Staffing Update May 2009
Dear Parent / Carer
Staffing Update for S1, S2 & S3 pupils
The new timetable started on Monday 18th May for S1, 2 & 3 pupils. As you are aware the pupils were issued with timetables on Friday afternoon. While the Parent Council continues to await a direct response to the questions raised by parents and others about the staffing situation I have to move forward and provide a solution in school.
The following (specifically relating to the issue of cutbacks) is now in place.
We have timetabled S3 Standard Grade History. Mrs Somers was timetabled to take S3 into S4 but feels it would be beneficial to take the S3 as well. As a result of some clever timetabling by Mr Hulme and the fact that Miss MacAllister is qualified to teach French and German we have managed to achieve this while maintaining other classes. This option only arose after we considered the impact on S1 and S2 Social Subjects provision.
This is a solution that will cause some issues but given the depth of feeling about the principle of losing History in S3 we have worked hard to deliver. Early indications were not favourable to this being possible and I did not want to raise hopes. Until the summer Miss Colquhoun will take the classes and work closely with Mrs Somers and Ms Velt to prepare courses for the year ahead. Ms Velt will be taking the Higher History class. Miss Colquhoun has had an offer of a History teaching post from Scottish Borders Council commencing in August. I shall be sorry to lose her from my staff.
All S1-S4 pupils will have 2 hours of PE a week.
Administration and Business Management will not start on Monday for S3 until I know the intention of the Council with regard to Mr Conway. This involves 6 pupils in S2 and they will be asked to choose alternative subjects.
I will continue to keep you up to date with information as the situation develops. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the pupils throughout. I’d like to thank everyone for your continuing support for the school as we continue to manage a difficult situation.
Yours faithfully
JOHN PORT
Headteacher
