Dear Parents and Students
Two weeks have already passed since we returned from the Easter Holiday, and the SQA exams are in full swing. I am so proud of all our senior students for working hard to prepare for exams and approaching these in such a positive manner. I am also extremely grateful for the extra work our staff put in over the Easter Holidays, to ensure students were ready and that they could go into these exams with more confidence. In addition to the study support guidance already shared, parents may like to have a look at materials and advice on the Parentzone Scotland website.
COVID Absence Guidance
The removal of many of the COVID restrictions has made things a good bit easier in school, particularly with staffing which had been very challenging since January. With the relaxation of the need to wear face coverings, it’s also been good to see people’s faces and, in some cases, to actually get to know what they looked like for the first time.
Please find below a reminder of the current COVID Absence guidance.
From Sunday 1 May, public health advice changed to a ‘stay at home’ message replacing self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive.
The Stay at Home Guidance for children and young people is now:
- Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting.
- Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.
- Adults who have symptoms of COVID-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home’ whilst they are unwell or have a fever. They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.
Family Learning
Our Raising Teens with Confidence begins on Thursday 12 May from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This six-week course gives an insight into the teenage brain and what is going on for our young people. It will also give parents strategies to navigate the, sometimes rocky, waters of raising teenagers in a modern world. There are still one or two spaces available – please contact Lisa Coffey, Depute Head Teacher, to book a space.
Contact: FOR-Admin.Account@ea.edin.sch.uk
Subject: FAO Mrs Coffee Raising Teens with Confidence
Cost of Living
The cost of living has soared in recent months and this is causing increased hardship for families across the country. It is more important than ever that people receive the support and benefits they are entitled to. Please see the Support for Families page on the Council website and contact Sarah Ross, Pupil Support Officer, if you need any support with uniform, lunches or accessing benefits.
Link to Council Website: Support for families – The City of Edinburgh Council
Contact Sarah Ross: Sarah.Ross@ea.edin.sch.uk
Finally, although things are more settled in school, we have a busy few weeks ahead. Our timetable changes for all learners on 23rd May and we will provide more information for students and parents over this week and next. We are also looking forward to an in-person Primary Transition which will give P7 pupils the best possible start.
I hope that things are beginning to look more optimistic for you and your families and that everyone is able to return confidently to more normal ways of doing things.
Thanks and bets wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher