Dear colleagues,

Thanks for your contribution to another busy and successful week.  It was great to be part of some  interesting and potentially impactful 'plus one' discussions at our learning, teaching & assessment working groups on Wednesday. 

Thanks to everyone involved in the S1 Team Building Days at Auchengillan.  It has been great to hear some super positive feedback about our new S1 cohort who are now allowed to go off campus at lunchtime!  (This was my most asked question last week.)  Of course please join me in encouraging them to stay at school and to participate in the many co-curricular activities and inter-house available.

David ran a parent information session last week on our School Day Change Proposal. Six parents attended (one online). The central issue raised by parents was linked to transport and the issues that may arise from later finishes.  Please be aware that there was a concern that the rationale for the proposal was linked to savings.  We reinforced that the teacher cost would not be affected.

Here is the link to the Proposal that went to staff.  Here is the feedback.

The presentations that David created to summarise feedback from young people and parents is below.

Improving Mental Health is a priority this year.  Thanks to Neil and Claire for hosting a parent session with Back Onside last week. This week there are drop-in sessions with Back Onside.  Please raise awareness of this.  Pupils would sign up for a private slot through the year group Google classroom at these times:

• Period 2 - S1/2 

• Period 3 - S3/4

• Period 4 - S5/6

There is an important link between feeling included and mental health, so it is important to have the neurodiversity and disability focus at assemblies this week and next.  Thanks to Andrew and Ansley for meeting and guiding the Equalities group preparing these assemblies.

Assessment Matters - BGE Tracking & Monitoring Next Steps

Next steps in improving our BGE tracking is for teams to review curriculum plans and assessment tools in the BGE. As stated in the SIP, we are planning to acknowledge 3 levels of progress within each CfE level (1st to 4th).  It is important that teams consider and plan how learning conversations are linked to learners' understanding of their level and next steps. 

Mobile phones - short life working group

This is a plea for help! Can you join me in a short life working group?

Following the government guidelines, we know that our policy needs to be tightened up to avoid distraction in the classroom, promote attainment and support wellbeing. I plan to update the policy based on research and feedback.  I am looking for a small group to convene. First meeting Wednesday lunchtime - 1.15-1.45pm. Please email if you are interested and available.

CLPL Matters

Please do take a look at the exellent in-house CLPL offer, coordinated by Michelle.  Join in our Active Learners, Active Thinkers series highlighted below.  Dougie will be leading a session on Mote on Thursday lunchtime in C8.  Sign up and come along with you laptop.

Thank you all for your support, hard work and professionalism.  Have a great week. 

Elaine