As we enter the final half day before we break for the holiday period, we are all regrettably feeling a sense underwhelmed with the recent developments linked to the pandemic.
That said, our youngsters, staff, parents and partners have done outstanding work over term 1 Aug-Dec in supporting as full a return to learning as guidelines would allow, and there has certainly been a feeling of the festive period around the School.
Some key points before we break tomorrow;
Christmas Service – Our Christmas Service will be streamed live from South Leith Parish Church (where Leith Academy began in 1560) tomorrow starting around 11.15pm. This is a curtailed service in order to work within Covid guidelines, but we felt it was nice to be able to ‘bring the church service to the school!’ if the school couldn’t go to the Church Service. The link will be sent for Teachers to click into in classes.
Pupils will be dismissed from School when the service ends, this is due to be around 11.45am.
Christmas Concert 2021 – Please see below the link for our Virtual Christmas Concert involving staff and pupils across many year groups https://clickv.ie/w/e8Wr . Well done to all who pulled this together and performed!
Leith Academy Christmas Card – Merry Christmas from all at Leith Academy, this year our card, attached, which is sent widely across the City was designed by Rain Gildener Dell in S1 and portrayed a wonderful white Christmas design. Well done Rain!
Christmas run in – There has been a fantastic run in of events this year with our Swimming Gala, YPI event, Card design comp, Christmas Doors, School Christmas Show and more……..we also issued our round 1 merits to Pupils / Families which we hope were a nice arrival. Many of these aspects contribute to our House Points total for the year.
Covid – It seems clear we will all be getting updates in society as the position develops over the coming weeks. Head Teachers have been called in for update briefings during the break to establish a School position for our planned return. I will of course keep all updated as we receive relevant info post Christmas.
Scottish Qualification Authority – There has been an update from the SQA which will be of interest to S4,5,6 Families and Pupils in terms of keeping informed as we enter term 2 between Jan and Easter, you can find the info on the SQA website here SQA reminds schools, colleges, and training providers of its contingencies for examinations in 2022 – SQA .
Get set for 2022 – Following the assembly from Mr Irving last week. We are now in a position with PE changing rooms where pupils can come to School in uniform. Please us the break to ensure uniform is in place for our return in January. This is kept simple for Parents and involves a Leith Tie, white shirt, black trousers / skirt and black footwear. Black jumpers can be used in the colder months as needed. Support for uniform is available to Parents here Free school meals, milk and school clothing grants – The City of Edinburgh Council and support can be given to apply from School.
The plan, at present, is that the In-service for Staff is Jan 5th and pupils return Thursday 6th Jan 2022.
A huge well done to all for getting through a busy and hectic term. Wishing you all a great Christmas, New Year and rest over the coming period with Family and Friends when it comes.
We look forward to seeing you all ready for 2022!
