tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54665857499133819082024-03-13T03:59:29.067+00:00Gracemount High UpdatesGracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-68840036084574549382022-01-17T14:43:00.004+00:002022-01-17T14:43:28.264+00:00Warn & Inform letter from NHS Health Protection Team (Lothian) to Parents & Carers of all pupils<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lothian
NHS Board</span></p><div class="WordSection1">
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<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Health
Protection Team<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Waverley Gate<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2-4 Waterloo
Place<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Edinburgh<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">EH1 3EG<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">www.nhslothian.scot</span></span></p></div>
<div class="WordSection2">
<p class="nhsinfo"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Advice to Parents/Carers</b></span></p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear
Parent/Carer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">In
recent days we have been made aware that members of the Gracemount High School
community in various year groups have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter
is to inform you that your child has been identified as having been in ‘low risk’ contact with this person.
This means they may have shared a classroom or had some other low risk contact
in school.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">There is no need for your child
to isolate or take daily LFD tests at present unless contacted separately by
Test and Protect and asked to do so. School remains open
and your child should continue to attend if they are well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a
range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from
children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name="_Hlk92448557">If your child or anyone in your household develops any symptoms of COVID-19, the symptomatic person
must not come to school, they must self-isolate and should have a PCR test as
soon as possible. The rest of the household are not required to self-isolate
whilst the test result is awaited, but they are advised to do daily LFD tests
and monitor closely for any symptoms developing. Further information and guidance
can be found in </a><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-individuals-with-possible-coronavirus-infection"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;">NHS
Inform</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;">.
Further information on testing can also be found on </span><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;">
or by phoning 119 if you cannot book online.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new
continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of
taste or smell (anosmia).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please
be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild
illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus
infection and, although our understanding of the Omicron variant is evolving,
there is no evidence of a higher risk at present. For those people who are
eligible, vaccination is highly effective
at preventing severe disease.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help
reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please ensure
your child takes a lateral flow test before returning to school. This can help reduce the likelihood of
spread in schools, by catching infections early.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please also note the following:<span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 71.7pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in primary school, you can
support them to take a test before returning if you and they are comfortable in
doing so. There is no need for your child to continue to test regularly as part
of attending primary school.<span style="background: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 71.7pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in secondary school, they
should take a test before returning wherever possible, and continue to test
regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 71.7pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Free at-home LFD test kits are available for
you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres
or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found
at: <a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><span style="color: #43358b; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 71.7pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -17.85pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Free test kits are available to all secondary
school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they
have any problems accessing tests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Please ensure that all test results, whether
positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: <a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><span style="color: #43358b; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.covidtest.scot</span></a><span style="color: #44546a;"> </span>OR by phoning 119.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>In addition please:</b></span></p>
<p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Arrange vaccination</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> as soon as possible, if you or anyone
eligible in your family have not yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></a>.
Vaccination is our best defence
against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.</span></span></p>
<p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Adopt additional caution if meeting with friends or
family who you know to be at higher levels of risk.</span></span></p>
<p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wear a face
covering in line with guidance, keep your distance, keep rooms ventilated,
and wash your hands with soap and
water regularly.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can
find more trusted advice on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></a><span style="color: #43358b;">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours
faithfully</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Health Protection Team<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">NHS Lothian</span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-13407252260288222222022-01-10T15:46:00.007+00:002022-01-10T16:05:36.383+00:00Warn & Inform letter from NHS Health Protection Team (Lothian) to Parents & Carers of S1 pupils<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Lothian
NHS Board</span></p><div class="WordSection1">
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<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Health
Protection Team<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Waverley Gate<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2-4 Waterloo
Place<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Edinburgh<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">EH1 3EG<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="nhstopaddress" style="text-align: right;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">www.nhslothian.scot<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="nhsbase"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Advice to Parents/Carers</span></span></b></p></div><div class="WordSection2">
<p class="nhsinfo"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear
Parent/Carer</span></span></p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In
recent days we have been made aware of members of the Gracemount High School </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">community in S1 </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">who
have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter is to inform you that your child
has been identified as having been in </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">‘low
risk’ contact</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> with this person. This means they may have shared a classroom
or had some other low risk contact in school.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is no need for your child
to isolate or take daily LFD tests at present unless contacted separately by
Test and Protect and asked to do so.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">School remains open
and your child should continue to attend if they are well.</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a
range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from
children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name="_Hlk92448557"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If your child or anyone in your household develops any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">symptoms</b> of COVID-19, the symptomatic person
must not come to school, they must self-isolate and should have a PCR test as
soon as possible. The rest of the household are not required to self-isolate
whilst the test result is awaited, but they are advised to do daily LFD tests
and monitor closely for any symptoms developing. Further information and guidance
can be found in </span></a><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-individuals-with-possible-coronavirus-infection"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS
Inform</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.
Further information on testing can also be found on </span></span><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"><b><span style="color: #43358b; font-size: 12pt;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk92448557;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
or by phoning 119 if you cannot book online.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new
continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of
taste or smell (anosmia).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please
be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild
illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus
infection and, although our understanding of the Omicron variant is evolving,
there is no evidence of a higher risk at present. For those people who are
eligible, vaccination </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is highly effective
at preventing severe disease.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help
reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please also e</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">nsure
your child </span><b style="font-family: arial;">takes a lateral flow test before returning to school. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">This can help reduce the likelihood of
spread in schools, by catching infections early, then </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -17.85pt;">continue to test
regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -17.85pt;">Free at-home LFD test kits are available for
you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres
or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found
at: </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -17.85pt;"><a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><b><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration-line: none;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -17.85pt;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -17.85pt;">Free test kits are available to all secondary
school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they
have any problems accessing tests.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Please ensure that all test results, whether
positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration-line: none;">www.covidtest.scot</span></b></a></span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">OR by phoning 119.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">You can also:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="font-family: arial;">Arrange vaccination</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> as soon as possible, if you or anyone
eligible in your family have not yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><b><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration-line: none;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></b></a>.
<b>Vaccination </b>is our best defence
against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Adopt additional caution if meeting with friends or
family who you know to be at higher levels of risk.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Wear a </span><b style="font-family: arial;">face
covering </b><span style="font-family: arial;">in line with guidance, keep your </span><b style="font-family: arial;">distance</b><span style="font-family: arial;">, keep rooms </span><b style="font-family: arial;">ventilated</b><span style="font-family: arial;">,
and </span><b style="font-family: arial;">wash your hands</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> with soap and
water regularly.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">You can
find more trusted advice on </span><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #43358b; text-decoration-line: none;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #43358b;">.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours
faithfully</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">Health Protection Team<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial;">NHS Lothian</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-55726461738310379742021-12-16T14:30:00.005+00:002021-12-16T14:30:47.967+00:00Schools/Childcare Asymptomatic Covid-19 Testing Programme Privacy Notice<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Information about Schools/Childcare Asymptomatic Covid-19 Testing ProgrammePrivacy Notice can be read below:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.gracemounthighschool.co.uk/resources/School-Documents/Important-Documents/Privacy_Notice_Infographic.pdf">https://www.gracemounthighschool.co.uk/resources/School-Documents/Important-Documents/Privacy_Notice_Infographic.pdf</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-78686649649050781622021-12-16T12:29:00.004+00:002021-12-16T12:29:29.393+00:00GHS Dance Show 2021<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> The GHS Dance Show 2021 can be found by clicking on the link below:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><a href="https://sway.office.com/wwLzeNVKV3DsCaYm?loc=swsp">https://sway.office.com/wwLzeNVKV3DsCaYm?loc=swsp</a> </b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <b>*** Passwords have been sent out to Parent/Carers of pupils involved via text. If you have not received a text, please contact the school .***</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thank you for your ongoing support. If you are able to, we would greatly appreciate a donation to our dance academy. This can be done by clicking the link:</span></p><p><a href="https://gofund.me/83aaa5cc" title="https://gofund.me/83aaa5cc"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>https://gofund.me/83aaa5cc</b></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">GHS Dance Academy 2021/22</span></p><blockquote style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: -webkit-standard; text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></blockquote><div><div dir="ltr"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div></div></div>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-37080136903346578562021-12-15T14:47:00.000+00:002021-12-15T14:47:19.728+00:00Letter to parents/carers from R Hunter and Test & Protect re COVID and Lateral Flow Tests (15 Dec 21)<p><b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">TEST & PROTECT</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: arial;">15 December 2021<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: windowtext;">COVID-19 asymptomatic
testing programme for school staff and pupils</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name="_heading=h.30j0zll"></a><span style="line-height: 120%;">Dear Parent/Guardian,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a name="_heading=h.1fob9te"></a><span style="line-height: 120%;">I am writing to let you know about some updates made
to the process for handing out LFD test kits to the children and young people<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>in our secondary school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Following
updated advice from Test and Protect, we are now able to hand out test kits
proactively to all staff and pupils, to enable them to test twice-weekly at
home and help keep our school/setting safe. There is no longer a requirement
for staff and pupils<span style="color: red;"> </span>to “opt in” to the
programme in order to receive or pick up test kits from school. This will bring
the schools programme into line with arrangements in other testing programmes
in society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Testing
remains voluntary. No-one is required to receive a pack of test kits if they do
not wish to, and no-one is required to take LFD tests as a condition of
attending school. However, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we are
strongly encouraging all of our staff and pupils<span style="color: red;"> </span>to
do so</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and to record results online</b>,
in order to identify any infections early on and help prevent our staff and
children from missing school during the winter period.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At the point
at which staff and pupils are provided with test kits, they will be provided
with information on the programme and privacy arrangements, for example through
the use of information posters and a privacy notice. By taking a pack of test
kits, reading the accompanying instructions, and testing at home, the person participating
will be understood to have agreed to taking part in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The school
will be running test kit “stalls” on Thursday and Friday so that pupils can
collect kits as they leave school at the end of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please do discuss
the contents of this letter with your child[ren], and continue to encourage
them to do the following to help keep our school community safe:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;">Test regularly (twice a week) at home</b><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;">; and</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 18pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><b style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;">Report all results, whether positive negative or void,
at </b><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result">www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result</a></span><span style="color: #44546a; font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><b style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -18pt;">or by calling 119.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-hyphenate: auto; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Further information for
parents is at: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.parentclub.scot/articles/covid-19-testing-staff-and-pupils">www.parentclub.scot/articles/covid-19-testing-staff-and-pupils</a></span>,
and more general information on LFD testing can be found at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/">www.nhsinform.scot</a></span>.
Frequently Asked Questions for young people, designed in partnership with Young
Scot, can be found here: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://young.scot/get-informed/national/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-young-people-at-school">https://young.scot/get-informed/national/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-young-people-at-school</a></span>.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours
faithfully,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">R Hunter</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Head Teacher</span></span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-14745050961923426022021-12-13T18:18:00.002+00:002021-12-13T18:20:40.890+00:00Letter from Lorna French (Acting Head of Schools) in relation to COVID-19 Guidance (13 Dec 21)<p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear Parents and Carers</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">COVID-19 Guidance</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">With one week until schools close
for the holidays, we should be winding down, however recent news about the
Omicron variant has made it clear that we must be more careful than ever.
Although the Schools Guidance has not yet changed, there have </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">been changes to the national guidance
about <b>close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19</b>. The list below sets out what you should now
know:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Household Close Contacts</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Must
complete 10-day isolation (this includes under 18s) and is irrespective of
vaccination status/negative test</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Non-Household Close Contacts who are adults (over 18)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">Can end self-isolation if
all of the following apply:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 5.15pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">you're fully vaccinated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">you receive a negative PCR test result<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">you do not have, or develop, symptoms</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you’re a close contact (non-household) and you’ve tested positive for
coronavirus in the last 90 days, you do not have to self-isolate or book a test
if you’re fully vaccinated unless you develop new symptoms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Isolation advice for under-18s (including under-5s) from Health Protection
Scotland</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All those under the age of 18, should isolate in line with the high
risk/low risk advice in place before the emergence of omicron.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">High risk contacts (for example, household resident, household
non-resident, intimate, intense social care) should isolate for 10 days even if
the PCR/LFD test is negative. This also applies to under 5s.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Low risk contacts (for example, classmates, car shares) <b>will receive a
warn and inform letter but will not be required to isolate or do a PCR test</b></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please find below link to
information:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/covid-19/covid-19-health-protection-guidance/latest-updates/">https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/covid-19/covid-19-health-protection-guidance/latest-updates/</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As I mentioned, there is no change
to the Schools’ Guidance, though Headteachers may make some small local
changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All major changes will be
communicated to you directly first, should that be necessary</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Thank you in advance for all you
can do to support us in this final week of term. By regular testing,
being vaccinated and of course following FACTS, we will hopefully do enough to
enjoy a healthy, happy Christmas holiday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kind regards<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Lorna French </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Acting Head of Schools and Lifelong
Learning<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-17434663884476751482021-12-10T14:16:00.006+00:002021-12-10T14:16:53.270+00:00Update Letter from R Hunter regarding the Omicron variant (10 Dec 2021)<p> <a name="_Hlk47519708"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Dear Parent/Carers,</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Covid /Omicron Mitigations</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">As I write you I am aware of the ever-changing landscape
because of the emergence of the Omicron variant. Local authority briefings are
providing Head Teachers with updated information.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am meeting with colleagues, representative of our Health
and Safety committee, pupil leaders and representatives of the Parent Council
on Monday evening at 3.45pm to discuss out next steps and the possible
re-introduction of certain mitigations.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The advice for now is to do all we can to ensure we apply the
FACTS principles.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">F</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">ace covering (unless exempt)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">A</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">void Crowds<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">C</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">lean Hands (use hand sanitisation stations in
school)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">T</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">wo meters distancing (for adults in school)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">S</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">elf -Isolate</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><a name="_Hlk75181431"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Please discus the importance of the all the
mitigations with your children. If there are any positive cases in your
household over the weekend please contact the following email addresses:</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"></span></span><a href="mailto:Admin@Gracemount.edin.sch.uk"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Admin@Gracemount.edin.sch.uk</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"></span></span><a href="mailto:covidcasemanagement@edinburgh.gov.uk"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">covidcasemanagement@edinburgh.gov.uk</span></span></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk75181431;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk47519708;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I expect there to be further communications
next week in preparation for the new term in January. In the meantime, please
do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any matter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Yours
faithfully,<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ross
Hunter<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Head
Teacher<o:p></o:p></span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-18571054272896029682021-12-08T15:17:00.005+00:002021-12-08T15:20:31.666+00:00COVID-19 Lateral Flow Device Testing for our school (8 Dec 21)<p> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear parent/carer,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">COVID-19 Lateral Flow Device Testing for our school</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thank you for all you do to
help keep our school safe for everyone. A vitally important part of this is
regular testing at home using Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests. For that reason,
I am asking you to encourage or support your child this winter to:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Test regularly (twice a week) at home</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Report all results, whether positive negative or void,
at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/">www.covidtest.scot</a></span>
or by calling 119.</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Why does testing and reporting results matter?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Regular,
twice-weekly testing at home can identify people at an early stage who have
Covid with no symptoms. By asking them to self-isolate, we can reduce the risk
of the virus being passed on and avoid more of our young people and staff
missing school over the winter period.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Reporting positives means your family will receive the advice and
support you need. Reporting negative and void results helps public health
experts to understand the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">full picture</span>
of COVID in our area, and to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">plan to
protect communities</span> and keep schools safe and open.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What else do I need to know?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The online portal
for reporting results has been improved following feedback – you can now
register family accounts that save key information for all your family members,
so <u>it only takes a few minutes to report results using your phone</u>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We have now ordered new test kits that are “nose-only” – this is to
address feedback that some young people found throat swabbing uncomfortable.
This link shows how to do the new tests: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk3LLAD7ybk">www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk3LLAD7ybk</a></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">].</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> All
our school pupils can access LFD test kits free of charge from our school.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">LFD tests are
very good at identifying people who don’t have symptoms but who have a “high
viral load”. Those are the people who are most infectious and likely to pass
the virus onto others. All LFDs supplied by schools have passed rigorous safety
tests.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">NB: </span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If your
child receives a positive result from their LFD at home or has symptoms, they
must report any LFD result online (or by calling 119), self-isolate and book a
PCR test via NHS Inform at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-get-a-test-if-you-have-symptoms">www.nhsinform.scot</a></span>.
Everyone in the household should also self-isolate and follow the advice about
next steps on NHS Inform.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thank you for taking the time
to read this, and for contributing to the shared effort to test, report and
keep our school community safe during the winter period.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Further information for
parents is at: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.parentclub.scot/articles/covid-19-testing-staff-and-pupils">www.parentclub.scot/articles/covid-19-testing-staff-and-pupils</a></span>,
and more general information on LFD testing can be found at <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/">www.nhsinform.scot</a></span>.
Frequently Asked Questions for young people, designed in partnership with Young
Scot, can be found here: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://young.scot/get-informed/national/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-young-people-at-school">https://young.scot/get-informed/national/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-young-people-at-school</a></span>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yours sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ross Hunter - Head Teacher</span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-24099985853640819962021-12-06T19:29:00.001+00:002021-12-06T19:29:08.883+00:00 Scottish Government Transport survey – free bus travel<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do you have a child aged 5-16, or are you a young person aged 12-21? If so, please complete the short travel survey for a chance to win up to £250 in Love2Shop vouchers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Scottish Government will soon be launching the Free Bus Travel Scheme for young people between the ages of 5 and 21. This aims to encourage greener travel patterns, and increase opportunities for young people to engage in employment, education and social activities and not be excluded due to travel costs. Transport Scotland will monitor the scheme as it progresses to check on use and impact. The first step is to try and understand current travel patterns so that any changes after the scheme is introduced can be identified.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We would be grateful if parents/carers of younger children (i.e. those aged 5-16), or young people aged 12-21 themselves, could complete this short travel survey. The questionnaire asks about current travel behaviour, and your thoughts about bus travel generally and the free bus travel. This should take no more than 10 minutes to do<span style="color: #44546a;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Contact Us:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you have any questions about the work or problems completing the questionnaire, please contact our Project Manager, Elaine Wilson-Smith, at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:elaine@wellsideresearch.co.uk" style="color: #954f72;">elaine@wellsideresearch.co.uk</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or on 0131 677 5522.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://online1.snapsurveys.com/under22travelsurvey" style="color: #954f72;">online1.snapsurveys.com/under22travelsurvey</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The closing date for all responses is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>24th January 2022</b>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 18pt;">Ross Hunter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;">Head Teacher<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;">Gracemount High School<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-65290319220209242712021-11-25T13:57:00.000+00:002021-11-25T14:00:29.068+00:00Warn & Inform Letter to Parents/Carers of all Pupils<p> </p><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Lothian NHS Board<br />Waverley Gate<br />2-4 Waterloo Place<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 3EG </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</span></a></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ref: Health Protection Team</span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear Parent/Carer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>In recent days we have been made aware of member(s) of the Gracemount High School community </span><span>in various year groups </span><span>who have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter is to inform you that your child has been identified as having been in </span><b>‘low risk’ contact</b><span> with this person. This means they </span><b><i>may</i></b><span> have shared a classroom or had some other low risk contact in school.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>There is no need for your child to isolate unless contacted separately by Test and Protect and asked to do so.</b><span> </span><b>School remains open and your child should continue to attend if they are well.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you or your child do develop any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">symptoms</b> of COVID-19, they must not come to school – they should have a test as soon as possible, and your whole household should stay at home until the test result comes back. Further information on testing, and the rules around self-isolation, can be found on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a> or by phoning 119 if you cannot book online.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus infection. For those people who are eligible, vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe disease.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please also:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ensure your child <b>takes a lateral flow test before returning to school</b>. This can help reduce the likelihood of spread in schools, by catching infections early.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in primary school, you can support them to take a test before returning if you and they wish to do so. This is not required, but can provide you, your child and their school community with reassurance. There is no need for your child to continue to test regularly as part of attending primary school.<span style="background: yellow; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in secondary school, they should take a test before returning wherever possible, and continue to test regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free at-home LFD test kits are available for you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></b></a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free test kits are available to all secondary school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they have any problems accessing tests.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Please ensure that all test results, whether positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: <a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.covidtest.scot</span></b></a><span style="color: #44546a;"> </span>OR by phoning 119.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your child should not take a lateral flow test if they have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 90 days.</span></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arrange vaccination</b> as soon as possible, if you or anyone eligible in your family have not yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></b></a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vaccination </b>is our best defence against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Wear a </span><b>face covering</b><span> in line with guidance, keep your </span><b>distance</b><span>, keep rooms </span><b>ventilated</b><span>, and </span><b>wash your hands</b><span> with soap and water regularly.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can find more trusted advice on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a>.</span></p><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours faithfully,<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Health Protection Team<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;">NHS Lothian</span></b></span></h2></div>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-85231396866128668262021-11-11T20:05:00.005+00:002021-11-11T20:05:50.096+00:00Formal Assessment (Period 1) Timetable - 22nd November - 14th December<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> The Formal Assessment 1 Timetable can be downloaded <b><a href="https://www.gracemounthighschool.co.uk/resources/Short-Term-Documents/GHS_Formal_Assessment_Timetable_Phase_1_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-20011446088672412852021-10-05T08:01:00.003+00:002021-10-05T08:01:31.226+00:00Warn & Inform Letter to Parents/Carers of S1 Pupils<p> </p><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Lothian NHS Board<br />Waverley Gate<br />2-4 Waterloo Place<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 3EG </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</span></a></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ref: Health Protection Team</span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear Parent/Carer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>In recent days we have been made aware of member(s) of the Gracemount High School community </span><span>in S1</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span>who have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter is to inform you that your child has been identified as having been in </span><b>‘low risk’ contact</b><span> with this person. This means they </span><b><i>may</i></b><span> have shared a classroom or had some other low risk contact in school.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>There is no need for your child to isolate unless contacted separately by Test and Protect and asked to do so.</b><span> </span><b>School remains open and your child should continue to attend if they are well.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you or your child do develop any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">symptoms</b> of COVID-19, they must not come to school – they should have a test as soon as possible, and your whole household should stay at home until the test result comes back. Further information on testing, and the rules around self-isolation, can be found on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a> or by phoning 119 if you cannot book online.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus infection. For those people who are eligible, vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe disease.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please also:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ensure your child <b>takes a lateral flow test before returning to school</b>. This can help reduce the likelihood of spread in schools, by catching infections early.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in primary school, you can support them to take a test before returning if you and they wish to do so. This is not required, but can provide you, your child and their school community with reassurance. There is no need for your child to continue to test regularly as part of attending primary school.<span style="background: yellow; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in secondary school, they should take a test before returning wherever possible, and continue to test regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free at-home LFD test kits are available for you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></b></a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free test kits are available to all secondary school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they have any problems accessing tests.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Please ensure that all test results, whether positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: <a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.covidtest.scot</span></b></a><span style="color: #44546a;"> </span>OR by phoning 119.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your child should not take a lateral flow test if they have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 90 days.</span></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arrange vaccination</b> as soon as possible, if you or anyone eligible in your family have not yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></b></a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vaccination </b>is our best defence against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Wear a </span><b>face covering</b><span> in line with guidance, keep your </span><b>distance</b><span>, keep rooms </span><b>ventilated</b><span>, and </span><b>wash your hands</b><span> with soap and water regularly.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can find more trusted advice on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a>.</span></p><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours faithfully,<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Health Protection Team<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;">NHS Lothian</span></b></span></h2></div>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-36618339939891754382021-09-26T19:21:00.001+00:002021-09-26T19:21:50.670+00:00Career Ready<p><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 26px;">Are you in S5?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 26px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>You can apply for Career Ready<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>What is Career Ready?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A 2 year programme which gives you an insight into the world of work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>What is involved?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Career Ready will provide you with:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.2px;">✓ Your own mentor<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.2px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">✓ </span>A 4-week paid internship<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.2px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">✓ </span>Masterclasses to help you prepare for the world of work<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">✓ Events<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>What will I gain?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.2px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">✓ </span>Advice on choosing and building a career<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.2px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">✓ </span>Experience of the workplace<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">✓ Opportunities to boost your skills and confidence<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>How do I take part?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>You must be in S5 to take part in Career Ready. </b>Speak to Mr Kilday in the Music Department or apply by clicking on the application link below.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Deadline for applications: Friday 1</i><span class="s3" style="font-size: 9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>st </i></span><i>October 2021<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/ZQeEfWWKDq" target="_blank">Career Ready application<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a></b></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-60454325249405941962021-09-22T08:57:00.001+00:002021-09-22T09:31:45.061+00:00Warn & Inform Letter to Parents/Carers of Pupils in S4-6<p> </p><h3><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Lothian NHS Board<br />Waverley Gate<br />2-4 Waterloo Place<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 3EG </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</span></a></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ref: Health Protection Team</span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear Parent/Carer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I<span>n recent days we have been made aware of member(s) of the Gracemount High School community </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>in S4-6</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span>who have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter is to inform you that your child has been identified as having been in </span><b>‘low risk’ contact</b><span> with this person. This means they </span><b><i>may</i></b><span> have shared a classroom or had some other low risk contact in school.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>There is no need for your child to isolate unless contacted separately by Test and Protect and asked to do so.</b><span> </span><b>School remains open and your child should continue to attend if they are well.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you or your child do develop any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">symptoms</b> of COVID-19, they must not come to school – they should have a test as soon as possible, and your whole household should stay at home until the test result comes back. Further information on testing, and the rules around self-isolation, can be found on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a> or by phoning 119 if you cannot book online.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus infection. For those people who are eligible, vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe disease.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please also:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ensure your child <b>takes a lateral flow test before returning to school</b>. This can help reduce the likelihood of spread in schools, by catching infections early.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in primary school, you can support them to take a test before returning if you and they wish to do so. This is not required, but can provide you, your child and their school community with reassurance. There is no need for your child to continue to test regularly as part of attending primary school.<span style="background: yellow; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in secondary school, they should take a test before returning wherever possible, and continue to test regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free at-home LFD test kits are available for you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found at: <a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></b></a>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Free test kits are available to all secondary school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they have any problems accessing tests.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Please ensure that all test results, whether positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: <a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.covidtest.scot</span></b></a><span style="color: #44546a;"> </span>OR by phoning 119.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your child should not take a lateral flow test if they have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 90 days.</span></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arrange vaccination</b> as soon as possible, if you or anyone eligible in your family have not yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></b></a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vaccination </b>is our best defence against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Wear a </span><b>face covering</b><span> in line with guidance, keep your </span><b>distance</b><span>, keep rooms </span><b>ventilated</b><span>, and </span><b>wash your hands</b><span> with soap and water regularly.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can find more trusted advice on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a>.</span></p><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours faithfully,<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Health Protection Team<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;">NHS Lothian</span></b></span></h2></div>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-77471811962817407222021-09-22T08:54:00.004+00:002021-09-22T09:31:58.306+00:00Warn & Inform Letter to Parents/Carers of S2 Pupils<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Lothian NHS Board<br />Waverley Gate<br />2-4 Waterloo Place<br />Edinburgh<br />EH1 3EG </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</span></a></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ref: Health Protection Team</span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear
Parent/Carer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>In
recent days we have been made aware of member(s) of the Gracemount High School
community </span><span>in S2</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span>who have tested positive for COVID-19. This letter is
to inform you that your child has been identified as having been in </span><b>‘low risk’ contact</b><span> with this person.
This means they </span><b><i>may</i></b><span> have shared a classroom or had some other low risk contact
in school.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>There is no need for your child
to isolate unless contacted separately by Test and Protect and asked to do so.</b><span> </span><b>School remains open and your child should continue to attend if they
are well.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
public health judgement that these types of contact are low risk is based on a
range of factors, including vaccination rates, evidence about transmission from
children and young people, and the low risk of direct health harms to children.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you
or your child do develop any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">symptoms</b>
of COVID-19, they must not come to school – they should have a test as soon as
possible, and your whole household should stay at home until the test result
comes back. Further information on testing, and the rules around
self-isolation, can be found on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a> or by phoning 119 if you
cannot book online.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of: new
continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of
taste or smell (anosmia).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Please
be reassured that for most people coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild
illness. Children are at particularly low risk of illness from coronavirus
infection. For those people who are eligible, vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe
disease.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">To help
reduce the risk to your family and your school community, please also:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Ensure your child <b>takes a lateral flow test
before returning to school</b>. This can help reduce the likelihood of spread
in schools, by catching infections early.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in primary school, you can support them to take a
test before returning if you and they wish to do so. This is not required, but
can provide you, your child and their school community with reassurance. There
is no need for your child to continue to test regularly as part of attending
primary school.<span style="background: yellow; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->If your child is in secondary school, they
should take a test before returning wherever possible, and continue to test
regularly (twice-weekly) thereafter.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Free at-home LFD test kits are available for
you and your primary-school aged children by collection from COVID test centres
or pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found
at: <a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></b></a>.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Free test kits are available to all secondary
school children from the school. Please contact the school directly if they
have any problems accessing tests.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Please ensure that all test results, whether
positive, negative or void, are recorded on the online portal at: <a href="http://www.covidtest.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.covidtest.scot</span></b></a><span style="color: #44546a;"> </span>OR by phoning 119.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your child should not take a lateral flow test
if they have tested positive for coronavirus in the last 90 days.</span></span></p>
<p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arrange vaccination</b> as soon as possible, if you or anyone eligible in your family have not
yet been vaccinated. <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine</span></b></a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vaccination </b>is our best defence against
COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Bullet1" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Wear a </span><b>face
covering</b><span> in line with guidance, keep your </span><b>distance</b><span>, keep rooms </span><b>ventilated</b><span>,
and </span><b>wash your hands</b><span> with soap and water regularly.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can find more trusted advice on <a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/"><b><span style="color: #43358b;">www.nhsinform.scot</span></b></a>.</span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yours
faithfully,<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Health
Protection Team<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial;">NHS
Lothian</span></b></span></h2></div>
<span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"></span><p></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-31864874176582717172021-09-11T13:03:00.001+00:002021-09-11T13:03:45.540+00:00Letter to parents/carers of school children in NHS Lothian Area from Lothian NHS Board<p><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lothian NHS
Board</span></b></p>
<p class="Default"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #660000;">FAO
parents/carers of school children in NHS Lothian Area</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enquiries to Lorna Douglas – 0131 465 5560.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="mailto:Lorna.Douglas@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk">Lorna.Douglas@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</a></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10 September 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dear Parents/Carers,</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We appreciate there have been a number of changes in how cases of
COVID-19 in schools are being managed since the start of term and that this has
caused some confusion and anxiety. We hope this letter helps explain these
changes.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rationale behind the changes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Children and young people have a very low risk of health harm from
COVID-19, and children and young people with asymptomatic infection (that is
without symptoms) are at a relatively low risk of transmitting COVID-19 to
adults. Vaccine uptake is very high, particularly among individuals who are at
greater risk of harm from COVID-19, and the vaccines are highly effective at
preventing severe disease. This has led to the recent changes in policy for self-isolation
and contact tracing for close contacts aged under 18and means that the blanket
isolation of whole school classes will no longer be routine. Far fewer children
and young people are likely to be asked to self-isolate, and when they do it
will be for a shorter period of time while they await their PCR result.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cases of COVID-19</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The advice for people with symptoms of Covid is unchanged. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If your child has symptoms of COVID-19ortests positive, they must
self-isolate </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">in line with advice given on NHS Inform.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Contacts under 18 years</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For young people aged under 18years, the focus of contact tracing
now is to identify those who are at the highest risk of being exposed to
infection. The Test and Protect process will identify those have had <b>close
or prolonged contact with the person who is positive such as living in the same
household, sleepover or physical relationship type contact with the case</b>.
These high risk close contacts will be asked to isolate and take a PCR test. If
the PCR result is negative and they remain without symptoms, then they can end
self-isolation. If the PCR test is positive, they must self-isolate as a case
as above. If a high risk contact is aged under 5 years, then they will not need
to self-isolate so long as they have no symptoms -PCR testing is not required,
but still encouraged.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Other children and young people who meet the definition of a
contact are considered <b>low risk - </b>e.g. those who had contact in
classrooms, dining rooms, common entry and exit points, general playground
contacts, friendship groups and sharing transport to school. These contacts
will <b>not </b>be directly contact traced by Test and Protect. When cases
arise, parents and carers will be alerted via the 'warn and inform' letter so
that they can be vigilant and look out for symptoms and signs of COVID-19in
their children.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Test and Protect processes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Much of the Test and Protect process is now automated. Parents
should not always expect to receive a phone call from Test and Protect staff, because
much of the contact tracing is carried out electronically. It is therefore
important to follow instructions on electronic communications (text and email)
carefully and complete all contact information as requested by Test and Protect
to help with that process. More information on Test and Protect can be found <b>here</b>,
including how to tell that a communication you receive is genuinely from Test
and Protect and not a scam.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">NHS Lothian continues to work closely with Education colleagues to
monitor cases of COVID-19and support public health measures to reduce the
spread of infection in schools. It is important that parents and pupils
continue to practice good hand hygiene, comply with mask wearing and other
COVID-19policies. It is also important for secondary pupils to take part in
regular LFT testing and to take up the offer of COVID-19 vaccination if they
are eligible.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I hope that this provides some background and clarification for
the recent changes in approach to COVID-19 contact tracing in young people. If
you would like any further information,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>please see Scottish Government information sheet for more detail.</span></p>
<p class="Default"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">Yours
faithfully, </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dona Milne</span></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">Director of Public
Health and Health Policy</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-17497668391747950522021-08-27T10:57:00.000+00:002021-08-27T10:57:04.834+00:00 Drop-in arrangements for Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 16+<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Drop-in arrangements for Covid vaccination clinics
for all aged 16 or over</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> can be found at:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx</a><br /></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-55265865462686156412021-08-26T07:41:00.002+00:002021-09-07T07:54:33.113+00:00COVID-19: Warn & Inform Letter to all Parents/Carers<p></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p class="nhsdept"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Lothian
NHS Board</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</span></p><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td height="0" width="539"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Waverley Gate</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -21.3pt; tab-stops: 49.65pt; text-align: justify;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;">2-4 Waterloo Place</span></st1:address></st1:street><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.65pt; text-align: justify;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;">Edinburgh</span></st1:place></st1:city><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;">EH1 3EG<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 49.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;"><a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk</span></a></span></p></div>
<div class="WordSection2">
<p class="nhsrecipient"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="nhsrecipient"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><b>Advice to
parents/carers</b></span></p>
<p class="nhsinfo" style="margin-left: 0cm; tab-stops: 49.5pt; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -49.65pt;">Our Ref</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -49.65pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -49.65pt;"> Health Protection Team</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 49.65pt; tab-stops: 49.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -49.65pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -49.65pt;">Enquiries to</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -49.65pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -49.65pt;"> School</span></p>
<p class="nhsinfo"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>
<div class="WordSection3">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Dear
Parent/Carer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">COVID-19 information letter to parents and carers</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This
is to inform you that cases of confirmed COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been
reported in a people with links to Gracemount High School.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">All
close contacts of the cases who need to take specific actions have been
identified, contacted and advised to follow the latest guidance on
self-isolation and testing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">From
August 9<sup>th</sup> 2021, these procedures have been updated for:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">-
adults who are fully vaccinated, who do not have symptoms and who have not
tested positive; and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">-
children and young people aged under 18 who do not have symptoms and who have
not tested positive.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Further
information on the latest self-isolation requirements can be found on the NHS
Inform website at: </span><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> or </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/translations"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Translations (nhsinform.scot)</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> for accessible, easy
read formats or other languages.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">What you need to do</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">There
is no requirement for you or your child to self-isolate unless you are
contacted by Test and Protect. This could happen if the contacts your child has
had in the school environment or other settings – most likely social or
overnight settings – are assessed as requiring targeted action.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The school has multiple control measures in place
against COVID-19, supported with regular testing of staff, to limit the risk of
onwards transmission within the school environment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the
school, Test and Protect and the local NHS Health Protection Team will work to
ensure these individuals, and any of their relevant close contacts, are advised
to self-isolate and follow the latest guidance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk66273453"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The school remains open in line with current Scottish Government
guidelines and if there are any further updates we will communicate this to the
school community. If your child has </span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk66273453;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">not</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk66273453;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
been advised that they are a relevant close contact and remains well, they can
continue to attend school as per your school’s current arrangements. Anyone
with COVID symptoms of a new and persistent cough, fever, altered or absent
sense of taste or smell should stay at home and get a PCR test.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk66273453;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">If you have been advised by Test and Protect
that your child has been identified as a relevant close contact of someone who
has tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the guidance they have
provided. The information below is general information for parents/carers whose
children have </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk66273453;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">not</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk66273453;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
been identified as a close contact where targeted action is required.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Keep testing regularly,
even without symptoms<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Regular testing even when you don’t have
symptoms can help keep you and your school community safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If your child is at secondary school, they can
access free LFD tests from the school, to allow them to test twice-weekly at
home as long as they have no symptoms. Please contact the school directly to
ask about this if your child is having problems accessing tests.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Please encourage your child to test
twice-weekly, <u>and</u> to record all positive, negative or void results on
the online reporting portal at: </span><a href="http://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-report-your-test-result</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">. Reporting results
helps public health experts understand what is happening with COVID-19 in your
area, so they can take early action to address any problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">In addition, you and the rest of your family,
including primary school-aged children, can access free test kits through the Universally
Accessible Testing programme, which is available to everyone in Scotland. Free
at-home LFD test kits are available for collection from COVID test centres or
pharmacies, or delivery by ordering online. More information can be found at: </span><a href="http://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/no-covid-symptoms</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">What to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID-19</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Please be particularly vigilant for symptoms
of COVID-19 in the coming weeks. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If your child develops any symptoms of COVID-19
they must not come to school. They should stay at home from when their symptoms
started, self-isolate, and get tested for COVID-19. Find out more on </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS Inform</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">. The symptoms of
coronavirus (COVID-19) are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">a
new continuous cough and/or<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">a
high temperature and/or<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">a
loss of, or change in, taste or smell (anosmia).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">All other household members of your child
(including yourself) must also stay at home and follow the latest guidance,
which can be found on </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS Inform</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">. In the event of a
positive result, Test and Protect will contact you to provide tailored advice
on what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Booking a test</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">To get a test for you or your child if they or
you develop symptoms, you can:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Book
a test at </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing" target="_blank" title="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #6888c9; font-size: 12pt;">NHS
Inform</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
for your nearest COVID-19 test site, or by calling 119. There are
drive-through, walk-through, mobile testing units across Scotland which are
open from 8-am until 8pm, 7 days a week. A full list of sites can be found at </span><a href="https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" title="https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/pages/covid-symptoms/"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #6888c9; font-size: 12pt;">Gov.Scot</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Order
a home PCR test kit </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-get-a-test-if-you-have-symptoms" target="_blank" title="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-get-a-test-if-you-have-symptoms"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #6888c9; font-size: 12pt;">online</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">, or by calling 119. A
test will then be delivered to your home. To return you can either drop the
test at your nearest priority post box, or if you are unable to go out, you can
also call 119 to book a courier collection from your home.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It is important</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> that anyone with one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms gets tested, so
that anyone who tests positive knows to continue to stay at home and
self-isolate. This will help stop the spread of coronavirus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For most people,
coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If your child develops symptoms you can seek
advice from </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS Inform</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">How to stop COVID-19
spreading</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">There are things you can do to reduce the risk
of you and anyone you live with getting ill with COVID-19. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">get
vaccinated if you haven’t already done so and are eligible. Vaccination is our
best defence against COVID-19 causing anyone to become seriously unwell. If anyone
who is eligible in your family or home have not yet been vaccinated, then they
should arrange vaccination as soon as possible. This could also help you avoid
having to self-isolate in the future. Information on how to arrange a
vaccination can be found on </span><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/how-you-will-get-the-coronavirus-vaccine"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS inform</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">regularly
wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">use
hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">wash
your hands as soon as you get home<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you
cough or sneeze<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">put
used tissues straight in the bin and wash your hands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">open windows/doors regularly to ventilate your
home</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">be vigilant for COVID symptoms</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt;">self-isolate when you have COVID symptoms or have
been advised to by Test and Protect.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Further Information</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For general
Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions and information: </span><a href="https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus/coronavirus-faq?age=0"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus/coronavirus-faq?age=0</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">and</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19">https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If
you would like to speak to someone or if you have any questions, please contact
the school office.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I
look forward to seeing your child return to school in line with the guidance in
this letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yours
sincerely</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p></div>
<div class="WordSection4">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk79506279"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Health Protection Team<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk79506279;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">NHS Lothian<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk79506279;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk79506279;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">R Hunter<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk79506279;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Headteacher, </span></b></span><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Gracemount High School</span></b></p>
</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="break-before: auto; mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk79506279;"></span></b>
<p class="nhsbase"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="nhsbase"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><br /><p></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-2240412847218390632021-06-24T13:30:00.003+00:002021-06-24T13:30:40.647+00:00Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian (COVID MESSAGE #1 24 June 2021)<p> <b>Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian</b> </p><p>We are aware of a person in the school who has tested positive for COVID-19.</p><p>We understand this is a worrying time but would like to reassure you that we are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance. </p><p>Persons are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self-isolate and asked to have a test for COVID-19. They will be given appropriate guidance and advice. </p><p>An update via text will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete. If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the school, we will ensure these individuals, and any of their close contacts, are advised to self-isolate promptly. </p><p>If you have not been contacted and your child remains well, you should continue to follow the school’s existing arrangements for your child. </p><p>Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open. </p><p>If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. </p><p>Please note that a test should only be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms. </p><p>Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19. For further information you may find this FAQs useful</p><p><a href=" https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"> https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx</a></p><p>Best wishes</p><p>Ross Hunter</p><p>Headteacher</p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-43438548606687158312021-06-16T10:11:00.002+00:002021-06-16T10:11:18.677+00:00Help stop the spread of Covid-19 in your community<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA73ViQ7B1A7ztXpvUrPR2GdcrVVbLyOiYvxwy6ZAMIGA4ivqZBiMC0cj7hFmJAm4ex_4tpfn10E762ydmec1sBo-QIwRYDUpiU-bB0GNyrZ-hGdWxoNhNPB3tJLGQ0phWN-23JCRSodOI/s1024/Gilmerton+Poster+A3+101024_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA73ViQ7B1A7ztXpvUrPR2GdcrVVbLyOiYvxwy6ZAMIGA4ivqZBiMC0cj7hFmJAm4ex_4tpfn10E762ydmec1sBo-QIwRYDUpiU-bB0GNyrZ-hGdWxoNhNPB3tJLGQ0phWN-23JCRSodOI/w452-h640/Gilmerton+Poster+A3+101024_1.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-72808791087942485462021-06-15T11:20:00.001+00:002021-06-15T11:24:48.417+00:00Note Parents/Carers of S4-6 pupils in relation to Provisional Grades<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dear
Parent/Carers of S4-6 pupils<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">You will be aware that, as part
of the SQA’s Alternative Certification Model, our teachers are busy determining
provisional grades for your child, which will be submitted to the SQA on Friday
25 June.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am writing to inform you that
your child will be emailed their provisional grades after school on <b>Wednesday
23 June</b> and that you will also receive a copy of the letter by email.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The letter will include details
of the SQA’s appeals process, details of which can be found on the SQA website:
<a href="https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html">https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<br />
The SQA has also produced an information booklet for pupils: <a href="https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/SQA-Appeals-2021-what-you-need-to-know.pdf">https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/SQA-Appeals-2021-what-you-need-to-know.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
Should you have any questions at this stage, please contact us:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">admin@gracemount.edin.sch.uk</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ross Hunter, Head Teacher</span></p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-82423580704587540702021-06-14T17:52:00.001+00:002021-06-14T17:52:08.967+00:00Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian (COVID MESSAGE #2 14 June 2021)<p>Message from Ross Hunter (Head Teacher) and NHS Lothian.</p><p>As you may already know, we are aware of persons in the school who tested positive for COVID-19 last week.</p><p>We have been working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance. Persons have now been contacted because they have been in close and sustained contact with the case and the tracking process is now complete. These contacts will need to self-isolate and have been asked to book a COVID-19 test. </p><p>Appropriate guidance and advice have been given. If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the school/setting, we will ensure these individuals, and any of their close contacts, are advised to self-isolate promptly.</p><p>If you have not been contacted and your child remains well, you should continue to follow the school’s existing arrangements for your child. </p><p>Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open. </p><p>If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. </p><p>Please note that a test should only ever be booked if you or your child has these specific symptoms. </p><p>Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19. For further information you may find this Frequently Asked Questions document useful : </p><p><a href="https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx " target="_blank">https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx </a></p><p>Best wishes,</p><p>Ross Hunter</p><p>Head Teacher</p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-87499148792343322792021-06-14T11:33:00.000+00:002021-06-14T11:33:04.156+00:00Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian (COVID MESSAGE #1 14 June 2021)<p><b>Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian</b> </p><p>We are aware people in the school who have tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and Friday last week. </p><p>We understand this is a worrying time but would like to reassure you that we are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance. </p><p>Persons are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self-isolate and asked to have a test for COVID-19. They will be given appropriate guidance and advice. </p><p>An update via text will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete. If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the school, we will ensure these individuals, and any of their close contacts, are advised to self-isolate promptly. </p><p>If you have not been contacted and your child remains well, you should continue to follow the school’s existing arrangements for your child. </p><p>Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open. </p><p>If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. </p><p>Please note that a test should only be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms. </p><p>Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19. For further information you may find this FAQs useful</p><p><a href=" https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"> https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx</a></p><p>Best wishes</p><p>Ross Hunter</p><p>Headteacher</p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-52780770118880703242021-06-07T12:12:00.007+00:002021-06-07T12:33:08.682+00:00Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian (COVID MESSAGE #1: 7 Jun 2021)<p> <b>Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian</b> </p><p>On Friday/Saturday, we were made aware that persons in the school tested positive for COVID-19. </p><p>We understand this is a worrying time but would like to reassure you that we are working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance. </p><p>Persons are currently being contacted because they may have been in close and sustained contact with the case and will need to self-isolate and asked to have a test for COVID-19. They will be given appropriate guidance and advice. </p><p>An update via text will be sent to you as soon as the tracking and tracing process is complete. If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the school, we will ensure these individuals, and any of their close contacts, are advised to self-isolate promptly. </p><p>If you have not been contacted and your child remains well, you should continue to follow the school’s existing arrangements for your child. </p><p>Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. The school is safe and remains open. </p><p>If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. </p><p>Please note that a test should only be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms. </p><p>Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19. For further information you may find this FAQs useful</p><p><a href=" https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"> https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx</a></p><p>Best wishes</p><p>Ross Hunter</p><p>Headteacher</p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5466585749913381908.post-36358474908110182782021-06-04T07:13:00.001+00:002021-06-04T07:13:07.325+00:00Message from Ross Hunter, Head Teacher, and NHS Lothian (COVID MESSAGE #2: 4 Jun 2021)<p>Message from Ross Hunter (Head Teacher)</p><p>As you may already know, we are aware of a person in the school/setting who tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.</p><p>We have been working closely with NHS Lothian Health Protection Team and following all national guidance. </p><p>Persons have now been contacted because they have been in close and sustained contact with the case and the tracking process is now complete. </p><p>These contacts will need to self-isolate and have been asked to book a COVID-19 test. Appropriate guidance and advice have been given. If there are any further cases of COVID-19 in the school, we will ensure these individuals, and any of their close contacts, are advised to self-isolate promptly.</p><p>If you have not been contacted and your child remains well, you should continue to follow the school’s existing arrangements for your child. </p><p>Enhanced cleaning and infection control measures are in place in line with national guidance. </p><p>The school is safe and remains open. </p><p>If you have any concerns in the meantime, or if you need to book a COVID-19 test because your child has developed symptoms (high temperature, a new continuous cough and/or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste) please visit the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot or for non-clinical advice call 0800 028 2816. </p><p>Please note that a test should only ever be booked if you or your child has these specifics symptoms. </p><p>Remember to stay at home if anyone in the household has symptoms of COVID-19. </p><p>For further information you may find this Frequently Asked Questions document useful : https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Parents/Schools/Pages/default.aspx </p><p>Best wishes,</p><p>Ross Hunter</p><p>Head Teacher</p>Gracemount High Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10905170561162354224noreply@blogger.com0