End of Term Letter from Mr Markey, Head Teacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As the school term draws to a close on Friday, I would like to thank you all for your support and cooperation following the closure of schools on Friday 20 March.  Life has changed considerably for all of us in a very short space of time.

 

Teachers ably switched to digital delivery of the curriculum and have been keen to ensure that children have a full learning day. We are aware that this sudden change has the potential to create challenges and tension for families who are having to quickly adapt and balance the pressures of home working, caring for others and supporting learning.  We are all experiencing these challenges and tensions and learning how best to manage this. We recognise and value your vital contribution in challenging times.

 

Learning is important but not more important than a happy home environment and wellbeing.   We would ask that you make us aware of any challenges resulting from the school work being set and continue to prioritise the wellbeing of your family.  The resources available on parentclub.scot may be of interest to you.

 

You will be aware that schools routinely check attendance and have procedures in place when children do not physically attend.  As you would expect, we have been reviewing our arrangements in light of school closures.

 

Teachers are being asked to monitor the ‘virtual attendance’ of each pupil through engagement with the online learning tasks or check ins with school staff.  They are asked to alert the senior leadership team if children and young people are not visible so that we can check that everyone is ok, in most cases this check will be done through Groupcall or via school mobile text message.  If you receive a text, please reply and let us know you are ok.

 

Teachers will not be posting learning activities over the Easter holiday period.

The central team have been pulling together some ideas for families which may be of interest to you. It is entirely your choice whether to engage with these.

Digital learning hub.

 

Thank you for you engagement and support over the past few weeks. I hope you enjoy the holiday period and are able to relax and spend time with loved ones at home.  We look forward to our virtual school being operational again from Tuesday 21st April.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

Alan Markey

Head Teacher