Balfron Matters 

Dear colleagues,

Congratulations to Campsie House who edged the Inter-House win by 50 points over Lomond House. It was great to see the whole school together for the announcement.  Massive thanks to everyone who has supported Inter-House throughout the year.  Many of our young people really get behind the competition and have a genuine sense of pride in their House. We are committed to supporting young people to find their thing, and keen to increase the range of opportunities available. Please consider how your team could add to the programme.

The Spring Concert certainly did not disappoint.  It was wonderful to hear the wide range of music on offer.  Thank you to Steven and Cairi who led the planning and organisation of the concert. Thanks to the whole team who pulled together to make it a fabulous evening.  I have posted a few short excerpts below to share a flavour.

We are pleased to be in a position to appoint five permanent posts when we return after the holiday.  As the process is rigorous, including observed lessons and a pupil panel, it means that it is impossible to avoid disruption.  We plan to appoint no more than two per week and thank you in advance for your help with observations and patience where the timetable is changed.  The posts being appointed are Business, HE, English, Maths and Technologies.

More change ahead... Massive congratulations to Andrew Lauder who secured a new PT post on Friday.  Andrew will be going to Preston Lodge High School in August as PT Health and Wellbeing. I know you will want to join me in congratulating Andrew.

Well done to our young people who are part of the Balfron High Strathendrick U18 Rugby team.  As Neil highlighted at the whole school assembly last week, the team did fantastically well to make it to the final of the national U18 plate.  While they did not manage to hold QV off, they played great rugby and should be very proud of their achievements.  The final score was 27-36.

The Working Group Leads had a positive meeting last week.  Plans for the Learning Festival on the inservice day are coming together.  Your lead will check with you whether you would prefer to host a display, give a presentation or lead an activity to showcase your learning. Michelle will come up with a super, grand plan to maximise sharing on the day. Thanks in advance to her!

David has identified an issue where a clash has emerged between the S2 trip to the Ardeche and the S1 Parents Evening.  Twelve teachers are away that week. At the SNC we have suggested that we move the S1 parents meeting from Thursday 16th May to Thursday 30 May.  If you have feedback or questions on that, please see David, your professional association rep or me. 

Some of you may be interested to tune into the new podcast 'The Inside Track' featuring our Former Pupil Ross Murdoch reflecting on his Gold medal win in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

We have made it successfully to the last week of term! Thanks again for your professionalism and hard work.  Have a great week and a fabulous, well earned holiday when it comes.

Elaine