Mr Fullarton, Head of S2, and Mrs Cassidy, Head of S3, have prepared the following welcome letters which contain further information regarding the return of pupils this week. Both letters are available below:
Our S1 Year Head’s Mrs Goring and Mrs Brien have prepared a welcome letter for our new S1 pupils which contains further information regarding the start of term. The letter can be viewed here.
Here are the important arrangements that parents and pupils should be aware of as we return to school.
The school building will open to pupils from 8.30 each day. Pupils will not be admitted before this time.
(The ASN transport entrance will be open to pupils as they arrive but parents are encouraged to drop pupils off no earlier than 8.30)
School hours remain 8.45-3.35 Monday to Thursday and 8.45-1.10 on a Friday. Pupils in Block A last period will be dismissed 5 minutes early each day to aid the flow of pupils out of the building.
We have also included links to 2 documents from South Lanarkshire Council – a Frequently Asked Questions document and a letter about mainstream school transport.
School Transport Letter-guidance
(Please note that separate advice has been issued to parents for ASN transport)
Opening day arrangements for each year group
Induction
All pupils will spend the first 2 periods with their PLP class in an induction session, covering school procedures, our new movement system etc. They will also be issued with their timetables and will follow their normal timetable for the rest of the day.
Arrival at school
All pupils, other than those entering by the ASN transport entrance, should enter the school from the playground.
Wednesday 12th August – S1 and S4 pupils only to attend
S1: Pupils should enter the school by Door 6 (the ICT/PE door at the bottom end of the playground). Staff will be on hand to direct them and guide them to their Reg/PLP class. (Please note that parents should not enter school premises unless they have a prior appointment)
S4: Pupils should enter the school via Door 1 (at the top end of the playground) and go to the front hall where there will be posters guiding them to their PLP/Reg class.
Pupils should then go directly to class and not congregate in the hall.
Thursday 13th August – S5 and S6 pupils only to attend
S5: Pupils should enter the school via Door 1 (at the top end of the playground) and go to the front hall where there will be posters guiding them to their PLP/Reg class.
Pupils should then go directly to class and not congregate in the hall.
S6: Pupils should enter the school via Door 4 (entrance from the playground to the foyer) and go to the Octagon where there will be posters guiding them to their PLP/Reg class. Pupils should then go directly to class and not congregate in the Octagon.
Friday 14th August – S2 and S3 pupils only to attend
S2: Pupils should enter the school via Door 4 (entrance from the playground to the foyer) and go to the Octagon where there will be posters guiding them to their PLP/Reg class. Pupils should then go directly to class and not congregate in the Octagon
S3: Pupils should enter the school via Door 1 (at the top end of the playground) and go to the front hall where there will be posters guiding them to their PLP/Reg class.
Pupils should then go directly to class and not congregate in the hall.
As we prepare to welcome all of our pupils to school next week, Mr Sives would like to share this letter with Hamilton Grammar specific instructions with all parents and guardians. The letter is available here.
We look forward to seeing you all next week.
Please find the most recent letter regarding the return of pupils from the Director of Education here.
This document sets out the SQA Post-Certification Review process and contains information for pupils who need to change a subject after receiving their exam certificate.
SQA Post-Certification Review procedural 2020
Thousands of young people can access dedicated support when Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) Results Helpline opens on Tuesday 4 August.
The free* helpline from Scotland’s career service offers advice, information and guidance for young people and their parents from 8am on results day.
Around 138,000 candidates across the country will receive their results. James Russell, SDS Director of Career Information, Advice & Guidance Operations, said: “If your results aren’t what you expected, don’t panic, you have lots of options. This is an unprecedented year with the cancellation of exams and we understand that may cause more worry than normal. Our advisers are here to help you and your parents and carers with information on all the options and opportunities on offer.”
The dedicated Results Helpline will open Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 Aug, 8am to 8pm, Thursday 6, Friday 7, Monday 10, Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 Aug, 9am to 5pm
The number to call is 0808 100 8000.
SDS advisers are at the end of the phone to help young people and their parents and carers.
The skilled professionals have access to information on course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern, Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships and jobs, volunteering or staying on at school.
To get in touch with the helpline via social media go to My World of Work on Facebook at Facebook.com/myworldofwork
Parents and carers can also head over to mykidscareer.com for information on jobs in demand in Scotland and tips on handling career conversations at results time.
*operator charges may apply
#SQAresults #MyLearnerJourney #NoWrongPath
We hope everyone is enjoying the summer break. The headteacher has issued a letter to parents/carers regarding overnight school trips. A copy is available here.
The wellbeing of our school community has always been paramount at Hamilton Grammar School. To offer support to our young people and their families we are working in partnership with Jill Trevena and her team at Practical Mindset Ltd. Jill is a registered Occupational Therapist and works with her colleagues to support young people and their families, in the Lanarkshire area, who may be facing difficulties with their Physical and Mental Health & Wellbeing. Jill and her team apply practical approaches to promote positive mental wellbeing with the aim of proactive self-management.
At Hamilton Grammar, we are committed to providing wellbeing support for our pupils, parents and staff. We understand that during these uncertain times, that it is more important than ever to ensure that we provide ongoing wellbeing support to our school community.
Pupils, parents and carers will be able to access 6 recorded online ‘Practical Mindset’ sessions via our ‘HGS Mental Health Matters (S1-S3) and (S4-S6) Google Classrooms. Class joining codes will be posted on each Year Group general Google Classroom page. Pupils will also be able to access various resources to support their MHW within this area.
Welcome from Jill Trevena
The 6 Practical Mindset MHW Sessions and the dates on which they will be available are as follows:
| Session 1 – Self-talk and how our mind works | Immediately |
| Session 2 – Dealing with your Emotions | Monday 6th July 2020 |
| Session 3 – Stress Management Part 1 | Monday 13th July 2020 |
| Session 4 – Stress Management Part 2 | Monday 20th July 2020 |
| Session 5 – Nurturing Positivity | Monday 27th July 2020 |
| Session 6 – Hopes, Dreams and Goals | Monday 3rd August 2020 |
** The Practical Mindset reflection logbook and summary sheets are available immediately along with other recommended supports. All sessions can be revisited and accessed at any point throughout the year. **
Pupils are encouraged to complete and discuss these sessions, along with their parents or carers, and use the logbooks to reflect and evaluate their mood and stress levels.
Jill will also be available via her social media platforms for questions from both pupils and parents or carers. To contact Jill, please visit her website http://practicalmindset.co.uk/ for further information.
Jill and the Practical Mindset team support various local school communities and have always received positive feedback from pupils, parents and carers and schools she has worked with. We are delighted that we are able to work in partnership with Jill and her team to provide MHW supports for our HGS school community.
Following on from the executive director’s letter last week please find our outline plan for next session.
