Re-opening information for parents

Wednesday 5th August 2020

On Thursday 31 July, the First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, updated parliament on the reopening of schools in August.   She confirmed that schools across the country are expected to return from Tuesday 11th August.  Our students will return from Wednesday 12th August and specific information about the phased return is included below

Additional guidance to support the safe return to school was also published on the Scottish Government website.  School staff at Penicuik High School are reviewing this guidance to ensure our plans are compliant with this latest Health and Safety guidance

Key messages outlined by the First Minister, with an additional explanation from the school included in italics.

• We are not yet returning to school normality; this means the school experience will not be the same as it was pre-lockdown and health and safety rules will not allow all activities to occur in the same way.
• Schools will return from 11th August and by law all students are expected back by 18th August; this means schools can put in place a phased return for students to ensure that there is a proper introduction to new health and safety requirements and allows them to re-connect with each other and with staff. For S1 in particular, the emphasis will be on nurture and resilience.
• Physical distancing in secondary schools should be implemented where possible but should not compromise a full-time return for students due to capacity issues; this means that to allow all students to return to school physical distancing between students at 2m levels will not be possible at all times. Additional measures will be in place to promote safety for all, including enhanced cleaning and hygiene routines, a one-way system, frequent hand sanitation etc.
• 2m physical distancing between staff and between staff and students will be required; this means our approaches to teaching and learning will be adapted to reflect this guidance and will include clear ‘staff only’ areas identified in classrooms.
• The implementation of the guidance published requires judgement at school and local authority level to reflect local circumstances; this means not all schools will implement the exact same plans but will have a responsibility to communicate clearly with all involved around their measures and decisions.
• schools will need to be in a position to adapt if the prevalence of the Covid -19 virus is higher in local areas; this means our work on what is known as Blended Learning may still be required if there is any need to close the school short term. For example, it may be required as a result of Test and Protect measures or in the case of a localised outbreak.
• As shielding arrangements are now paused, students who were shielding can return to school; this means parents/carers of students who have been shielding should contact the school to discuss their return. Initially this is best arranged through email to the school email address – penicuik_hs@midlothian.gov.uk and this will initially be picked up by Mrs Edge-Loake
• The Schools Risk assessment is written in line with the Scottish Government Guidance published in July and has been discussed fully with Education Trade Unions representatives. A copy will be made available on our website and it will be shared with the Parent Association and Student representatives. It is a dynamic document and may change based on our experience of having students in school. We will continue to update our new website from this week and our return for students starting from Wednesday 12th August.

One of the key issues that will be highlighted in further guidance on re-opening that will come out prior to the 12 August is that the responsibility for the safety of others in our school community is the responsibility of all members – staff, students, and parents. We will be very clear in our expectations and will take clear and swift actions where any behaviours result in a risk to the health and safety of others.

The Scottish Government guidance can be accessed via the link below

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-preparing-start-new-school-term-august-2020/

What is our Phased Re-opening Plan?

The following phased return of students has been discussed and agreed by SMT. The phased return allows us to ensure that we can induct and orientate students who have been absent from school for five months. Many of our young people will feel anxious and uncertain about what to expect and what the rules will mean for them as individuals. In particular, we are prioritising the new S1 students who missed out on being in school as part of their transition and those in the Senior Phase S4-6. We will as part of the re-phasing also need to assist young people with re-coursing. I also note that staff will need to direct working time to preparing materials for SQA appeals.

Information was sent out yesterday – 4 August with regard to SQA Results, the appeals process and re-coursing and this will also be available via the website.

The information given here includes the dates/days different year levels should attend next week as well as a reminder about the period timing for our new timetable structure. We are still considering the need for staggering starting times slightly for S1-3 and Senior phase students when we are fully open on the 17 August and will inform you next week of any change to the School period times below. It is likely it will only be a change to attending morning Registration for part of the school cohort.

School will open and close as per the normal timetable shown below during the phased return next week. School transport will run at the normal times. Further information about school transport will be included in our next communication.

Day / Date	Year levels to attend on that date	Other activities
Wednesday 12 August	All new S1 students All incoming S5/6 students only	Re-coursing appointments Re-connect – vulnerable students
Thursday 13 August	All new S1 students All incoming S4 students only	Re-coursing appointments S5/6 Re-connect – vulnerable students
Friday 14 August	All new S1 students All incoming S2/3 students only	Re-connect – vulnerable students Re-coursing appointments S5/6
Monday 17 August	All students  to attend- fully open	Re-coursing appointments (including S4 and S2 issues)

 

Phased Return Details – Re-Connect Programme 2020

Only S1 students will be in each day. The re-coursing discussions will run across the three days Wednesday 12 August until Friday 14 August and into the next week. We will also be picking up vulnerable students for one-to-one support.

The S1 Re-connect programme will work on orientating students to their new school and fully explaining the health and safety rules and processes in place to protect them and others. There will also be a focus on health and well-being taking a nurture approach and building resilience to cope with the new normal in school.  If S1 parents/carers have any concerns about their child they should contact the school who will direct their query to the most appropriate staff member. S1 students will also start to experience normal subject classes as we move to full opening on 17 August.

Other year groups will be given full safety briefings before they start moving into subject classes. At S2 there will also be a focus on health and well-being.

Reminder -School Timetable from August 2020

32 teaching periods per week plus 10 minute registration period each day

7 Periods:  Monday – Thursday

4 periods: Friday

Period timings – 50 minutes

Monday – Thursday
Registration	8.30 – 8.40 am
Period 1	8.40 – 9.30 am
Period 2	9.30 – 10.20 am
Period 3	10.20 – 11.10 am
Interval	11.10 – 11.25 am
Period 4	11.25 – 12.15 pm
Period 5	12.15 – 1.05 pm
Lunch	1.05 – 1.50 pm
Period 6	1.50 – 2.40pm
Period 7	2.40 – 3.30 pm

Registration 10 minutes

Friday
Registration	8.30 – 8.40 am
Period 1	8.40 – 9.30 am
Period 2	9.30 – 10.20 am
Interval	10.20 – 10.35 am
Period 3	10.35 – 11.25 pm
Period 4	11.25 – 12.15 pm
School closes

 

Uniform

As indicated in earlier communications we have taken the decision to suspend official uniform until after the October break. This will allow you to cope more easily with the need to change clothes each day, and it gives parent/ carers time to purchase new uniform items. If students wish to wear uniform they may do so.

If any parent/ carer is experiencing financial hardship, I would encourage you to contact the school in confidence so we can support you. There is a Council Clothing grant and your child may also be eligible to have a free school meal. Other support may also be available through the schools hardship fund.

Lunch

Students must bring their own packed lunch to school each day including those eligible for free school meals until further notice. S1 students must stay in school. We are encouraging all students to stay in school during lunchtime. If students choose to leave school to buy lunch they will be expected to wear face masks in shops and MUST not congregate in large groups. The school will be checking on this and Police will also be monitoring the behaviour of young people. Local shopkeepers are also aware of this risk.

Health and Safety

Further information in relation to our local school Risk Assessment and health and safety protocols will be shared with parents / carers but key points to note are:

• S1 will be encouraged to stay in a registration class bubble outside class time.
• Seniors – S4-6 will be encouraged to form a consistent social bubble outside of class times of up to 10 people
• Students do not need to wear facemasks (but may do if they so wish). There may be staff wearing face coverings in a variety of contexts to maintain safety.
• Students will be required to sanitise their hand every time they enter the building and on entry and exit of classes.
• Year Groups will have a designated entry point where hand sanitation will be available.
• Bags may be brought to school but should always be placed on the floor and not desks. Students should minimise the amount of personal property brought to school
• Students must observe the 2M social distancing rule with staff/ adults in school at all times.
• Extra cleaning will be carried out across the school day
• Only a limited number of students should be in school toilets and this will be monitored.
• There will be a one way system in operation to support safe movement. Students will not be allowed to loiter in corridors 

Please Note: Any arrangements noted here or in later communication may need to be reviewed and revised based on current national or local advice. Where any sudden changes are made we will communicate with you urgently via; Group call, the School website, Twitter and via the Parent Association Facebook page.

 

Craig Biddick

Head Teacher (Acting)

 

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