Dear colleagues,

I hope you had a good first week. I've been reflecting on last week's In-service days and discussing them with the Leadership team and some other staff. Getting the balance between planning time and professional learning during in-service days is tricky. I think that we all share that there was an info overload and that there must be a better way to do what we share information. Here is a link to the evaluation. If you have suggestions, they would be much appreciated. Your feedback generally is really important so please take 5 minutes to complete the evaluation.

The Deputes are running assemblies this week. S6 will not have an assembly as they will be linking with new S1 in Home Areas to establish buddying support.

I am keen to get the Pupil Council started and underway. Form Class Leaders, please could you appoint Pupil Council Reps for the year. Meetings will be fortnightly from 1 September. Times of the day to be emailed when confirmed with Head Prefects.

I have received notice of a Thematic Inspection. The focus is on the implementation of the new approach to recording and monitoring incidents of bullying and how well this is supporting young people. Balfron High has been selected as one of the 35 schools (Primary, Secondary and ASN) that HMIe will visit across the country. The visit will last one day. Here is a link to our school policy Preventing & Challenging Bullying Behaviours. You may be selected to join a focus group, so please do ensure that you are very familiar with our policy. For those interested, here is a link to the national guidance.

Last session we did a piece of work around respect, bullying and what our young people experienced. This was followed up by assemblies, Humanutopia input and many individual support provided by Form Class Leaders and the Pupil Support Team. I do not yet have a date for the visit, but will keep you all up to date with this.

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

Elaine