NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2019
As we start the new academic term, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope that we can look forward to 2019 being a successful and enjoyable year for our pupils. This is a long and busy term, but with hard work, the support of parent/carers and the advice and guidance of staff I am certain that our pupils will continue to go from strength-to-strength.
Staff Update
Ms Jackie Flynn (Drama) retired from Dumfries High School at Christmas after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the school. We wish Jackie well as she enters retirement. Drama classes will now be taught by Miss Walker and Mrs Hogg.
Ms Julianna Gordon (English) has been successful in securing a Principal Teacher post at Langholm Academy and left Dumfries High School at the end of term prior to the Christmas break. Congratulations to Julianna on her appointment to this promoted post. Mrs Hanneke Boemer has joined the English team on a temporary basis to help deliver English lessons.
Ms Fiona Neil (History/Modern Studies) has also moved to Langholm Academy after securing a teaching position there. She leaves with our best wishes. We will now work towards securing a replacement for Ms Neil.
Mr Iain Houston (Physics) has been seconded to a position with D&G Council for a period of one year. Mr Brian Logan will cover Physics and Science classes until the end of the academic year.
Mrs Ann Potts also retired at Christmas. Ann was a long-serving member of administrative support staff at Dumfries High School. We wish her well in retirement.
S4/5/6 Prelims
Prelim exams for senior pupils begin on Monday 14 January and run until Friday 25 January. Prelim timetables were issued prior to the Christmas holiday. Reports and Parents’ Evening will take place quickly thereafter as will details of Option interviews for S4/5 pupils.
It is important that all pupils in S4/5/6 continue to adopt a positive attitude towards their studies and revision to ensure success in the prelim exams and beyond. Performance in the prelim and subsequent results may determine presentation levels for the final SQA exams later this year and as such it is vital that all pupils prepare in the best possible way to ensure success.
Parent Council
The first Parent Council meeting of the New Year will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday 31 January in the school library. All parent/carers are welcome to attend. It would be great to have a large attendance at our first meeting of the year. Subsequent meetings will take place at 6.30pm on the last Thursday of every month. Please come along and help support the fantastic work that the Parent Council undertake throughout the year.
Parking in Fire Evacuation Bays
Fire Evacuation bays should not be used to park cars or as waiting areas at the end of the school day. We have been asked by the Fire Service once again to remind parents/carers that these clearly marked areas should be kept clear at all times as they are required to be used in the event of an evacuation as a result of a Fire Alarm. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Email Communication
Could I ask parents/carers to ensure that your email contact details are as up-to-date as possible by sending an email message with the name of your child/children to the following address: gw08officedumfries@ea.dumgal.sch.uk. This will help us as a school to ensure effective communication channels are in place.
Groupcall Text Messages
Dumfries High School regularly communicates with parents/carers using a text messaging service known as ‘Groupcall’. This is a quick and easy way to pass information. It is important therefore that any mobile phone numbers that we have on record are correct and up-to-date. If changes to mobile phone numbers are made throughout the year, please contact the main office in order that we can update our records.
‘Groupcall’ text messages are sent on a regular basis. If you think you may not be receiving such messages it is important we rectify this as soon as possible; please contact the main office.
Bus Transportation
It is important that pupils who are entitled to and have applied for a bus pass carry these at all times. Bus companies who transport Dumfries High School pupils to and from school have made it clear that pupils may be refused entry to a bus if they fail to have the bus pass in their possession.
It goes without saying that the behaviour of Dumfries High School pupils on all buses should be of an exemplary fashion. Unfortunately, prior to Christmas it was brought to our attention by the bus companies that the behaviour of a small number of our pupils was causing concern when travelling to and from school. As always, I would ask for your support by speaking to your son/daughter to reinforce the appropriate behaviours and standards that we expect of our pupils at all times.
Medical Issues
When a pupil becomes ill during the school day it is important that they follow the correct procedures. In the first instance pupils should report to the main office and if necessary they will be assessed by a first-aider. Parent/carer communication will follow as required. Pupils should not contact parents directly to come and collect them as this can often lead to difficult or confusing situations.
Dates for the Diary
| Friday 11 January 2019 | S3 Reports Issued |
| Monday 14 January – Friday 25 January 2019 | S4/5/6 Prelim Exams |
| Friday 15 February 2019 | S4/5/6 Reports Issued |
| Wednesday 20 February 2019 | S4 Parents’ Evening |
| Thursday 21 and Friday 22 February 2019 | In-Service Days |
| Tuesday 26 February 2019 | S5/6 Parents’ Evening |
| Thursday 7 March 2019 | S3 Parents’ Evening |
| Monday 11 March 2019 | S2 Parents’ Evening |
| Friday 5 April 2019 | End of Term – Easter Holiday |
| Tuesday 23 April 2019 | New Term Begins |
| Friday 17 May 2019 | S1 Reports Issued |
| Thursday 23 May 2019 | S1 Parents’ Evening |
Best wishes once again