Balfron Matters 

Dear colleagues,

Thank you to all who contributed to the many co-curricular activities that ran successfully last week.  We are committed to offering the widest range of opportunities and activities to help our young people to find their thing and feel valued in our community.  Last week certainly didn't fall short.  I am aware that there are too many clubs, safe spaces and drop-ins to mention but last week I was delighted to help promote some fabulous opportunities.

Firstly, congratulations to Jasper Burnside and Harry Braid (supported by Emma and Kate) who are through to the final of the prestigious and hotly contested Donald Dewar Debating Tournament.  This is the second year in a row in the Law Society's annual national competition for the Balfron High School team. We wish them the very best of luck in the final.

Thanks to the science team who kicked off British Science week on Friday with all of S1 participating in the BodyWorks activities provided by the Science Centre.  A wide range of activities are available this week including talks and experiments.

Thanks to Neil and Aileen who highlighted Scottish Apprenticeship Week through assemblies and form class activities, videos and information to parents/carers. Where possible encourage our young people to consider the many options available beyond the traditional pathways.  It is important that they can see that we afford equal value to jobs, apprenticeships, college and university pathways.

Thanks to Andrew who organised Live-N-Learn to come in to work with S3 on Enterprise Workshops on Friday. There was a focus on building entrepreneurial attitudes, managing conflict, developing creativity, communication, time management and goal setting.  Pupils worked in small groups to solve a range of fun problems. 

It was great to see International Women's Day promoted across the school, also on Friday.  If you get a chance, take a look at the boards in PE and the library.

Our Eco Club launched Greenpeace UK's, The Big Plastic Count at assemblies last week. We would very much appreciate Form Class Leaders promoting and encouraging participation.  Individuals and groups are simply asked to count our plastic for one week (11-17 March). Results will be submitted and a Plastic Footprint showing where our plastic ends up will be sent back to us.

Inter-House has a positive influence on our positive school ethos.  It is fantastic to see our young people take a genuine pride in their House and enjoying the wide range of challenges. Last week University Challenge and Boccia were the focus with good levels of participation and support.  Thanks Neil for coordinating that and colleagues for leading activities to contribute to the range of competitions. This is the final week before the winning House is announced. 

Form Class Leaders, if you haven't started, please give The Social Dilemma a go with your class.  There are some important discussion points. Let's ensure that our young people are aware of the impact of social media on their wellbeing and choices. The link is in the #MobileMarch Form Class Activity slides.

Another busy week ahead with Working Groups meeting on Wednesday after school.  The Pupil Parliament is meeting on Tuesday periods 2 and 3 in the Strathendrick Suite.  In addition to sharing progress and ideas, our young leaders will be suggesting and discussing key points for a pupil improvement plan for next session.  More on that in due course.

It is Charity Week this week, led by Murrin and the Head Prefects.  Please note that Friday is non-uniform day to support the charities.

Please promote the Big Step Count Challenge with your Form Class.  The info has been posted on Year Group Google Classrooms. Groups of 5 should be counting steps between 11-24 March.

Thanks again for your professionalism and hard work. Have a great week.

Elaine