Dear Parents and Students
I am writing to give a few short pieces of update and to report back about our start to the term – I can’t believe we are already at the end of week 2. All year groups have made a fantastic start back after the summer and our S1 are already settling in to life at Forrester. Our S1 seem like a really nice group, again this year, and I look forward to working with them as they move through the school.
School Lunches and Young Scott Cards
We understand that some students have not yet received their Young Scott cards. They can still access the canteen without a card – they just need to collect their pin number from the school office. They can load their account using the machines in the Social Area or through Parent Pay – linked below and on our website sidebar.
New S6
On Friday, I met with our new S6, who are a really impressive group of young people. Although their schooling has been disrupted over the last couple of years, they are keen to put something back and make a contribution to the wider life of the school. They have signed up for a range of volunteering opportunities and I am really looking forward to seeing the positive difference they will make to the ethos and atmosphere across the school.
COVID Vaccination information
With restrictions easing in society and the recent surge in infections, it is vital that we do everything we can in school to keep each other safe. We would remind everyone of the COVID ‘FACTS’:
- Face Coverings
- Avoid Crowded Places
- Clean Your Hands Regularly
- Two Metre Distance
- Self-Isolate /book a test if you have symptoms
In addition, we would encourage everyone to test regularly using a lateral flow testing kit (available from the school office) and, for those who can, to get vaccinated. Drop-in clinics are now available in all mass vaccination centres as well as community locations for people over the age of 16. Please see link below for more information:
Face Coverings
The wearing of Face Coverings and the engagement with other safety measures has been very strong at Forrester and we thank you for your continued support with this. However, a small number of students are regularly forgetting their own face-coverings and having to collect one from the school office. We are concerned not only about the cost of issuing face masks but of the environmental impact and would urge everyone to ensure that packing a face-covering becomes a normal part of your preparation for the day ahead.
National Qualifications
Last week, the SQA announced that they are planning to go ahead this year with exams for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher. However, should numbers continue to rise and disrupt plans, “… SQA will ask teachers and lecturers to use their professional judgement of assessment evidence to determine learners’ grades.” Therefore, it is important, again this year, for students to work hard to produce their best throughout the year.
Parking in residential areas close to the school.
We have been made aware of some issues relating to parking in Nova Scotia Place where some residents have been blocked from accessing or leaving their homes at the end of the school day. I have been asked to share this information and to request that you avoid parking in the private parking areas close to the school.
Key dates for students who have college on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon
On Thursday 26th August, all college students should attend an online induction to find out all they need to know about attending college.
On Tuesday 31st August, students will meet their lecturer, for an in-person Induction, at the campus entrance to find out all they need to know about their course.
If you have any questions regarding college, please see Miss McLaren in the Support for Learning corridor.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Group
I am delighted that, thanks to a dedicated group of staff, we are able to reintroduce the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This didn’t go ahead last year due to restrictions, and we would like to give those who signed up a chance to complete. There will be a meeting announced very soon for all the current Bronze participants. A plan is underway to complete training and expedition this year. Please watch out for any new information on the DofE board (outside the library) and on Teams.
Finally, thank you for preparing students so well for their return to school. They really have made a great start to the term.
Next week we are back to week 1 on our, now familiar, timetable rota.
Please stay safe and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Best wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher