S1 Year Council Meeting, it’s also a Dress Down day and we’ll host 12 national and international visitors as part of the Atlantic Rim Collaborative.
Staffing: I’m afraid we did not appoint, from those interviewed, for our Teacher of Creative Design on Tuesday. We’ll have another go and the post will be re-advertised. Our PTC Creative Design post closed on Wednesday, we’ll interview those leeted week beginning 30th September.
Changes to Reporting: Last week I shared dates with you regarding reporting. There are also some changes in the style of the reports as we’ve been instructed to change the programme/system we’ve been using for the last few sessions. We’ve taken this change as an opportunity to improve our process. This session all students will receive reports that provide details about their progress in learning, but these will also be supported by written targets that have been co-constructed with students through Learner Conversations. These targets will be provided in every report and this revised process should mean that all students know, and understand, their next steps in learning.
As stated, we have changed the programme/system we use for reporting. Whilst this brings some benefits, in terms of data transition from primary school and in reducing the number of systems staff are using, it does mean that, for now, we will need to provide printed reports, instead of emailing them. Reports will be collected by students and brought home. We will alert you via GroupCall when reports have been issued. This does feel like a step backwards but we are working with Midlothian Digital Services to explore alternatives.
As a reminder reports will be issued on the following dates
The complete reporting schedule is available on our website, click here.
LEAPS interviews: LEAPS will be in school to conduct pre UCAS interviews with around 50 S6 students in the coming weeks. LEAPS is an organisation that works in partnership with the school to support students applying for university in a range of helpful ways. Interviews start from 30th September and disruption should be minimal as students have been asked to select an interview slot that does not interrupt their classes/ commitments.
Hold Fast Challenge: This week Mr Chisholm posted a phenomenal opportunity for Senior Phase students in their Year Group Classrooms. It’s a physical and mental challenge that aims to improve team working and leadership skills. We have 48 places for students to take part in this, 16 from each of the years S4/S5/S6. It will take place near Perth for the full day, 09/10/24, leaving school at 8.45am and returning by 3.20pm. Those interested are asked to complete a Google Form by 1.15pm next Wednesday. That, and additional information, is available in the Google Classroom post. Please note that students do not need to be able to swim or at any specific level of fitness, just up for the challenge.
Virtual Maths Circle (for children aged 7-14 and their families): The Virtual Maths Circle is a one-hour live online workshop split into two slots: one for 7-11 year olds and one for 11-14 year olds held on Saturday, 5 October, 10:00am – 12:30pm. Participants are welcome to attend either of the slots, or both, according to their preference and the age of the children.
The events are free to attend, but booking is required, via Eventbrite.
For safeguarding reasons, the organisers require that each child/young person is supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult at all times during these online events.
If you have any feedback/questions relating to this update please submit them via the link below
Take Care
Campbell Hornell, Head Teacher
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