Coping with Nairn Academy Disruption
Seven classrooms on the upper floor of Nairn Academy will remain out of commission until at least the Easter holidays as the result of an incident last weekend when work on the school roof to prepare for the installation of solar panels resulted in dust and small pieces of Artex paint falling into several areas of Upper School.
Head Teacher Douglas Simpson has advised parents that the closure of the six maths and one computing classroom will inevitably disrupt classes and that priority will be given to those pupils who are heading towards SQA exams in May (i.e. S4/5/6 - and to a lesser extent S3).
The following arrangements have been put in place until the end of next week.
Thursday 5 March - S2 not in school
Friday 6 March - S1 not in school
Monday 9 March - S2 not in school
Tuesday 10 March - S1 not in school
Wednesday 11 March - S2 not in school
Thursday 12 March - S1 not in school
Friday 13 March - S2 not in school
Mr Simpson told parents in a newsletter: “I am extremely disappointed that this interruption to the life of the school has occurred and will do everything possible to minimise its disruptive effect on your child’s education. “
Extra homework will be given to pupils who are missing school to keep them busy at home and some staff will be available every evening between 4pm and 5pm in Middle School to offer tutorial support to pupils/parents.
A helpline - 01463 663820 or 01463 663815 – is now operational. Calls will be logged and a detailed response will be given by telephone or e-mail. The helpline will be operational 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday - Friday.
Use of community facilities for S1/2 pupils is currently being explored.
Mr Simpson added: “The upper school area has been sealed off because the flakes of Artex contain traces of asbestos, which will now, despite its very low risk, have to be completely removed by an asbestos firm, Northern Asbestos. Air tests carried out by Northern Asbestos in this area and in other parts of the school have indicated that the risk to school users is insignificant with readings well within the established safety levels set by the Health and Safety Executive.
“‘It is essential the pupils, parents and staff are reassured about this incident and about the future strategy for asbestos monitoring and removal. Information, including frequently asked questions and responses, will be uploaded on an ongoing basis on the school’s website. If the information parents are seeking is not on the website or if they wish further clarification then they should telephone the ECS Helpline. I would ask you to note that depending on the nature of the question, it may not be possible to give an immediate response on the helpline number. Responses will, however, be provided by appropriate individuals as quickly as possible.”
The S5/6 Parents night has been rescheduled for Monday 16th March from 4.30pm-7pm.