Dear Parent/ Carer,
Further to the information sent on the 9 March the following details are provided for the return to school for secondary pupils in D & G from Monday 15 March until the end of term (26 March). After the spring break it is expected that all pupils will return on a full time basis.
All schools have been required to consider the following when planning the pupil’s return:
- – the availability of school transport due to the limitations brought about by social- distancing;
- – the requirement for 2m social distancing when inside the school building (this significantly impacts the number of children in a classroom);
- – to minimise, wherever possible, the general flow of learners around the school through the day;
- – to support the pupils’ re-connection with school, supporting their Health & Wellbeing and transitioning back to full time schooling;Remote LearningRemote Learning remains the main form of learning until the end of term.The Timetable for Kirkcudbright Academy is below:Monday S1 Tuesday S4-S6 Wednesday S2 Thursday S4-S6 Friday S3Some additional practical classes will take place for some S4-6 pupils on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.School Instruction
Pupils should arrive at school, wearing their uniform, as close as possible to the start of the school day (8.55). Pupils in S1, S2 and S3 should make their way to the Cochran Hall at 8.55 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday respectively.
Pupils in S4-S6 will be issued their individual timetables in advance, by email. At the start of the day, they should enter school through the link doors, sanitise their hands and then go immediately to their first lesson, remembering to keep 2m distancing and follow the one-way system.Any breaks from activities will be under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Pupils will of course be permitted to leave the classroom if they require to visit the toilet, but should do so individually.Face CoveringsIt is a requirement that pupils and staff wear a face covering at all times, in corridors, communal areas and in classrooms (or display their medical exemption).SanitisingPupils must sanitise their hands on entry to and exit from the building in the morning, at break, at lunchtime and at the end of the day.At the beginning and end of a teaching session, pupils should ensure that they wipe down their desk / workstation with antiviral wipes.
Similarly, pupils should take care to ensure that they sanitise any equipment that will subsequently be used by other pupils.
Attendance
These face-to-face sessions are important in preparing pupils for our return to full-time learning after the spring break. Pupils are expected to attend for full days.
Office staff will monitor attendance and alert parents / carers by text message of any absence.
Transport
School transport will resume for those who travel on a designated school transport service. Maintaining appropriate distancing is recommended and each passenger is required to sit on their own. Pupils are advised to sit alternately in window/aisle seats in each row of the vehicle or, on services where there are banks of three seats, one seat is left empty between passengers. Children and young people from the same family are permitted to sit next to each other.
Pupils who normally travel to school by other means – such as on service buses or on foot – are asked to make their own arrangements to ensure they arrive at school on time for their face-to-face session.
Lunches
Lunches will be provided in school. Pupils can bring a packed lunch or purchase something to eat from the school canteen. For those children who would normally go offsite for lunch, Scottish Government guidance remains in place – social distancing should be observed and face coverings worn where appropriate. S1 are not allowed offsite, S2-S6 are allowed offsite only at lunchtime.
Lateral Flow Testing
In accordance with the Scottish Government guidance, asymptomatic testing will be available for all our senior phase pupils. A supply of Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) are available from our school and will be made available to all our senior phase pupils. Pupils who have already completed their permission form can collect these from the office at break or lunchtime.
For more information on the asymptomatic testing programme is available on the Support DG website: SupportDG – Dumfries and Galloway Council – Asymptomatic Testing in Scottish Primary, Secondary and Special Schools, and ELC Providers (dumgal.gov.uk)
More information
There are Frequently Asked Questions on the Support DG website providing more information on the return to schools: SupportDG – Dumfries and Galloway Council – Reopening of schools – Frequently Asked Questions (dumgal.gov.uk)
Kind Regards
John
John Thin | Head of Education (Learning & Resources), Education & Learning Directorate Dumfries and Galloway Council | 122-124 Irish Street | Dumfries | DG1 2PB
