Pupils in S5 and S6 were invited to attend an introductory meeting with Rob Flett (BBC Radio Orkney) and Howard Littler (John Schofield Trust) this week as they launched a mentoring programme for pupils. Pupils who sign up will have the opportunity to meet (online) with established professionals in the industry each week, starting in late January 2022, and will focus on every aspect of journalism from finding a story to publishing it on a range of mediums including radio, newspapers and online. The programme will also look to facilitate visits to businesses and universities to meet the needs of the individual pupils. During the introductory meeting, Rob gave an inspirational talk about his career journey and why he loves the ‘organised chaos’ that is working in this fast-moving, exciting and hugely important industry. You can watch the introduction here: Mr Ewing said: “This is the first time this mentorship has been run in Scotland and we would encourage all S5 and S6 to grab this opportunity to become Junior Fellows of the John Schofield Trust, ensuring they have something very special to talk about in any future personal statements and CVs. Please see me asap to sign up.”
Dear Parents and Carers
The weather at the end of this week presented a few logistical challenges but, as always, pupils responded positively and responsibly to the situation – thank you for your continued support and understanding at this time too. As a school community we are focusing on 3 key priorities this year, each priority being led by a Depute Head Teacher. Securing the Best Outcomes for all Pupils (Mr Ewing) A big thank you to all the staff, pupils and parents who have been nominating pupils for the Above and Beyond awards. We have had a very positive response for parents who have received certificates for their children. Just a reminder that parents can contact Mrs Watson at [email protected] with details about pupils' achievements outwith school that we are unaware of. Currently Prelims for senior pupils are planned to take place in January. Pupils have received information about study support from their teachers but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s guidance teacher. We look forward to seeing S4 parents for Parents’ evening on Thursday 2nd December. Universal Support (Ms Devlin) The Guidance Team continue to strengthen links with our local partners, who are really well placed to support our pupils as they make their plans for what they might move onto after leaving school. Working with Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce, Voluntary Action Orkney and Community Learning and Development, pupils can have individual support, which makes such a difference! All these organisations are in KGS on a regular basis, working with pupils and the Guidance Team. The Guidance team also support pupils with the wide range of applications that need to be completed as part of the process. Moving on from school is both an exciting and important time, and we want to make sure that our pupils get the help that they need, at the time that they need it, from the people best placed to offer that support. Positive Relationships and Behaviour (Mr Harvey) A huge thank you to those who responded to our questionnaire. There was some really useful feedback that will help shape future developments. We have put together a Working Group that includes staff from across the curriculum as well as a member of the KGS Parent Council. The group will also be consulting with pupils through the KGS Pupil Council. If parents want to share their thoughts on Positive Relationships and Behaviour then please speak to members of the Parent Council or contact Mr Harvey directly. Two quick general notices:
Thank you again for your continued support. We hope you all have a calm and relaxing weekend, Miss Claire Meakin Head Teacher Dear Parents and Carers
We’ve added a message from James Wylie, Executive Director, to the homepage of our website: http://www.kgsorkney.com/ We are incredibly proud of pupils every week, but over the last 5 days we have seen their kindness and support for other shine even brighter. Covid-mitigations have meant that lots of our usual activities for Children in Need had to be postponed, but they were determined to find ways to raise money for this important charity. One activity that brought lots of smiles was seeing pupils and staff dress up as TV and film characters – definitely a sight to behold and it raised lots of money too! You can see some of the staff photos on our Facebook and Twitter with more to follow very soon! Please remember to email Mrs Watson ([email protected]) with details about your child’s successes out with school. We love hearing about their achievements, and we want to recognise them in school too. (House points, chocolates and other prizes are up for grabs so we’re sure it’ll be worth it!) We received fantastic news this week regarding pupils who had entered a Data Visualisation Challenge, set by Orkney Auction Mart and Orkney Science Festival. Well done to Lev and Sophie who received prizes for their submissions! Information about the KGS Winter Book sale can be found here.glowscotland-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/gw21meakinclaire_glow_sch_uk/Ebw5Q0WpkAREscBeGoSNRkQBWAQQBTN7DVmkPOrCX6dlbQ?e=QGY3eu Do you know a sports person who has continued to work hard through this past year and achieve their goals or a coach who has gone above and beyond to help a sports person, team or club overcome the hurdles of this past year, a volunteer who has worked tirelessly supporting their club or a official who has been pivotal to making competition happen or achieved a officiating qualification? If you do please nominate them so they can receive the recognition they deserve. More information here: Orkney Sports Awards Finally, please don’t forget that we have a questionnaire about our strategy to promote ‘positive relationships and behaviour across the school’ on the homepage of our website. We’d love to know what you think! We hope you have a fantastic weekend, Miss Claire Meakin Head Teacher |
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