Dear Parents and Students
The continuation of self-isolation rules means that we are still seeing high levels of staff and student absence. However, with the changes to other restrictions, I am optimistic that we are gradually returning to more normal ways of working. It has been a long hall for everyone but, at last, things are beginning to ease. This update contains information about:
- Summary of changes
- Better relationships, better learning, better behaviour
- Assemblies
- LGBT+ History Month
- A trip to the BBC
- Parental Involvement and Engagement Census
Summary of changes coming into effect from Monday 28th February
Please find below, a summary of the changes coming into effect from tomorrow.
- Pupils and staff are no longer required to wear face coverings in classrooms
- Students and staff can choose to wear a face covering in the classroom and will be fully supported in doing so
- Students and staff should continue to wear face coverings in indoor, communal areas and when moving around the building (including offices, staff rooms, toilets, and canteens, except when dining
- Face coverings should continue to be worn in classrooms by adults wherever they cannot keep physical distance with other adults and/or children and young people
- Physical distancing of at least 1m for adults is still in operation
- Assemblies can now take place
- Transition visits can now resume fully (with appropriate risk assessment)
- One-way systems will continue
- People in higher risk groups are encouraged to continue to follow the FACTS
- Continue to test twice per week using lateral flow
Better Relationships, Better Learning, Better Behaviour
Everyone learns best when the climate in the classroom is calm and purposeful. We have developed our Better Relationships, Better Learning, Better Behaviour framework to help create those conditions, so that all our learners can thrive and make the best possible progress. Please view our updated Better RLB framework at the link below.
https://forresterhighschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/RLB-2022.pdf
Assemblies
This week, we will hold a series of assemblies to help students to understand the new rules and to introduce them to the Better RLB framework. Senior Assemblies will also focus on preparation for National Qualifications.
LGBT+ History Month
Thanks to our fantastic Equalities Team for their work to celebrate LGBT+ History month during February. This culminated in Purple Friday, highlighting the impact of discrimination and the use of homophobic and transphobic language. A very strong message shared is that human rights must apply equally to everyone.
Trip to the BBC
On Tuesday 22nd February, Ms Sutherland led a group of students on a visit to BBC Scotland to take part in Authors Live with Patience Agbabi. As always, our students were fantastic and a real credit to the school, both at the event itself and during filming at Forrester the week before.
You can share their experience by watching the event and workshops at the following link.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e9vfbp
Parental Involvement and Engagement Census
The City of Edinburgh is conducting a survey to find out about how schools involve and engage their parents. The survey gives parents an opportunity to share their views and takes around ten minutes to complete. For more information and FAQs, and to complete the survey, please click the link below.
https://forresterhighschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Survey_links_and_FAQs.pdf
Finally, thank you to everyone for your continued support during what has been a tough few weeks for us all. I hope that you and your families stay well, that the weather continues to improve and that the light we are beginning to see at the end of the tunnel continues to shine brightly.
Thanks and best wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher