6th November in School
Friday 6th November 2020
Dear Parent/Carer/colleagues,
I hope this letter finds you all safe and well.
Thanks and well done.
Let me begin by thanking everyone involved in keeping our children safe and learning. It remains a
significant challenge as the threat of Covid continues to restrict our ability to carry on our daily lives in
the way in which we once did. However, I believe we are not only coping but actually thriving in this
period of our “new normal”. This morning I addressed the school in an online assembly and thanked all
our pupils and staff for adhering to our new guidelines, ensuring that we are keeping safe, well and
learning. I wish to take this opportunity to also thank our parents and friends in the community for doing
likewise. Together we are all making a difference.
In this morning’s assembly our School captains Freya and Alik and myself also took the opportunity to
thank Jemma Playfair for her commitment and dedication to supporting our schools as Depute Head
Teacher. Jemma leaves us today to take up her new post as Head Teacher in Kinlochleven next week.
Sam Martin will act as her replacement for the moment. Sam is a very experienced PT, with DHT
experience and will fit smoothly into that role.
I noted the view that we were thriving in the new learning environment we find ourselves in, a bold claim
but one we can evidence through the work our staff and pupils are engaged with, which on the whole,
is working very well indeed. This week staff, pupils, parents and myself were interviewed by an
international panel of the OECD as part of an evaluation of Scottish Education. The feedback was that
they were impressed by the innovative practice in Oban and Tiree schools, the breadth and depth of
opportunity available to all our pupils and the very positive way in which everyone viewed our schools
and the education system we have established. Yesterday, I followed this up by giving a presentation
to representatives of the UK, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments on behalf of the Scottish
Government. That panel wished to know how we were using digital technology to develop a progressive
educational experience for our children; particularly during the challenges brought by Covid. They too
were impressed by our vision and the innovative practice. This success is down to the investment in
our schools by Argyll and Bute Council, the commitment of our staff embracing significantly different
methods of teaching (alongside traditional methods) and because of the willingness of our children who
are keen to embrace and learn within a new digital age. Well done to everyone.
New Covid guidance
In my last letter I noted the new national guidance that was issued by the Scottish Government…
https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework/
…and that further education specific information was due out. This can now be found here:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-reducing-the-risks-in-schools/
This is a 69 page document, much of which remains unchanged. However, please find the key changes
that relate to Oban and Tiree who are in Tier 2. There are different guidance notes for schools in Tiers
3 and 4 which can be found in the link:
Continuing expectations
In schools, approaches such as following and reinforcing physical distancing advice, having a
staggered start and end to the school day, staggered lesson change overs, blocking of timetables,
scrupulous hand-washing and respiratory hygiene help to contain the spread of COVID 19. It is
very important that these and other measures continue to be followed rigorously. Teachers should
continue to be vigilant in all areas of the school building and ensure risk assessments are live
documents that are reviewed as appropriate.
Update on face coverings
Updates and jotters and other equipment
Updates on curriculum changes
Physical Education
Other Curriculum Areas
SQA Qualifications
The SQA timetable for 2021 can be found here:
https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/exam-timetable-2021.pdf
Recording absence
As Covid-19 continues its impact on our lives we wanted to provide reassurance around your child’s
education and absence from school due to Covid-19. The Scottish Government has introduced new
codes that schools must use for all absences that are as a direct result of Covid-19.
If your child is absent due to contracting Covid-19 or is required to self-isolate, their attendance
summary will clearly show that this is in relation to Covid-19. It should not, therefore, impact on any
senior phase pupils who may be considering starting work or completing their university applications.
Support
Please take the opportunity and let us lend a hand where we can. No matter if you need help with
learning, IT, dealing with teenagers or with things like free school meals. We will help you, if you wish.
Feel free to contact your child’s Guidance Teacher or use the Contact Us section of the website.
http://www.obanhigh.argyll-bute.sch.uk/contact
I hope you and your loved ones have a lovely weekend.
Yours faithfully
P A Bain
Executive Head Teacher
Oban High School, Tiree High School & Tiree Primary School