Dear Parent
I am writing with further updated information relating to the return of students to school. Some of the information below is adapted from my previous communication. However, there is also important new information regarding our procedures for the coming term.
As previously communicated, students will make a phased return to school this week and attend as detailed in the table below.
| Day | Year Groups | Notes |
| Wednesday 12th August | S1&2 only | · S1 should arrive at 8:45am and will be met at the main student entrance.
· S2 should arrive at 8:25am and go directly to Daily Morning Tutor |
| Thursday 13th August | S3 and S4 only | · S3 should arrive at 8:25am and go directly to Daily Morning Tutor
· S4 should arrive at 8:45am and go directly to Daily Morning Tutor |
| Friday 14th August | S5 and S6 only | · S5 should arrive at 8:45am and go directly to Daily Morning Tutor
· S6 should arrive at the Office Entrance at 8:45am and go directly to Daily Morning Tutor |
Timetable Rotation
In response to local and national guidance, the school timetable has been changed to limit movement and the number of contacts. All classes will be double periods.
For this to work whilst maintaining student choice, it will be necessary to operate a rotation within the planned timetable.
This means that:
- In Week 1 students will go to P1, 3 and 5 classes (only) and remain for 2 lessons
- In Week 2 students will go to P2, 4 and 6 classes for doubles
- Periods will be re-named 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6
| Rotations | Dates |
| Rotation 1: | Weeks beginning: 10/8, 24/8, 7/9, 21/9, 5/10 |
| Rotation 2: | Weeks beginning: 17/8, 31/8, 14/9, 28/9, 12/10 |
Although this sounds complicated here, it will be explained to students during induction from Wednesday to Friday.
The School Day
To limit movement and reduce the potential for crowding, we have also had to make some adjustments to the school day. This affects start and finish times as well as break and lunchtimes. The following tables provide details for each year group.
S1 Monday to Thursday
| Period | Time | Information |
| DMT | 8:30 – 8:40am | Arrive at 8:25am |
| 1+2 | 8:40am – 10:35am | |
| Break | 10:35am – 10:50am | No Canteen Available |
| 3+4 | 10:50am – 12:45 | |
| Lunch | 12:45pm – 1:30pm | |
| 5+6 | 1:30pm – 3:15pm | To accommodate staggered release |
S1 Friday
| Period | Time | Information |
| DMT | 8:30 – 8:40am | Arrive at 8:25am |
| 1+2 | 8:40am – 10:25am | |
| Break | 10:25am – 10:40am | No Canteen Available |
| 3+4 | 10:40am – 12:25pm |
S2 and S3 Monday to Thursday
| Period | Time | Information |
| DMT | 8:30 – 8:40am | Arrive at 8:25am |
| 1+2 | 8:40am – 10:50am | |
| Break | 10.15-10.30 | No canteen available – return to period 1/2 class |
| 3+4 | 10:50am – 1:30pm | |
| Lunch | 12.00 noon – 12:45pm | Return to period 3/4 class at 12.45) |
| 5+6 | 1:30pm – 3:15pm | Break 2:15pm – 2:30pm |
| No canteen available – return to period 5/6 class |
S2 and S3 Friday
| Period | Time | Information |
| DMT | 8:30 – 8:40am | Arrive at 8:25am |
| 1+2 | 8:40am – 10:40am | |
| Break | 10.05am-10:20am | No canteen available – return to period 1/2 class |
| 3+4 | 10:40am – 12:25pm |
S4, 5 and 6 Monday to Thursday
| Period | Time | Information |
| 1+2 | 8:45am – 10:35am | |
| Break | 10:35am – 10:50am | No Canteen Available |
| 3+4 | 10:50am – 12:45 | |
| Lunch | 12:45pm – 1:30pm | |
| 5+6 | 1:30pm – 3:25pm |
S4, 5 and 6 Friday
| Period | Time | Information |
| 1+2 | 8:45am – 10:25am | |
| Break | 10:25am – 10:40am | No Canteen Available |
| 3+4 | 10:40am – 12:35pm |
College (Tuesday and Thursday Afternoon for S4-6)
Currently, college is to be provided as ‘distance learning’. This means that students will not attend college buildings in person at this time. All college classes will be delivered online and lecturers will contact students to explain how this will work. Students in this position should sign out at the school office on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and complete college work at home.
Jackets and warm clothing
We expect an increase in the use of outdoor spaces to support learning and, where possible, breaks and lunchtime will be taken outdoors. This means that all students should bring suitable outdoor clothing and be prepared to be outside.
Break
We suggest that students bring a snack for break as there will be no canteen service at this time.
Lunch
We ask that students bring a packed lunch, where possible. This will greatly reduce pressure on our restricted catering and further reduce risk. Eligible students will continue to receive a free school meal and it is likely that lunch will consist of a grab-and-go bag, rather than a hot service. Students will be able to order lunch during their first period. To reduce crowding, we will have two lunch slots as detailed above and this will also be communicated to students as part of induction during this week.
In the meantime, to assist with our catering plans, please complete the survey at the link below.
Forrester Dress Code
We will continue to promote and support students to wear Forrester Dress Code. Please see website for details of our Dress Code and how this can be purchased. https://forresterhighschool.org.uk/school-uniform
https://www.border-embroideries.co.uk/schools/forrester-high-school.html
Ties will be available for purchase from the school office later in the session.
PE Arrangements
Students should come dressed for PE on days where they have PE on their timetable to avoid the need to get changed and reduce risk. Although bags will be locked in the changing rooms, students should avoid bringing valuable items in on those days.
Health and Safety
In preparation for students returning safely in August, we have refined a number of our operational procedures and risk assessments. Social distance and hygiene will be everyone’s responsibility and all students and staff must play their part in ensuring each other’s safety.
To avoid contact and the risk associated with the sharing of specialised equipment, some practical activities may not be possible initially. In addition, students are encouraged to bring their own stationary to avoid the need to share resources. Students who have school iPads should bring these with them (as well as their chargers).
Our fire evacuation procedures and muster points have also been updated to improve physical distancing.
It continues to be the case that we are not allowed to permit parents access to school, unless in an emergency. In which case, you should phone ahead.
Developing symptoms
If your child or a member of your household develops COVID-19 symptoms, please follow the advice from NHS Inform and please let the school know.
Useful links
NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
School website: https://forresterhighschool.org.uk/
City of Edinburgh Council website: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/coronavirus
Thanks, and best wishes.
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher