Dear colleagues,

Thanks for your contribution to a successful first week of term.  We had a positive attainment review with our new Service Manager who recognised the great work being done to improve attainment across the school - many thanks to you all.  #buildingfuturestogether

Our in-house CLPL programme is central to supporting improvement. Massive thanks to Michelle for coordinating the extensive programme and to everyone who is sharing interesting practice.  This week, Claire is delivering a session on exploring thinking routines with question starts.  Come along to C8 on Thirsday lunchtime.  More details below.

The mobile phone working group met on Wednesday and reviewed staff feedback on the new policy.  Here is a link to the minute. Key points:

• new policy will start in new January term with S1-3

• this will give time to communicate with all stakeholders and clarify procedures

• all S1-3 will be expected to place phones in boxes at the start of each lesson

• S4-6 will be expected to have phones off/silent and out of sight

• phones will be immediately confiscated if used/ seen in lesson.

Mental Health Matters

Thanks to Lucy who has collated the available staff wellbeing activities.  These are below for your information.  It was fantastic to see the start of many activities in place to support male mental health this month. Massive thanks to Neil for highlighting this at House Assemblies last week and for leading and organising this:

• This round of assemblies will be led by our S4 Male Mental Health Ambassadors

• Friday is Male Mental Health Day - non uniform for boys

• The Equalities Group have organised Form Class activities to raise the profile of male mental health for S1-3

• The Charities Committee have helped organise staff v pupil games to raise money for our main mental health partner, Back Onside

• Monday 4 November - Staff V Pupils Football (Astro)

• Some staff and pupils are undertaking the moustache growing challenge of Movember

• Move for Mental Health - walk, run or jog 2k each day at 1.15pm around the school.  To help Neil keep track, please sign up here

Please note that the assembly programme is regularly updated.  It can be accessed through the staff Google Drive or on the Notice Boards section on  the right hand side of each BM. 

Massive thanks to those of you who are able to support the Supervision Rota at a break or lunchtime.  It makes a huge difference to have a staff presence.  If your circumstances have changed please update the rota.

Thank you for hard work and professionalism.  Have a great week. 

Elaine