Update - December 2017

As we come to the end of 2017, I would like to take this opportunity to update you all on progress at Lochside Academy. The school building continues to be on track, with all internal walls and classroom doors now in place. Science labs now have vinyl flooring down; carpets and teaching walls are beginning to go into classrooms and classrooms are being painted. The swimming pool is taking shape and our 3G astro turf pitch will be laid very soon.

Over the last 4 weeks, I have visited every register class in both and to update pupils on progress, discuss several decisions which need to be taken and most importantly, answer their questions. It has been great to hear the pupils’ views and answer so many fantastic questions as excitement grows as we move closer to our opening day of the 23rd August 2018. I will be visiting all Primary 7 classes in January using the same format.

One of the main discussion points has been what will our school uniform look like. The pupils have all shared their views and the next stage, when we return from the Christmas break, will be consultation with school staff and parents/guardians. We plan to have an agreed uniform in place by the end of January 2018. We will also be asking for your views on our vision and values and the young people have been asked to think of a hashtag for the school to go with our new badge.

During the last two months I have been consulting with pupils, school staff and both Parents Councils with regards to the makeup of the school day. The school day is set up as below:

REGIST RATION Period 1 Period 2 Interval Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Lunch Period 6 Period 7

8.35 - 8.45 - 9.35 - 10.25 - 10.45 - 11.35 - 12.25 - 1.15 - 2.05 - 2.55 - Monday 8.45 9.35 10.25 10.45 11.35 12.25 1.15 2.05 2.55 3.45

8.35 - 8.45 - 9.35 - 10.25 - 10.45 - 11.35 - 12.25 - 1.15 - 2.05 - 2.55 - Tuesday 8.45 9.35 10.25 10.45 11.35 12.25 1.15 2.05 2.55 3.45

REGISTRATION Period 1 Period 2 Interval Period 3 Period 4 Lunch Period 5 Period 6

8.35 - 8.45 - 9.35 - 10.25 - 10.45 - 11.35 - 12.25 - 1.15 - 2.05 - Wednesday 8.45 9.35 10.25 10.45 11.35 12.25 1.15 2.05 2.55

8.35 - 8.45 - 9.35 - 10.25 - 10.45 - 11.35 - 12.25 - 1.15 - 2.05 - Thursday 8.45 9.35 10.25 10.45 11.35 12.25 1.15 2.05 2.55

8.35 - 8.45 - 9.35 - 10.25 - 10.35 - 11.35 - 12.25 - 1.15 - 2.05 - Friday 8.45 9.35 10.25 10.45 11.35 12.25 1.15 2.05 2.55

A 32 + 1 period week, 32 x 50 minute periods and 5 x 10 minute tutor period will allow the academy to develop a curriculum in both the senior and junior phase, which will ensure we can meet the needs of all pupils and ensure every pupil fulfils their potential. The earlier finish on Wednesday and Thursday will allow extra-curricular activities to take place utilising the incredible facilities we will have at our disposal. (The later finish on a Monday and Tuesday will still allow for extra-curricular activities.) Any comments or questions regarding the school day can be sent to [email protected].

I am happy to update you with regard both the Senior Leadership Team and the Extended Leadership that is in place to date at Lochside Academy:

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Neil Hendry Head Teacher Mr Ian Cranna Depute Head Teacher Mr Jason Currie Depute Head Teacher Ms Lesley Elphinstone Depute Head Teacher Mrs Susanne Henderson Depute Head Teacher Mr Michael Will Depute Head Teacher

Extended Leadership Team

Mr Mathew Leslie Principal Teacher Design and Technology Miss Lesley Andrews Principal Teacher English and Literacy Miss Joanna Assiter Principal Teacher Expressive Arts Mr David Duthie Principal Teacher Health and Wellbeing Mr Ross McClymont Principal Teacher Humanities Mr Craig Wilson Principal Teacher Mathematics and Numeracy Mr Kevin Beagrie Principal Teacher Science Miss Irene Stove Principal Teacher Targeted Support Mrs Hannah Beagrie Principal Teacher Guidance Mrs Angela Cowie Principal Teacher Guidance Mrs Deborah Duthie Principal Teacher Guidance Mrs Elizabeth Gilbert Principal Teacher Guidance Mrs Lauren Skinner Principal Teacher Guidance Miss Nicola Wallace Principal Teacher Guidance

Key dates next term

Monday 5th February 2018 - S4 Subject Choice Evening, at 6.30pm Thursday 8th February 2018 - S4 Subject Choice Evening, at 6.30pm Monday 19th February 2018 - S5/6 Subject Choice Evening, Kincorth Academy at 6.30pm Thursday 22nd February 2018 - S5/6 Subject Choice Evening, Torry Academy at 6.30pm Monday 26th February 2018 - S3 Subject Choice Evening, KincorthAcademy at 6.30pm Thursday 1st March 2018 - S3 Subject Choice Evening, Torry Academy at 6.30pm Thursday 1st March 2018 - P7 Transition Morning, Beach Ballroom Wednesday 20th June 2018 - P7 Induction Day - Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus Wednesday 20th June 2018 - Parents Information Evening at 6.30pm (venue tbc) Thursday 23rd August 2018 - Lochside Academy opens

During June 2018 it is planned that all pupils from Kincorth and Torry Academy will be bused to Lochside Academy to have a tour of the school to ensure all have visited before the summer break. All P7 pupils will be given the opportunity to visit the new Academy during the induction day on Wednesday 20th June 2018, again ensuring all will have experienced their new school prior to the summer break.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a successful and healthy 2018.

Neil Hendry Executive Head Teacher Lochside Academy