Dear Parents and Carers
 
The weather at the end of this week presented a few logistical challenges but, as always, pupils responded positively and responsibly to the situation – thank you for your continued support and understanding at this time too.
 
As a school community we are focusing on 3 key priorities this year, each priority being led by a Depute Head Teacher. 
 
 
Securing the Best Outcomes for all Pupils (Mr Ewing)
 
A big thank you to all the staff, pupils and parents who have been nominating pupils for the Above and Beyond awards. We have had a very positive response for parents who have received certificates for their children. Just a reminder that parents can contact Mrs Watson at [email protected] with details about pupils' achievements outwith school that we are unaware of.
 
Currently Prelims for senior pupils are planned to take place in January.  Pupils have received information about study support from their teachers but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s guidance teacher.  We look forward to seeing S4 parents for Parents’ evening on Thursday 2nd December.
 
 
Universal Support (Ms Devlin)
 
The Guidance Team continue to strengthen links with our local partners, who are really well placed to support our pupils as they make their plans for what they might move onto after leaving school. Working with Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce, Voluntary Action Orkney and Community Learning and Development, pupils can have individual support, which makes such a difference! All these organisations are in KGS on a regular basis, working with pupils and the Guidance Team. The Guidance team also support pupils with the wide range of applications that need to be completed as part of the process. Moving on from school is both an exciting and important time, and we want to make sure that our pupils get the help that they need, at the time that they need it, from the people best placed to offer that support.
 
 
Positive Relationships and Behaviour (Mr Harvey)
 
A huge thank you to those who responded to our questionnaire. There was some really useful feedback that will help shape future developments. We have put together a Working Group that includes staff from across the curriculum as well as a member of the KGS Parent Council. The group will also be consulting with pupils through the KGS Pupil Council. If parents want to share their thoughts on Positive Relationships and Behaviour then please speak to members of the Parent Council or contact Mr Harvey directly.
 
 
Two quick general notices:

• Orkney Native Wildlife Project (ONWP) is doing a recruitment drive for volunteers for their youth initiative: https://www.orkneynativewildlife.org.uk/get-involved/learning and we would encourage pupils to consider taking part.
• There will be a Christmas Card sale on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd December which includes work by the Digital Design Wider Achievement group.  You can see their images here.

 
Thank you again for your continued support. We hope you all have a calm and relaxing weekend,
 
Miss Claire Meakin
Head Teacher

Dear Parents and Carers

We’ve added a message from James Wylie, Executive Director, to the homepage of our website: http://www.kgsorkney.com/

We are incredibly proud of pupils every week, but over the last 5 days we have seen their kindness and support for other shine even brighter.  Covid-mitigations have meant that lots of our usual activities for Children in Need had to be postponed, but they were determined to find ways to raise money for this important charity.  One activity that brought lots of smiles was seeing pupils and staff dress up as TV and film characters – definitely a sight to behold and it raised lots of money too!  You can see some of the staff photos on our Facebook and Twitter with more to follow very soon!

Please remember to email Mrs Watson ([email protected]) with details about your child’s successes out with school. We love hearing about their achievements, and we want to recognise them in school too.  (House points, chocolates and other prizes are up for grabs so we’re sure it’ll be worth it!)

We received fantastic news this week regarding pupils who had entered a Data Visualisation Challenge, set by Orkney Auction Mart and Orkney Science Festival.  Well done to Lev and Sophie who received prizes for their submissions!

Information about the KGS Winter Book sale can be found here.glowscotland-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/gw21meakinclaire_glow_sch_uk/Ebw5Q0WpkAREscBeGoSNRkQBWAQQBTN7DVmkPOrCX6dlbQ?e=QGY3eu

Do you know a sports person who has continued to work hard through this past year and achieve their goals or a coach who has gone above and beyond to help a sports person, team or club overcome the hurdles of this past year, a volunteer who has worked tirelessly supporting their club or a official who has been pivotal to making competition happen or achieved a officiating qualification?  If you do please nominate them so they can receive the recognition they deserve. More information here: Orkney Sports Awards

Finally, please don’t forget that we have a questionnaire about our strategy to promote ‘positive relationships and behaviour across the school’ on the homepage of our website. We’d love to know what you think!

We hope you have a fantastic weekend,

​Miss Claire Meakin
Head Teacher

Dear Parents and Carers

Information for S2 Parents:

• SDS (Skills Development Scotland) have asked us to share a letter with you about careers appointments: Letter

 
Information for S5 Parents:

• S5/6 Parents’ evening is on Wednesday 24th November.  Information will be shared with parents about how to book appointments on Monday (15th).

 
Information for S6 Parents:

• KGS Guidance staff would like to remind UCAS applicants that their Personal Statements and online applications should now be well underway. The full application is due to be completed, paid for and sent to Guidance staff by December 3rd, 2021.
• S5/6 Parents’ evening is on Wednesday 24th November.  Information will be shared with parents about how to book appointments on Monday (15th).

 
General notices:

• Papdale Stores are always delighted to welcome pupils at break and lunchtime.  Whilst there are covid-mitigations in place though, they are having to limit the number of people in the store at any one time, along with asking people to be extra considerate of space (for example, by not bringing bags into the store.) Staff will be reminding pupils about the need for impeccable conduct at this time- your support with reminding them too would be brilliant. Thank you.
• Scottish Sea farms have an Open Door event on 23rd November.  More information can be found here: Scottish Sea Farms Open Door Event Tickets, Tue 23 Nov 2021 at 16:00 | Eventbrite
• Rape Crisis Scotland have launched a new pilot webchat service to offer both initial and short-term support to those aged 13+ affected by sexual violence.  The pilot will run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 6pm and midnight, for 6 weeks, with the final date for the pilot being the 18th December. Rape Crisis Scotland: Helpline Webchat

 
Thank you once again for your support. We are looking forward to the time when we can invite all parents back into school but, whilst covid-mitigations remain in place, we’ll aim to keep you updated as much as possible via our website.
 
Miss Claire Meakin
​Head Teacher