Term 3, Week 4

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for your continued support this week.

We shared with you a very important notice from OIC yesterday but we have included the link again here: https://www.facebook.com/155210207847669/posts/4815084365193540/?d=n If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Today’s update contains 4 key notices:

1. Information regarding our senior phase options programme, including S3 parents’ evening, online resources and information sessions. (Mr Ewing)
2. A reminder about our celebrating success programme and our general school expectations. (Mr Harvey and Mrs Watson)
3. Information for pupils considering attending university. (Ms Devlin)
4. Support for the free bus pass programme. (Ms Devlin)

We hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend,

​Miss Claire Meakin

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1. Senior Phase Options Programme (Mr Ewing)

S3 Parents Evening:
Our S3 Parents' Evening is on Wednesday 2 February 5pm to 7pm.  Reports will be shared with parents at the start of next week.

Senior Options:
The options process for S3 into S4, S4 into S5 and S5 into S6 will open on Tuesday 1 February.  
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All our options materials will be “live” on the KGS website under the options tab on Tuesday and parents will also be sent an Options Parents and Pupils guide electronically.

The Senior Option Course sheet will be given to pupils in PSE but is available electronically if required. Pupils choose from the courses which are listed on the Courses on Offer sheet.

Also on the website is a short Parents and Pupils Guide to Options booklet as well as the Senior Phase Course Descriptors, which gives more detailed information on each of our course.

Finally, for details on the offer from Orkney College, the College Brochure is also on our website.

To help S3 pupils plan ahead for their options in S5 and S6 there is a Progression Pathways sheet available.

The deadline for the completed option forms is Friday March 4th.

Online Support:
There are two presentations on the KGS website to support parents of S3 and S4/S5 pupils. They can also be accessed by following the links below.

• S4 into S5 and S5 into S6 https://prezi.com/view/1InsAXQZpPoROerwRQgT/
• S3 into S4 https://prezi.com/view/nWLfUw7CM6MFTo4E583t/

Senior Phase Information Evening:
There will be an information evening for Parents on Wednesday 16th February between 6pm and 7pm. It will be on Vscene at the link: https://app.vscene.net/r/UEjHTsKtbV

Prelims:
I would like to thank our young people for the effort they have been putting into their prelims over the last two week. For those pupils who have missed prelims, please let either let Mr Ewing or Mrs Kent know as soon as possible so we can arrange dates.

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Promoting positive behaviour and relationships (Mr Harvey and Mrs Watson

The Celebrating Success Working Group met this week and would like to remind parents/carers that we are keen to celebrate all pupil successes. Staff continue to reward classroom success by awarding House Points and each week staff nominate pupils who they feel have gone Above and Beyond. These nominated pupils and their parents/carers receive a certificate via email. We would like to hear about pupil successes outwith school as well. If your child has been involved in a success such as sport, music etc. in the community then please let us know by emailing Mrs Watson nichola.watson@glow.orkneyschools.org.uk We will then award House Points.
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As Senior Pupils return to normal classes next week following the prelims can we ask all parents/carers reinforce the importance of meeting the school's expectations:

• Wearing school Dress Code at all times when in and around the school
• Having Mobile Phones/Devices switched off and in school bags unless a teacher specifically asks them to be used as part of learning and teaching
• Arriving in school punctually by 0835 in the morning
• Arriving punctually to all Lessons
• Maximising engagement in learning in all lessons

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Is your child thinking of going to University? (Ms Devlin)

​The North of Scotland Universities Collaborative Project ( Aberdeen University, Robert Gordon University, University of Highlands and Islands and Scotland's Rural College) aims to support school pupils from across the North region in thinking about future careers and pathways. On Thursday 10th February at 18:30 they will host an online information session for pupils currently making their course choices who are thinking about university in the future. The booking form can be found here: https://gck.fm/khztx  All pupils, as well as their parents and carers, and school staff are welcome to attend.

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Free bus passes – help available! (Ms Devlin)

​We have become aware that the application process for a free bus pass (Young Person’s Bus Pass for 5-22 year olds) is very complicated. One of our teachers, Mr Memmott, has kindly offered to make a video to help you or your young person to apply. We will let you know when this is ready.