Dear colleagues,

Congratulations to Charlotte Savva (voice) and Corin Swindells (drums) who won the school round of Rotary Young Musician of the Year last week.  They progress to the next round. Thanks to Steven for organising the competition. We had 19 Balfron High pupils - great to see the numbers steadily growing!

Massive thanks to everyone who helped with the dances last week.  Thanks to the staff, the wide range of contributions make the Balfron High dances really stand out.  They have been a huge success, very much enjoyed by our young people.  The PE team have done a fabulous job teaching the dances and leading the Ceilidhs. We could not have managed without the general supervision provided by staff and the food and band were been great! The thoughtful extras also add to the experience for pupils - inter-house dance comps, the photo booth, the tuck shop and drinks area.  The S1/2 dance is on Monday - thanks in advance to those who will be there to ensure it runs smoothly.

The Christmas Concert is on Wednesday at 7pm.  All staff are welcome and encouraged to come along.  It will absolutely get you in the Christmas spirit.  Some of our junior choir and jazz band have been out in the community supporting events. This really helps raise the profile of the school posiively in the community. Thanks to staff for supporting that. There are some video shorts below.

Thursday is the Bring & Share lunch and sharing of secret Santa gifts.  I hope everyone who works on a Thursday is able to join in.  It is a nice to get together to conclude the term.

As always, the last day of term is a non-uniform day.  Everyone is encouraged to bring an item for the Balfron Larder.  I have popped a reminded of the items that we ar looking for to help the ever increasing number of families in our community who need help.  We have shared this with the wider community hoping that everyone can pull together to contribute. Together we can be the reason someone smiles this Christmas.

Thanks to everyone who has helped chase up and support young people who are showing in our Attainment Alert data.  They should be going into the holidays with a better sense of how to revise and how use that time effectively.

Thanks to Phil who has managed to shorten the prelim diet, despite many challenges. Seniors will return for their exams after the break.  Phil's presentation is below and I would ask that you reinforce:

• arrive 10 minutes before the exam

• absolutely no technology in the exam room (phones, earpods, smart watches)

• uniform when in school

• study in the atrium if not in an exam

In preparation for the new year, phone boxes will be delivered to you this week.  They will have envelopes inside the box, ready for use should you need them. The policy is below, should you need to remind yourself of the protocol. If you are an S1-3 FCL, it would be great if you could remind your class that the change starts on return to school in January.

I am delighted to share that we have had confirmation from the Paul Charitable Trust that they will fund a new mini-bus for us in the new year.  I am hoping that it will be a 'lite' 17 seater minibus that everyone who has been MIDAS trained will be able to drive.  I am not sure of the time frame but will share more information as I get it.  

And finally, massive thanks to Michelle for coordinating the Lunch N Learn sessions this year.  She has collated the resources - info below.  If you have not been along to the session, I know you would find them worth while in the new year. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to go.

Thanks in advance for your contribution this week.  #buildingfuturestogether

Have a fabulous holiday and well earned rest when it comes. 

Elaine