Dear colleagues,

We have a busy last week that includes important SQA assemblies, a primary transition parents meeting, the Owen Britton debating competition and our Spring Concert and Art exhibition.  Charlie Savva will be singing her award winning piece. Along with other fabulous excerpts, it will be a wonderful evening. The Art Team have curated an exhibition of pupil work to set the scene for the concert. Staff are very welcome to come along to the concert - just see Anna for a ticket.  

Friday is super busy.  I have agreed a non-uniform fundraiser with the SAMH pupis who are raising money to resource their drop-in peer mentoring programme plans.  If you missed the assembly last week, the powerpoint is below.  Also on Friday, our whole school inter-house assembly is during form, our S2 YPI final in period 1/2 in the theatre, and we have an Easter Fun run in the afternoon.  I hope this will offer a positive end to the term and I thank you all in advance for your support. 

Mad March is almost over and a well earned holiday is on its way.  Thank you for your commitment to securing positive outcomes for our young at this pressurised time.  There has been rigour around our approach to highlighting and supporting those young people who need us most.

Attainment Matters

Thanks also to those who have been able to offer time to deliver targeted support at Easter School.  Here is a link to our finalised programme.  A big thank you to Wati, who has sent personalised emails to pupils and their parents for the sessions that young people have been targeted for.  This is the message that went to pupils.  Some may have received two or three emails.  Unfortunately but inevitably, a couple of classes clash. In general with the exception of English, there are two two hour sessions available. English has targeted young people by their set text.  Please encourage young people to take advantage of this great opportunity and to confirm attendance with their teachers. Space permitting, those who have not been targeting may now be included but must check with the teacher delivering the session.  

As you all know, our primary focus for improvement as a school is the 'Drive for Best 5' for all of our learners. In this last stretch, using this aspiration as a steering principle is helpful to do our best for our least secure learners.

Thanks to Michelle and all. those who have delivered lunch and learn sessions this term.  Feedback has been very positive.  The sessions provide an excellent opportunity for staff to share, collaborate and learn from others.  If you have not had a chance to participate, I would highly recommend this for next term.  Thanks to Michelle for coordinating the sessions and for sharing the resources on the Active Learners classroom (code 6a7mbjk).

I was at HMIe training on Friday and coming through loud and clear was the message that we must be acutely aware of the needs of our young people, particularly those with the following characteristics: - SIMD, FME, C Exp, YC, ASN, EAL.  Here are the key questions:

• Given their needs, what is different for them in class?

• How is their progress tracked?

• What interventions are in place? 

• How do we measure the impact of interventions?

Mobile Phone Update

The working group met and reviewed all the feedback from pupils/parents and staff.  While there was a very small response from staff (8), the group were able to feedback positively from their own and their team experience.  It was generally felt that the policy was working, was less hassle than anticipated and that there is a strong argument and appetite for rolling the box use out to S4 next session.  The data shows that the current S4 have had the highest number of confiscations. If you have a strong view on changing the box use to S1-4, please let me or one of the group know (Anna, Clair, Kate, Amanda Q).  Prior to confirming that change, Clair is going to lead a focus group with young people during the study leave period.

Our new minibus

Great news - Our new mini bus delivery is planned for the first week of the new term.  It is a brand new lightweight model, so with MIDAS training, we should all be able to drive it.  That in itself is a massive improvement. Please see Jennifer is you would like ti get in the list for MIDAS training.  Thanks to Rachel who has guided Shona Hyde (S5) in her design of the bus graphics.

Thanks for your hard work and commitment to achievement and attainment at Balfron High.  Every small act makes a massive difference. We are building futures together. 

Have a great last week and a wonderful, relaxing holiday.

Elaine