Parent Newsletter
Start of Term
Term started for a number of new S1 pupils on Wednesday 11th August when the “Summer’s Cool” programme started, involving the school, Radio City and the Valley Arc. This took place on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the last week of the holidays, and was much enjoyed by those S1 pupils who took part.
The rest of the pupils started on Tuesday 17th August, with pupils settling into their new routines quickly. The new first year found their way around very quickly, probably due to being in the school regularly during Primary 7. There are photographs of S1 pupils, and others, on their first day, click here.
New Staff
A number of new staff started on 16th August. These are: Mr S Fisher (English Department), Ms M Hendry (Mathematics Department), Ms L Hannan (Chemistry Department), Ms S Fraser (PE Department), Ms J Fleeting (PE Department), Ms E Mack (Modern Languages Department), Mr P Finnigan (Technical Department), Ms H Findlay (Drama Department) and Mr J Dippie (Pupil Support Department). I hope that all enjoy teaching in Garnock Academy.
Additionally, to replace staff who retired at the Summer, we will soon be appointing a Principal Teacher of Science, a Principal Teacher of Technical/ Art and a Principal Teacher of Physical Education. These posts have been advertised. Successful staff should be in position after the October break.SQA Results
Pupils received their results at the appropriate time on Tuesday 10th August. On five out of six national priority indicators for results, the school had improved on last session’s results. In particular there were some extremely good Higher results – one S5 pupil gaining six straight A passes at Higher, which is very rare indeed.
Once more details are available regarding department results, these will be published on our school website. Past years’ results by subject departments, at Higher and S-Grade, are already available on our website, under “Information for Parents”, “Comparisons of How Departments perform.”Important Dates (reminder)
Pupil holiday, 20th September 2004
School closes for October break at 3.35pm on Friday 15th October 2004
Pupils return from October break on Monday 25th October 2004
Pupil holidays, Thursday 11th, Friday 12th and Monday 15th November 2004
School closes for Christmas at 2.30pm on Wednesday 22nd December 2004
Pupils return after Christmas at 9.00am on Thursday 6th January 2005
Pupil holidays, Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th February 2005
School closes for Easter at 2.30pm on Thursday 24th March 2005
Pupils return after Easter at 9.00am on Monday 11th April 2005
Pupil holidays, Friday 29th April and Monday 2nd May 2005
Pupil holidays, Friday 27th May and Monday 30th May 2005
School closes for summer at 1.00pm on Wednesday 29th June 2005
Pupils restart after the summer break at 9.00am on Wednesday 17th August 2005
Improvements
Work took place over the summer to complete the access road from Dunning’s Lane to the Valley Arc. This is now completely fenced off from the school playground. Work also took place in the school – new floor coverings were laid in the Technical and Science blocks, and all stairwells in T-block and S-block totally redecorated. Work was also done over the summer to improve the school bus park which has been extended and reconfigured.
Study Skills: The Learning Game
A major exercise to improve study skills is taking place for S5 pupils this week. Skilled external consultants have been commissioned to deliver this important lesson, starting immediately with S5 on 24th August. The work done is highly motivating, thought provoking and challenging. Feedback from pupils is extremely appreciative and positive, and the skills acquired should stand pupils in good stead for this very important year.
Appropriate School Wear
I am pleased to report that almost all pupils have made a determined effort to follow the recommended school dress code. Occasionally we still have pupils coming to school dressed for PE. Pupils should obviously come to school dressed for normal school classes, with their PE kit with them in their school bag. Pupils should change into PE kit for PE and back into their normal school wear at the end of the PE lesson.
Please try to maintain this high level of appropriate school wear. It is very much appreciated.
Anti-Bullying Hotline
As in previous sessions, an anti-bullying hotline will operate for several weeks from Monday 30th August. A separate letter describing this facility will be sent home.
Parental Survey
I would be grateful if you could find the time to complete the enclosed parental survey. These surveys are completed at regular intervals to gauge parental opinions on a variety of important issues. Please return completed surveys to the school office, either by post or by “pupil post”.
Brian McNaught Rector August 2004Garnock Academy
School Road
Kilbirnie
KA25 7AX5
Telephone:01505 682685
Email: school@garnock.n-ayrshire.sch.uk
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