P7 to S1 Transition Days – Important Information

We look forward to meeting our new S1 pupils for their full induction days on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st June 2023.  In preparation for these days we would like to pass on some information which will help to answer any questions and/or concerns you may have.

Pupils should arrive at school at or before 8.40am. For rural pupils we have informed the bus providers that there will be increased demand on the two days. Pupils will not need any form of pass to gain entry to the bus. However, because of the increase in numbers it may be preferable for some parents/carers to take their own form of transport to school on these days to avoid issues with capacity; this is entirely acceptable. It is advised to all parents/carers of pupils living in rural areas to make sure that you have applied successfully for a bus pass in plenty of time before we return in August. This can be done by clicking HERE.

The 1st Transition Day – A Guide

From arrival at school they will be asked to report to the Dance Studio (or Main Hall) where they will be welcomed by members of SMT, Guidance and their registration teacher. Pupils will know which register class they are part of before this time as they will have been informed of their class by their primary school as well as being issued with their timetable in their primary school class. Please contact your child’s primary school directly if there are any issues with this.

Once the pupils have been registered, they will follow their timetable. The only exception to this will be when pupils are given the opportunity to put money in to their ‘cashless’ canteen account during periods 1 and 2 so that they can purchase refreshments at morning interval and lunchtime. We have printed each pupils canteen PIN on their timetable which, as already mentioned, will be issued by their Primary School. Because of the numbers involved in this process of putting money in to the child’s account, it may be advisable to have your child take a morning snack and packed lunch so that they are able to eat without delay. S1 pupils will be released from class slightly earlier at 10.15am for their morning interval.

At lunchtime on both days they will be expected to stay in school unless parents have informed us that they wish their child to come home for lunch.  They will have an early lunch at 1.00 pm and return to classes at 1.55pm.  Pupils will be released from classes at 3.20 pm to make their way home or to catch transport home in good time.

A copy of our school day structure can be found here.

The 2nd Transition Day – A Guide

The second day, Wednesday 21st, will also be a day when the pupils will follow their timetable. There will be the same timings for arrival, morning interval, lunch and home-time as the previous day. The only difference will be that pupils should attend their registration classroom rather than the Dance Studio (Main Hall) at 8.40 am upon arrival.

Extra-Curricular Activities

To give pupils a taste of the wider opportunities on offer when they return in August we will be running a ‘First Year Fayre’ event in the Dance Studio during the lunchtime of Tuesday 20th. This will allow new pupils to see the varied clubs and societies that the school has to offer. These groups will then run on the lunchtime of the second day (Wednesday 21st) so that new pupils can attend.

Dress Code Guidance

As regards what to wear for the two days, a choice of their Primary School uniform/sweatshirt or anything close to our dress code of plain black/white clothing is acceptable.  There should be no football tops or any garment with slogans. For pupils who have PE (Physical Education) on their transition days we ask that they bring suitable sports clothing with them.

Pupils should wear appropriate activewear. This includes sports t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, tracksuit bottoms, or sports leggings. Football tops are not permitted. Pupils must wear trainers that are appropriate for the games hall. Footwear that is not permitted includes: boots, formal shoes, and heeled shoes.

A copy of our dress code is available HERE.

Parent/Carer Information Evening

Finally, there will be a Parent/Carer Information Evening at 7pm in the school on Tuesday 20th June for all parents/carers of our new S1 pupils. At this event you will be able to learn more about the S1 curriculum from Mr Sandecki, Rector, as well as receiving information from Mr Mackenzie, Depute Rector, on how the school supports your child in their transition. Faculty Heads and Guidance staff will also be in attendance should you have any subject or pastoral support questions to ask.

We look forward to meeting you and your children during these days.

If you have any further questions please CONTACT US.